Which is the best MacBook for photographers?

Last year, Apple upped the game with its MacBook Pro lineup. Gone forever are Intel-based models, which two new models have replaced with either Apple M1 Pro or Apple M1 Max silicon. For photographers, we recommend the largest of the two, the 16-inch MacBook Pro (2021). And yet, there are other possibilities worth considering, including those mentioned below. They're all on our list of the best MacBooks overall of the year.

Best overall: 16-inch MacBook Pro (2021)

For the professional photographer, there's nothing better than the second-generation 16-inch MacBook Pro (2021), which was significantly improved over the first version, which launched in 2019 and is now discontinued. Like the all-new 14-inch MacBook Pro (mentioned below), this model offers either an M1 Pro or M1 Max SoC with up to 64GB of unified memory and 8TB of SSD storage. That's a lot of storage for your photos and videos. In addition, you can get up to a 10-core CPU and 32-core GPU.

But there's much more. The latest 16-inch MacBook Pro comes with a Liquid Retina XDR display (3456 by 2234 pixels) with ProMotion technology for adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz. It's also packed with up to 21 hours of battery life between charges and comes with an all-new 1080p FaceTime HD camera with an advanced image signal processor and computational video.

The 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook models (2021), some of the best MacBooks available, also see the return of MagSafe, HDMI port, and an SDXC card slot, besides its three Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) ports. If you're looking for any negatives, understand this is the heaviest MacBook Pro in many years (4.7 pounds). It's also costly, even at the base level.

Pros:

• Latest and greatest
• M1 Pro or M1 Max, you decide
• 16GB to 64GB of unified memory
• 512GB to 8TB of storage
• A Liquid Retina XDR display

Cons:

• Most expensive model
• Heavy (4.7 lbs)

Best overall

16-inch MacBook Pro (2021)

From $2,499 at Apple

From $2,450 at Amazon

Nothing better

The latest 16-inch MacBook Pro gives you the most power and performance, though the price tag is high.

Best for mobility: 14-inch MacBook Pro (2021)

This is the laptop for you if you want everything on the 16-inch MacBook Pro, but with a smaller display. It offers the same internals as the larger model for a little less.

For those looking for a MacBook Pro and on a budget, you might want to consider the 13-inch model instead. It's a year older and offers a slightly smaller display. And yet, it still comes with Apple silicon. It's also the final MacBook Pro to provide a Touch Bar.

Pros:

• Portable
• Touch Bar
• Liquid Retina XDR display
• Same great features as the 16-inch model

Cons:

• Still expensive

Best for mobility

14-inch MacBook Pro (2021)

From $1,999 at Apple From $1,999 at Best Buy From $1,950 at Amazon

Versatility at a lower price

The 14-inch MacBook Pro is nearly identical to the 16-inch model except for the smaller display and price.

Best Pro budget: 13-inch MacBook Pro with M1

The 13-inch MacBook Pro (M1, 2020), alongside the MacBook Air (M1, 2020) (see below), were the first two MacBooks to switch to Apple silicon in 2020. This model features an 8-core M1 chip, which means there are four cores for performance and the rest for power efficiency. With it, you get a 2560x1600 resolution Retina display, up to 16GB of RAM, and 2TB of storage.

The only significant difference between the 13-inch MacBook Pro and MacBook Air is that the Pro has a Touch Bar with Touch ID, and battery life is around 20 hours (versus 18 hours with the Air). So, if you don't necessarily care for the Touch Bar or think that two hours of battery life makes that much difference, you can save some money and get a MacBook Air with M1 instead. Keep in mind that the Pro also has fans to prevent overheating (the Air is fanless), which is helpful if you plan to do resource-intensive work.

Note: Apple's likely to replace or retire the 13-inch MacBook Pro before the end of 2022. This means you should be able to find great discounts on this model right now. (It also means you might want to reconsider buying this product).

Pros:

• Has Apple M1 SoC
• Touch Bar with Touch ID
• 20-hour battery life
• Retina display
• Scissor-switch keyboard

Cons:

• Not much different from MacBook Air with M1
• Maxes out at 16GB RAM
• Only has two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports

Best Pro budget

13-inch MacBook Pro with M1

From $1,299 at Apple

From $1,300 at Best Buy

From $1,299 at B&H Photo

Affordable power

The 13-inch MacBook Pro with M1 is just like the Air, except it has the Touch Bar with Touch ID, fans, and better battery life.

Best for student photographers: MacBook Air (M1, 2020)

The MacBook Air with M1 features Apple's M1 system-on-a-chip (SoC), which has the CPU, GPU, RAM, and T2 combined into a single processor chip. The base model MacBook Air features an 8-core M1 chip with four performance cores and four efficiency cores.

Even though the MacBook Air is the cheapest MacBook, you aren't missing out on any features. The MacBook Air with M1 still has a Retina display at 2560x1600 resolution at 227 pixels per inch (PPI) and Touch ID. It also includes the much-improved scissor-switch keyboard, and it's still thin enough to fit inside a manila envelope.

