Siri Still Struggles to Answer Very Basic Questions
Siri launched on the iPhone 4S all the way back in 2011, and yet it still struggles to answer some of the most basic questions. Daring Fireball's John Gruber today highlighted a recent post from a Reddit user who asked Siri what month it is, only for Siri to respond that it does not understand. This is a frustrating experience that many iPhone users are all too familiar with, as evidenced by the dozens of replies to the post that provide similar examples of Siri being useless. Apple recently delayed the more personalized version of Siri that it previewed at WWDC last year, with the reported reason being that the new features did not work reliably enough. But, the regular Siri that we already have is already frustratingly bad, so perhaps Apple should focus on fixing that core before adding new features on top. Something went wrong Apple. Please try again.Tag: SiriThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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Porch Pirate Criminal Network Stole Thousands of iPhones in the U.S.
The U.S. Department of Justice recently cracked down on an international crime ring that targeted expensive electronics like the iPhone, with the workings of the complex crime system detailed in a report from The Wall Street Journal. Thirteen members of an international network worked to steal FedEx shipments of iPhones from people's porches, using automated scripts to scrape data from FedEx tracking systems and also bribing corrupt employees from AT&T. The employees took payments to share confidential customer information from a company order tracking system, snapping images of customer names, addresses, and tracking numbers. Some members of the criminal network obtained and sold delivery information, while others, called runners, purchased that info and physically stole the ‌iPhone‌ packages from doorsteps just minutes after they were delivered. Three of the criminals had a location in the Bronx neighborhood of New York where they received a steady stream of stolen devices, while another had a location in Brooklyn for receiving bulk deliveries of stolen devices from around the United States. Thefts occurred in multiple states, and the stolen devices were shipped and sold overseas. At one point, two of the runners involved went to a FedEx store to send a package and claimed that there were baby clothes inside. FedEx security inspected the package, located stolen iPhones, and confiscated them. When the package arrived empty, one of the men complained to FedEx customer service that his iPhones had been stolen. Both FedEx and AT&T worked with law enforcement officials to locate all of the criminals involved. In a statement, FedEx said that it has been proactively working with law enforcement to "address the rise of porch piracy," while AT&T said that it regularly updates its processes and employee training to thwart criminal tactics. All of the people who participated in the criminal scheme have been charged, with some of them facing up to 20 years in prison.This article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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Verizon's New Satellite Texting Service Isn't for iPhone Users
Apple introduced satellite connectivity for iPhones back in 2022, and since then, satellite messaging options have become the new must-have feature for carriers and other smartphone manufacturers. Verizon today announced the launch of its satellite-based text service, which is available for select Android smartphone users through a partnership with Skylo. Skylo uses licensed mobile satellite spectrum that avoids interference with terrestrial signals to provide coverage in remote areas where there isn't traditional cellular signal. Satellite texting through Verizon is only available for Galaxy S25 and Google Pixel 9 smartphones, and unlike T-Mobile's Starlink integration, Verizon isn't able to expand the Skylo satellite texting option to iPhone users because it requires specific smartphone hardware. ‌iPhone‌ users with an ‌iPhone‌ 14 or later already have access to satellite-based texting as of iOS 18 using the ‌iPhone‌'s built-in satellite connectivity available through Globalstar, but the option to connect to satellites from a second satellite company could increase the chance of being able to communicate in remote and rural areas. Apple added Starlink support to T-Mobile iPhones with iOS 18.3, and T-Mobile subscribers are able to connect to Starlink for satellite-based texting thanks to a public beta test that T-Mobile is offering. Compared to Apple's built-in satellite option, Starlink has more available satellites and smartphones can connect automatically without needing to hold a device up to the sky. While Verizon's Skylo satellite texting isn't available on the ‌iPhone‌ right now, Verizon is working on other satellite technology. The company is partnering with AST SpaceMobile to offer customers direct-to-cellular AST SpaceMobile service when terrestrial mobile networks are unavailable. When Verizon's AST SpaceMobile satellite partnership is ready, Verizon will likely be able to offer satellite texting for both ‌iPhone‌ and Android users. AST SpaceMobile and Verizon plan to provide satellite connectivity that supports text, voice, and video calling capabilities. AST SpaceMobile currently has FCC approval to test five commercial BlueBird satellites with smartphones.Tag: VerizonThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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Latest iOS 18.4 Beta Lets You Turn Off Privacy-Compromising Search Feature
iOS 18.4 includes a new Safari feature that puts your searches front and center, showing your recent search history whenever you open up a new Safari tab and tap into the search field. When the feature first came out in the iOS 18.4 beta, there was no option to disable it, but Apple rectified that with the fourth beta update. In the Safari section of the Settings app, there is now a "Show Recent Searches" option that can be toggled off. Disabling Show Recent Searches returns the Safari search interface to its iOS 18.3.2 behavior, where recent searches are not shown when tapping into the search window of a new tab. Apple appears to have added the option to toggle off the search feature after receiving feedback during the iOS 18.4 beta testing period. While some users may like the option to have recent searches readily available when opening up a new Safari tab, having searches so visible may not be desirable for those who sometimes need to hand over their iPhones and iPads to someone else. iOS 18.4 is still being beta tested, with Apple aiming for an early April launch date. The update also includes new emoji characters, Apple Intelligence Priority Notifications, Visual Intelligence for the iPhone 15 Pro, a Vision Pro app, and more. All of the features in the update are listed in our iOS 18.4 beta guide.Related Roundups: iOS 18, iPadOS 18Tag: SafariRelated Forums: iOS 18, iPadOS 18This article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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Plex Raises Price for Plex Pass, No Longer Offers Free Remote Playback for Personal Media
Media platform Plex today announced that it is raising prices for the Plex Pass subscription service, marking the first price increase that Plex has introduced in a decade. Starting on April 29, the Plex Pass will cost $6.99 per month or $69.99 per year, with a lifetime purchase option available for $249.99. Right now, the lifetime Plex Pass costs $120, while the monthly option is $4.99 and the annual option is $39.99. Plex says that it needs to raise prices to keep up with rising costs, and that the added funds will ensure that Plex is able to keep developing new features. Along with increasing prices, Plex is no longer going to offer remote playback for personal media as a free service. Plex users who want to be able to stream content that's not on the same local network as the server will have two options. A Plex Pass will allow server owners to provide remote media streaming to friends and family members without an additional charge, so only the server owner needs the Plex Pass, not the users streaming the content. Alternatively, if the server owner does not have a Plex Pass, remote streaming will still be available if the person accessing the server has a Plex Pass or a new Remote Watch Pass. Plex is introducing a new Remote Watch Pass subscription option aimed at those who want to stream media without hosting a server. It allows individual users to remotely stream media from any personal media server they have access to, even if the owner of that server does not have a Plex Pass. The Remote Watch Pass is priced at $1.99 per month or $19.99 per year, and it will be available starting on April 29. Plex users who have a Plex Pass already will continue to be able to use remote playback from any Plex Media Server after the changes are implemented, as will users who have access to their servers. Plex Pass lifetime subscribers will see no change, but monthly and yearly subscribers will see prices go up in April. As remote streaming is becoming a paid feature on Plex, Plex is removing the one-time activation fee that removes playback limitations in the Plex iOS and Android apps, and there will no longer be a one-minute playback limitation. The changes to personal media streaming do not impact viewing on the same local network. Free, ad-supported streaming of movies, shows, and live TV on Plex will also remain free.Tag: PlexThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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Review: Anker's Prime Lineup of Travel Charging Accessories Delivers Advanced Tech in Small Packages
While Anker is known for a broad array of charging accessories, the Anker Prime family features some of the company's most advanced technology and feature sets to deliver a premium experience. I've been testing out a few Anker Prime travel accessories over the past few months, including some of Anker's most compact yet powerful multi-port wall chargers, a multi-port power bank, and a high-end USB-C charging cable to help keep even Apple's most power-hungry products charged up. Anker Prime Wall Chargers First up are a pair of triple USB wall chargers in 67-watt and 100-watt varieties optimized for travel with folding prongs and GaN technology to ensure the most compact size possible. And while these chargers are surprisingly hefty for their size due to the density of the GaN technology packed inside, they definitely slip easily into a bag or even a large pocket. Each of these chargers offers a pair of USB-C ports and a USB-A port to help keep all of your devices charged up, and they have nearly identical designs, with the main differences being their output power and thus their overall sizes. The 67W version is 51% smaller than Apple's 67-watt adapter that has come with some MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models in recent years, measuring in at around 1.5 inches (~40 mm) square by 1.9 inches (50 mm) deep and weighing 4.78 ounces (135.7 grams). It can deliver up to 67 watts of charging power when either of its two USB-C ports is used alone, while the USB-A port can deliver up to 22.5 watts on its own. When using two ports simultaneously in any combination, the charger will intelligently divide up to 65 watts of power between the two ports, and if all three ports are in use it will divide up to 64.5 watts accordingly. Of the two USB-C ports, the upper one is labeled with a computer icon while the lower one is labeled with a phone icon, indicating that the upper port will be prioritized for heavier loads when multiple ports are in use. While 67 watts is enough for most Apple laptops other than the 16-inch ‌MacBook Pro‌, the fact that this is a multi-port charger means you're probably buying it to charge multiple devices at the same time. That works if you're only trying to charge something like an iPad, iPhone, and Apple Watch, but anything more and you may start to bump up against the charger's wattage ceiling. A ‌MacBook Air‌ drawing up to 35 watts is fine if you