Apple just unveiled details about their M6, M7, and upcoming M8 chips — and the story behind them is fascinating. What many don’t know is that these powerful AI processors were born from Apple’s abandoned self-driving car project. As Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reports, the car project may have failed, but it left behind an incredible legacy of chip engineering.
While the new MacBooks and iPads with M7 chips come with premium price tags, I’ve found that you don’t need to spend a fortune on accessories to get the most out of your Apple devices. Here’s where Chinese marketplaces come in.
Best Tech Accessories to Buy from Taobao & 1688
- USB-C hubs & dongles — from ¥15 ($2)
- Laptop stands (aluminum) — from ¥20 ($3)
- Fast chargers (GaN tech) — from ¥25 ($3.50)
- Braided USB-C cables (1m-3m) — from ¥3 ($0.40)
- Silicone laptop sleeves — from ¥10 ($1.50)
- Monitor light bars — from ¥18 ($2.50)
- Wireless charging pads — from ¥12 ($1.70)
- Bluetooth trackpad alternatives — from ¥30 ($4)
I’ve been buying my Apple accessories this way for years. A USB-C hub that costs $50 on Amazon? Same thing for $2 on 1688. The savings are incredible.
How to Order
Chinese sites don’t ship internationally directly, but agent services make it easy. I use 360beestbuy — they buy the items for you, inspect quality, take photos, and ship worldwide. With 300 days free storage, you can buy accessories throughout the year and ship them all at once.