Both the black and green pair have hit this price at the retailer, but they’re actually not the only colors on sale. The blue, pink, and white pairs are discounted for a couple dollars extra at $29.99. No matter which color you go with, you’ll still enjoy some savings.
These earbuds have stood out to us as the best budget pair under $50, with our roundup saying, “The active noise cancellation on them is impressive for their price, able to block out the bustle of busy streets or the noisy gym.” However, it does add that, “it isn’t the best noise cancellation or sound we’ve ever experienced,” as a “$50 pair of earbuds just can’t compete with a $300 pair,” but if you don’t mind that, they’re a great option to grab that won’t break the bank.
Our roundup also highlights that, “Advanced audiophiles on a budget will enjoy the addition of custom EQs and multi-point connection.” Plus, their battery life can definitely keep up with you, boasting up to 45 hours with the charging case, or 25 hours with ANC enabled.
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Meta’s year so far hasn’t exactly been a picnic. But that didn’t stop one nut-loving creature from seeking some joy inside one of the company’s offices this week.
A squirrel apparently got loose inside a building in Bangkok, Thailand, where some of the tech giant’s regional teams are based. The critter spent at least 20 minutes darting past staff, according to an internal memo seen by WIRED. It noted that the squirrel minorly injured a janitor before finally being caught.
The rodent’s adventure in the office—while potentially terrifying to some—brought a moment of levity to Meta staff around the world who have been dispirited by recent restructurings, mass layoffs, and the launch of an initiative to train AI using employee data without their initial consent. Meta executives have acknowledged the current morale crisis and begun trying to lift the mood internally by funding boozy social outings and promising to improve office food, according to current employees and an internal memo.
In recent years, some Meta workers have complained about losing access to healthy office snacks, like nuts, which they said had been replaced with less nutritious options such as chips. Whether the animal marauder in Bangkok found anything to its liking couldn’t be learned.
The squirrel was delivered to the office inside a package, but it ended up escaping, according to the internal memo. A janitor from a cleaning company accepted the delivery. The reasoning behind the squirrel’s delivery and where it now resides weren’t mentioned in the memo, but some people keep the animals as pets or eat their meat.
Meta declined to comment on the incident.
The injured worker, who was scratched on the finger, received first aid and was later taken to the hospital for a medical examination, according to the memo. The janitor “responsible for bringing the animal onto the premises” formally acknowledged their misconduct and committed to adhering to office regulations to ensure “such an incident does not recur,” the memo added.
New York Times journalist Mike Isaac first reported the incident in a social media post on Tuesday, without specifying the location or the janitor’s role. “Employees are predictably having a field day with it internally,” he wrote. “One person created an AI-generated video mimicking an HR training course on squirrel-related office best practices.”
Squirrels looking for a suitable home in Meta’s empire might find better luck invading Hawaii, where CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s personal cattle dine on home-brewed beer and macadamia nuts.
We’re big fans of Katie Dippold’s wonderfully weird Apple TV horror comedy series Widow’s Bay, and apparently, so is the Television Academy. The series nabbed 19 nominations for the 78th Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Comedy Series, Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for Matthew Rhys’ performance as Mayor Tom Loftis, Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for Stephen Root’s performance as Wyck, and Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for Dale Dickey’s performance as Rosemary and Kate O’Flynn’s performance as Patricia. It’s facing stiff competition, but we’re hoping Patricia can manifest success with some help from the ever-insightful self-help-manual-slash-evil-spellbook Your Turn.
Apple TV’s sci-fi standout Pluribus nabbed 18 nominations, including Outstanding Drama Series and Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for Rhea Seehorn’s performance as Carol Sturka. Perhaps the Television Academy will finally do the right thing and give Seehorn an Emmy after she lost twice for her performance in Better Call Saul.
You can find the full list of the primetime 2026 Emmy Awards nominees below, and you can find a complete list of all nominations, including the Creative Arts Emmys, here.
Outstanding Drama Series
The Diplomat
The Gilded Age
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms
Paradise
The Pitt
Pluribus
Slow Horses
Your Friends and Neighbors
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
Carrie Coon, The Gilded Age
Chase Infiniti, The Testaments
Keri Russell, The Diplomat
Rhea Seahorn, Pluribus
Zendaya, Euphoria
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series
Sterling K. Brown, Paradise
Gary Oldman, Slow Horses
Mark Ruffalo, Task
Rufus Sewell, The Diplomat
Noah Wyle, The Pitt
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
Taylor Dearden, The Pitt
Fiona Dourif, The Pitt
Allison Janney, The Diplomat
Katherine LaNasa, The Pitt
Sepideh Moafi, The Pitt
Julianne Nicholson, Paradise
Karolina Wydra, Pluribus
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
Patrick Ball, The Pitt
Billy Crudup, The Morning Show
Shawn Hatosy, The Pitt
Gerran Howell, The Pitt
Jack Lowden, Slow Horses
Tom Pelphrey, Task
Carlos-Manuel Vesga, Pluribus
Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series
Salli Richardson Whitfield, The Gilded Age (“My Mind Is Made Up”)
Hanelle M. Culpepper, Paradise (“Exodus”)
Noah Wyle, The Pitt (“12:00 P.M.”)