want to also charge an ‌iPhone‌, for example, but if you're trying to charge a ‌MacBook Pro‌ and other devices simultaneously, you're going to need more power and that's where Anker's 100W model comes in. The 100W model is unsurprisingly a bit larger and heavier than its sibling, measuring about 1.5 inches (39 mm) by 1.7 inches (44 mm) and about 2.3 inches (60 mm) deep and weighing 6.4 ounces (183.3 grams). As with the 67W model, the 100W model includes two USB-C ports that are each capable of delivering the full wattage to a connected device if used in solo mode. The USB-A port can similarly deliver up to 22.5 watts on its own. In a two-device charging configuration involving both USB-C ports, the upper one will deliver up to 65 watts, while the lower one will deliver up to 35 watts, ideal for charging something like a MacBook and an ‌iPad‌ or ‌iPhone‌ simultaneously. Using either of the USB-C ports with the USB-A port will split the power 76 watts and 22.5 watts respectively. If you need to charge three devices simultaneously, the upper USB-C port will provide up to 46 watts and the lower USB-C port will support up to 30 watts, with the USB-A port offering up to 22.5 watts. None of these configurations will allow you to fast charge a 16-inch ‌MacBook Pro‌, even if it's being charged on its own, but it should be largely sufficient for most users. Only if you're looking to charge multiple power-hungry devices will you likely want to look for something a bit more powerful, and therefore bulkier and probably more expensive. With the wide variety of chargers available on the market, it's always a balance of size/weight, power, and cost, so it's important to carefully weigh your priorities when considering a purchase. The 67W model is normally priced at $59.99, but a $20 on-page coupon on Anker's site currently brings it down to $39.99, a deal that is also available at Amazon. The beefier 100W version is currently priced at $84.99 with no discounts available either on Anker's site or at Amazon, so you may want to keep your eye out for a sale if that's the one you're interested in. Anker Prime 9.6K Power Bank As a lower-power and cheaper alternative to the Alogic Ark Pro I recently reviewed, Anker's 9.6K Prime Power Bank is a handy multi-device charging solution for on the go. Its 9,600 mAh internal battery is only about a third the size of the Ark Pro's, so you won't be able to come close to fully charging something like a ‌MacBook Pro‌ and it can only deliver 65 watts of total charging power, but for smaller devices it could be a solid option for many users. While the power bank is rated for 9,600 mAh of capacity, Anker notes that users should only expect about 65% of that to end up in the device being charged, due to various battery and circuitry inefficiencies. As a result, Anker says users should expect about 5,200 to 6,700 mAh to be delivered to a connected device, and that's about what I found in my testing. The power bank was able to fully charge an iPhone 16 Pro Max equipped with a 4,685 mAh battery and still have around 20% of the power bank's capacity remaining. One of the most notable features of the Anker Prime 9.6K Power Bank is its folding prongs, allowing it to be plugged directly into a wall to recharge its internal battery, act as a wall charger by providing passthrough power to devices connected to its USB ports, or both. It's a simpler, travel-friendly solution than having to use one of the power bank's USB ports, a separate cable, and potentially another power adapter to charge up the power bank. The Anker Prime 9.6K Power Bank features two USB-C ports, with either of them able to deliver up to 65 watts when used on its own. If both ports are used, the lower port will deliver up to 45 watts while the upper port will deliver up to 20 watts. The power bank includes a handy display to keep an eye on charging state with a button on the side to activate the display only when you need it, thus saving power. When charging up the power bank, the display reports the current battery level and the estimated time remaining until it's fully charged, and if it's being used to charge other devices either while plugged in or not, it reports the output currently going to each of the USB-C ports. The display also lets you access a stats page with information like battery health, the number of charge cycles, and current battery temperature. A long press on the side button lets you cycle through several settings for the power bank including how long the display should stay on for once activated with the button (30 seconds, 1 minute, 5 minutes, or 30 minutes), low and high options for the display brightness, and whether the lower C1 USB-C port can be used solely for output or if you can also recharge the power bank through it in addition to through the folding prongs. Measuring around 1.7 inches (43 mm) square by 4.5 in chess (115 mm) high and weighing 10.76 ounces (305 grams), the Anker Prime 9.6K Power Bank is plenty small and light enough to toss in a bag for travel, and it gives you peace of mind to be able to charge up your devices either from a wall outlet or while on the go. A small lanyard gives you a little something extra to grip or the ability to hang it on a carabiner or clip to keep it accessible in or on a larger bag, but it's not large enough to fit around a wrist. The power bank also comes with a 1-meter Anker 333 USB-C to USB-C cable and a soft carrying pouch with a drawstring closure. The brick-like profile of the power bank means it won't fit easily in a pocket unless you have a bulky coat, so that's something worth considering if you're planning on carrying it on your body. If all you're looking for is something to charge up a phone, you might look to another option like the much slimmer and lighter Anker MagGo Power Bank (10K, Slim) that can easily slide into even a pants or shirt pocket. Or for a similar but slightly thicker and heavier form factor but with a display, Qi2 support, and a kickstand, there's Anker's latest 10K MagGo Power Bank. But if you need something with a little more versatility and dual USB-C ports, the Anker Prime 9.6K Power Bank is a solid option. The Anker Prime 9.6K Power Bank is normally priced at $89.99, but a $15 on-page coupon at Anker currently brings the price down to $74.99. It's also available at Amazon for the same discounted price. Anker Prime 240W Braided USB-C to USB-C Cable As a companion to these various charging options, I've also been testing out Anker's 3-foot Prime USB-C to USB-C braided cable with support for 240-watt charging, which offers premium specs to ensure you're charging at the fastest possible speeds. With devices like the last couple of generations of the 16-inch ‌MacBook Pro‌ now supporting fast charging over USB-C, you'll need to make sure you have a 240-watt cable if you want to take advantage of those speeds, and this Anker cable fits the bill. The cable has a premium feel with an attractive braided design that offers excellent durability. Anker says it's tested the cable to survive over 300,000 bends and stand up to 220 pounds of force, while being made of recycled nylon. Anker also includes a handy silicone cable wrap to keep things tidy when you're not using the cable. Importantly, this cable prioritizes charging speed with its ability to deliver up to 240 watts of power for supported devices, and thus it only supports 480 Mbps USB 2.0 speeds for data transfer. That's enough for lower-end needs, but if you're looking to move large amounts of data quickly such as for backups or screen mirroring/video output, you'll need to look at other options supporting flavors of USB 3, USB 4, or Thunderbolt. The 240W Anker Prime USB-C to USB-C cable is available in a 3-foot length for $29.99 or a 6-foot length for $34.99, although an on-page coupon currently available on Anker's site brings those prices down to $25.99 and $29.99 respectively. Amazon also currently has them available at the discounted prices. Note: Anker provided MacRumors with the Anker Prime charging accessories for the purposes of this review. No other compensation was received. MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Anker and Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.Tag: AnkerThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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Budget Smartphone Battle: iPhone 16e vs. Nothing Phone 3a Pro
Android smartphone maker Nothing recently came out with the Phone 3a and Phone 3a Pro, just a little after Apple launched the iPhone 16e. Since Nothing's smartphone is targeting roughly the same group of smartphone buyers as the ‌iPhone 16e‌, we thought we'd do a comparison. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. The ‌iPhone 16e‌ is priced at $599, which is higher than any other budget smartphone that Apple has released to date, while the 3a Pro is quite a bit more affordable at $459. The 3a Pro has some bells and whistles you won't get with the ‌iPhone 16e‌ like extra cameras and a larger display, but the Qualcomm chip in the 3a Pro really can't compete with the A18 in the ‌iPhone 16e‌. It's not even close. While the ‌iPhone 16e‌ has a 6.1-inch display, the 3a Pro has a larger 6.8-inch display, and it's notably larger and heavier. It has a brighter OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, while the 16e display is limited to 60Hz. In terms of design, the 16e has a classic, understated iPhone look with a single camera, while the 3a Pro has a large rear camera circle, a stylized mechanical look, and a ring of LED lights at the back that serve as notification alerts. The Nothing Phone 3a Pro has an eye-catching design for sure, but it might also be a bit much for some people. There's a single 48-megapixel Wide camera in the ‌iPhone 16e‌, but the 3a Pro has a trio of cameras, including a 50-megapixel main camera, a 50-megapixel Telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom, and an 8-megapixel ultra-wide camera. Battery life is about the same between the two, and the 3a Pro has no wireless charging feature while the 16e supports slow Qi-based wireless charging. The 3a Pro does charge faster though, because it supports up to 50W wired charging. Nothing hasn't gone all in on AI like Apple, but there is a dedicated AI button that opens up the Essential Space, which is an AI-powered hub for notes, ideas, and inspirations. There are no image generation features or custom emoji, but it is a truly useful feature. Of course, the major difference between the two is iOS vs. Android, so while the 3a Pro is a solid value with a good feature set, it's probably not going to lure ‌iPhone‌ users out of Apple's ecosystem. What do you think of the Nothing Phone 3a Pro? Let us know in the comments below.This article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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iOS 19 and iOS 20 Must Include a Long List of Major Changes, EU Says
The European Commission today announced a long list of changes that Apple is legally required to implement in future iOS 19 and iOS 20 updates. The announcement clarifies interoperability requirements that Apple is required to adhere to in the EU, under the Digital Markets Act, which has been fully enforced since March 2024. The changes will further open up the iPhone and its technologies to competing companies and devices, and Apple is really unhappy about it. We will be publishing an in-depth overview of all of the requirements, but in the meantime we have highlighted some key items below. Third-party smartwatches must be able to display and interact with iOS notifications by the end of 2025, which likely means iOS 19.2 or earlier. Apple must make its automatic audio switching feature available to third-party headphones by June 1, 2026, which likely means iOS 19.4 or earlier. This is the feature that allows most AirPods and select Beats to automatically switch connection between Apple devices, such as a Mac and an iPhone. Apple must make changes to iOS that allow for third parties to offer equivalent AirDrop alternatives by June 1, 2026. Apple must make changes to iOS that allow for third parties to offer equivalent AirPlay alternatives by iOS 20, or the end of 2026. iOS 20 is expected to be released to the general public in September 2026.Apple has until iOS 20 to meet specific aspects of some of the requirements. The entire list of changes can be found on the European Commission's website. Apple criticized these requirements as "bad for our products and for our European users." "Today's decisions wrap us in red tape, slowing down Apple's ability to innovate for users in Europe and forcing us to give away our new features for free to companies who don't have to play by the same rules," said Apple, in a statement. iOS 19 will be announced at WWDC 2025 this June, and iOS 20 will follow a year later.Related Roundup: iOS 19Tags: European Commission, iOS 20This article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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Here's How the iPhone 16e's C1 Modem Stacks Up Against the iPhone 16 Qualcomm Modem
