Technology

It's a clash of the ages as teenage sensation Lamine Yamal faces off against old master Cristiano Ronaldo.

How quickly five years goes by – I can scarcely believe it, but it’s been almost half a decade since I picked up my 11-inch iPad Pro and second-generation Apple Pencil.

The approach of WWDC 2025 has brought an onslaught of rumors about Apple’s upcoming operating system updates, and given the timing of the above I’ve been drawn to the latest tip-offs and suggestions about iPadOS 19.

Speaking personally, I’m pretty excited by the prospect of an iPad operating system that’s tipped to be the most Mac-like iPadOS update ever – check out our recent roundup of iPadOS 19 features we want to see for a detailed breakdown.

But on the other hand, as a user of both Apple and Android devices, I’ll believe it when I see it. Android has surpassed Apple in terms of tablet multitasking and computer compatibility so successfully that I’d almost stopped hoping for any proper competition from Apple; in thes arena at least, as iPads arguably have the suprios hardware and tablet-optimized app ecosystem.

To be fair, in the last five years I’ve put my iPad Pro to good use. It carried me through the first two years of my degree, and has been a fabulous companion for streaming video, controlling Spotify playback, and doodling on ProCreate. I’ve edited audio and video, taken photos, made spreadsheets and diagrams, and scrolled through plenty of social media posts.

But since picking up a 16-inch M1 Pro MacBook Pro just over a year ago, I’ve noticed my iPad usage falling steadily – to the point where its A12Z processor and still-lovely 120Hz LCD display have mostly been relegated to the status of YouTube machine.

The 2021 Macbook Pro 16-inch has largely supplanted the iPad's role in my life (Image credit: Future)

As anyone who’s owned an iPad knows, that’s pretty much death’s door for an Apple tablet, no matter the model. In the latter years of my older iPad Air (the original model released in 2013), I was using the tablet for the exact same thing, despite not having a Mac at the time, and the iPad Pro's greater power and multitasking capabilities.

Given five years is somewhat aged for my iPad Pro, especially as its successors moved to the powerful and efficient M-series Apple chips, I’ve been eyeing up some of the best iPads as a possible successor to the Pro, and to give me a tablet that I'll use for a lot more than streaming.

To be honest, though, the spark I felt with my previous two Apple tablets just isn’t there this time.

The crux of this is I don't feel there's enough 'pro' features to justify and upgrade to the latest iPad Pro, and see it become my primary device for work and play over my MacBook. Unless you absolutely need the touchscreen or Apple Pencil, I think it’s quicker to get things done on the more flexible, more powerful macOS-based machine.

That’s because iPadOS just isn't powerful enough without proper desktop-style features – its multitasking is usable, but awkward, the files app convenient, but nerfed, the ecosystem smooth, but much more closed off than a traditional desktop. Essentially, I feel in its current guise iPadOS means the iPad Pro is essentially a powered-up iPad Air rather than a MacBook replacement that would pique my interest.

The iPad Pro M4 sports desktop-class hardware, but is held back by software (Image credit: Future)

I’m not the first to say that the iPad’s remarkable hardware is held back by iPadOS. I'm not even the first TechRadar journalist to say so - Managing Editor, Core Tech Matt Hanson said he found that "the power of the M4 chip largely went to waste with the iPad Pro" earlier this year.

I think the hardware jump from my current 11-inch iPad Pro to one of the gorgeous 2024 models, with their slim build, Tandem OLED displays, and ludicrously powerful M4 chipsets, would feel even greater than the jump from the original iPad Air to my current 2020 iPad Pro, which makes the limitations of iPadOS even more frustrating. Why invest in all that power if the software can't take advantage of it?

So, without being too dramatic, I think this coming WWDC is Apple’s last chance to show me it really knows what it’s doing with the iPad.

(Image credit: Future)

Why invest in all that power if the software can't take advantage of it?

While I’d settle for new features that offer a more purposeful tablet experience while remaining entirely separate from the Mac, what I really want to see is Apple pushing the iPad towards a bolder, more capable role, leaving its ‘YouTube machine’ moniker firmly in the past.

One could even suggest having a separate fork to iPadOS, such as iPadOS Pro, that focuses on pro-grade multitasking, a better mouse-centric interface when using an iPad Pro with the Magic Keyboard, and file management and transfer that's suitable for people doing professional work such as video editing.

There's always been the perceived concern that Apple wouldn't do this due to cannibalising MacBook users, but there's scope that by making iPadOS more macOS-like for iPad Pros you could get an more capable and flexible tablet that could augment one Apple product collection than dilute it; for example photographers and video editors could use an iPad Pro with a more pro-centric iPadOS to do on the fly edits or tap into powerful Apple Intelligence features, while out in the field, then move over to a MacBook Pro when back at their desk or in a more laptop-friendly environment.

So my hope is we see something special from Apple at WWDC that supercharges iPadOS, if not with an eye on professionals then in a fashion that really harnesses the M-series chip power to make iPadOS more distinct, and less of what's arguably a modified take on iOS 18.

WWDC 2025 kicks off on June 9 – be sure to bookmark our how to watch WWDC 2025 guide and keep an eye on our phones coverage and tablets coverage for the latest updates. Let us know what you’re looking forward to in the comments below.

You might also like

• Got an older iPad? Download this new security update now for models that can't run iPadOS 18
• Will your iPhone get iOS 26? This is the rumored support list for the rebranded iOS 19
• A flood of Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7 leaks have arrived – including a potential launch date

How quickly five years goes by – I can scarcely believe it, but it’s been almost half a decade since I picked up my 11-inch iPad Pro and second-generation Apple Pencil.