Vince Gilligan, Pluribus (“We Is Us”)
Saul Metzstein, Slow Horses (“Scars”)
Salli Richardson Whitfield, Task (“Out Beyond Ideas of Wrongdoing and Rightdoing, There Is a River”)
Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series
Peter Ackerman & Debora Cahn, The Diplomat (“Amagansett”)
Kirsten Pierre-Geyfman & R. Scott Gemmill, The Pitt (“1:00 P.M.”)
Valerie Chu, The Pitt (“12:00 P.M.”)
Vince Gilligan, Pluribus (“We Is Us”)
Will Smith, Slow Horses (“Scars”)
Brad Ingelsby, Task (“A Still Small Voice”)
Outstanding Comedy Series
Abbott Elementary
The Bear
Hacks
Margo’s Got Money Troubles
Nobody Wants This
Only Murders in the Building
Shrinking
Widow’s Bay
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series
Quinta Brunson, Abbott Elementary
Ayo Edebiri, The Bear
Elle Fanning, Margo’s Got Money Troubles
Lisa Kudrow, The Comeback
Jean Smart, Hacks
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series
Yahya Abdul Mateen II, Wonder Man
Steve Carell, Rooster
Matthew Rhys, Widow’s Bay
Jason Segel, Shrinking
Martin Short, Only Murders in the Building
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series
Dale Dickey, Widow’s Bay
Hannah Einbinder, Hacks
Janelle James, Abbott Elementary
Kate O’Flynn, Widow’s Bay
Michelle Pfeiffer, Margo’s Got Money Troubles
Megan Stalter, Hacks
Jessica Williams, Shrinking
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series
Colman Domingo, The Four Seasons
Paul W. Downs, Hacks
Harrison Ford, Shrinking
Nick Offerman, Margo’s Got Money Troubles
Stephen Root, Widow’s Bay
Michael Urie, Shrinking
Tyler James Williams, Abbott Elementary
Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series
Randall Einhorn, Abbott Elementary (“Ballgame”)
Christopher Storer, The Bear (“Bears”)
Andrew DeYoung, The Chair Company (“Life Goes By Too F**king Fast, It Really Does”)
Lucia Aniello, Hacks (“Hacks”)
Mary Lou Belli, The Ms. Pat Show (“Give It Arrest”)
Hiro Murai, Widow’s Bay (“Welcome to Widow’s Bay!”)
The FBI, in partnership with Google and other tech companies, struck a massive blow against NetNut, a public-facing residential network proxy service that secretly hosted a botnet controlling approximately 2 million Android TVs and similar smart home devices. The network was being used for password-spraying, credential attacks and other malicious activity.
Residential proxy botnets make malicious traffic appear like normal internet use, allowing everyday devices to be secretly hijacked by cybercriminals to conduct illegal activities using your home internet. Infected home devices were often preloaded with malicious software used by the botnet, which made traditional home security practices less effective at detecting and stopping the problem.
According to an FBI statement emailed to CNET, on July 2, the federal agency carried out “a court-authorized seizure of multiple domains as part of a coordinated law enforcement action with the Department of Justice and IRS Criminal Investigation targeting infrastructure associated with the NetNut residential proxy platform, its administrators, and users.”
Authorities worked in tandem with Google, Lumen Technologies and the Shadowserver Foundation to go after NetNut and its services — also known as the Popa botnet by security researchers. Google said in a blog post that the actions “caused significant degradation to NetNut’s proxy network and its business operations, reducing the available pool of devices for the proxy operator by millions.” NetNut’s website now shows an FBI takedown notice.
Google acknowledged that taking down NetNut is only the first step. Because these proxy networks frequently share and resell access to each other’s botnets, disrupting one provider often leads malicious actors to simply purchase capacity from a competitor. To create a lasting impact, Google said it must “target the infrastructure of several interconnected providers” simultaneously.
NetNut’s official website is taken down with this seizure notice in its place.
The FBI
How this botnet worked
In 2024, security researchers at XLab found the Vo1d botnet, a massive collection of hacked, mostly off-brand Android TV devices. If you recall the fake AI video of Donald Trump and Elon Musk appearing on TVs at the Department of Housing and Urban Development, that was most likely caused by a malicious actor using the Vo1d botnet.
Those same researchers also found Popa, a legitimate network protocol plug-in that turned consumer devices into residential proxy nodes with the user’s consent. But the version researchers found was being installed on the hacked Android TV devices without user consent. According to the FBI, a residential proxy node is “an intermediary server between individuals and websites they visit to make their connections appear to originate elsewhere.”
Residential proxy networks are legal in the US, and businesses that use them usually sell access to enterprise customers, where they’re often used for security penetration testing, ad verification, gathering marketing data and unlocking geo-locked websites. Since residential nodes use real IP addresses from someone’s home, the company or person using the node is seen by the World Wide Web as just an ordinary user, and their true identity is hidden.