The iPhone 16e includes Apple's first custom-designed C1 modem, and since it's a new chip category for Apple, there have been questions about how the C1 measures up to the Qualcomm modems that Apple has been using for years. As it turns out, the ‌iPhone 16e‌ performs almost as well or better than the iPhone 16 in many speed tests that compare sub-6GHz performance, but it does vary by network. According to cellular performance data shared by Ookla, Verizon and AT&T ‌iPhone 16e‌ users saw better median download speeds than ‌iPhone 16‌ users, but T-Mobile users saw slightly higher median download speeds with the ‌iPhone 16‌ than the ‌iPhone 16e‌. When looking at the highest speeds across carriers, the ‌iPhone 16‌ wins out over the ‌iPhone 16e‌ because the ‌iPhone 16e‌ does not have mmWave 5G support. The ‌iPhone 16e‌ cannot connect to the fastest mmWave 5G networks, and it is limited to sub-6GHz connectivity. mmWave is found in urban areas and is less widespread than sub-6GHz. In situations where connectivity was poor, the ‌iPhone 16e‌ outperformed the ‌iPhone 16‌. Ookla's test revealed that T-Mobile users with an ‌iPhone 16e‌ saw median download speeds of 264.71 Mb/s, while users with an ‌iPhone 16‌ saw median download speeds of 357.47, a 24 percent increase in speed. According to Ookla, the ‌iPhone 16e‌'s underperformance on the T-Mobile network could be due to T-Mobile's 5G standalone network and advanced features like carrier aggregation. For Verizon users, download speeds were low for both the ‌iPhone 16e‌ and the ‌iPhone 16‌, which seems to be a network issue. ‌iPhone 16e‌ users saw median download speeds of 140.77 Mb/s on Verizon. ‌iPhone 16‌ download speeds were even lower at 124.4 Mb/s. As for AT&T users, median download speeds for the ‌iPhone 16e‌ were at 226.9 Mb/s, and 146.49 for the ‌iPhone 16‌. The ‌iPhone 16e‌ outperformed the ‌iPhone 16‌ in upload speeds across all carriers, with the most notable difference on the Verizon and AT&T networks. T-Mobile was the fastest network overall for both the ‌iPhone 16e‌ and the ‌iPhone 16‌ in download and upload speeds. With the C1 modem, Apple was able to increase efficiency, and it draws less power than Qualcomm modems. Apple says the C1 is the most efficient modem that's ever been used in an iPhone, and the ‌iPhone 16e‌ does indeed have longer battery life than the ‌iPhone 16‌. The C1 modem is Apple's first step toward independence from Qualcomm, and Apple has long been aiming to reduce its reliance on Qualcomm technology. Apple is already working on the C2 modem for future devices, and it is expected to include mmWave 5G support.Related Roundup: iPhone 16eBuyer's Guide: iPhone 16e (Buy Now)This article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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Apple Studio Display Gets Massive $350 Discount on Amazon
Amazon has introduced a new all-time low price on the Apple Studio Display, available for $1,249.00, down from $1,599.00. This is the standard glass version of the Studio Display with the tilt adjustable stand, and right now it's the only model on Amazon at a record low price. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running. Compared to past sales, this is $50 under the previous all-time low price and as of writing only Amazon has the deal. There's an estimated delivery window of late March for most residences in the United States. $350 OFFStandard Glass Apple Studio Display for $1,249.00 The Studio Display features a 27-inch 5K Retina display with a 5120 x 2880 resolution and up to 600 nits of brightness. Apple says that the standard display is engineered for "extremely low reflectivity," but for rooms where there is a lot of glare, Apple suggests the nano-texture glass option with even less reflectivity. 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. Deals Newsletter Interested in hearing more about the best deals you can find in 2025? Sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we'll keep you updated so you don't miss the biggest deals of the season! Related Roundup: Apple DealsThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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Google's New $499 Pixel 9a Tops the iPhone 16e in Four Ways
Google today introduced the Pixel 9a, its latest lower-priced smartphone. The device is launching in April, and it will compete with Apple's new iPhone 16e. In terms of specs and pricing, the Pixel 9a tops the iPhone 16e in at least four ways. First, the Pixel 9a's 6.3-inch OLED display is larger than the iPhone 16e's 6.1-inch screen. Second, the Pixel 9a's display supports up to a 120Hz refresh rate for smoother scrolling and content, while the iPhone 16e is limited to 60Hz. Third, while both the Pixel 9a and the iPhone 16e are equipped with a 48-megapixel main rear camera, the Pixel 9a also has an Ultra Wide camera. Fourth, the Pixel 9a starts at $499 in the U.S., while the iPhone 16e starts at $599. Of course, the Pixel 9a runs Android, which is simply a dealbreaker for many iPhone users who prefer the Apple ecosystem or feel too locked in to bother switching platforms. But, increased competition is always good to see. To learn more about the Pixel 9a, read Google's blog post.Related Roundup: iPhone 16eTags: Google, Google PixelBuyer's Guide: iPhone 16e (Buy Now)This article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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Apple Says EU Interoperability Regulations 'Bad for Our Products and Users'
The European Commission today published the decisions of its interoperability proceedings to assist Apple in complying with its obligations under the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA), but Apple has come out swinging, calling them "bad for our products and bad for our European users." The DMA, which came into force last year, requires major platform holders or "gatekeepers" like Apple to provide third-party developers equal access to iOS and iPadOS system tools and features. The Commission's first proceeding focused on iOS connectivity features for third-party connected devices like smartwatches, headphones, and virtual reality headsets. The decisions specify how Apple will provide effective interoperability for functionalities such as notifications, device pairing and connectivity. The measures will grant device manufacturers and app developers improved access to iPhone features that interact with such devices (e.g. displaying notifications on smartwatches), faster data transfers (e.g. peer-to-peer Wi-Fi connections, and near-field communication) and easier device set-up (e.g. pairing).The second proceeding focused on the process Apple has set up to address interoperability requests submitted by developers and third parties for iOS and iPadOS. Developers will benefit from a fast and fair handling of their interoperability requests. The measures will accelerate their ability to offer a wider choice to European consumers of innovative services and hardware that interoperate with iPhones and iPads.The final measures set out in the two specification decisions follow an extensive engagement with Apple and input by third parties as part of the public consultation launched in December 2024. However, according to Apple, the DMA effectively requires it to hand over intellectual property to competitors, including companies whose business model relies on copying others. This intervention, argues the company, allows officials or third parties to influence iPhone development to the point of micromanagement, making it harder to introduce new technologies in Europe. Apple also expressed its concern that some data-driven companies are exploiting the DMA to bypass EU data protection standards, and seeking unfettered access to user devices — a privacy and security risk Apple flagged in its December 2024 report, which specifically calls out Meta. To comply with the DMA, Apple launched a portal for EU developers to request additional interoperability with iOS and iPadOS. With over 250,000 APIs, the company believes it already provides third-party developers with robust tools for interoperability while protecting user data. "Today's decisions wrap us in red tape, slowing down Apple's ability to innovate for users in Europe and forcing us to give away our new features for free to companies who don't have to play by the same rules," said Apple in a statement given to MacRumors. "It's bad for our products and for our European users. We will continue to work with the European Commission to help them understand our concerns on behalf of our users." Apple said it has worked extensively with the Commission to comply with the DMA, and dedicated up to 500 engineers to the effort. The company believes it has met all requirements, and will continue engaging with regulators. But it's unconvinced the current demands will foster competition or innovation as intended. Today's decisions mark the first time the Commission outlines concrete measures for a gatekeeper to comply with the Digital Markets Act," said Teresa Ribera, executive VP for clean, just and competitive transition. "Companies operating in the EU, irrespective of their place of incorporation, must comply with EU rules, including the Digital Markets Act. With these decision, we are simply implementing the law, and providing regulatory certainty both to Apple and to developers. Effective interoperability for third-party connected devices is an important step towards opening Apple's ecosystem. This will lead to a better choice for consumers in the fast-growing market for innovative connected devices. Also, from now on, developers will enjoy more transparency as to how their interoperability requests are handled by Apple. Today moves us closer to ensuring a level playing field in Europe, thanks to the rule of law. The DMA's specification decisions are legally binding and Apple is required to implement the specified measures. However, the Commission says the decisions "fully respect Apple's rights of defense" and remain subject to independent judicial scrutiny.Tags: European Commission, European UnionThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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Get $100 Off iPad Mini 7 on Amazon, Available From $399
Amazon this week is providing record low prices on multiple models of the iPad mini 7, starting at $399.00 for the 128GB Wi-Fi tablet, down from $499.00. Best Buy is also matching many of these deals. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running. Amazon has all four colors of the 128GB Wi-Fi iPad mini 7 on sale at this price, and it's a match of the best price we've ever tracked on the tablet. You can also get the 256GB Wi-Fi iPad mini 7 for $499.00 and the 512GB Wi-Fi iPad mini 7 for $699.99, both $100 discounts and available in multiple colors. $100 OFF128GB Wi-Fi iPad mini 7 for $399.00 $100 OFF256GB Wi-Fi iPad mini 7 for $499.00 $100 OFF512GB Wi-Fi iPad mini 7 for $699.00 Deals on cellular models are a bit rarer on Amazon, with a few colors of the 256GB cellular iPad mini 7 on sale for $649.00, down from $749.00. If you prefer shopping at Best Buy, remember that the retailer is matching all of these sales on the iPad mini 7, and it has more options for deals on cellular models. Our full Deals Roundup has more information on the latest Apple-related sales and bargains. Deals Newsletter Interested in hearing more about the best deals you can find in 2025? Sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we'll keep you updated so you don't miss the biggest deals of the season! Related Roundup: Apple DealsThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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Apple Says iPhone Driver's Licenses Coming to These 8 U.S. States, But Rollout Remains Slow