Although the MacBook Air remains our favorite MacBook for most people, it's starting to get a bit long in the tooth and is likely to get replaced in the coming months.

Pros:

• Most affordable MacBook
• Long-lasting battery life
• Has scissor-switch keyboard

Cons:

• Only two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports
• RAM caps out at 16GB
• A 2022 model is almost certainly coming

Best for student photographers

MacBook Air (M1, 2020)

From $999 at Apple

From $1,000 at Best Buy

From $949 at B&H Photo

The perfect Mac laptop for most people

The MacBook Air has the perfect balance of features and affordability with the new M1 SoC, Retina display, and great software.

The best for most is the 16-inch MacBook Pro (2021)

The 16-inch MacBook Pro (2021) is the best MacBook for professional photographers. It offers blazing fast internals thanks to your choice of the M1 Pro or M1 Max SoC. Both have been optimized for performance and efficiency. The model also offers up to 8GB of storage and 64GB of unified memory.

Add in the fact that you get up to 21 hours of battery life and a sharp Liquid Retina XDR display, and it's all here. It's the best MacBook Pro model you can currently find on the market. It doesn't come cheap, however, which is something to keep in mind.

Once you've secured this MacBook you'll want to get some of the best cases and screen protectors to keep it looking shiny and brand new!

Credits — The team that worked on this guide

Bryan M. Wolfe is a dad who loves technology, especially anything new from Apple. Penn State (go Nittany Lions) graduate here, also a huge fan of the New England Patriots. Here's currently using a 14-inch MacBook Pro. @bryanmwolfe

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How to catch Darkrai, Manaphy, and Shaymin in Pokémon Legends: Arceus

Catch these mythical Pokémon after beating the main storyline in Legends: Arceus.

As was the case in the original Pokémon Diamond and Pearl DS games, Manaphy, Phione, Shaymin, and Darkrai are mythical Pokémon that can only be obtained in the post-game of Legends: Arceus. That being the case, you will not be able to acquire any of these creatures unless you have beaten the main storyline and have seen the credits roll. Two of them also require that you have save files for past Pokémon games on your Switch. Then you'll need to undertake specific quests in order to unlock them. Here's what to do.

Pokémon Legends: Arceus

• How to catch Manaphy & Phione
• How to catch Shaymin
• How to catch Darkrai

Catching Manaphy & Phione Request 66: The Sea's Legend

You do not need any additional save file information from past Pokémon games in order to see Manaphy and Phione in Pokémon Legends: Arceus.

1. You must have beaten the game's main story and seen the credits roll.
2. Return to Jubilife Village and enter the Galaxy guildhall.
3. Go into Professor Laventon's room and interact with the blackboard.
4. Accept the request titled "The Sea's Legend."
5. Now you'll need to have three Pokémon in your party: Buizel, Mantyke, and Overquil. All of them can be found in the Cobalt Coastland.
   • Buizel: Aipom Hill, Bathers' Lagoon
   • Mantyke: Ginkgo Landing, Tranquility Cove
   • Overquil: Catch Hisuian Quilfish and have it use Barb Barrage in Strong Style 20 times to evolve it.
6. Head to the arching rock formations coming out of the water in the distance.

7. Now get on Basculegion and travel to the Sea Side Hollow. It's a cave in the cliff.

   

8. Enter the cave and you'll find one Manaphy and three Phiones.
9. I suggest manually saving before attempting to capture any of them and then letting your Poké Balls fly.

Catching Shaymin Request 92: A Token of Gratitude

In order to get Shaymin, you must have a save file for Sword or Shield on the same Switch that you're playing Legends: Arceus on. This doesn't have to be a long file at all, just enough so there is data on the console.

1. You must have beaten the game's main story and seen the credits roll.
2. Return to Jubilife Village and enter the Galaxy guildhall.
3. Go into Professor Laventon's room and interact with the blackboard.
4. Accept the request titled "A Token of Gratitude."
5. Head out to the Obsidian Fieldlands and talk to Medi to get Gracidea, an evolutionary item for Shaymin's Sky Form.

6. Head to the flower patch located at Floaro Gardens, west of the entrance to Obsidian Fields.

   

7. A cutscene will ensue and then you can catch Shaymin. Shaymin isn't skittish. So just throw some Poké Balls at it until it is captured.
8. If you want it to turn into its Sky Form, go into your Satchel and give it the Gracidea.

Catching Darkrai Request 93: The Darksome Nightmare

In order to get Darkrai, you must have save data for Brilliant Diamond or Shining Pearl on the Switch you are playing Legends: Arceus on. You don't even have to have played long, just enough so that there is data on your Switch.