Android TV devices that were part of the Vo1d botnet and infected with Popa allowed cybercriminals to conduct attacks, scrape data from infected devices looking for sensitive information like passwords, and even hijack the device to perform malicious tasks, all while the hacker appeared to originate from the house across the street or the apartment across the hall without actually being there.
That is where NetNut comes in. NetNut is a public-facing residential proxy network operator owned by Alarum Technologies, a publicly traded company out of Israel. Per Google, it was one of the largest residential proxy network operators in the world.
On the surface, NetNut appeared to be a legitimate business and even had an official website where you could buy its services. However, late last month, multiple researchers confirmed that traffic generated by the Popa botnet was from NetNut users. This meant that NetNut was effectively selling its botnet out in the open to anyone, for both legitimate and illegitimate uses, which gave authorities enough evidence to take the company down.
Stay safe from the next attack
The good news is that making sure you don’t wind up as part of the next Android TV-powered botnet is actually pretty easy. According to Google and security researchers, the overwhelming majority of the hacked devices were no-name Android TV streamers that you can freely find on Amazon, Temu, AliExpress and other online outlets.
Many of those streaming sticks and boxes are quite cheap, but they do work. The problem is that nearly all of them run ancient versions of Android, which are easier to hack since those devices don’t have the modern protections afforded by newer versions.
Some brands sell streaming boxes that promise free streaming with no subscriptions. These are often advertised on Instagram and TikTok by fresh-faced influencers who claim to offer a no-subscription streaming TV solution. Security researchers found that many of those streamer boxes came prehacked with botnet software installed out of the box.
So, step one to avoid becoming part of a botnet is to only buy Android TV devices from reputable companies like Sony, Nvidia, Google and others. Try to buy one that runs a modern version of Android and still gets security updates. You should also avoid those “one price, no subscriptions” boxes on social media, since they definitely come with malware preinstalled.
Botnets like this aren’t unique to Android TV. Smart home devices are also consistently included in botnets, so step two to keeping yourself safe is to make sure you apply all of the above advice to your smart home products as well. You should also keep up with the latest trends, like promptware, a new kind of malware that hacks your devices by asking the onboard AI to do it on behalf of the hacker.
The incident serves as an important reminder to be wary of low-quality, cheap tech peddled by influencers — or you risk having your personal ID information stolen. The usual array of things helps as well, like making sure to have a robust password, learning how to avoid phishing emails and not revealing any personal details to suspicious characters online.
Priced at $58, this set actually contains not one but two robots. The iconic Mystery Machine converts into a robot called Mysterious Prime while a rather unassuming box of Scooby Snacks becomes a mechanical canine sleuth named Automutt. Granted, on paper, this combination seems like it shouldn’t work. But somehow, Hasbro has created surprisingly appealing figures that pay homage to both franchises.
Hasbro
But what I really appreciate is Hasbro’s attention to detail, as Mysterious Prime comes with four swappable heads inspired by each human member of the team, which includes little touches like Fred’s signature ascot or a big visor that represents Velma’s glasses. There’s even a tiny plastic camera to really drive home the team’s crime-solving nature.
Now I will admit that I’m not sure how much crossover appeal there is between Transformers and Scooby Doo fans aside from both franchises being a major staple of afternoon TV programming in the 70s and 80s. That said, the timing of this release seems like it’s trying to generate a bit of hype for Netflix’s upcoming live-action Scooby Doo series slated for sometime in 2027.
Regardless, for anyone who’s ever wanted a lovable pup and a panel van that are more than meets the eye, this Transformers and Scooby Doo collab is available for pre-order today before shipments get sent out later this year around September 1.
With the heat of summer and time to get outside and active, you may want to swap your Apple Watch band for something flexible, comfortable, and waterproof. It’s no secret that the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is a top-tier smartwatch with a rugged design, large display, and ample battery life, but the right strap is key to comfort, style, and versatility. The Apple Watch Ultra 3 shares size and dimensions with the original Apple Watch Ultra, and comes with one of the three premium Apple bands, each tailored to specific activities. Apple also offers a metal loop option for $100 additional fee. Beyond Apple’s options, there are plenty of great third-party bands for workouts, swimming, work, or formal wear.
I tested several options and consulted ZDNET reviews and staff members’ recommendations to create this guide to the best Apple Watch Ultra straps you can buy. (Note that the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is a 49mm watch, so bands fit for the larger Apple Watch Series 11, 45mm, also work with the Apple Watch Ultra 3.)
Deals are selected by the CNET Group commerce team, and may be unrelated to this article.
What is the best Apple Watch Ultra strap right now?
After years of use in various activities and daily life, my pick for the best Apple Watch Ultra band overall is Apple’s own Trail Loop strap. Despite testing many different bands, I kept returning to the Trail Loop thanks to its supreme level of comfort, customizable and flexible fit, lightweight design, and price. It’s also included with your Apple Watch Ultra 3 purchase.
