What Apple's launching in March, and more on the AppleInsider Podcast
Tim Cook made us want to skip the weekend and get straight to the new launches Apple has for us starting on Monday. That might include a low-cost MacBook, but then further ahead there's a hint of a touch-screen MacBook Pro later this year, all on the AppleInsider Podcast.If a MacBook is announced in March, it won't be a MacBook Pro — but a touch-screen one is expected later in 2026What we actually know about next week is that there will be launches. Tim Cook doesn't hint if there's nothing much to say, but he also tagged his post #AppleLaunch.So we know something is coming, and if you listen to the leaks, actually everything is coming. If you've ever heard it rumored, it's all due out next week for sure. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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AirPods Pro 3 vs Sony XM6 earbuds: Personal audio compared
Sony's latest audio release, the WF-1000XM6, are flagship earbuds with improved active noise cancellation. Here's how Sony's flagship personal audio accessories compare against the AirPods Pro 3.AirPods Pro 3 vs Sony XM6 earbudsFebruary saw Sony bring out an update to its upper-tier earbuds. After a three-year wait, the WF-1000XM6 are the electronic company's new best option for in-ear audio.The WF-1000XM6, not to be confused with the similarly-named WH-1000XM6 headphones, lean on the firm's heritage of audio quality, with improvements to noise cancellation also thrown in for good measure. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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What do Apple fans want? An iBook… er SE… er MacBook!
Macworld Next week, Apple is expected to release a new laptop, one that will be the lowest-priced MacBook in the company’s lineup. It’s new territory for Apple, and a new choice that fills a need amongst Apple customers. Because of that, anticipation has built up for this new product. Maybe you want to buy one, maybe you don’t, but you at least want to see what Apple is going to do. That anticipation has spilled over into Macworld’s inboxes and social media comments sections. We’ve been reading your messages, and we’re sharing a few of them here. What to call it: iBook? MacBook SE? A podcast short about the name of the upcoming laptop struck a chord. One idea for the name in particular: iBook resurgence 🤔 Colors and Numbers on TikTok Many others across social media are hoping for an iBook resurgence, but it seems as though Apple has left behind the “i” naming system. Apple’s not one for nostalgia, but you never know. I bet it’s MacBook SE bleepblorp7676 on TikTok Maybe? I mean, there’s the Apple Watch SE, but with the iPhone, Apple dumped “SE” in favor of “[model number]e”, so I don’t know what to think. It’s going to be MacBook, MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro… NIckname on TikTok That makes the most sense; after all, Apple used to have a “MacBook” that sort of fits the profile of the new product that’s coming. But it just feels so anticlimactic. @macworld.com What to call the cheap Apple laptop #macbook ♬ original sound – Macworld – Macworld Will it be powerful enough? Reports say that this laptop will use a A18 Pro or A19 chip, the same chips used in iPhones. So, should its processing capability as a Mac be a concern? The target market for this less expensive (not “cheap”) MacBook won’t care or likely even know that it runs on the same CPU as an iPhone… Mitch Stone via Facebook It is an iPhone with a bigger screen. neillwd on YouTube That’s a bad thing? How cheap is ‘cheap’? This laptop is expected to be affordable. But as Apple users know, the company’s idea of “affordable” is often different from ours. I do wish people would stop looking at £700 as cheap, it’s probably going to be a very good computer for the masses.  Kennth Swift on Facebook For the sake of clarification, when we talk about “cheap,” we’re talking about price. We’re not talking about “cheap” as a way of saying “poorly made,” as it is often used. That being said, is $699/£699 (rounded to $700/£700) cheap? In a general sense, I don’t think so, but in the perspective of Apple’s laptop lineup, it is. If $699 I’ll be buying one for my wife in yellow OldSchoolM on TikTok It needs to be $599. Period. iHusk on YouTube Now you’re talkin’ iHusk. But will Apple do that? It feels unbelievable. I want to be wrong on this. Which leads us to… Expect the unexpected I really wonder if this MacBook will run iPadOS instead of MacOS. sactoman0314 on TikTok …Apple should simply make macOS available on the iPad. They could even charge for the license or allow customers to choose between macOS and another operating system when purchasing the device. Doug M. via email I can see why y’all would think that. These prices are in iPad territory. But I think Apple is confident that one won’t cannibalize the other, and I tend to agree. They’re different use cases. I’ve been hearing this prediction since the Mac mini first came out decades ago. quinnretro on TikTok If you say it enough times, it’ll eventually become true. And finally… Apple sure has got a lot of free publicity on their future new MacBooks by teasing all you predictionist journalists for so long.  Neil via email Ouch. The truth hurts, Neil.