1. You must have beaten the game's main story and seen the credits roll.
2. Return to Jubilife Village and enter the Galaxy guildhall.
3. Go into Professor Laventon's room and interact with the blackboard.
4. Accept the request titled "The Darksome Nightmare."
5. Make your way to the Coronet Highlands and use the tent to change to nighttime if it isn't already.
6. Head to the marker for the sidequest. It will take you southeast of Clamberclaw Cliffs.
7. If you're doing manual saves, I suggest you save now in case you accidentally defeat it without capturing it.
8. Darkrai is not easy to catch or battle. When you toss Poké Balls at it it'll immediately disappear. You need to wait until it starts screaming and then you can throw your own Pokémon at it to start the battle.
9. Whittle down its health and then throw a Poké Ball at it to capture it. It is a Dark-type, so it is weak to Fighting, Dark, and Fairy moves.

After defeating or catching Darkrai, Cael will appear and mark the task as complete.

Mythic quests

With these mythical Pokémon captured, you can work on filling out their Pokédex entries. Remember that you can only unlock the Shiny Charm, which makes it more likely to encounter shiny Pokémon, if you have gotten every Pokédex entry to level 10, so it's well worth your time to do it.

Magical, mystical, mythical

Pokémon Legends: Arceus

$60 at Best Buy $55 at Amazon

Gotta catch 'em all!

Pokémon Legends: Arceus provides a Pokémon RPG experience like no other. There are 242 Pokémon to catch including legendary and mythical creatures.

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Apple's sixth-get iPad mini supports Apple Pencil — but which one?

Best answer: The only Apple Pencil you can use with the iPad mini 6 is the Apple Pencil 2. It magnetically attaches to the iPad mini 6's chassis for quick pairing and easy charging.

The latest and greatest

Announced and released in the fall of 2021, the iPad mini 6 is the latest tiny tablet to come out of Cupertino — but don't be fooled by its size! The new mini is more powerful than ever, packing an A15 Bionic chip, edge-to-edge Liquid Retina Display, USB-C, 5G, and more.

Though its display got a little larger this year, up to 8.3 inches from 7.9 inches previously, the overall form factor actually got a little smaller thanks to shrinking bezels. Its new bigger canvas of the iPad mini 6 makes it the perfect digital field notes device to take on the go, and, for that use case, the Apple Pencil is a must-buy accessory, but which Apple Pencil should you buy?

Whether you want to sketch and draw, take handwritten notes, or just use the device as a pointing tool, you're going to want to get the Apple Pencil 2 for your sixth-gen iPad mini. The new iPad mini does not support the older Apple Pencil. If you are upgrading from the iPad mini 5 or another iPad model that utilizes the first-gen Apple Pencil, you're going to have to upgrade your stylus.

A better Pencil

Having to upgrade your Apple Pencil is an obvious drawback if you just spent a decent chunk of money to upgrade your tablet. The Apple Pencil 2 costing more than its predecessor is another notch in the con column. However, the Apple Pencil 2 is the superior device, and your experience of using it will be better than the original model.

Firstly, the pairing and charging the Apple Pencil 2 is much more elegant. Rather than clunkily connecting it to your iPad's Lightning port, the newer Apple Pencil instead magnetically attaches to the side of your iPad mini 6 (or iPad Air 4 and latest iPad Pro models). That's it! The first time you do it, the Apple Pencil will pair to your iPad, and it sits there, securely held by magnets, charging up, so it's always ready to be grabbed and used.

Of course, there are other noteworthy features of the Apple Pencil 2. It features low latency precision drawing and writing, a flat edge that you can double-tap to change tools without setting the pencil down, and a battery life of up to 12 hours.

First-generation pencil and alternatives

If you already have the first-gen Apple Pencil and want to continue to use it, it is still officially supported by Apple's entry-level iPad line with the latest 2021 iPad having maintained support for it. It's still a good stylus for sketching, writing, or just tapping around the UI, but it has been relegated to just the base iPad with the mini, Air, and Pro lines now all adopting the Apple Pencil 2.

Of course, there are many Apple Pencil alternatives out there to work with whatever iPad you have. While these might not be as fancy and feature-packed as the first-party Apple offerings, they may do the job just fine for what you need and can cost a lot less. If you want the absolute best iPad stylus for your iPad mini 6, you're going to want to get the Apple Pencil 2.

Second-gen stylus

Apple Pencil (2nd generation)

$129 at Apple $125 at Amazon

The Pencil for iPad mini 6

The Apple Pencil 2 is the only Apple Pencil compatible with the sixth-generation iPad mini. It features low latency precision drawing, and it magnetically attaches to your iPad mini 6 for easy pairing and charging.

Portable powerhouse

iPad mini 6

More power

From $499 at Apple From $494 at Amazon

The iPad mini 6 is the biggest upgrade we've seen to the mini lineup since its debut. With an all-new design, larger display, powerful A15 Bionic chip, USB-C, and more, it's a total powerhouse that you can pop in your pocket.

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Make navigating your iPhone and iPad easier with button shapes and labels

How do you make buttons easier to see and hit? You bring back their outlines!