The approach of WWDC 2025 has brought an onslaught of rumors about Apple’s upcoming operating system updates, and given the timing of the above I’ve been drawn to the latest tip-offs and suggestions about iPadOS 19.

Speaking personally, I’m pretty excited by the prospect of an iPad operating system that’s tipped to be the most Mac-like iPadOS update ever – check out our recent roundup of iPadOS 19 features we want to see for a detailed breakdown.

But on the other hand, as a user of both Apple and Android devices, I’ll believe it when I see it. Android has surpassed Apple in terms of tablet multitasking and computer compatibility so successfully that I’d almost stopped hoping for any proper competition from Apple; in thes arena at least, as iPads arguably have the suprios hardware and tablet-optimized app ecosystem.

To be fair, in the last five years I’ve put my iPad Pro to good use. It carried me through the first two years of my degree, and has been a fabulous companion for streaming video, controlling Spotify playback, and doodling on ProCreate. I’ve edited audio and video, taken photos, made spreadsheets and diagrams, and scrolled through plenty of social media posts.

But since picking up a 16-inch M1 Pro MacBook Pro just over a year ago, I’ve noticed my iPad usage falling steadily – to the point where its A12Z processor and still-lovely 120Hz LCD display have mostly been relegated to the status of YouTube machine.

The 2021 Macbook Pro 16-inch has largely supplanted the iPad's role in my life (Image credit: Future)

As anyone who’s owned an iPad knows, that’s pretty much death’s door for an Apple tablet, no matter the model. In the latter years of my older iPad Air (the original model released in 2013), I was using the tablet for the exact same thing, despite not having a Mac at the time, and the iPad Pro's greater power and multitasking capabilities.

Given five years is somewhat aged for my iPad Pro, especially as its successors moved to the powerful and efficient M-series Apple chips, I’ve been eyeing up some of the best iPads as a possible successor to the Pro, and to give me a tablet that I'll use for a lot more than streaming.

To be honest, though, the spark I felt with my previous two Apple tablets just isn’t there this time.

The crux of this is I don't feel there's enough 'pro' features to justify and upgrade to the latest iPad Pro, and see it become my primary device for work and play over my MacBook. Unless you absolutely need the touchscreen or Apple Pencil, I think it’s quicker to get things done on the more flexible, more powerful macOS-based machine.

That’s because iPadOS just isn't powerful enough without proper desktop-style features – its multitasking is usable, but awkward, the files app convenient, but nerfed, the ecosystem smooth, but much more closed off than a traditional desktop. Essentially, I feel in its current guise iPadOS means the iPad Pro is essentially a powered-up iPad Air rather than a MacBook replacement that would pique my interest.

The iPad Pro M4 sports desktop-class hardware, but is held back by software (Image credit: Future)

I’m not the first to say that the iPad’s remarkable hardware is held back by iPadOS. I'm not even the first TechRadar journalist to say so - Managing Editor, Core Tech Matt Hanson said he found that "the power of the M4 chip largely went to waste with the iPad Pro" earlier this year.

I think the hardware jump from my current 11-inch iPad Pro to one of the gorgeous 2024 models, with their slim build, Tandem OLED displays, and ludicrously powerful M4 chipsets, would feel even greater than the jump from the original iPad Air to my current 2020 iPad Pro, which makes the limitations of iPadOS even more frustrating. Why invest in all that power if the software can't take advantage of it?

So, without being too dramatic, I think this coming WWDC is Apple’s last chance to show me it really knows what it’s doing with the iPad.

(Image credit: Future)

Why invest in all that power if the software can't take advantage of it?

While I’d settle for new features that offer a more purposeful tablet experience while remaining entirely separate from the Mac, what I really want to see is Apple pushing the iPad towards a bolder, more capable role, leaving its ‘YouTube machine’ moniker firmly in the past.

One could even suggest having a separate fork to iPadOS, such as iPadOS Pro, that focuses on pro-grade multitasking, a better mouse-centric interface when using an iPad Pro with the Magic Keyboard, and file management and transfer that's suitable for people doing professional work such as video editing.

There's always been the perceived concern that Apple wouldn't do this due to cannibalising MacBook users, but there's scope that by making iPadOS more macOS-like for iPad Pros you could get an more capable and flexible tablet that could augment one Apple product collection than dilute it; for example photographers and video editors could use an iPad Pro with a more pro-centric iPadOS to do on the fly edits or tap into powerful Apple Intelligence features, while out in the field, then move over to a MacBook Pro when back at their desk or in a more laptop-friendly environment.

So my hope is we see something special from Apple at WWDC that supercharges iPadOS, if not with an eye on professionals then in a fashion that really harnesses the M-series chip power to make iPadOS more distinct, and less of what's arguably a modified take on iOS 18.

WWDC 2025 kicks off on June 9 – be sure to bookmark our how to watch WWDC 2025 guide and keep an eye on our phones coverage and tablets coverage for the latest updates. Let us know what you’re looking forward to in the comments below.

You might also like

• Got an older iPad? Download this new security update now for models that can't run iPadOS 18
• Will your iPhone get iOS 26? This is the rumored support list for the rebranded iOS 19
• A flood of Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7 leaks have arrived – including a potential launch date

Put your gaming computer to the test with the best PC games out right now, including AAA hits like Elden Ring and Black Myth: Wukong as well as indie darlings.

I tried Bloom Nutrition's Greens and Superfoods powder for a week to see if it lives up to all the hype it's gotten on social media.

Nothing in the Apple world has the impact of the annual iPhone launch, but the company’s yearly WWDC developer conference comes close.