In select U.S. states, residents can add their driver's license or state ID to the Wallet app on the iPhone and Apple Watch, providing a convenient and contactless way to display proof of identity or age at select airports and businesses, and in select apps. Unfortunately, this feature continues to roll out very slowly. It has been three and a half years since Apple first announced the feature in September 2021, and only nine U.S. states and the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico offer it. Supported States Arizona (since March 2022) Maryland (since May 2022) Colorado (since November 2022) Georgia (since May 2023) Ohio (since July 2024) Hawaii (since August 2024) California (since September 2024) Iowa (since October 2024) New Mexico (since December 2024)The feature is also available in Puerto Rico. Future States Apple said the following states have "signed on" to adopt the feature in the future: Montana West Virginia Connecticut Kentucky Mississippi Oklahoma Utah IllinoisThe feature also works with Japan's My Number Card starting with iOS 18.4, which is in beta and will be released in early April. Participating Airports Apple Wallet app IDs can be used at select TSA checkpoints within select U.S. airports:Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) Denver International Airport (DEN) Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Airport (CVG) John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) San Francisco International Airport (SFO) San Jose Mineta International Airport (SJC) Los Angeles International (LAX) Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) Des Moines International Airport (DSM) Eastern Iowa Airport (CID) Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) Lea County Regional Airport (HOB) Luis Munoz Marin International Airport (SJU)Apple says travelers should refer to TSA checkpoint signage to confirm availability of the feature, and the TSA's website offers more details. Apple Wallet IDs can also be used to show proof of age or identity at select businesses and venues in the U.S., but there is no list of locations.Tag: Apple WalletThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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First iPhone 17 Air Case Has Camera Bar, Camera Control Button Cutouts
Serial leaker Sonny Dickson today shared an image of what he claims is a first look at a third-party case for Apple's iPhone 17 Air. "If you didn’t know an Air was coming, you'd swear it was a Google Pixel case," he said. Case manufacturers often obtain design specifications of upcoming iPhone models before their release by collaborating with Apple through official partnerships or conducting on-site investigations in production facilities. Observing production trends and prototypes in these areas helps them anticipate design changes. The upcoming iPhone 17 Air is expected to feature a distinctive camera module design characterized by a horizontal "camera bar" that spans the width of the device's upper rear section. The design is reminiscent of Google's Pixel series and represents a departure from previous iPhone camera layouts. Leaked renders suggest that the camera bar will house a single rear camera lens, positioned on the left side, with the flash located on the far right. The overall aesthetic is sleek and minimalist, in line with the iPhone 17 Air's ultra-thin profile, which is reported to be approximately 5.5mm thick. iPhone 17 Air case (Image: Sonny Dickson) Despite its minimalism, the device is expected to feature MagSafe, an Action button, and a Camera Control button – as indicated by the cutout on the lower left side of the case shown in the above image. A report at the weekend said the iPhone 17 Air will have a Camera Control button, and dummy models previously shared by Dickson reflect this. The iPhone 17 Air is expected to feature a 6.6-inch display with 120Hz ProMotion support, a Dynamic Island, a standard A19 chip rather than an A19 Pro chip, a 48-megapixel rear camera, Apple's custom-made C1 modem, and no physical SIM card slot worldwide. As usual, Apple should announce its new iPhone lineup around mid-September.Tag: Sonny DicksonThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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Turn Any macOS Folder Into an Image Converter – Here's How
In macOS, you can easily convert the format of images using a Quick Action in Finder or you can achieve the same thing via the Preview app, but if your daily workflow requires you to repeatedly convert images – for uploading to a blog, for example – then using a Folder Action can be a much faster way of getting the job done. In this article, we'll show you how to use the macOS Automator app to create a very simple Folder Action that will automatically convert images dropped into a specific folder, without you having to manually apply a Quick Action or open an image editing app. Keep reading to learn how it's done. How to Create an Image Converting Folder in Automator Launch Automator from the Applications folder. Click New Document. Choose Folder Action as the type of your document. At the top of the workflow area, click the dropdown next to Folder Action receives files and folders added to: then select Other.... Select the folder that you'd like to attribute the image conversion action to. In our example, we're choosing the Downloads folder. From the Library sidebar on the far left, select Photos. From the Actions column, drag Change Type of Images (the one with the Preview icon) to the workflow area. A dialog prompt will appear. If you want your action to convert copies of images placed in the folder and preserve the originals, select Add. If you want it to convert the original images, select Don't Add. In the Change Type of Images action panel, choose the type of format that you want images to be converted to. We're selecting JPG. In the Automator menu bar, select File - > Save... or press Command-S, call your new file action "Convert Image," then click Save.That's all there is to it. Next time you want to convert an image into your preferred format, simply drag it into the folder that you assigned the action to. Now that you know how to create the image conversion workflow in Automator, you may want to turn it into a standalone "Application," the option for which you can find in Automator's document menu. An "Application" is a self-running workflow that acts as a droplet – any files or folders dropped onto it are used as input to the workflow. In other words, you could add an "Application" to your Dock and drop images onto it for conversion. You can also import Automator workflows into the Shortcuts app. Shortcuts can convert most Automator workflows into shortcuts that carry out the same functions, events and automations — you simply drag a workflow file into Shortcuts and the conversion happens automatically. Tag: AutomatorThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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Apple Passwords App Bug Left Users Vulnerable to Phishing Attacks for Months Before Being Fixed
Apple fixed a bug in its Passwords app with December's iOS 18.2 update that had left users vulnerable to phishing attacks in the three months since the launch of iOS 18. According to an Apple security update spotted by 9to5Mac, the Passwords app was sending unencrypted requests for the logos and icons associated with users' stored passwords. Without protections of encryption, an attacker on the same Wi-Fi network could redirect a user's browser to a clone phishing site where login details could be stolen. The vulnerability was first discovered by developer Mysk's security researchers and reported in September. Apple's iOS 18.2 security release notes described the bug like so: Impact: A user in a privileged network position may be able to leak sensitive information Description: This issue was addressed by using HTTPS when sending information over the network. Apple lists the bug in security content updates for the Mac, iPad, and Vision Pro, indicating that this issue was fixed across multiple OSes.This article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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Will Apple's Large-Screened Foldable be an iPad or a Mac?
Along with a foldable iPhone, Apple is working on a larger foldable device that's somewhere around 19 inches, but rumors have been split on whether it's an iPad or a Mac. Some reports refer to the device as an ‌iPad‌, while some call it a Mac, and the split seems to come down to the operating system on the device. Is it a Mac? Some rumors have suggested that Apple is developing a foldable MacBook with an all-display design. The MacBook already has a foldable design, of course, but the difference here would be a single display without an included keyboard and trackpad. A foldable Mac would be able to be folded in half and used like a traditional MacBook with a virtual keyboard, or it could be unfolded and used as a display when paired with an external keyboard. Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has referred to Apple's larger foldable device as a MacBook, and he thinks it's going to have an 18.8 to 20.2-inch display. Display analyst Ross Young has also written about Apple's work on a notebook with an 18.8-inch display. The Wall Street Journal said in December that Apple is working on a 19-inch MacBook with a foldable screen. Is it an iPad? Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has referred to Apple's large-screened foldable device as an ‌iPad‌, and he says it's going to have a display that's around 20 inches in size. The Elec said in 2022 that Apple was developing a foldable device around 20 inches in size that folds down to 15.3 inches, and research firm Omdia believes that Apple is working on a 20.3-inch foldable OLED iPad that will be positioned as an iPad Pro. While Kuo has also mainly referred to Apple's foldable as a MacBook, in 2023, he called it an ‌iPad‌ and said that it would come with a carbon fiber kickstand. Of course, Kuo initially said that such a foldable would come in 2024, something that did not happen. Or both? When thinking of a foldable with an all-display design, it's easier to picture an ‌iPad‌, which is already a single screen. It makes sense for Apple to create an ‌iPad‌ that's able to fold down for portability and then unfold into a larger workspace, but what if it runs macOS? We don't have much of a reference for an all-display Mac since it's not a form factor we're familiar with, but a 20-inch device that's all display and folds in half would definitely be something of a hybrid ‌iPad‌ and Mac device. Analyst Jeff Pu recently said that Apple's large-screened foldable will be a MacBook-iPad hybrid that's likely to run macOS, rather than iPadOS. Such a device would presumably have a touchscreen, and would require notable changes to the Mac operating system as it does not support touch input. Gurman also claimed that some of the design updates that Apple is making in iOS 19 and macOS 16 to unify the operating systems will pave the way for foldable devices and touchscreen Macs, so a hybrid is a possibility. Whether the large-screened foldable is ultimately an ‌iPad‌ or a Mac will come down to the operating system that Apple is planning to use. If the device runs macOS, it'll be in the Mac family, and if it runs iPadOS, it'll be in the ‌iPad‌ family. Launch Date Rumors about the release date for Apple's foldable ‌iPad‌/Mac have targeted as early as 2026 to as late as 2028, so it's not quite clear when we'll see the device. It's possible that Apple is planning a launch for as soon as next year, and if that's the case, rumors should really start picking up in the next couple of months. If we don't start hearing more soon, we can assume that Apple is aiming for a later launch date in 2027 or beyond.This article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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Apple Stops Signing iOS 18.3.1