In iOS 15, Apple no longer uses on-screen buttons, preferring borderless text. For those who can't quite see the text to read it, backing out of settings or tapping calendar dates might be a bit difficult. The Accessibility menu in the Settings app will be your best friend if you're looking to improve readability.

Apple has made it easy to enable button shapes and use labels on your iPhone and iPad to let you know where buttons are on your screen. Here's how to enable button shapes and label in iOS 15.

How to add button shapes and use labels on iPhone and iPad

• How to enable button shapes
• How to enable labels

How to enable button shapes

1. Launch Settings from your Home screen.

2. Tap Accessibility.

   

3. TapDisplay & Text Size.

4. Tap the switch next to Button Shapes.

   

Now the buttons will all be underlined and bolder, allowing you to see the navigation actions at the top of your screen much more clearly.

How to enable labels

1. Launch Settings from your Home screen.

2. Tap Accessibility.

   

3. TapDisplay & Text Size.

4. Tap the switch next to On/Off Labels.

   

When enabled, you'll see the 'I' or 'O' on each side of a switch to let you know whether it's on or off. 'I' is on; 'O' is off.

Need more help reading your iPhone?

Your iPhone can't be the best iPhone if you can't navigate it with ease. If you still need more help reading what's on your screen, learning how to change the text size in your favorite apps can be a big help!

Updated February 2022: Updated for the latest version of iOS 15 and iPadOS 15.

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New 'After Steve' book that says Apple has lost its soul opens pre-orders

"How Apple Became a Trillion-Dollar Company and Lost Its Soul"

What you need to know

• A new book about Apple called After Steve comes out in May.
• The work from WSJ's Tripp Mickle is titled "How Apple Became a Trillion-Dollar Company and Lost Its Soul."
• The book is now available for pre-order.

A new book about Apple titled 'After Steve - How Apple Became a Trillion-Dollar Company and Lost Its Soul" is now available to pre-order.

Written by Wall Street Journal's Tripp Mickle, the book purports to tell "the dramatic, untold story inside Apple after the passing of Steve Jobs by following his top lieutenants—Jony Ive, the Chief Design Officer, and Tim Cook, the COO-turned-CEO", charting in the process "how the fading of the former and the rise of the latter led to Apple losing its soul."

The 512-page work will be released on May 3, 2022 but is already available to pre-order on Amazon. From the book's about section:

Steve Jobs called Jony Ive his "spiritual partner at Apple." The London-born genius was the second-most powerful person at Apple and the creative force who most embodies Jobs's spirit, the man who designed the products adopted by hundreds of millions the world over: the iPod, iPad, MacBook Air, the iMac G3, and the iPhone. In the wake of his close collaborator's death, the chief designer wrestled with grief and initially threw himself into his work designing the new Apple headquarters and the Watch before losing his motivation in a company increasingly devoted more to margins than to inspiration... Jobs selected Cook as his successor, and Cook oversaw a period of tremendous revenue growth that has lifted Apple's valuation to $2 trillion. He built a commanding business in China and rapidly distinguished himself as a master politician who could forge global alliances and send the world's stock market into freefall with a single sentence.

The book's author spoke with more than 200 former and current Apple executives as well as "key figures" from Apple's history, including Trump administration officials. It comes out in May and sounds like quite an entertaining read.

Inside Apple

After Steve - How Apple Became a Trillion-Dollar Company and Lost Its Soul

From $15 at Amazon

Inside Apple like never before.

Tripp Mickle speaks with over 200 former and current Apple executives, telling the dramatic story of Steve Jobs' passing and demonstrating in his words "How Apple Became a Trillion-Dollar Company and Lost Its Soul."

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Work out at home with the best fitness apps for indoor training

The demand for fitness apps has skyrocketed during these unprecedented times. It's paramount to stay healthy and fit — even if you're stuck indoors. We've scoured high and low to find the best fitness apps for indoor training with our top pick being Apple Fitness+. It enables subscribers to access classes in multiple fitness modalities anytime, anywhere. It automatically syncs with Apple Watch to track and record performance metrics in real-time. Whatever your indoor training needs are, we've found the best fitness apps for your favorite workouts.

Best overall: Apple Fitness+

Apple Fitness+ is a monthly or annual membership for Apple Watch Series 3 or later that offers a variety of workouts for all levels. Apple Watch powers the entire fitness experience, so you must have one to use this app. You can choose from popular exercise modalities such as HIIT, cycling, dance, yoga, strength, core, treadmill, rowing, and mindful cooldowns. This platform already hosts an impressive library of classes. Additional workouts are added every week.

You can search for Apple Fitness+ classes by length, instructor, and style. When you pick a class, it automatically starts that workout on your Apple Watch. This enables you to track, record, and display your performance metrics in real-time on your watch, as well as the screen you're streaming on.

You can stream class on your iPhone, iPad, or Apple TV, making it easy to get your workout in whether you're at home, the office, or traveling. You'll need an iPhone 6 or later if you're watching on iPhone, an iPad, or Apple TV with an operating system 14.3, or later if you're watching on one of those devices.