Last year saw the launch of iOS 18, which brought with it a revamped Control Center, a new Passwords app, in-depth Home Screen customization, and much more. Yet iOS 18 also continued a worrying trend for Apple in terms of stability.

I’ve used the iPhone for over a decade, and while I love the direction Apple is taking with new features, the stability of iOS has me concerned. An increasing number of bugs and a more general feeling of complexity go against the reasons I fell in love with iOS in the first place, and ultimately make the iPhone far less competitive.

Apple is rumored to be launching a redesign of iOS 19 at WWDC 2025, possibly shifting its branding ahead to iOS 26 to partially align with the update's release year. Here’s why I hope the company's next software overhaul is far more than just a redesign, and that Apple rebuilds iOS with a focus on stability, not just aesthetics.

iOS no longer 'just works'

The redesigned Photos app in iOS 18 (Image credit: Apple)

The success of the iPhone over the past 18 years has undoubtedly been due to Apple’s approach to both hardware and software. Android phones are widely renowned for having better specifications, at least if one looks at the specs on paper, but Apple has proven that software optimization is just as important.

Legendary founder Steve Jobs famously described the Apple ecosystem as “it just works”, but the stability of iOS 18 has continued a worrying trend that bucks that phrase. Many of the new hero features were somewhat buggy at launch, and crucially, if you transferred from an old iPhone into the iPhone 16 series, these bugs impacted the overall experience.

My iPhone 16 often freezes and either needs a restart, or I have to wait for it to respond. This is not an isolated issue, since the same complaints are being made by hundreds of users in communities like Reddit. I've also noticed significant battery drain on my iPhone 16, and enabling battery saver has a detrimental impact on performance.

Then there’s Apple Photos and the universal dislike for its complete overhaul in iOS 18. It’s rare that Apple customers universally dislike an official Apple app, but the redesigned Photos app leaves a lot to be desired, especially when Google Photos is such a compelling alternative. Yes, there are ways to make Apple Photos more like the previous version, but this experience is yet more indicative of Apple’s software challenges.

Software and hardware are no longer in sync

Apple announced Apple Intelligence at WWDC 2024 (Image credit: Apple)

The success of Apple’s products has been widely attributed to the company's remarkable ability to integrate software and hardware into a seamless experience.

Over the past few years, though, the company’s hardware ambitions have not been matched by the same level of success in software, which became apparent with the launch of Apple Intelligence.

The A18 Pro processor in the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max is incredibly powerful, and builds upon the success of Apple's M-series computing chips. The cameras used in the iPhone can capture great photos, and the Camera Control feature is surprisingly useful. But a year on from Apple’s big AI debut, many of the highlighted features that were noted as coming within a year have been significantly delayed.

The stability of iOS 18 has only partially improved a year later, despite being on the fifth major launch build. Conversely, the Action Button and Dynamic Island are two rare hardware features where the software completes the hardware experience, proving that Apple can still deliver a compelling package.

A look at history suggests iOS needs a rebuild

The Samsung Galaxy Note 7 running TouchWiz

Apple’s current software challenges feel familiar, and that’s because we’ve seen this story before. To find the answer to its own problems, Apple needs to look no further than its chief rival, Samsung.

I’ve reviewed phones for nearly 20 years, and while Samsung’s One UI is one of the best user experiences on Android right now, this wasn’t always the case. Before the launch of One UI in 2018, Galaxy phones ran TouchWiz, and while I was a fan of Samsung’s software at the time, I recall being in the distinct minority.

The biggest challenge facing Samsung’s software team at the time is also a cautionary tale for Apple and other phone makers.

TouchWiz was launched just two years after iOS, and both platforms have undergone considerable changes as smartphone users evolved and new habits formed. Like Microsoft has faced with Windows, this usually leads to software that is continually being added to, and the experience will inevitably suffer.

The Vision Pro and Vision OS show that Apple can still build a phenomenal integrated experience.

The answer for Apple is the same approach that Samsung took back in 2018: a complete rebuild. One UI took years to develop, and it removed large portions of the legacy experience in favor of the features required for current and future smartphone form factors, such as the Galaxy Z Fold 7.

For Apple to successfully launch new hardware and software form factors, such as the rumored iPhone Fold, the company needs to rebuild iOS from the ground up, not just redesign the existing codebase.

The Vision Pro and Vision OS show that Apple can still build a phenomenal integrated experience – now it just needs to do the same for the iPhone.

You might also like

• iOS 19: the 5 upgrades I'm really hoping for at WWDC 2025
• Here’s why I think a lack of AI at WWDC 2025 wouldn’t be catastrophic for iOS 26
• 3 Apple Intelligence features we know are coming at WWDC 2025 and 3 I’d like to see as well

• A filing points to 25W charging for the Samsung tri-fold
• That matches the Galaxy S25 and Z Fold 6
• The foldable phone could be unveiled as early as July

We're very much looking forward to the full unveiling of the Samsung tri-fold phone at some point later this year, but the latest rumor around the handset suggests it's going to be somewhat disappointing in terms of its charging speed.

According to documentation filed with regulators in China (via SamMobile), the Samsung tri-fold is going to offer 25W wired charging. That's on a par with the Samsung Galaxy S25 and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 phones.

While it's perhaps not surprising that Samsung is sticking to the same charging limits as those current flagships, the Oppo Find N5 charges up at 80W when plugged in, while the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra hits the heights of 45W.

It's possible that Samsung is playing it safe with the charging technology to avoid having to charge too much for adding a new form factor to its lineup. We've seen estimates as high as $3,500 (about £2,585 / AU$5,390) for this handset.