Read on to learn about our other Apple Watch Ultra recommendations. In our most recent update, we replaced the Zulu Alpha strap with the Aulumu C03 strap for the best Apple Watch Ultra band for custom lengths.
Best Apple Watch Ultra straps of 2026
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Matthew Miller/ZDNET
Why we like it: With past Apple Watch purchases, I always moved on to straps from other manufacturers, but Apple’s Watch Ultra 3 options are compelling. After trying two of the four available options, the Trail Loop is the band I keep returning to for daily use. Apple sent along its small/medium Trail Loop in Black/Charcoal, but it wasn’t large enough for my wrist, so I purchased a medium/large one in Green/Neon, and it’s perfect.
With the latest two generations of Apple Watch, the company offers the watch in both titanium and black finishes, so thankfully, the Trail Loop is also available with the metal hardware matching the watch body color.
Who it’s for: The Trail Loop band is lightweight, durable, and comfortable to wear, making it my pick for the best Apple Watch Ultra band for most people. The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is excellent for tracking your metrics 24/7, meaning the band must be extremely comfortable for constant wear to optimize data collection. This band stands out for its thin material and flexibility to adjust to your body’s daily changes.
Who should look elsewhere: Unfortunately, Apple’s official Trail Loop band is only available in three basic colors, and it’s priced at a rather high $99. If you don’t like fabric bands secured with Velcro, then you need to look at other options. There are some low-cost fabric band options on Amazon, but I have yet to find one that matches the quality and comfort of Apple’s official band.
Apple Trail Loop features:Material: Nylon weave with titanium ends| Waterproof: Yes | Compatibility: Apple Watch Ultra, Ultra 2, and Ultra 3, 44mm/45mm/49mm | Colors: 3 | Band sizes: 130-180mm and 145-220mm wrist circumference
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Matt Miller/ZDNET
Why we like it: I love the professional look and styling of a good metal watch band, but they are not designed for an active lifestyle where you wear your Apple Watch to track workouts and sleep. Nomad’s new Stratos hybrid band combines Grade 4 titanium with colorful FKM links between the titanium, so you can wear this metal band 24/7.
The build quality, colorful FKM options, and seamless magnetic clasp make this one of my new favorite bands for the Apple Watch Ultra 3.
Who it’s for: The Nomad Stratos watch band is perfect for those who want an elegant metal watch band that they can wear all day and night while also tracking their health and wellness metrics. It looks great in the office or out on a run. The Nomad Stratos is also available for a reasonable $179, that is far less expensive than most titanium Apple Watch bands.
Who should look elsewhere: Some people don’t like metal bands, so if that is the case, then this band is not for you. You also have to use the included tool to adjust the band to fit your wrist, so if you aren’t comfortable managing links, then a silicone or fabric band may be best for you.
Lastly, the magnetic clasp is quick and easy to secure the band to your wrist, but it may not be able to withstand active workouts with lots of arm movements. You also need to adjust the band to maintain a constant connection of the back to your wrist for continued accurate heart rate tracking.
Nomad Stratos features:Material: Titanium and FKM Waterproof: Yes | Compatibility: Apple Watch Ultra, Ultra 2, and Ultra 3, 44mm/45mm/49mm | Colors: Two for metal links and three for FKM interior | Band size: 130-200mm wrist circumference
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Jason Hiner/ZDNET
Why we like it: With several different colors to accompany your Apple Watch Ultra, these sport bands from Nomad are customizable and made for intense workouts as well as everyday wear. The band is 100% waterproof, so you can wear it while exercising in rain, sleet, or snow, with no worries of damage. With a lightweight design that encourages ventilation, if your sport band gets wet, it won’t stay wet for long or cling to oil.
Keep an eye on the Nomad website, because the company regularly offers Limited Edition models with cool colors and styles (including the one pictured above on an Apple Watch Series 9). These historically sell out quickly, so if you see a Limited Edition offering, you should make your purchase quickly. The company sometimes brings back popular Limited Edition models, too.
Who it’s for: If you like Apple’s Sport Band, but want a band that is more affordable and has various color options, then you should consider a Nomad Sport Band. The FKM material is more substantial than what Apple offers, and the available color options are fantastic.
Who should look elsewhere: While the bands are durable and made to last, they also close on your wrist using the pin and tuck-in loop closure method, which can sometimes be a bit of a challenge to close securely. If you take your watch on and off throughout the day, this band may annoy you at times.
Nomad Sport Band features:Material: Fluoroelastomer rubber | Waterproof: Yes | Compatibility: Apple Watch Ultra, Series 8, 7, 6, SE, and all previous versions of Apple Watch | Colors: 9 | Band sizes: 45mm/49mm or 40mm/41mm
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Jason Hiner/ZDNET
Why we like it: With the Nike Sport Band, you’re getting a bona fide Apple-branded sports band suited for all sorts of terrain. Wear it while tracking your progress for marathon training, lounging at a summer cookout, or during your daily activities around the house.