Fitness+ classes are hosted by a roster of all-star instructors ranging from professional athletes to renowned health and fitness experts. Many classes can be done with a simple set of dumbbells and a workout mat, or no props at all. Of course, you'll need an indoor bike, rowing machine, or treadmill if you want to take those modality-specific workouts.

Word on the street is that the music powering your workouts is incredible and hand-picked by expert Fitness+ trainers via Apple Music. If you're an Apple Music subscriber, you can save and download your favorite playlists from Fitness+. This is THE fitness app for Apple fans and an absolute must if you own Apple Watch.

Pros:

• Hundreds of on-demand classes
• 10 exercise modalities
• Workouts of all lengths for all levels
• Expert instructors
• Apple Music subscribers can save and download playlists

Cons:

• Requires Apple Watch 3 or later
• Watching on phone requires iPhone 6 or later
• Requires iPad or Apple TV with OS 14.3 or later

Best overall

Apple Fitness+

• $10/Month or $80/year at Apple

Apple levels up

A member subscription powered by Apple Watch grants access to various workouts while tracking real-time metrics.

Best value: Peloton Digital

Peloton was a pioneer and continues to be a leading giant in the at-home fitness world. At first, you needed to purchase a Peloton bike or treadmill to access Peloton classes, but no longer. Introducing Peloton Digital - Peloton Digital is a monthly or annual membership that grants access to their enormous (we're talking thousands) library of live and on-demand classes.

You can transform any space into your very own boutique studio with this single-user membership for your phone, tablet, TV, or web browser. Peloton is renowned for its roster of all-star instructors, many of whom have become famous in their own right, as well as their well-established, worldwide community. Exercise modalities include strength, yoga, cardio, meditation, running, outdoor (audio only), cycling, stretching, tread boot camp, bike boot camp, and walking.

You can participate in two to six-week programs to hold you accountable and provide communal support. These programs have titles like Total Strength, Crush Your Core, and Bootcamp Explorer. Some classes require no props at all, and some — like cycling and tread, require either a stationary bike or treadmill. If the class you choose requires free weights, resistance bands, a stationary bike, or a treadmill, you must purchase those items separately at an additional cost.

Keep in mind that Peloton Digital gives access to Peloton's huge live and on-demand class library, but does not offer the fully integrated experience that comes with purchasing one of their hardware products (bike or tread). It requires a Peloton All-Access Membership. Peloton All-Access offers more real-time metrics, including resistance, distance, and output. The Peloton All-Access Membership also includes unlimited accounts for your household, whereas the Peloton Digital Membership is for a single user only.

Pros:

• Thousands of live and on-demand classes
• 11 exercise modalities
• Workouts of all lengths for all levels
• World-class instructors
• No fitness wearable necessary

Cons:

• Digital does not include real-time metrics
• All props and fitness equipment cost extra
• Single memberships only

Best value

Peloton Digital

• $13/month at One Peloton

Established community

Peloton Digital allows access to thousands of live and on-demand classes for single users taught by excellent instructors.

Best for Fitbit: Fitbit Premium

Fitbit is a giant in the world of smartwatches and activity trackers. If you own one of the best Fitbits, you've probably come across Fitbit Premium in the free Fitbit OS app on your iPhone or Android, or received a free trial subscription simply by purchasing a Fitbit wearable. Fitbit Premium is Fitbit's monthly or annual membership service that unlocks extra fitness features, classes, personalized guidance, and health insights.

Premium grants members access to hundreds of preloaded workouts and mindfulness sessions (200+) from Fitbit and other popular brands. It offers guided programs to build healthy habits and keep yourself accountable. You can create and participate in Premium challenges making it fun, easy, and communal to reach your fitness goals, access Daily Readiness Scores, and get a 90-day view of your Health Metrics Dashboard. Additionally, you can view blood glucose trends, and receive advanced skin temperature details (Fitbit Sense only).

If you own a Fitbit and would love a deeper look into your health and fitness stats with personalized guidance to match, Fitbit Premium is for you. A free trial of Premium is always available to new users, and it is worth it if you want to take advantage of all the advanced features Fitbit has to offer.

Pros:

• In-depth health and fitness insights
• Personalized guidance
• Hundreds of preloaded workouts and mindfulness sessions
• Access to challenges and guided programs
• Workouts of all lengths for all levels

Cons:

• Some Premium features not compatible with every Fitbit
• Requires Fitbit wearable

Best for Fitbit

Fitbit Premium

• $10/month or $80/year at Fitbit

Best for Fitbit users

Fitbit's premium monthly membership grants access to personalized insights, hundreds of workouts, guided programs, and challenges.

Best for yoga: Alo Moves

Created by Alo Yoga, Alo Moves is a comprehensive fitness app that requires a monthly or annual membership. Whether you're a complete beginner or want to step up your routine, you'll get the full studio experience at home with thousands of classes for body, mind, and spirit. Alo Move's instructor roster is massive and full of famous yoga stars and experts in their specific modalities.