Here's what else we think we know

The tri-fold Huawei Mate XT (Image credit: Huawei)

We've seen plenty of other unofficial leaks and rumors about this handset: the only bit of information that's official and confirmed by Samsung is that this tri-fold handset is definitely on the way to take on existing phones like the Huawei Mate XT.

One of the unconfirmed pieces of information we've come across is that this phone is going to be called the Galaxy G Fold. That would certainly put it in line with the current foldables Samsung sells, in terms of its naming.

Apparently, the folding handset is going to come with a 6.49-inch outer screen and a huge 9.96-inch display on the inside. If that turns out to be the case then we're going to be very much into tablet territory when the phone is opened out.

With the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and the Galaxy Z Flip 7 thought to be breaking cover sometime in July, the Galaxy G Fold (if that turns out to be its name) could arrive at the same time – but some sources have said it'll actually be unveiled later in the year.

You might also like

• New Samsung tri-fold leak hints at its size
• These are the best Samsung phones you can buy
• Samsung has been teasing its tri-fold phone

• Thanko keyboard tries to do everything but ends up asking way too much money
• A 10-inch screen on a keyboard sounds cool until you check the resolution
• It’s foldable, space-saving, and touch-enabled, but only if you’re using Windows

Thanko has launched what might be one of the most unexpected entries in the increasingly niche world of peripherals: a mechanical keyboard integrated with a 10-inch touchscreen monitor.

The company says this full mechanical keyboard is designed for space-conscious users who still want both tactile input and an additional display.

“The combination of a customizable and highly durable mechanical keyboard with independent switches and a 10-inch monitor... saves space while improving work efficiency,” Thanko says.

Compact design, but with compromises

The keyboard integrates a 1,920 x 720 resolution TFT LCD touchscreen, which supports 10-point multi-touch and features a continuously adjustable angle. It occupies just 320 x 140 mm of space and can be folded when not in use.

The idea is to deliver a dual-purpose tool for coders or business users who need a second screen. However, the relatively low resolution and aspect ratio may limit how much useful content can actually be displayed.

The screen can function as a touch-enabled display if set as the main monitor, but Thanko quietly notes: “If it does not work properly even after changing the settings, it is a compatibility issue.”

Despite its promise of touch interaction, there’s no mention of macOS or Linux support, suggesting this device is designed solely for the Windows ecosystem. As a result, its usefulness outside that environment remains unknown.

While it could make for a decent business keyboard, or a keyboard for coding, it really needs broader compatibility.

The keyboard uses blue switches by default and allows full customization, including switch types and keycaps. It also includes an RGB LED backlight and ships with a USB 3.2 Gen 1 cable. Users can supplement power via an additional USB Type-C port if needed.

That said, it’s hard to determine whether the typing experience is truly premium or merely adequate with flair, as no typing latency or switch actuation specs are disclosed.

Designed for plug-and-play via USB 3.0, the keyboard weighs about 1.5 kg and is listed at 69,800 yen (around $445).

It certainly scores points for compactness and desk economy, but at nearly $450, buyers may wonder whether it’s worth the cost compared to purchasing a standalone mechanical keyboard and a separate secondary display.

You might also like

• Take a look at our picks for the best WFH apps around
• Check out our recommendations for the best monitors for working from home
• HPE flags critical StoreOnce auth bypass, users should update now

• Ballerina's final scene is a deliberate homage to John Wick: Chapter 2's ending, its director says
• Len Wiseman reveals it was Keanu Reeves' idea to create a near-identical ending
• Wiseman already has ideas for a follow-up film

Ballerina's director has revealed it was Keanu Reeves' idea to end the action-thriller in the same way as the second John Wick movie.

Speaking ahead of the film's global release on June 6, Len Wiseman told TechRadar that Reeves, who plays the franchise's titular hitman, suggested that Ballerina's final scene should mirror that of 2017's John Wick: Chapter 2.

Full spoilers immediately follow for From the World of John Wick: Ballerina, so turn back if you haven't watched it yet.

Eve Macarro, seen here in an earlier Ballerina scene, has had a hit put out on her (Image credit: Lionsgate)

Ballerina ends with Ana de Armas' Eve Macarro watching her close friend, who was also a Ruska Roma assassin-in-training before she was kicked out by The Director, achieve her dream of becoming a fully-fledged ballet dancer.

However, as Macarro watches her performance at a local theater, the footage is interspersed with someone putting out a contract hit on the titular character. Numerous phones – owned by other hitmen, no less – start pinging and buzzing in the theater, which Macarro quickly becomes aware of. Knowing she's in danger if she sticks around, she quietly leaves via one of the venue's fire exits.

The ending isn't dissimilar to John Wick: Chapter 2's final scene. That movie, which takes place years prior to Ballerina (find out more about this franchise's timeline in my John Wick movies in order guide), closes with the eponymous hitman being forced to go on the run.

Keanu Reeves' titular assassin is forced to go on the run at the end of John Wick: Chapter 2 (Image credit: Lionsgate)

That's because Wick executed a fellow assassin on the grounds of the New York branch of The Continental, a chain of hitman safehouses, which is a big no-no. Subsequently, a bounty is reluctantly placed on Wick's head by Winston Scott, The Continental New York manager and Wick's ally. As Wick flees the scene, the phones of assassins in his vicinity start ringing to notify them of the reward for whoever successfully takes down Wick.

"When Keanu and I were wrapping up [his on-screen involvement] in Ballerina, we talked about how this movie would end," Wiseman told me, "And that ending was all Keanu's idea. He wanted that last moment to be a riff on the second film's final moment, which speaks to the 'actions and consequences' theme that runs through these movies."