Apple today stopped signing iOS 18.3.1, so iPhone users who have upgraded to iOS 18.3.2 are no longer able to downgrade to the prior version of iOS 18. Apple released iOS 18.3.2 on March 10. It is not unusual for Apple to stop signing older versions of iOS after releasing an update. Software that is not signed cannot be installed on an ‌iPhone‌ due to a server-side verification check, and it keeps ‌iPhone‌ users from installing outdated versions of iOS. ‌iPhone‌ models compatible with ‌iOS 18‌ are only eligible to download and run iOS 18.3.2 at this time. By preventing customers from installing older versions of iOS or downgrading, Apple ensures that devices have the latest security improvements. iOS 18.3.2 introduced important security fixes, addressing a vulnerability that may have been actively exploited.This article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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Nanoleaf Launches New Screen Mirror Lightstrip for Mac Displays
Nanoleaf today announced the launch of the PC Screen Mirror Lightstrip, a new desktop lighting option that is designed to make desktop gaming and entertainment more immersive with rainbow lighting effects. The Screen Mirror Lightstrip connects to a computer using USB-C, and it is able to provide real-time dynamic mirroring that matches whatever is on your screen. It can match the output of a game or a movie, or it can sync to music, with the lights changing to match the rhythm of a song. With a Nanoleaf Premium subscription, there is an Orchestrator mode that provides access to different moods for music experience customization. Nanoleaf designed the Screen Mirror Lightstrip for displays up to 32 inches in size, and it features a flexible zigzag design for simple and precise installation. The Lightstrip pairs to a display using the Nanoleaf Desktop app, which is available for both PCs and Macs. More than 16 million colors are supported for dynamic lighting animations and visual effects. The PC Screen Mirror Lightstrip from Nanoleaf is priced at $50 and it can be pre-ordered from the Nanoleaf website. It is set to ship at the end of March.This article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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Next Year's iPhone 18 Pro Already Rumored to Have Five New Features
While the iPhone 18 Pro models are still around a year and a half away from launching, there are already some early rumors about the devices. Below, we recap some key iPhone 18 Pro rumors so far. Under-Screen Face ID In April 2023, display industry analyst Ross Young shared a roadmap showing that iPhone 17 Pro models would feature under-display Face ID. In May 2024, however, Young said he heard this change had been delayed until 2026. If so, that means that under-screen Face ID could debut on the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max next year. Even with under-screen Face ID, it is expected that the Dynamic Island will live on, but it might become smaller. Alternatively, the iPhone 18 Pro models could have only a pinhole at the top of the display for the front camera, similar to Android smartphones like Google's Pixel 9 and Samsung's Galaxy S25. It's too early to know yet. Variable Aperture The main 48-megapixel Fusion camera on both iPhone 18 Pro models will offer variable aperture, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. With variable aperture, users would be able to control the amount of light that passes through the camera's lens and reaches the sensor. The main cameras on iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro models have a fixed aperture of ƒ/1.78, and the lens is always fully open and shooting with this widest aperture. With the iPhone 18 Pro models, users would be able to manually change the aperture, according to this rumor. A variable aperture on iPhone 18 Pro models should provide users with greater control over depth of field, which refers to how sharp a subject appears in the foreground compared to the background. However, given that iPhones have smaller image sensors due to size restraints, it is unclear exactly how meaningful this improvement would be. Samsung Image Sensor Samsung is developing a new three-layer stacked camera sensor that Apple is expected to use for iPhone 18 Pro models, according to DigiTimes. This advanced image sensor would make the iPhone 18's camera more responsive, and offer other benefits like reduced noise in photos, increased dynamic range, and more. The exact technology is called "PD-TR-Logic," according to a leaker known as "Jukanlosreve", and it refers to a camera sensor with three layers of circuitry affixed to it. Sony has long been the exclusive supplier of image sensors for iPhone cameras, so Samsung entering the fray would be notable. In July 2024, Kuo said he expected Samsung to begin shipping 48-megapixel Ultra Wide camera sensors to Apple for iPhones as early as 2026, which is when the iPhone 18 Pro models are expected to be released. C2 Modem Apple debuted its custom-designed C1 modem in the iPhone 16e last month, as part of a multi-year plan to transition away from Qualcomm modems. Apple's second-generation C2 modem will debut in the iPhone 18 Pro models next year, according to Jeff Pu, an analyst who covers companies within Apple's supply chain. Unsurprisingly, expect the C2 modem to be faster than the C1, and for it to gain mmWave support in the United States. Further power efficiency improvements are likely too. A20 Pro Chip With Apple Intelligence Upgrade Apple's A20 Pro chip for the iPhone 18 Pro models will be manufactured with TSMC's third-generation 3nm process, despite an initial 2nm rumor, according to Pu. That is the same process that is expected to be used for the A19 Pro chip coming in the iPhone 17 Pro models, so the iPhone 18 Pro models could have relatively small overall performance improvements compared to the previous generation. Pu does expect the A20 Pro chip to have one upgrade that he said will benefit Apple Intelligence capabilities. Specifically, he said the chip will use TSMC's so-called Chip on Wafer on Substrate (CoWoS) packaging technology, which would allow for tighter integration of the chip's processor, unified memory, and Neural Engine.Tag: iPhone 18This article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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Apple Music Experiencing Outage
Apple Music is facing an ongoing outage, according to Apple's System Status page. The downtime started at 2:26 p.m. Eastern Time, and has not yet been resolved. Apple says that some users may be experiencing intermittent issues with the service, though it does not appear to be malfunctioning for all users. We'll update this article when the issue has been resolved. Tag: Apple MusicThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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Apple Pay Now Available in Puerto Rico
Apple Pay today expanded to Puerto Rico, which means iPhone, iPad, and Mac users living in the territory are now able to use ‌Apple Pay‌ for purchases in retail stores and online, even without a mainland credit or debit card. Though Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, ‌Apple Pay‌ was not previously available for Puerto Rico banks, though Puerto Ricans have had access to the Apple Card and have been able to use ‌Apple Pay‌ with U.S. credit and debit cards. As of right now, Banco Popular in Puerto Rico supports ‌Apple Pay‌, so Banco Popular cardholders in the territory can add eligible cards to the Wallet app to use as a contactless payment method. Banco Popular cards are able to be used at any location that accepts ‌Apple Pay‌. Apple first launched ‌Apple Pay‌ in 2015, and has expanded it to dozens of countries and territories around the world. In addition to expanding ‌Apple Pay‌ to Puerto Rico today, Apple also launched the Tap to Provision feature in Hong Kong, Macao, and Mongolia. Tap to Provision lets users add eligible credit and debit cards to the Wallet app by tapping the card on the back of the ‌iPhone‌.Related Roundup: Apple PayRelated Forum: Apple Music, Apple Pay/Card, iCloud, Fitness+This article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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Apple Releases New MagSafe Charger Firmware
Apple today released a firmware update for the 25W MagSafe Charger that is compatible with the iPhone 12 and later and the latest AirPods and Apple Watch models. The updated firmware is version 2A146, up from the 2A143 firmware that came out earlier this year. In the Settings app, the new firmware is version 136, up from 133. Apple launched the 2024 ‌MagSafe‌ charger alongside the iPhone 16 models, and it is able to charge them at up to 25W. For the ‌iPhone‌ 12 models to the iPhone 15 models, charging is capped at 15W. Because firmware updates are released quietly over the air, Apple does not provide release notes. We don't know what new features or bug fixes might be included in the software. There is no clear method for updating a ‌‌MagSafe‌‌ charger's firmware, but it needs to be plugged in and connected to an Apple device for a firmware update to initiate. You can check your ‌‌MagSafe‌‌ Charger's firmware by following the instructions in our MagSafe Charger how to.Tag: MagSafeThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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Apple's Long-Rumored Foldable iPhone is Starting to Sound Serious
While it might feel like a foldable iPhone has been two years away for years now, rumors about the device are finally starting to sound serious. There are now several sources who agree that Apple's first foldable iPhone will feature a 7.8-inch inner display when unfolded, along with a 5.5-inch outer display. Those sources include analysts Ming-Chi Kuo and Jeff Pu, along with the Weibo account Digital Chat Station. The fact that these display sizes are now agreed upon and have been leaked indicates that Apple may have finalized at least some of the device's specifications. The foldable iPhone will open up like a book, according to Kuo, rather than have a clamshell design like Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip. Pu said the foldable iPhone recently entered the New Product Introduction (NPI) stage at manufacturer Foxconn, suggesting that Apple is moving forward with plans to release the device. Pu and Kuo both believe that the foldable iPhone will enter mass production in the fourth quarter of 2026, which means the device could launch as soon as next year in limited quantities, but a release at some point in 2027 seems more likely. As funny as it might sound, the foldable iPhone seems to be two years away for real this time. Barclays analyst Tim Long recently estimated that Apple's first foldable iPhone could start at around $2,299 in the U.S., meaning it would cost nearly twice as much as the iPhone 16 Pro Max, which starts at $1,199 there. In addition to the 7.8-inch inner display and 5.5-inch outer display, Kuo said the foldable iPhone will feature two rear cameras, one front camera, a Touch ID power button instead of Face ID, and a high-density battery. He expects the device to be as thin as 4.5mm when unfolded, and between 9mm and 9.5mm when folded. He also said the device will have a titanium exterior, but the hinge will use a mix of titanium and stainless steel.Tag: Foldable iPhoneThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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Transform HR with AI-powered agents
Human Resource (HR) professionals juggle numerous responsibilities as they strive to align organizational goals with human potential. In addition to hiring and retaining talent, they must manage a global workforce with hybrid models, ensure employee satisfaction, and maintain a strong employer brand. The post appeared first on Microsoft 365 Blog.