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Would any of the reported MacBook compromises be a deal-breaker for you? [Poll]
Apple clearly needs some way of distinguishing the upcoming low-cost MacBook from the more expensive MacBook Air. We’d wondered whether color might be sufficient to limit cannibalization, but it’s been suggested that the new machine may have a number of compromises. 9to5Mac readers aren’t really the target market for an entry-level machine, but some might consider it as a second Mac, while others might recommend it to family and friends. However, would any of the rumoured compromises be a deal-breaker … ? more…

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Apple at 50: Michael Scott, the company's first CEO, made bold and bad choices
As Apple hits 50 years old, AppleInsider recounts the pivotal role of each of its CEOs, starting with the very first one, Michael Scott. He made bold choices, but he made them badly.Michael Scott, age unknown — image credit: Business InsiderSteve Jobs was not Apple's first Chief Executive Officer. While he founded the company on April 1, 1976, with Steve Wozniak and Ronald Wayne, Jobs had no experience running what was aiming to become a large company.So a CEO was needed, but actually Apple's first two chief executives are tightly interlinked. Mike Markkula would become the second one, but he hired the first — and then later persuaded that first to leave. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Apple’s new MacBook has one job
Macworld Next week is going to be a big one for Apple. Along with a new iPhone and iPads, Apple is rumored to launch its most anticipated Mac release since Apple silicon’s debut. According to reports, Apple is going to release a new entry in the MacBook lineup, a budget laptop that can compete with Chromebooks and cheap Windows laptops. A laptop that Apple hopes will grow the Mac installed base. A laptop for customers priced out of the Mac market. That’s great, especially since it’s something customers have been wanting for a long time. But there’s another reason why I’m excited about this new laptop: Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reported that this laptop will be available in “playful colors,” with yellow, green, blue, and pink among the possibilities. Yes, that’s what I’m most excited about. A palette of color options means more than a wider array of choices. It signals that Apple is bringing a little fun back to its laptop lineup, an aspect that’s been missing for way too long. Orange enabler Until recently, I played it as safe as Apple with my own color choices–black, silver, gray, anything neutral. Then, two years ago, I decided to get out of my comfort zone and buy an orange car. Not only do I not regret it, but I also love it. I can remember being at a stoplight once, surrounded by four black and gray Teslas (which are everywhere in San Francisco). Suddenly, Elle Woods and I had something in common. Elle Woods and her orange iBook in Legally Blonde.MGM Then last fall, I got a Cosmic Orange iPhone 17 Pro Max–without that car, and how it changed my perspective, I don’t think I would’ve picked it. For a while, I appreciated the back of the phone almost as much as its screen. The color just made me smile. That’s the aspect of Apple’s laptops that has been missing for a while. They’re marvels of design, and they’re quite dignified, but “fun” doesn’t come to mind. Not like when you look at an iBook. Those were fun. The six colors spirit I haven’t forgotten about the iMac and its playful color palette, but it’s a desktop computer. I’m not toting an iMac around with me (that’s not my thing), I’m carrying a Space Black MacBook Pro. And as I sit in my local coffee shop writing this article, I count 13 laptops in use, all of them gray, silver, or black. As iconic as the MacBook Pro is, most laptops have copied its style. There seems to be an opportunity here to stand out, to think different. The deepest Apple has dipped into the fun side of the pool is with the MacBook Air’s Starlight and Sky Blue options. I tested the Sky Blue MacBook Air, and it looks nice, but it and Starlight are subtle takes at fun, more variations of gold and silver than actual colors. They’re not bold like Cosmic Orange or the iBook’s lime green and tangerine. Many theorize that the logo Apple used to promote its March 4 media event is a hint at the colors of the new laptop. I certainly hope that’s the case. The recent Apple logo used to promote next week’s release reminded me of the old days.Apple Speaking of that logo, it reminds me of the original Apple logo, often referred to as the “six colors” logo. Longtime Apple customers think that logo is indicative of a different era for Apple, a time when the company had a more down-to-earth, unique, and playful aura. Now Apple is one of