The band comes in six colors with artistic flecks. For added breathability, Apple also included compression-molded perforations — essentially small holes across the band — to keep it durable, lightweight, strong, and soft.
Who it’s for: Fans of Nike products may enjoy having the brand as part of their Apple Watch kit. The sports band looks great and is good for active Apple Watch wearers.
Who should look elsewhere: The only issue ZDNET editor-in-chief Jason Hiner pointed out in his testing is that the holes can collect dust and dirt, taking some time to clean.
Nike Sport Band features:Material: Aluminum | Waterproof: Yes | Compatibility: Apple Watch models 38mm, 40mm, 41mm | Colors: 6 | Band sizes: fit S/M (130-180mm) and M/L (150-200mm)
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Matt Miller/ZDNET
Why we like it: I like just about everything about Apple’s Trail Loop band, but taking it off and on requires me to fully release the Velcro and slide the watch over my hand. The Aulumu C03 band lets you secure the band in a similar fashion, but after you have the end secured to the perfect length, you can easily release the magnetic buckle piece to remove it. Set the watch on your wrist, wrap the loose end around, and snap the band back in place. It’s an innovative quick-release system that functions with a lovely nylon band.
Who it’s for: This is a perfect band for those who want an ultra-comfortable fabric band but don’t like the hassle of releasing the full piece of fabric every time they take it off. If you like to workout with your Apple Watch Ultra, then you will appreciate the comfort and security of the band as well.
The ultra-fine nylon fiber is more comfortable than the Trail Loop band provided by Apple, and has been tested for its extreme wear resistance.
Who should look elsewhere: If you want a band with colors and a personal style beyond black or gray, then you should look elsewhere.
Aulumu C03strap features:Material: Titanium alloy and nylon | Length: 160-205 mm | Weight: 32 grams | Waterproof: Yes | Compatibility: All 42-49mm Apple Watch models | Colors: 2
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Matthew Miller/ZDNET
Why we like it: I reviewed the Nomad Rugged Strap in October 2022, highlighting its high-quality, flexible FKM fluoroelastomer rubber. FKM rubber is antimicrobial and easily wiped down with soap and water. It won’t get damaged if you expose it to high temperatures, sunlight, oils, or chemicals. The buckle and lugs of the band are made of marine-grade 316 stainless steel. The material is pre-curved out of the box, so it sits perfectly on your wrist, and the band has notches that allow sweat to run free without getting trapped between your wrist and the band.
Who it’s for: I wore the Rugged Band while I was running, swimming, biking, and fly fishing, and at the end of all of that activity, the Nomad Rugged Strap still looks brand new. Avid swimmers will benefit from a band as waterproof as this one, and it’s comfortable for everyday wear as well. You can choose between silver or black hardware and ultra orange, black, or Atlantic blue for the band color.
Nomad now offers a Rugged Band with titanium hardware that is branded the Rocky Point Band. It is available for $79 in six colors, including a limited edition Carbon Black color option.
Who should look elsewhere: The band is a bit thick and chunky, so it can power through any challenge, but it may not be comfortable for you to track your sleep. If you are looking for a lightweight band, look through other options in this list.
Nomad Rugged band features:Material: FKM fluoroelastomer rubber | Waterproof: Yes | Compatibility: Apple Watch Ultra, Series 8, 7, 6, SE, and all previous versions of Apple Watch | Colors: 3 | Band sizes: 45 mm / 49 mm or 40 mm / 41 mm
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Matthew Miller/ZDNET
Why we like it: The Apple Watch Ultra 3’s silver titanium body material is durable and attractive. Titanium bands for this titanium watch, however, are expensive. Apple’s Silver Link Bracelet is $349, and others are priced over $300. Withit not only offers an affordable titanium metal band option, but also has the best link adjustment design I have ever seen on a watch that lets you remove or add links in seconds with no tools required.
Simply find the links with arrows, pull the top link directly out and away from the band, rotate the link 90 degrees, and then slide out the link adjacent to it.
Who it’s for: The grade 2 titanium watch band material perfectly matches the Apple Watch Ultra, Ultra 2, and Ultra 3 titanium color models and is lighter than the stainless steel option. Withit also now offers black titanium, in addition to the natural titanium, in order to support the black models of the Ultra 2 and Ultra 3.
If you are looking for an affordable, elegant, and easy to adjust metal band, then the Withit model is a perfect option.
Who should look elsewhere: If you don’t want a metal band, then obviously this is not the model for you. It is one of the best metal watch bands I have ever tested and includes everything you need to adjust the band to fit your wrist.
Withit Titanium Band features: Material: Titanium Grade 2 | Waterproof: Yes | Compatibility: Apple Watch Ultra 3, 2 & Ultra, 42/45/49mm Apple Watch models | Colors: 2
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We determined that the best Apple Watch Ultra strap is the Apple Trail Loop strap for its material choice and its overall quality. Here are the rest of our top picks.
The right Apple Watch Ultra strap depends on what you prioritize. If you want a screen protector, water resistance, and antimicrobial properties, there’s a product for you.