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Unlocking autonomous agent capabilities with Microsoft Copilot Studio
At our AI Tour in London, we’re excited to announce a new set of capabilities that enable you to build autonomous agents, which will be in public preview at Microsoft Ignite 2024. These agents understand the nature of your work and act on your behalf—providing support across business roles, teams, and functions. The post appeared first on Microsoft 365 Blog.

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Enabling agents in Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat 
Agents play a significant role in how organizations are transforming their business process with AI. Soon agents created in Microsoft Copilot Studio agent builder and Copilot Studio will be available right from within Copilot Chat. The post appeared first on Microsoft 365 Blog.

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New sales agents accessible in Microsoft 365 Copilot help teams close more deals, faster
Our ambition is to empower every employee with a Copilot and transform every business process with agents. We’re announcing two new agents that apply this ambition to sales—the revenue engine for every business—and can be used right in the flow of work. The post appeared first on Microsoft 365 Blog.

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What’s new in Copilot Studio: February 2025
In this edition of our monthly roundup, we're recapping new features in Microsoft Copilot Studio for customers, released in February 2025. The post appeared first on Microsoft 365 Blog.

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The next chapter: Moving from Skype to Microsoft Teams  
We will be retiring Skype in May 2025 to focus on Microsoft Teams (free), our modern communications and collaboration hub.  The post appeared first on Microsoft 365 Blog.

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Conquer Siren Isles as Godzilla X Kong: Titan Chasers releases
Legendary Entertainment is set to expand on its Monsterverse franchise thanks to the launch of Godzilla X Kong: Titan Chasers. This 4X strategy MMO will place you smack in the middle of some gargantuan action and you attempt to hunt down the two eponymous monsters, without being easily squished in the process. [Read more]

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Conquer Siren Isles as Godzilla X Kong: Titan Chasers releases
Legendary Entertainment is set to expand on its Monsterverse franchise thanks to the launch of Godzilla X Kong: Titan Chasers. This 4X strategy MMO will place you smack in the middle of some gargantuan action and you attempt to hunt down the two eponymous monsters, without being easily squished in the process. [Read more]

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Get the complete Blasphemous package on the go from the App Store
There was a time when the name Team17 would make you think of tooling up a bunch of trigger-happy Worms and unleashing hell, but in recent years you might know them as the publishers of Blasphemous. When the original was released in 2019, it was a hit, and now you can take it on the go with Apple devices. [Read more]

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DC: Dark Legion opens pre-registrations ahead of March 14th release date
If we overlook one very recent entry that we won’t name, DC has put out some pretty great games. I am thinking of Rocksteady’s Batman: Arkham series, and Gotham Knights. I quite enjoy all of these. Now, pre-registrations have opened for hopefully the next DC hit, DC: Dark Legion. [Read more]

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Super Farming Boy won't let me love it
In my first (and most recent) write-up of what I've been playing, I made a particular note about Super Farming Boy taking over my life. I thought for sure it'd be the only thing I'd be playing until I could bang out a review for it. Unfortunately, though, my desire to play the game has someone dried up. It's not because its gameplay grew stale or I just grew tired of it, either. Instead, it seems that Super Farming Boy does not want to let me enjoy it. Some of this probably has to do with some quirks with in its overall structure, but more than that I just kept running into bugs that made it frustrating to play. [Read more]

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Super Farming Boy Won't Let Me Love It
In my first (and most recent) write-up of what I've been playing, I made a particular note about Super Farming Boy taking over my life. I thought for sure it'd be the only thing I'd be playing until I could bang out a review for it. Unfortunately, though, my desire to play the game has someone dried up. It's not because its gameplay grew stale or I just grew tired of it, either. Instead, it seems that Super Farming Boy does not want to let me enjoy it. Some of this probably has to do with some quirks with in its overall structure, but more than that I just kept running into bugs that made it frustrating to play. [Read more]

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Valhalla Survival Season 2 introduces adorable white fox-wolf and some less important features
There are many reasons I'm looking at Valhalla Survival Season 2 today, all equally newsworthy and important. But before we get into that, can we all simply take a look at that art, and fawn over how absolutely adorable the little fox-wolf thing is? It is my new best friend. [Read more]