As obvious as it is to say, the open-ended nature of From the World of John Wick: Ballerina's final scene teases the possibility that Macarro's journey will continue in Lionsgate's multi-billion-dollar enterprise. So, does Wiseman have any thoughts on where this de Armas-led film series could go next in the Wick-Verse?

"In a fantasy kind of way, yeah, I have my ideas [of where a follow-up could go]," Wiseman replied when I asked about potential sequel plans. "But, I'd like to hear what people respond to in this movie first. I hope there's speculation from fans about who they think is coming after Eve, too, because we don't actually know who that is."

Norman Reedus hopes to return as Daniel in a future Wick-verse project (Image credit: Lionsgate)

Wiseman isn't the only cast and crew member who wants one of 2025's new movies to set up a future installment in The World of Wick.

In a separate chat, Norman Reedus, who plays the criminally underused Daniel (read more about why I think that's the case in my Ballerina review), said he believes there's plenty more to explore with his character. Indeed, the only things we really know about Daniel are that he is the son of Gabriel Byrne's now-deceased cult leader known as the Chancellor, has a daughter, and survived Ballerina's events thanks to Macarro.

"I'd love to do all of those things," Reedus said when I asked if he'd like to have his own spin-off film, appear in Ballerina 2, and/or show up in John Wick Chapter 5. "Let's put that out there into the universe. I mean, it's a no-brainer and, if this film does well, who knows what the future holds?"

You might also like

• 'One of the hardest moments to film': Ballerina's most simple action sequence on paper ended up being the most challenging for a big reason, director says
• Ballerina star Norman Reedus didn't seek advice from Keanu Reeves about joining the John Wick universe for a pretty funny reason: 'I don't think he knew'
• John Wick Chapter 5 is still in very early development, but 'there are a lot of options' on the table about what its story could be, Ian McShane teases

• Ballerina's final scene is a deliberate homage to John Wick: Chapter 2's ending, its director says
• Len Wiseman reveals it was Keanu Reeves' idea to create a near-identical ending
• Wiseman already has ideas for a follow-up film

Ballerina's director has revealed it was Keanu Reeves' idea to end the action-thriller in the same way as the second John Wick movie.

Speaking ahead of the film's global release on June 6, Len Wiseman told TechRadar that Reeves, who plays the franchise's titular hitman, suggested that Ballerina's final scene should mirror that of 2017's John Wick: Chapter 2.

Full spoilers immediately follow for From the World of John Wick: Ballerina, so turn back if you haven't watched it yet.

Eve Macarro, seen here in an earlier Ballerina scene, has had a hit put out on her (Image credit: Lionsgate)

Ballerina ends with Ana de Armas' Eve Macarro watching her close friend, who was also a Ruska Roma assassin-in-training before she was kicked out by The Director, achieve her dream of becoming a fully-fledged ballet dancer.

However, as Macarro watches her performance at a local theater, the footage is interspersed with someone putting out a contract hit on the titular character. Numerous phones – owned by other hitmen, no less – start pinging and buzzing in the theater, which Macarro quickly becomes aware of. Knowing she's in danger if she sticks around, she quietly leaves via one of the venue's fire exits.

The ending isn't dissimilar to John Wick: Chapter 2's final scene. That movie, which takes place years prior to Ballerina (find out more about this franchise's timeline in my John Wick movies in order guide), closes with the eponymous hitman being forced to go on the run.

Keanu Reeves' titular assassin is forced to go on the run at the end of John Wick: Chapter 2 (Image credit: Lionsgate)

That's because Wick executed a fellow assassin on the grounds of the New York branch of The Continental, a chain of hitman safehouses, which is a big no-no. Subsequently, a bounty is reluctantly placed on Wick's head by Winston Scott, The Continental New York manager and Wick's ally. As Wick flees the scene, the phones of assassins in his vicinity start ringing to notify them of the reward for whoever successfully takes down Wick.

"When Keanu and I were wrapping up [his on-screen involvement] in Ballerina, we talked about how this movie would end," Wiseman told me, "And that ending was all Keanu's idea. He wanted that last moment to be a riff on the second film's final moment, which speaks to the 'actions and consequences' theme that runs through these movies."

As obvious as it is to say, the open-ended nature of From the World of John Wick: Ballerina's final scene teases the possibility that Macarro's journey will continue in Lionsgate's multi-billion-dollar enterprise. So, does Wiseman have any thoughts on where this de Armas-led film series could go next in the Wick-Verse?

"In a fantasy kind of way, yeah, I have my ideas [of where a follow-up could go]," Wiseman replied when I asked about potential sequel plans. "But, I'd like to hear what people respond to in this movie first. I hope there's speculation from fans about who they think is coming after Eve, too, because we don't actually know who that is."

Norman Reedus hopes to return as Daniel in a future Wick-verse project (Image credit: Lionsgate)

Wiseman isn't the only cast and crew member who wants one of 2025's new movies to set up a future installment in The World of Wick.

In a separate chat, Norman Reedus, who plays the criminally underused Daniel (read more about why I think that's the case in my Ballerina review), said he believes there's plenty more to explore with his character. Indeed, the only things we really know about Daniel are that he is the son of Gabriel Byrne's now-deceased cult leader known as the Chancellor, has a daughter, and survived Ballerina's events thanks to Macarro.

"I'd love to do all of those things," Reedus said when I asked if he'd like to have his own spin-off film, appear in Ballerina 2, and/or show up in John Wick Chapter 5. "Let's put that out there into the universe. I mean, it's a no-brainer and, if this film does well, who knows what the future holds?"