Types of classes include all kinds of yoga (ashtanga, hatha, restorative, vinyasa, kundalini, prenatal), fitness (strength, HIIT, Pilates, barre, stretching, core), mindfulness (yoga nidra, sound bath, meditation, breathwork, personal growth), and skills (yoga poses, how to teach, backbends, inversions, arm balances, mobility, flexibility). Classes range in levels of intensity from one (beginner) to four (advanced), as well as length.

You can watch class on your desktop or laptop computer by heading to the Alo Moves website. You can follow along on your iPhone or Android phone via the free Alo Moves app as well as your iPad or Android tablet. You can also watch classes on Apple TV via the free Alo Moves app. Additionally, you can access these workouts on your TV by linking your iPhone or Mac computer using Airplay (your Apple TV must be at least 4th generation). You can cast your computer-run Chrome browser using Chromecast, or you could use an HDMI cord to connect a computer or laptop to your TV.

This monthly or annual membership is on the pricier side, but if you're into yoga, worth the investment. Keep in mind that Alo Moves focuses on yoga, strength, and floor workouts. If you're looking for a membership that includes cardiovascular exercise, this is not the right choice for you. It does not offer any cardio-specific classes.

Pros:

• Thousands of on-demand classes
• 24 exercise modalities
• Workouts of all lengths for all levels
• World-class instructors
• No fitness wearable or additional props necessary

Cons:

• Pricey
• No cardio workouts

Best for yoga

Alo Moves

• $20/month or $199/year at Alo Moves

Yoga + fitness

Alo Moves is primarily a yoga exercise app that features various yoga, fitness, and mindfulness classes.

Best global experiences: iFit

iFit is an all-encompassing health and fitness app created by NordicTrack. Purchasing a monthly individual or family membership will grant access to an ever-growing library of global workouts, studio classes, and Google Maps trails led by world-class personal trainers. You no longer need a NordicTrack or ProForm machine to utilize an iFit subscription. By downloading the iFit app, you can access all iFit classes via your tablet or smartphone.

You can choose from various studio classes such as running, walking, cycling, cross-training, rowing, strength, and yoga. iFit also offers fitness data tracking and logging, as well as health and wellness guidance that ranges from calorie intake advice to sleep tracking. What sets iFit apart from many other fitness apps is the global experiences it offers. You can sweat while exploring and learning about beautiful destinations worldwide.

If you want to take an indoor running, walking, cycling, or rowing class, you'll need to purchase those exercise machines separately. If you want to take advantage of iFit's incline-matching technology (equipment automatically adjusts to the incline and decline of your destination), you'll need to purchase a NordicTrack or ProForm machine.

Pros:

• Thousands of live and on-demand classes
• Seven exercise modalities
• Global educational experiences
• World-class instructors
• No fitness wearable necessary

Cons:

• All fitness equipment sold separately
• Some features require NordicTrack or ProForm machine

Best global experiences

iFit

• $15/month Individual or $33/month Family at iFit

Workout all over the world

iFit is a monthly membership that grants access to thousands of live and on-demand studio classes and global experiences.

Bottom line

Just because you're indoors doesn't mean you can't get a great workout in. With this list of best fitness apps for indoor training, you can turn any indoor location into your own personal fitness studio with the help of a smartphone, tablet, or TV.

We love Apple Fitness+; it has proven itself to be a strong health, fitness, and overall wellness app. It features 10 different exercise modalities, premium health and fitness tracking, and classes of varying lengths designed for all levels. It syncs seamlessly with all Apple electronics and will automatically connect with your Apple Watch so you can track, store, and celebrate all of your health and fitness goals and accomplishments.

Credits — The team that worked on this guide

Nicolette Roux Loves fitness, apps, and finding new and creative ways to stay in shape at home. These fitness apps are hands down the best fitness apps to work out with indoors.

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How to take on Mega Ampharos in Pokémon Go

Mega Ampharos has found its way into Pokémon Go!

Mega Evolution has come to Pokémon Go and with it, Mega Raids. Mega Ampharos is coming back to Mega Raids soon, and we here at iMore know everything you need to know to beat this Mega Raid and get your own Mega Ampharos. Also be sure to check out our Best Pokémon Go Accessories, so you can be fully equipped for your Pokémon Journey!

Who is Mega Ampharos in Pokémon Go?

Originally discovered in the Johto region of Gen II, Ampharos is an Electric type that doesn't much resemble the sheep-like Mareep and Flaaffy it evolves from. However, when it Mega Evolves, Mega Ampharos regains some of its fluff. In addition to a fluffy mane and tail, Mega Ampharos also gains a Dragon typing, making it one of only three Pokémon with Electric and Dragon typing.

In terms of Pokémon Go, Mega Ampharos is somewhat of a letdown so far. It has a single Dragon type Legacy move, putting its performance well behind that of Mega Charizard X. As for its Electric typing, Mega Manectric outperforms it in many cases. Still, there is always the potential for new moves, so I wouldn't count Mega Ampharos out just yet.