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Valhalla Survival Season 2 introduces adorable white fox-wolf and some less important features
There are many reasons I'm looking at Valhalla Survival Season 2 today, all equally newsworthy and important. But before we get into that, can we all simply take a look at that art, and fawn over how absolutely adorable the little fox-wolf thing is? It is my new best friend. [Read more]

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Price of Glory unleashes its 1.4 Alpha update with 3D visuals and an enhanced tutorial
As much as we all probably dislike Maths as a subject, we do have to hand it to geometry for giving us the good old Hexgrid, home of some of the best strategy games. One such example, Price of Glory, has dropped its 1.4 Alpha update, stocked full of improvements. [Read more]

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Price of Glory unleashes its 1.4 Alpha update with 3D visuals and an enhanced tutorial
As much as we all probably dislike Maths as a subject, we do have to hand it to geometry for giving us the good old Hexgrid, home of some of the best strategy games. One such example, Price of Glory, has dropped its 1.4 Alpha update, stocked full of improvements. [Read more]

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The SLC 2025 kicks off this month to crown the global champion of Solo Leveling: Arise
Ever since the Solo Leveling: Arise Championship 2025 was announced, I have been looking forward to it. The promotional clip they released a month or two back showed crowds going absolutely nuts for the previous competitions, so imagine the rapture for a global tournament. And now we are within touching distance of that February 21st start. [Read more]

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The SLC 2025 kicks off this month to crown the global champion of Solo Leveling: Arise
Ever since the Solo Leveling: Arise Championship 2025 was announced, I have been looking forward to it. The promotional clip they released a month or two back showed crowds going absolutely nuts for the previous competitions, so imagine the rapture for a global tournament. And now we are within touching distance of that February 21st start. [Read more]

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Dive into some early Magicpunk fun as Crystal of Atlan opens for latest beta test
Excellent news for fans of steampunk and magic; the Precursor Test for Magicpunk MMORPG Crystal of Atlan opens today. This rather fancy way of saying beta test will remain open until March 5th and is available for PC - boo - and Android devices - yay, - complete with cross-play. [Read more]

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United States Account Security Carrier Partner Maintenance – AT&T
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Mar 19, 21:00 PDT  -  Mar 20, 10:00 PDTMar 19, 12:39 PDTScheduled - Our carrier partner AT&T United States is conducting an emergency maintenance from 19 March 2025 at 21:00 PDT until 20 March 2025 at 10:00 PDT. During the maintenance window, there could be intermittent API request failures for AT&T United States customers.Impacted Products: Verify Silent Network Auth, Lookup SIM SwapWe are aware of the short notice and are working with our Carrier Partners to provide earlier notification where possible.

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Russia SMS Carrier Maintenance – MTS
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Mar 19, 14:00 - 19:00 PDTMar 19, 12:37 PDTScheduled - The MTS network in Russia is conducting a planned maintenance from 19 March 2025 at 14:00 PDT until 19 March 2025 at 19:00 PDT. During the maintenance window, there could be intermittent delays delivering SMS to MTS Russia handsets.We are aware of the short notice and are working with our Carrier Partners to provide earlier notification where possible.

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EE UK API Errors
Mar 19, 09:56 PDTInvestigating - We are investigating intermittent . We expect to provide another update in 1 hour or as soon as more information becomes available.

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MMS Delivery Failures on AT&T and Verizon
Mar 19, 09:48 PDTInvestigating - We are experiencing MMS delivery failures AT&T and Verizon . Our engineers are working with our carrier partner to resolve the issue. We expect to provide another update in 1 hour or as soon as more information becomes available.

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On Call Engineers are Investigating an issue with Studio
Mar 19, 08:20 PDTInvestigating - Our monitoring systems have detected a potential issue Studio. Our engineering team has been alerted and is actively investigating. We will update as soon as we have more information.

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Call Quality Issue to a Subset of Twilio Phone Numbers in UK
Mar 19, 05:28 PDTInvestigating - We are observing call quality issues to a subset of Twilio phone numbers in UK. We are currently working with our carrier partner to resolve the issue. We expect to provide another update in 1 hour or as soon as more information becomes available.

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Errors adding new Magic IPsec tunnels via Cloudflare dashboard
Mar 19, 10:24 UTCInvestigating - Cloudflare is investigating issues with creating new Magic IPsec Tunnels in the Cloudflare dashboard. This issue does not affect the operation of existing IPsec Tunnels that continue to function and pass traffic normally.As a workaround, new IPsec tunnels can be created via API.We are working to understand to mitigate this problem. More updates to follow shortly.`

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SEA (Seattle) on 2025-03-19
Mar 19, 09:30 UTCIn progress - Scheduled maintenance is currently in progress. We will provide updates as necessary.Mar 19, 09:22 UTCScheduled - We will be performing scheduled maintenance in SEA (Seattle) datacenter on 2025-03-19 between 09:30 and 13:00 UTC.Traffic might be re-routed from this location, hence there is a possibility of a slight increase in latency during this maintenance window for end-users in the affected region. For PNI / CNI customers connecting with us in this location, please make sure you are expecting this traffic to fail over elsewhere during this maintenance window as network interfaces in this datacentre may become temporarily unavailable.You can now subscribe to these notifications via Cloudflare dashboard and receive these updates directly via email, PagerDuty and webhooks (based on your plan): https://developers.cloudflare.com/notifications/notification-available/#cloudflare-status.

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SSL Certificate Provisioning Delays
Mar 19, 07:12 UTCInvestigating - Cloudflare is investigating delays in provisioning Universal SSL certificates for Partial zones, Custom Hostname DNS-based rechecks and zone-level TLS settings.SSL certificates already in production remain unaffected and are operating normally.

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United States SMS Carrier Maintenance – Verizon
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Mar 19, 21:00 PDT  -  Mar 20, 00:00 PDTMar 18, 23:29 PDTScheduled - The Verizon network in the United States is conducting an emergency maintenance from 19 March 2025 at 21:00 PDT until 20 March 2025 at 00:00 PDT. During the maintenance window, there could be intermittent delays delivering SMS to and from Verizon United States handsets.

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CDG (Paris) on 2025-03-20
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Mar 20, 01:00 - 05:00 UTCMar 19, 05:57 UTCScheduled - We will be performing scheduled maintenance in CDG (Paris) datacenter on 2025-03-20 between 01:00 and 05:00 UTC.Traffic might be re-routed from this location, hence there is a possibility of a slight increase in latency during this maintenance window for end-users in the affected region. For PNI / CNI customers connecting with us in this location, please make sure you are expecting this traffic to fail over elsewhere during this maintenance window as network interfaces in this datacentre may become temporarily unavailable.You can now subscribe to these notifications via Cloudflare dashboard and receive these updates directly via email, PagerDuty and webhooks (based on your plan): https://developers.cloudflare.com/notifications/notification-available/#cloudflare-status.

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YHZ (Halifax) on 2025-03-19
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Mar 19, 15:00 - 21:00 UTCMar 19, 04:09 UTCScheduled - We will be performing scheduled maintenance in YHZ (Halifax) datacenter on 2025-03-19 between 15:00 and 21:00 UTC.Traffic might be re-routed from this location, hence there is a possibility of a slight increase in latency during this maintenance window for end-users in the affected region. For PNI / CNI customers connecting with us in this location, please make sure you are expecting this traffic to fail over elsewhere during this maintenance window as network interfaces in this datacentre may become temporarily unavailable.You can now subscribe to these notifications via Cloudflare dashboard and receive these updates directly via email, PagerDuty and webhooks (based on your plan): https://developers.cloudflare.com/notifications/notification-available/#cloudflare-status.

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CMH (Columbus) on 2025-03-19
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Mar 19, 09:00 - 11:00 UTCMar 19, 04:09 UTCScheduled - We will be performing scheduled maintenance in CMH (Columbus) datacenter on 2025-03-19 between 09:00 and 11:00 UTC.Traffic might be re-routed from this location, hence there is a possibility of a slight increase in latency during this maintenance window for end-users in the affected region. For PNI / CNI customers connecting with us in this location, please make sure you are expecting this traffic to fail over elsewhere during this maintenance window as network interfaces in this datacentre may become temporarily unavailable.You can now subscribe to these notifications via Cloudflare dashboard and receive these updates directly via email, PagerDuty and webhooks (based on your plan): https://developers.cloudflare.com/notifications/notification-available/#cloudflare-status.

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IAD (Ashburn) on 2025-03-19
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Mar 19, 05:00 - 11:00 UTCMar 19, 04:09 UTCScheduled - We will be performing scheduled maintenance in IAD (Ashburn) datacenter on 2025-03-19 between 05:00 and 11:00 UTC.Traffic might be re-routed from this location, hence there is a possibility of a slight increase in latency during this maintenance window for end-users in the affected region. For PNI / CNI customers connecting with us in this location, please make sure you are expecting this traffic to fail over elsewhere during this maintenance window as network interfaces in this datacentre may become temporarily unavailable.You can now subscribe to these notifications via Cloudflare dashboard and receive these updates directly via email, PagerDuty and webhooks (based on your plan): https://developers.cloudflare.com/notifications/notification-available/#cloudflare-status.