You might also like

• 'One of the hardest moments to film': Ballerina's most simple action sequence on paper ended up being the most challenging for a big reason, director says
• Ballerina star Norman Reedus didn't seek advice from Keanu Reeves about joining the John Wick universe for a pretty funny reason: 'I don't think he knew'
• John Wick Chapter 5 is still in very early development, but 'there are a lot of options' on the table about what its story could be, Ian McShane teases

New video from Boston Dynamics sheds light on how the company's Atlas humanoid robot sees and engages with the world around it.

• Panasonic’s Let’s Note SC weighs under a kilo, yet packs a removable battery and Gigabit LAN port
• Includes a 56Wh battery held by screws, lasting up to 34.6 hours idle
• Unusual round touchpad returns, now larger and borrowed from a 14-inch sibling model

Panasonic has introduced the Let’s Note SC, a 12.4-inch notebook designed for business users, with a focus on portability, long battery life, and usability enhancements.

According to MyNavi (originally reported in Japanese), the device features a 12.4-inch LCD display with a 3:2 aspect ratio and a resolution of 1920 x 1280 pixels.

The screen opens to 180 degrees without touching the surface beneath it, aided by a hinge design that keeps it slightly elevated.

Weighs less than a kilo and still has Ethernet and HDMI

The chassis features a pressure-resistant bonnet structure and has been tested to meet MIL standards.

Panasonic emphasizes the notebook’s durability, including resistance to both impact and vibration.

Available in Calm Gray and Black, the SC is powered by Intel’s Core Ultra Series 2 processors, either the Ultra 7 255H or Ultra 5 255U, depending on the configuration.

Panasonic claims the notebook weighs 919g, though an independently tested unit reportedly came in at 901g, placing the SC among the lightest laptops in its class.

The device includes a 56Wh removable battery, now fastened with screws rather than the tool-less sliding lock used in previous models. While this improves structural integrity, it may make field maintenance less convenient.

Battery performance is rated at up to 12.7 hours of video playback and approximately 34.6 hours of idle time, according to JEITA 3.0 standards. In real-world usage, a 50% charge remained after 90+ minutes of light use and a 30-minute video call.

The keyboard retains a Japanese layout but introduces a notable change: the Ctrl key is now on the far left, having swapped positions with the Fn key. Users can revert to the previous configuration via BIOS settings.

The power button, now located behind the keyboard, is less prone to accidental presses and also functions as a fingerprint sensor.

The SC also includes a round touchpad, larger than in earlier models and borrowed from the 14-inch FC line. While still unconventional, this circular design remains a distinguishing feature of the series.

Connectivity includes a Gigabit Ethernet LAN port, a rare inclusion in modern laptops and potentially appealing to those seeking robust mobile workstation capabilities.

However, the D-Sub and SD card slots have been removed, reflecting user trends toward HDMI and enhanced data security standards.

Most ports, including USB Type-A, dual Thunderbolt 4-compatible USB Type-C, and HDMI, are now positioned on the left side, helping to reduce cable clutter when using a mouse.

The starting price is approximately 295,000 yen (approx $1,880), with general sales expected to begin on June 20.

You might also like

• Take a look at our picks for the best business laptops around
• Check out our recommendations for the best laptops for working from home
• A new 'Wikipedia for extensions' wants to make your web browser far more secure by exposing dangerous tools

You're gonna need a bigger TV.

While the battle for EVs with the longest range may well have tapered off, a new arms race has begun in its place – and it's all about charging speeds.

In China, some of the world’s most recognizable automotive and tech brands are dueling it out to see who can force electrons into a battery pack at the most impressive rates.

After all, if said giants of industry can consistently bring charging times in line with fueling up an internal combustion engine vehicle, range anxiety is essentially banished to the history books and the extra weight, resources and financial penalties of larger battery packs are no longer an issue.

But while the so-called Megawatt ultra-fast charging (anything above 1,000kW) has tongues wagging with the sheer physics-bending nature of it all, some believe that the road towards two-minute top-ups won't be so smooth.

During a recent electric vehicle battery technology workshop at Porsche’s R&D facility in Weissach, the company spoke frankly and at length about its own road to electrification, marking the huge leaps it has made with the current generation Taycan and what the future holds.

(Image credit: BYD)

When asked about the current trend for Megawatt charging, Porsche’s development lead in high-voltage lithium-ion batteries, Carlos Alberto Cordova Tineo, said that while it is impressive, he doesn’t think it is the future for everyone.

"It is relatively easy to demonstrate this sort of level of ultra-fast charging on a test bench, but making it work in the real world is a much more difficult task. There are just so many factors to consider when charging at these rates,” he told me.

One of the key issues for Porsche is battery longevity, as the company wants its cars to offer the same sort of driving thrills in 20 to 30 years time as they do when they roll off the production line.

Current residual values of Porsche's EVs aside, the company's cars generally remain hugely sought after items, with many going on to become collectable objects.

“All lithium-ion batteries suffer an initial 2-5% capacity drop in the first few years, but it is our job to manage battery health for the remainder of the vehicle’s life,” Cordova Tineo adds.

One of the factors that can lead to “sudden death” in a battery – or the point where its performance rapidly drops below what is deemed normal – is consistently charging at extreme rates, which Cordova Tineo says can lead to lithium plating and a massive reduction in battery performance.

“It is why we use stepped charging, where power is gradually ramped up as the battery reaches the optimum state of charge, tapering off as it hits the 70 or 80 per cent mark and then slowing right down towards the end,” he explains.

Real-world results

(Image credit: Porsche)

While Porsche wouldn’t rule out any new innovations in electric vehicle charging, it isn’t hastily jumping on the Megawatt bandwagon for now.