What are the best counters for Mega Ampharos in Pokémon Go?

As an Electric and Dragon type, Mega Ampharos is weak to Ground, Ice, Dragon, and Fairy type attacks, and resists Flying, Steel, Fire, Grass, Water, and Electric type attacks. It is capable of dealing Electric, Rock, and Fighting type damage. As it lacks any Dragon type moves, your best bet is to focus on Dragon type counters.

Garchomp

The best non-Shadow counter for Mega Ampharos is Garchomp, a Dragon and Ground type pseudo-Legendary from Gen IV. Its first stage, Gible has been featured in eggs, and raids, not to mention a Community Day, so most active players have at least one or two already powered up. As a Dragon and Ground type, Garchomp resists Mega Ampharos' Electric and Rock type attacks, and brings no relevant weaknesses to this fight. Dragon Tail and Outrage is the moveset you'll want your Garchomp to know, but if your Garchomp knows Earth Power don't TM this move away! This Legacy move also works well here and will require an Elite TM to get back.

Rayquaza

No list of Dragon type counters would be complete without the king of Dragons itself, Rayquaza. A Flying and Dragon type, Rayquaza resists Mega Ampharos' Fighting type attacks, but takes super effective damage from its Rock type attack. Having been featured in a number of events and Raids, most players have at least one or two already powered up for this fight. If you're bringing Rayquaza to this Mega Raid, you'll want Dragon Tail for its fast move and Outrage for its charged attack.

Haxorus

Originally discovered in the Unova Region of Gen V, Haxorus is the final evolution of Axew. Axew is quite uncommon in Pokémon Go and so many players still don't have a good Haxorus already powered up. As a pure Dragon type, Haxorus resists Mega Ampharos' Electric type attacks and brings no relevant weaknesses to this Raid. Dragon Tail and Dragon Claw is the moveset you'll want your Haxorus to know for this Mega Raid.

Zekrom

The Legendary mascot of Pokémon White, Zekrom performs very well in this Raid. As the only other Dragon and Electric type in Pokémon Go, Zekrom takes quarter damage from Electric type attacks and brings no relevant weaknesses to this fight. Zekrom's only had two runs in raids, so you may not have the necessary Candy to power it up. Still, if you have it, you'll want your Zekrom to know Dragon Breath and Outrage for this Mega Raid.

Palkia

The Legendary mascot of Pokémon Pearl and Pokémon Shining Pearl, Palkia performs quite well in this Raid. As a Water and Dragon type, it has no relevant weaknesses or resistances for this Mega Raid, and with Dragon Tail and Draco Meteor, it can deal super effective damage against Mega Ampharos. It's only had a couple runs in raids, but if you have one powered up, it will serve you well in this fight.

Salamence

Another pseudo-Legendary Dragon, Salamence is the final evolution of Gen III's Bagon. As Bagon has been featured in eggs, raids, several events, including a Community Day, and even as a Shadow Pokémon, most players have at least a couple Salamence already powered up. As a Dragon and Flying type, Salamence takes half damage from Fighting and double damage from Rock. Dragon Tail and Outrage are the moves you'll want your Salamence to know for this Mega Raid.

Dragonite

The Gen I pseudo-Legendary, Dragonite is a great choice for this Mega Raid. Having been around since the beginning of Pokémon Go, featured in a number of events, including a Community Day, in Special Research, and even as a Shadow Pokémon, there is just no good reason not to have an entire team of Dragonite already powered up. As a Dragon and Flying type, it resists Fighting, while taking double damage from Rock. Dragon Tail and Outrage are the ideal moveset for this Raid, but Dragon Claw, Dragon Breath, Dragon Tail, or Draco Meteor could all work well if you don't have the TMs to spare.

Groudon

The Legendary mascot of Pokémon Ruby, Groudon performs well in this raid. As a pure Ground type, it resists Electric and Rock type damage, while having no weaknesses Mega Ampharos can exploit. It's also been available so many times, in so many ways, that most active players have at least one already powered up. If you are bringing Groudon to this raid, you'll want Dragon Tail and Earthquake for its moveset.

Latios

Another Legendary on the list, Latios was originally discovered in the Hoenn region of Gen III. This Legendary Pokémon has been available several times over, so most Trainers have plenty of Candy to power it up. As a Dragon and Psychic type, Latios resists both Fighting and Electric type attacks and has no weaknesses Mega Ampharos can exploit. Dragon Breath and Dragon Claw are the ideal moveset for this fight.

Mega Charizard X

The only Mega Evolved Pokémon to make the top counters is Mega Charizard X. This Mega Pokémon isn't necessary by any means to do well in this raid, but it will provide a Mega Boost to other Dragon types on the field. Fortunately, most of the recommended counters are Dragon types, so you won't need to worry about coordinating with the rest of your raid party. It's a Fire and Dragon type, so it resists Electric type damage, but takes increased damage from Rock type moves. Dragon Breath and Dragon Claw are the moves you'll want your Mega Charizard X to know for this fight.