Choose this Apple Watch Ultra strap…
If you want…
Apple Trail Loop
The best band overall for sleeping, exercising, and living. It’s free with your Apple Watch Ultra purchase too.
Nomad Stratos Band
The perfect mix of titanium and FKM for a metal band look with the durability and comfort of a rubber band for comfortable 24/7 wear.
Nomad Sport Band
The best alternative rubber band that isn’t made by Apple.
Nike Sport Band
The best band for exercise. It’s lightweight, breathable, and wicks sweat and oils.
Aulumu C03 Band
The best nylon band for quick-release and attachment without fully releasing every time.
Nomad Rugged Band
An antimicrobial band with marine-grade hardware, perfect for swimming. It holds up well to strenuous exercise.
Withit Titanium Band
The best metal band with an innovative, no-tools-required link adjustment design.
Everyone has their own priorities and uses for their smartwatch, and the factors that I use when buying a band may be different than yours. However, here are several factors to consider, based on our years of experience testing wearables:
Materials: Apple Watch Ultra straps are generally made of silicone/rubber, fabric, leather, or metal so first consider which material you want your band made of. Your material selection will likely also align with your activities since you do not want to wear a leather band if you plan to swim or run with your Apple Watch.
Sleep or not to sleep: If you plan to use your Apple Watch Ultra for sleep tracking and wear it to bed each night, then you are going to want to purchase an especially comfortable band. The Watch Ultra is the largest Apple Watch, so finding a band that is light and comfortable is key to wearing such a large watch to sleep. A metal band is likely not the best option for sleeping with your watch. The new Vitals functionality in WatchOS only works if you sleep with your Apple Watch mounted on your wrist so to understand your overall health and wellness it is a good idea to sleep with your watch on.
Heart rate monitoring: The Apple Watch Ultra has been proven to have one of the most accurate wrist-mounted optical heart rate monitors available today, so if you use your watch to track your heart rate, then you must find a strap that supports a proper monitor fit. If the band is too loose or raises the watch above your wrist then it’s not optimized for heart rate tracking. You can also use an external heart rate monitor with your Apple Watch Ultra, and if you prefer that option, then the snugness of the band is not as important.
Price: Apple offers a host of watch bands itself, but in almost all cases the Apple branded straps are more expensive than third party straps. Apple’s bands are all of high quality, but you can save lots of money by looking at other makers for your watch band.
Color and style: I don’t know many people who have a single watch band that they always wear, and with the easy removal design you may want to consider multiple bands for your Watch Ultra. It’s great to have a band for working out and sleeping, and another for going out on the town or special occasions.
At ZDNET, we prioritize hands-on testing of Apple Watches and their straps, wearing them over the course of days or weeks during our daily lives. That means that others on our staff and I have worn these bands while working, exercising, sleeping, and doing all other daily activities. Here are some of the key elements we evaluate with the watch bands:
Comfort: I wear my smartwatches for more than 18 hours a day and often for 24 hours a day so the first thing I test is the fit, finish, and comfort of the watch strap. One major reason that I picked Apple’s own Trail Loop is the extremely comfortable design and light weight that makes wearing it a sheer joy.
Durability: Given that I wear my Apple Watch Ultra 3 to track all of my activities, it has to be able to withstand my excessive sweat and water from the rain and pool. I need the watch strap to last for at least a year or two under these conditions and thanks to Apple’s continued lug design I actually can wear bands for years to test out the durability.
Security: A watch band has to be trusted to keep the $800 Apple Watch Ultra 3 on my wrist in all situations. I had a Garmin watch fly off my wrist and disappear down the river while fly fishing last year after I slipped on a rock and I need a band to be more reliable than that. The clasp mechanism must handle body weight workout flexure and unexpected impacts that may happen in some situations.
Ability to change out: Apple’s slide in system is brilliant and allows a user to quickly and easily change watch straps. However, I purchased some inexpensive bands on Amazon in the past and they did not slide in and out of the lug system very well. Thus, I test the ability of the band to align properly and be replaced seamlessly.
Apple recently held its annual WWDC event, and we are likely to see new Apple Watch models in the coming months. There are always new band options released from Apple with new watches, so stay tuned for these new products.
Yes, it is. I put the watch through the Tough Mudder 15K, which has over 30 obstacles on land and in water, and the watch held up well. The display didn’t even have a scratch on it. The Apple Watch Ultra is worth it if you know you’re going to put it through taxing environments, like grueling outdoor workouts or 15Ks, and you want to use it like a regular smartwatch. If you want both of those things, this is the watch for you.
I just recently tested the new satellite connectivity functions on the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and confirmed that I will no longer go trail running, hiking, camping, and fly fishing outside of cellular coverage without the Apple Watch Ultra 3. I was able to send text messages and my location to family with no subscription fees and through a satellite connection with ease.
