This newsletter is intended as a space where I can offer a deeper insight into what goes on behind the scenes at Mark Ellis Media, but also occasionally delve into topics that are a little more personal to me.

Three years ago, I discovered I had something called toxoplasmosis in my left eye, which had lain dormant for most of my life until it decided to make itself known by inflaming the rear of that eye, increasing its pressure significantly, and eventually leaving behind a scar. That scar resulted in a visual defect at the top-right corner of the peripheral vision in my left eye (which is less noticeable thanks to my good right eye). But it’s there, and it’s taken a while to get used to it.

Back then, I was told that it was highly unlikely this would ever happen again. Fast-forward three years, and I found myself in Berlin with the same symptoms as before. Cue an earlier flight home than expected, followed by a hospital visit, and the discovery that it was, indeed, a recurrence of toxoplasmosis. I did the right thing returning home early, and I’m on the meds to bring the inflammation down, but it will leave another scar.

I think it’s safe to say that most people have ‘a thing’, health-wise, that has left scars and which may resurface. And they’re all very personal to us. None of us is perfect. Human beings are relatively fragile. But when you’re impacted by something of that nature, it requires a lot of resilience and perspective to get yourself back on track.

I’ll shut up now, and let you watch the Tech Diary to hear more on where the Apple Watch Ultra 3 comes into this 😉

It hasn’t all been Apple this week, I also reviewed the latest headphones from Bowers & Wilkins and tried out the new Xiaomi 15T, which you can catch below. But first things first…

It’s been a week with the iPhone 17 Pro Max and I’ve got some things I really like, and some which I really don’t.

Earlier this year, Bowers & Wilkins released the Px7 S3 headphones. They were great, but it left a bit of an odd buying decision; either buy these or wait for the more expensive refresh of the flagship Px8 cans. Now that refresh is here, but do they justify the $800 price tag?

Whenever I buy an iPad, I instantly reach for this accessory. It is, quite simply, the best thing to use if you want to combine protection with a much-improved Apple Pencil experience. And yes, I’m being annoying and not mentioning the name, you’ll have to click the video, I’m afraid. Plus, there’s a giveaway to enter!

I have a ritual whenever I get a new Mac and I thought I’d finally get them together in one place so I could share them with you. Take a look, there might be something you’ve never considered, plus it’s got my must-have apps! →

If you haven’t yet, make sure to check out this week’s episode of our podcast, where we break down each new Apple product and debate whether your Apple Watch can save your life if you collapse on the side of a mountain… →

The iPhone Air is a fascinating device. Since my video last week, I’ve thrown together some more developed opinions and insights in my review on the website. I’ll be updating this page with subsequent reviews so stay tuned! →

Turn On iOS 26 Live Translation 👉
To enable Live Translation in a chat or group conversation, tap the chat name at the top of the screen and switch on “Automatically Translate.” Once it’s active, incoming messages in other languages will appear in your language, and your replies will be translated for the other person.

😌 James May: Top Gear Travel, Life in California, and Finding Peace (James May’s Planet Gin) - He’s certainly lived a life, and his perspective is always calming. More of this, please, Captain Slow.

🔨 I REBUILT A FIRE DAMAGED LAMBORGHINI SVJ (Mat Armstrong MK2) - Mat remains my favourite escape from the world of tech.

Could this be the best value for money phone camera system this year? Here are the stats, they are mighty impressive:

Has this one got your attention? Let me know!

Thanks for reading this week’s newsletter! There’s a lot still to come from Apple on the channel in the next few weeks and I’ll be covering it all. See you next Friday!

~ Mark