Otmar Bitsche, senior consultant in battery development and one of the longest-standing EV engineers at the company, says that the charging figures coming out of China are "good for PR but not always practical in the real world".

"The physics of it all is complex and this is before we even consider the infrastructure required to make it work," he added.

During one real-world demonstration in China, Inside EVs reported that BYD’s Han L, which is the first to use its Super e-platform with the latest Flash Battery, would draw 767kW of power until it reached a 40% State of Charge (SoC), holding steady at 633kW until it reached 50% and then dropping to 463 kW as it reached 60%.

Overall, the car gained 262 miles in around five minutes. Impressive stuff.

(Image credit: Porsche)

But despite BYD’s claims that fast-charging the battery doesn’t affect the warranty, the technology hasn’t been around long enough for us to know what state it will be in after five or ten years, long after the warranty has run out.

Plus, most of these next-generation, ultra-fast Chinese packs use a lithium-ion phosphate (LFP) chemical make-up, rather than the nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) that is used by Porsche in its Taycan and Macan models.

Right now, Porsche is working to recover around 90% of the raw materials used in its NMC battery packs in order to drastically reduce the reliance on mining.

Recycling fast-charging LFP batteries, on the other hand, is widely considered a more complicated task and presents a weaker business case due to lower economic value of their content.

Driving dynamics matter

(Image credit: Porsche)

The other key factor for Porsche is driving dynamics, arguably one of the most important pillars of the brand.

Even its everyday electric SUV, the formidable Macan, is an absolute hoot to drive and will give many modern sports cars a run for their money on the race circuit.

Otmar Bitsche, senior consultant in battery development, says that there is a delicate balancing act to be had with overall weight, energy density and charging speeds, the perfect concoction of which will go into the marque’s long-awaited electric sports cars.

Both the upcoming 718 Boxster and Cayman are due to feature the next generation of Porsche’s EV powertrains, with Bitsche claiming that a range of around 370 miles on a single charge would be "enough" for most sports cars.

The company’s current 800V architecture allows for a max charging speed of 270kW, which is enough to brim the Taycan’s larger battery pack from 5% to 80% in just 22.5 minutes.

Expect the Boxster and Cayman to feature smaller packs and new onboard charging tech, which in turn will likely see them charge even faster.

It is this notion of “being enough” for most users that Bitsche reiterates when confronted with the subject of Megawatt charging speeds, as he feels the additional technology and hardware required to make it work, not just from the manufacturer but the charging networks, has potential negative effects on the way a vehicle drives and a company’s bottom line.

An ultra-fast future

(Image credit: BYD)

Just this week, the Society of Automotive Engineers in the US just released a new SAE J3400/2 standard that defines the way a 1,000kW-capable North American Charging Standard connector and vehicle charge port will look like, proving its confidence in the technology.

However, as some critics have pointed out, even the Chinese real-world demonstrations only ever creep up to 1,000kW for a matter of seconds during charging sessions, before tapering off to a steady 600-odd kilowatts and then dropping back further.

As a result, some industry insiders believe it would be more beneficial (and cheaper) to build out a reliable network of 500kW chargers that can deliver those kind of speeds for a larger proportion of the charging session.

This would equate to 8 to 10-minute stops for many, which is the equivalent to the time spent at most gas stations, according to one white paper.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly for a marque like Porsche, Megawatt charging is still a relative unknown, with little research available on the longevity of the battery technology after many years or the reliability of it in extreme weather conditions.

"Increasing the charging efficiency and decreasing charge times is one of our priorities," explains Dr. Matthias Goldsche, a physicist and battery expert at Porsche.

"But this isn't the only thing, as we think the next generation of cars can hit a sweet spot of acceptable daily range for the majority of our customers, fast charging speeds, driving dynamics and the ability to create long-lasting, reliable and recyclable batteries," he adds.

You might also like

• I’ve driven the Porsche Macan EV – and it shows why the classic brand should stick to its electric guns
• Mercedes-AMG just teased its 1,000bhp Porsche Taycan Turbo GT rival – and it'll need to dip deep into its performance past to beat it
• Porsche hits the brakes on its electric-only plan – and it’s not the only major manufacturer keeping gas engines running

While the battle for EVs with the longest range may well have tapered off, a new arms race has begun in its place – and it's all about charging speeds.

In China, some of the world’s most recognizable automotive and tech brands are dueling it out to see who can force electrons into a battery pack at the most impressive rates.

After all, if said giants of industry can consistently bring charging times in line with fueling up an internal combustion engine vehicle, range anxiety is essentially banished to the history books and the extra weight, resources and financial penalties of larger battery packs are no longer an issue.

But while the so-called Megawatt ultra-fast charging (anything above 1,000kW) has tongues wagging with the sheer physics-bending nature of it all, some believe that the road towards two-minute top-ups won't be so smooth.

During a recent electric vehicle battery technology workshop at Porsche’s R&D facility in Weissach, the company spoke frankly and at length about its own road to electrification, marking the huge leaps it has made with the current generation Taycan and what the future holds.

(Image credit: BYD)

When asked about the current trend for Megawatt charging, Porsche’s development lead in high-voltage lithium-ion batteries, Carlos Alberto Cordova Tineo, said that while it is impressive, he doesn’t think it is the future for everyone.

"It is relatively easy to demonstrate this sort of level of ultra-fast charging on a test bench, but making it work in the real world is a much more difficult task. There are just so many factors to consider when charging at these rates,” he told me.

One of the key issues for Porsche is battery longevity, as the company wants its cars to offer the same sort of driving thrills in 20 to 30 years time as they do when they roll off the production line.