The best strap that we recommend for the Apple Watch Ultra is Apple’s own Trail Loop for its durability, comfort, and versatility. Since the band is waterproof, you can exercise with it outdoors or sweat up a storm in it and not have to worry about water damage. It’s casual enough to wear around the house or for exercise but is neutral enough to wear for dressier events.
There are a few differences between the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Ultra 3. Namely, the addition of 5G and satellite connectivity, which are essential for those who use the communications features of their Apple Watch or want to connect with family, friends, and emergency services while off the grid. Their prices are also the same.
There are a few differences between the Apple Watch Ultra and the Apple Watch Ultra 2. Namely, there’s a much brighter screen, a newer processor, greater storage, and recycled titanium with the Apple Watch Ultra 2. The size, battery life, and sensors are the exact same. Their prices are also the same.
It’s a good idea to check the manufacturer’s specifications when it comes to this question. For Apple loops, bands for 44mm, 45mm, and 49mm cases are generally compatible with one another. Other manufacturers may have different parameters when it comes to this. But generally, no, you cannot put any band on the Apple Watch Ultra if you want the band to fit well.
June 2026: We continue to use the Apple Watch Ultra 3, but since our last update, we have been wearing and testing the Aulumu C03 band that offers the comfort of nylon with a slick, quick-release mechanism. Aulumu also sent along its C01 titanium alloy band for testing.
October 2025: Since our last update, Apple launched the Watch Ultra 3. In this update, we tested and added the Nomad Stratos Band as our pick for the best Apple Watch Ultra metal band for an active lifestyle. We also removed two picks from the list that we hadn’t tested: the Lelong band and the Casetify Genuine Leather Band.
Alternative Apple Watch Ultra bands worth considering
Bentley has officially named its first-ever fully electric vehicle Torcal, marking one of the biggest milestones in the British marque’s 107-year history. The luxury SUV will make its global debut on September 23, becoming Bentley’s fourth model line alongside the Continental GT, Flying Spur, and Bentayga.
The announcement comes at a challenging time for premium electric vehicles. Luxury automakers that once rushed into electrification – including Porsche, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, and even Ferrari and Lamborghini – have slowed EV plans or doubled down on hybrids as demand has softened in key markets. Bentley itself postponed its goal of becoming an all-electric brand from 2030 to 2035, choosing a more gradual transition.
The Torcal could define Bentley’s electric future
The Torcal takes its name from El Torcal de Antequera, a limestone landscape in southern Spain. Bentley says the name also derives from the Latin word torquere (“to twist”), referencing torque and the effortless performance that has defined the brand for more than a century.
Bentley
Bentley Chairman and CEO Frank-Steffen Walliser described the Torcal as “the most considered car in our history,” saying it raises the bar for craftsmanship, comfort, and performance. While Bentley has yet to reveal full specifications, the company has confirmed the Torcal will be a Luxury Urban SUV measuring less than five metres long. According to reports from Car and Driver and Road & Track, it will ride on Volkswagen Group’s Premium Platform Electric (PPE) architecture, shared with the upcoming Porsche Cayenne Electric and Audi A6 e-tron.
Bentley has previously revealed that the SUV will support ultra-fast charging, adding approximately 160km of range in seven minutes, and is expected to offer more than 300 miles (around 480km) of driving range. Spy images also point to an enclosed illuminated grille, crystal-inspired LED lighting, and a redesigned digital cabin featuring a curved portrait-oriented touchscreen.
Bentley’s first EV arrives during a difficult moment for luxury electric cars
Bentley is entering the EV market at one of the toughest moments the luxury segment has faced. Over the past two years, demand for premium electric cars has weakened, forcing several high-end brands to rethink their strategies. Lamborghini delayed its Lanzador EV after saying customer demand had “gone almost to zero,” while Ferrari pushed back its second EV. Audi discontinued the Q8 e-tron after citing falling demand in the luxury EV segment, and Porsche has taken a multibillion-euro writedown as it scaled back its electrification plans. Bentley itself postponed its all-electric target from 2030 to 2035, highlighting how even established luxury brands are taking a more cautious approach.
Andrew Martonik / Digital Trends
That challenge won’t be easy. Luxury EV demand has cooled across Europe, the US, and China as affluent buyers increasingly favour plug-in hybrids over fully electric models. Several premium manufacturers have revised their electrification timelines, highlighting that the transition may take longer than originally anticipated.
Bentley appears to be responding with a measured strategy. Instead of chasing volume, the company is positioning the Torcal as a luxury-first product that happens to be electric. The shared PPE platform provides proven technology, while Bentley’s focus remains on bespoke craftsmanship, performance, and exclusivity.
More details about the Torcal will be revealed over the coming weeks ahead of its September 23 global debut. Whether it can revive enthusiasm for high-end electric SUVs remains uncertain, but the model will serve as Bentley’s clearest indication yet of how it plans to navigate the industry’s shift toward electrification.