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UPDATE: **Summary:** Video Playbacks are failing for Google Drive Web. **Description** We believe the issue with Google Drive is partially resolved. Full resolution is expected to complete by Wednesday, 2025-03-19 19:30 US/Pacific. We will provide an update by Wednesday, 2025-03-19 21:00 US/Pacific with current details. **Diagnosis / Customer Symptoms:** Google Drive Web users would encounter an infinite spinner during playbacks of the videos. Mobile application users are not impacted. **Workaround** None at this time.
Incident began at 2025-03-18 23:55 (times are in Coordinated Universal Time (UTC)).Summary: Video Playbacks are failing for Google Drive Web. Description We believe the issue with Google Drive is partially resolved. Full resolution is expected to complete by Wednesday, 2025-03-19 19:30 US/Pacific. We will provide an update by Wednesday, 2025-03-19 21:00 US/Pacific with current details. Diagnosis / Customer Symptoms: Google Drive Web users would encounter an infinite spinner during playbacks of the videos. Mobile application users are not impacted. Workaround None at this time. Affected products: Google Drive

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Load Balancing Dashboard issues
Mar 19, 00:50 UTCInvestigating - Cloudflare is investigating issues with UI of Load Balancing.Changing the status of Load Balancing from UI will not be updated correctly.More updates to follow shortly.

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Inbound Call Failures to Twilio Toll-free Numbers from Canadian Phone Numbers
Mar 18, 17:32 PDTInvestigating - We are observing inbound call failures to Twilio Toll-free Numbers from Canadian Phone Numbers. We are currently working with our carrier partner to resolve the issue. We expect to provide another update in 1 hour or as soon as more information becomes available.

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R2 Custom Domain 403 Response Issues
Mar 18, 23:13 UTCMonitoring - We have identified an issue where a subset of customers may have seen unexpected HTTP 403 response errors on their R2 Custom Domains beginning at approximately 17:36 UTC today.A fix has been implemented and we are monitoring the results.

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United States SMS Carrier Partner Maintenance
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Mar 18, 22:00 PDT  -  Mar 19, 03:00 PDTMar 18, 14:33 PDTScheduled - Our SMS carrier partner in the United States is conducting a planned maintenance from 18 March 2025 at 22:00 PDT until 19 March 2025 at 03:00 PDT. During the maintenance window, there could be intermittent delays delivering SMS to and from United States handsets via subset of United States short codes.We are aware of the short notice and are working with our Carrier Partners to provide earlier notification where possible.

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Data Irregularities in the EU Region
Mar 18, 18:50 UTCInvestigating - We are investigating an issue with data ingest for various data types. Some customers in the EU region may experience errors when sending data to New Relic, issues in viewing data in real time, and delayed or missing alert notifications related to real time data.

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Refurb Apple Mac mini Coffee Lake i7 Desktop PC (2018) for $165 + free shipping
It's the best price we've seen for this model in any condition. (It's also a low for a refurb now by $164.) It includes a 1-year Allstate warranty. Buy Now at eBay Features 8th Generation Intel Core i7-8700B 3.2GHz Coffee Lake 6-core CPU 32GB RAM and 128GB SSD mac OS X 10.14 Model: MRTT2LL/A

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Pok Pok Kids' Learning App: Lifetime subscription for $60
You'd pay $46 for an annual subscription direct from Pok Pok, so by the second year, you're already saving on this subscription. This Montessori-inspired app has educational games for children aged 2 to 8. Buy Now at StackSocial

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Refurbished 24-inch iMac Apple M3 Chip with 8-Core CPU and 8-Core GPU – Blue – G1972LL/A – $1,069.00
Refurbished 24-inch iMac Apple M3 Chip with 8-Core CPU and 8-Core GPU - Blue – G1972LL/A $1,069.00 Originally released October 2023 24-inch 4.5K Retina display;² 4480-by-2520 resolution at 218 pixels per inch with support for 1 billion colors 16GB unified memory 256GB SSD¹ 1080p FaceTime HD camera Two Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) ports Product page on the Apple Store…

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Refurb 3rd-Gen. Apple iPad Air 64GB 10.5″ WiFi Tablet for $180 + free shipping
It's $600 off and the best deal we could find. It comes with a case, charger, and screen protector. Buy Now at SUPER

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Apple MacBook Pro M3 Pro 14″ Laptop w/ 36GB RAM & 1TB SSD (2023) for $1,899 + free shipping
Save $700 on this late 2023 MacBook Pro, equipped with an M3 Pro CPU and a whopping 36GB of unified RAM. Buy Now at B&H Photo Video

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Refurbished 24-inch iMac Apple M1 Chip with 8‑Core CPU and 8‑Core GPU, Gigabit Ethernet – Silver – G12R3LL/A – $1,449.00
Refurbished 24-inch iMac Apple M1 Chip with 8‑Core CPU and 8‑Core GPU, Gigabit Ethernet - Silver – G12R3LL/A $1,449.00 Originally released April 2021 24-inch 4.5K Retina display 4480-by-2520 resolution at 218 pixels per inch with support for 1 billion colors 16GB unified memory 1TB SSD 1080p FaceTime HD camera Two Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports Two USB 3 ports Magic Keyboard with Touch ID Product page on the Apple Store…

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4th-Gen. Apple iPad Pro 11″ 2TB WiFi Tablet for $999 + free shipping
That's a savings of $900. In Silver or Space Gray. Buy Now at Best Buy

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Apple MacBook Air M2 13.6″ Laptop (2022) for $699 + free shipping
That's $50 under our mention of three weeks ago and the best price we've seen for it. Buy Now at Best Buy

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Refurbished 24-inch iMac Apple M3 Chip with 8-Core CPU and 10-Core GPU – Blue – G19L2LL/A – $1,409.00
Refurbished 24-inch iMac Apple M3 Chip with 8-Core CPU and 10-Core GPU - Blue – G19L2LL/A $1,409.00 Originally released October 2023 24-inch 4.5K Retina display;² 4480-by-2520 resolution at 218 pixels per inch with support for 1 billion colors 16GB unified memory 512GB SSD¹ Magic Keyboard with Touch ID⁵ 1080p FaceTime HD camera Two Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) ports Two USB 3 ports (up to 10Gb/s) Product page on the Apple Store…

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Apple Pencil (USB-C) for $32 + free shipping
Use code "KINGOF50OFFDISC" to get this price. That's back at easily the best price we've ever seen and half of what you'd pay for a retail-sealed unit elsewhere. Buy Now at eBay Features attaches magnetically to the side edge of an iPad connects w/ a range of iPads (see "Specifications" for model compatibility) supports Apple Pencil hover when used with iPad Pro 12.9" (6th gen) and iPad Pro 11" (4th gen) Model: MUWA3AM/A

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Apple Mac Studio Mini Desktop PCs (2025) at B&H Photo Video: Preorders from $1,999 + free shipping
2025 brings a selection of new Apple Mac Studio Mini desktops, now available for preorder. Prices start from $1,999 for the M4 Max chip version; deals start from $3,999 for the M3 Ultra chip model. Both of these Mac Studio models are due to release on March 12. Buy Now at B&H Photo Video

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Apple MacBook Air M3 Laptops (2025) at B&H Photo Video: Preorders from $999 + free shipping
Get the new 2025 MacBook Air models preordered at B&H Photo Video. Prices for the 13.6" model start from $999. Meanwhile, the 15.3" model starts from $1,199. Both sizes are due to release on March 12. Buy Now at B&H Photo Video

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Apple Mac Studio Mini Desktop PCs (2025) at Best Buy: Preorders from $1,999 + free shipping
This newly-announced 2025 Mac Studio Mini PC comes in two varieties. The M4 Max chip-equipped model can be preordered for $1,999, while the M3 Ultra Mac Studio has a $3,999 price tag. They're scheduled to release on March 12. Buy Now at Best Buy

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Apple Mac Studio Mini Desktop PCs (2025): Preorders from $1,999… or less + free shipping
Preorder deals for the newly-announced 2025 Mac Studio desktops are now available at Apple. You can choose the model with the M4 Max chip for $1,999, or one with the M3 Ultra chip for $3,999. Both are scheduled to release on March 12.If you can avail of Apple's Education Store prices, you can save $200 and $400 on those prices respectively. Buy Now at Apple

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Apple MacBook Air M4 Laptops: Preorders from $999… or less + free shipping
Apple have announced an early-2025 edition of their MacBook Air line, set to release on March 12. Preorder deals for the 13" model start from $999, while prices for the 15" flavor start from $1,199. They come with 16GB to 24GB of unified memory, and 256GB to 512GB of storage.Note that you can save $100 on each model through Apple's Education Store. Buy Now at Apple

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