Current residual values of Porsche's EVs aside, the company's cars generally remain hugely sought after items, with many going on to become collectable objects.

“All lithium-ion batteries suffer an initial 2-5% capacity drop in the first few years, but it is our job to manage battery health for the remainder of the vehicle’s life,” Cordova Tineo adds.

One of the factors that can lead to “sudden death” in a battery – or the point where its performance rapidly drops below what is deemed normal – is consistently charging at extreme rates, which Cordova Tineo says can lead to lithium plating and a massive reduction in battery performance.

“It is why we use stepped charging, where power is gradually ramped up as the battery reaches the optimum state of charge, tapering off as it hits the 70 or 80 per cent mark and then slowing right down towards the end,” he explains.

Real-world results

(Image credit: Porsche)

While Porsche wouldn’t rule out any new innovations in electric vehicle charging, it isn’t hastily jumping on the Megawatt bandwagon for now.

Otmar Bitsche, senior consultant in battery development and one of the longest-standing EV engineers at the company, says that the charging figures coming out of China are "good for PR but not always practical in the real world".

"The physics of it all is complex and this is before we even consider the infrastructure required to make it work," he added.

During one real-world demonstration in China, Inside EVs reported that BYD’s Han L, which is the first to use its Super e-platform with the latest Flash Battery, would draw 767kW of power until it reached a 40% State of Charge (SoC), holding steady at 633kW until it reached 50% and then dropping to 463 kW as it reached 60%.

Overall, the car gained 262 miles in around five minutes. Impressive stuff.

(Image credit: Porsche)

But despite BYD’s claims that fast-charging the battery doesn’t affect the warranty, the technology hasn’t been around long enough for us to know what state it will be in after five or ten years, long after the warranty has run out.

Plus, most of these next-generation, ultra-fast Chinese packs use a lithium-ion phosphate (LFP) chemical make-up, rather than the nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) that is used by Porsche in its Taycan and Macan models.

Right now, Porsche is working to recover around 90% of the raw materials used in its NMC battery packs in order to drastically reduce the reliance on mining.

Recycling fast-charging LFP batteries, on the other hand, is widely considered a more complicated task and presents a weaker business case due to lower economic value of their content.

Driving dynamics matter

(Image credit: Porsche)

The other key factor for Porsche is driving dynamics, arguably one of the most important pillars of the brand.

Even its everyday electric SUV, the formidable Macan, is an absolute hoot to drive and will give many modern sports cars a run for their money on the race circuit.

Otmar Bitsche, senior consultant in battery development, says that there is a delicate balancing act to be had with overall weight, energy density and charging speeds, the perfect concoction of which will go into the marque’s long-awaited electric sports cars.

Both the upcoming 718 Boxster and Cayman are due to feature the next generation of Porsche’s EV powertrains, with Bitsche claiming that a range of around 370 miles on a single charge would be "enough" for most sports cars.

The company’s current 800V architecture allows for a max charging speed of 270kW, which is enough to brim the Taycan’s larger battery pack from 5% to 80% in just 22.5 minutes.

Expect the Boxster and Cayman to feature smaller packs and new onboard charging tech, which in turn will likely see them charge even faster.

It is this notion of “being enough” for most users that Bitsche reiterates when confronted with the subject of Megawatt charging speeds, as he feels the additional technology and hardware required to make it work, not just from the manufacturer but the charging networks, has potential negative effects on the way a vehicle drives and a company’s bottom line.

An ultra-fast future

(Image credit: BYD)

Just this week, the Society of Automotive Engineers in the US just released a new SAE J3400/2 standard that defines the way a 1,000kW-capable North American Charging Standard connector and vehicle charge port will look like, proving its confidence in the technology.

However, as some critics have pointed out, even the Chinese real-world demonstrations only ever creep up to 1,000kW for a matter of seconds during charging sessions, before tapering off to a steady 600-odd kilowatts and then dropping back further.

As a result, some industry insiders believe it would be more beneficial (and cheaper) to build out a reliable network of 500kW chargers that can deliver those kind of speeds for a larger proportion of the charging session.

This would equate to 8 to 10-minute stops for many, which is the equivalent to the time spent at most gas stations, according to one white paper.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly for a marque like Porsche, Megawatt charging is still a relative unknown, with little research available on the longevity of the battery technology after many years or the reliability of it in extreme weather conditions.

"Increasing the charging efficiency and decreasing charge times is one of our priorities," explains Dr. Matthias Goldsche, a physicist and battery expert at Porsche.

"But this isn't the only thing, as we think the next generation of cars can hit a sweet spot of acceptable daily range for the majority of our customers, fast charging speeds, driving dynamics and the ability to create long-lasting, reliable and recyclable batteries," he adds.

You might also like

• I’ve driven the Porsche Macan EV – and it shows why the classic brand should stick to its electric guns
• Mercedes-AMG just teased its 1,000bhp Porsche Taycan Turbo GT rival – and it'll need to dip deep into its performance past to beat it
• Porsche hits the brakes on its electric-only plan – and it’s not the only major manufacturer keeping gas engines running

You've heard of Wi-Fi, but here's what Li-Fi's unique technology may offer you.

Here are hints and the answers for the NYT Connections: Sports Edition puzzle, No. 258, for June 8.

Here are the answers for The New York Times Mini Crossword for June 8.

Here are the iPhone models that we recommend in 2025. Whether you're looking at the iPhone 16, 16 Pro or curious about the iPhone 16E, we've tested and reviewed them all.

Here are hints and the answer for today's Wordle No. 1,450 for June 8.