Anker’s popular Prime 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station has dropped to $99.74 on Amazon, down from $149.99. This is one of Anker’s newest accessories, and Amazon’s sale today is a match of the all-time low price that we last tracked during Prime Day.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
The Prime 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station features Qi2.2 support, which lets a compatible MagSafe iPhone charge at up to 25W. It’s the same speed as Apple’s MagSafe charger, and it is 10W faster than the standard Qi2 MagSafe chargers. You can also simultaneously charge an Apple Watch and AirPods with the device.
Below you’ll find a list of the best Anker discounts on Amazon this week, also including wall chargers, portable batteries, and more. There are a few more accessories that are matching their Prime Day prices, including Anker’s Nano USB-C Wall Charger with Smart Display. You can get this accessory for $25.99, down from $39.99.
Wall Chargers
Wireless Chargers
Portable Chargers
Portable Power Stations
Docks
If you’re on the hunt for more discounts, be sure to visit our Apple Deals roundup where we recap the best Apple-related bargains of the past week.
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Amazon is set to host its annual Prime Day event later in June, but you can already find massive discounts across popular accessories right now. This includes year’s best prices on Anker chargers, Samsung monitors, Sonos audio products, and more.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which…
Amazon today has the AirPods Pro 3 available for $179.00, down from $249.00. This is a new all-time low price on the AirPods Pro 3, beating the previous low by $20.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
This model of the AirPods Pro launched in…
We started tracking early Prime Day deals last week, and today Amazon expanded its selection of items on sale ahead of Prime Day, which will begin on June 23. New deals include UGREEN’s best desktop NAS systems, the Sonos Arc Ultra soundbar at a record low price, and more.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may…
Researchers have found a never-before-seen piece of macOS malware that combines a series of clever tradecraft to infect Macs with stealthy, custom-developed credential-stealing code.
The malware is delivered in two stages. The first is distributed in a disk image that masquerades as Maccy, a clipboard manager for Macs. It’s compiled as AppleScript that is notable for the way it delivers the second stage. The malware is named PamStealer because the Rust-written infostealer uses the Pluggable Authentication Modules interface built into macOS to validate the target’s login password before sending it to an attacker-controlled server.
A quieter execution chain
The use of both disk image and AppleScript is common in malware for Macs. More unusual is the way PamStealer combines them to gain stealth. When the AppleScript is double-clicked, it’s opened in the macOS Script Editor, where the malicious functionality is buried deep within the file.
“Rather than relying on shell commands such as curl or zsh, the AppleScript executes a self-contained JavaScript for Automation (JXA) downloader that retrieves and stages the payload using native Objective-C APIs,” researchers from Jamf, a security firm for macOS users, wrote. “Combined with a Rust-based second stage and a password capture workflow that validates credentials locally through PAM, the result is a quieter execution chain than we typically observe in commodity macOS stealers.”
When a user, expecting to install a trustworthy clipboard manager, encounters the disk image, they’re prompted to press Command-R immediately after double-clicking it. This command executes malicious code inside the AppleScript directly. It also allows the execution to bypass com.apple.quarantine, a macOS attribute that provides warnings and restrictions when executable files have been downloaded from the Internet.
As Jamf explained:
PamStealer combines a recently emerging delivery surface with a less familiar payload. While the clickable .scpt and Script Editor lure build on tradecraft that is already gaining adoption across the macOS threat landscape, the malware distinguishes itself through a self-contained JXA dropper, a Rust-based second stage, and a password capture workflow that validates credentials locally through PAM before harvesting them. That second stage puts considerable effort into staying hidden, masquerading as Finder, encrypting its command-and-control traffic, and holding back prompts like the Full Disk Access request for as long as forty minutes so its activity does not line up with launch. Together, these behaviors illustrate how commodity macOS stealers continue to evolve, adopting quieter execution chains and native implementations that reduce traditional detection opportunities while remaining compatible with standard macOS features.
The first stage puts its payload inside an app bundle that impersonates real components built into macOS. The component changes from sample to sample of the malware. Finder.app under com.apple.finder.core or com.apple.finder.monitor, and a Software Update.app under com.apple.security.daemon, are two examples. In either case, they run hidden. They also display macOS’s genuine Finder.icns as its icon.
Two hundred and fifty years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, a new commercial from Google asks: What if the Founding Fathers had access to Google Workspace?
With the tagline “Group project, but make it 1776,” the ad depicts a largely unseen Thomas Jefferson mid-draft when he gets a nagging text from Ben Franklin, leading to a very Google-centric collaboration process. Edits are suggested in Google Docs, a meeting gets scheduled in Google Calendar and conducted remotely via Google Meet (with every single attendee apparently turning their camera off?), then the whole thing is finalized with e-signatures; cue the fireworks.
Of course, since this is an ad from a tech company in the year 2026, AI has a role to play. The fictionalized founders use Google’s “help me visualize” AI tool to try out different animals on the national seal, Gemini takes notes on the meeting, and the founders also ask the chatbot for advice before declining King George III’s document access request.
TechCrunch call it “very tongue-in-cheek,” noting that at one point Samuel Adams even asks, “Can we settle this over beers?” And they argue that “the AI evangelism is relatively discreet when compared to many other recent ads.”
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