Mamoswine

Another excellent counter for Mega Ampharos is the Sinnoh Stone evolution of Gen II's Swinub, Mamoswine. This Ground and Ice type resists Electric type damage, but takes increased damage from Fighting type moves. Mamoswine has been featured in a number of events, including Community Day, so most active players have had the chance to add it to their roster. Mud-Slap is the fast move you'll want and Avalanche is the charged move.

Landorus (Therian forme)

One of the Forces of Nature of Gen V, Landorus is a great counter for Mega Ampharos, but specifically the Therian forme Landorus. Landorus is a Ground and Flying type, so it resists both Electric and Fighting type damage. Its Therian forme hasn't been available as often as the Incarnate forme, but they use the same Candy. If you're bringing Landorus to this fight, you'll want it to know Mud Shot and Earthquake.

Reshiram

The Legendary mascot of Pokémon Black, Reshiram is our last top counter to Mega Ampharos. Reshiram has only had one run in Raids and that was during a global pandemic, so many players don't even have one, much less the Candy to power it up. Still, if you have Reshiram, this Dragon and Fire type resists Electric type attacks, but takes double damage from Rock. Dragon Breath and Draco Meteor are the moves you'll want your Reshiram to know for this fight.

Back ups?

Although most players will be able to make a team of the best counters, if you're finding a gap in your team, there are plenty of back ups who work well in larger groups. Just make sure you're dodging and any of the following could be a decent back up:

• Landorus (Incarnate forme) with Mud Shot and Earth Power
• Rhyperior with Mud-Slap and Earthquake
• Excadrill with Mud-Slap and Drill Run
• Dialga with Dragon Breath and Draco Meteor
• Zacian (Hero of Many Battles forme) with Quick Attack and Play Rough
• Giratina (Origin forme) with Dragon Tail and Dragon Pulse
• Kyurem with Dragon Breath and Dragon Claw
• Latias with Dragon Breath and Outrage
• Golurk with Mud-Slap and Earth Power
• Mega Gyarados with Dragon Tail and Outrage
• Galarian Darmanitan with Ice Fang and Avalanche
• Alolan Exeggutor with Dragon Tail and Dragon Pulse
• Mewtwo with Psycho Cut and Ice Beam
• Goodra with Dragon Breath and Draco Meteor
• Mega Altaria with Dragon Breath and Dazzling Gleam
• Hydreigon with Dragon Breath and Dragon Pulse
• Mega Ampharos with Charge Beam and Dragon Pulse
• Gardevoir with Charm and Dazzling Gleam
• Flygon with Dragon Tail and Earth Power
• Donphan with Mud-Slap and Earthquake
• Glaceon with Frost Breath and Avalanche

Shadow Pokémon?

The rebalance of Shadow Pokémon rescued from Team GO Rocket make them excellent glass cannons. Not only are their stats boosted, but during special events or with Elite TMs, it's possible to change their moves. If you happen to have any of the following Pokémon with the right moveset, they will work very well in this Raid:

• Shadow Dragonite with Dragon Tail and Outrage
• Shadow Salamence with Dragon Tail and Outrage
• Shadow Mamoswine with Mud-Slap and Avalanche
• Shadow Mewtwo with Confusion and Ice Beam
• Shadow Gardevoir with Charm and Dazzling Gleam
• Shadow Flygon with Dragon Tail and Earth Power
• Shadow Granbull with Charm and Play Rough
• Shadow Swampert with Mud Shot and Earthquake

Note: Shadow Dragonite, Shadow Salamence, and Shadow Mamoswine outperform every other Pokémon in the best counters list. Although Mega Evolved Pokémon aren't especially important in this fight, if you happen to have a Mega Charizard X on the field, it will boost other Dragon types, making them perform even better.

How many players does it take to beat Mega Ampharos in Pokémon Go?

While two top level players with the best counters can technically beat Mega Ampharos, it is an extremely difficult Raid to duo. Additionally, the faster you can complete the battle, the more Mega Energy you will be rewarded with, so I recommend tackling any Mega Raid with as many players as you can safely gather. However, if you cannot safely coordinate with other players, you should be able to win with four Trainers.

Weather conditions that can impact this Raid include:

• Rain will boost Mega Ampharos's Electric type attacks.
• Cloudy Weather will boost its Fighting type attacks and your Fairy type counters.
• Partly Cloudy Weather will boost its Rock type attacks.
• Wind will boost your Dragon type counters.
• Snow will boost your Ice type counters.
• Sunny/Clear Weather will boost your Ground type counters.

Questions about taking on Mega Ampharos in Pokémon Go?

Do you have any questions about taking on this Mega Raid? Got any tips for your fellow Trainers? Drop them in the comments below, and be sure to check out our Complete Pokédex, so you can be the very best like no one every was!

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