the most powerful and richest companies in the world–it’s a monolith, and so the logo it uses on its products is reflective of that. A lot of users long for those good ol’ days, but the truth of the matter is that that kind of thinking is as dated as the six colors logo. Apple can still do fun, it just needs a modern interpretation. We don’t need a carry handle (which was kinda dumb on the iBook, anyway), nor do we need a clamshell design. Playful colors are the way to go. Superficial choice You might be thinking, “Colors? Really, Roman? You forced me to read your superficial reasoning to buy this underpowered laptop?” Well, here’s another, more practical reason why I want this laptop. There are times when I need to bring my laptop with me, but I would rather it not be an expensive MacBook Pro. For instance, when I travel, I bring a 15-year-old MacBook Pro (with a built-in disc burner), and I use it during down times to manage all the trip photos and videos I take. If it breaks, gets stolen, or gets lost, it’s not as devastating a loss as if it were the MacBook Pro. I’ll be happy to replace that old MacBook with Apple’s new budget laptop. It’ll be more powerful than that laptop’s Intel Core i7 Sandy Bridge CPU. And saying the budget laptop will be underpowered is a bit much. If Apple uses an A18 Pro or an A19, we’re talking about M1-like performance, which is good for general productivity and internet access, as well as the basic media management I like to do on vacation. This budget laptop is going to be able to do a lot. Practical and fun? Count me in.

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Apple’s March event: 6 burning questions
Macworld In recent years, Apple has increasingly reserved its media events for major announcements, such as flagship iPhone launches. Iterative product updates with chip bumps now often get the “silent press release” treatment, as the advancements are too insignificant to warrant hour-long keynotes. On March 4, Apple is hosting what it’s calling an “experience” for select members of the media. It’s neither a full-scale keynote nor a mere press release drop. During that week, the company is expected to unveil at least five new products, including a cheaper MacBook, the iPhone 17e, boosted iPads and Macs, and maybe more. While the rumors have given us a solid idea of what to expect from each device, a few key questions remain unanswered. 1. Will the iPhone 17e still have a notch? A year ago, Apple introduced the iPhone 16e, retiring its SE smartphone branding. The rebrand came with some pretty exciting changes, including a superior camera, display, and overall design—plus a not-so-exciting price hike. In a few days, Apple will reportedly launch the iPhone 17e, featuring the A19 and MagSafe compatibility. But what about the notch? Some rumors have suggested that the iPhone 16e’s successor will drop the notch in favor of the more futuristic Dynamic Island. Other relevant leakers have contradicted this claim, stating that the notch is here to stay. Unfortunately, there’s no way to tell for sure which route Apple will take. Apple On one hand, the iPhone SE notoriously maintained its prehistoric look for many years, so redesigning the second-gen “e” iPhone sounds unlikely. On the other hand, the “e” iPhone, despite costing more, offers fewer features than certain budget smartphones, so Apple may want to make it more enticing by adopting the Dynamic Island. Both options sound plausible. 2. Will Apple tease any unreleased AI features? During WWDC24, Apple previewed Siri 2.0, featuring on-screen content awareness and personal context understanding. The company failed to meet its original deadline, and, eons later, the tools are still nowhere to be found. While we recently expected them to debut with iOS 26.4, the upgraded Apple Intelligence features may have been delayed, yet again, till a future OS release. Apple Certain reports now suggest that Apple will launch the new AI features as part of iOS 26.5. If true, it would be safe to assume that the engineers currently have working test software. In this case, will Apple tease these AI features during the March 4 experience to reassure its users and shareholders, or has it learned from its previous mistake not to make promises about unfinished technology? We’ll find out soon. 3. How cheap will the new MacBook be? The low-cost MacBook will likely be the March 4 experience’s headlining release. According to credible leakers, Apple plans to compete with Chromebooks and other budget-friendly laptops by offering a comparable MacBook model. The notebook will possibly feature the iPhone 16 Pro’s A18 Pro processor in a vibrant 12.9-inch chassis. This would make it ideal for customers who don’t have the budget for a $999 MacBook Air or need the power of an M-series chip. But how “cheap” will it actually be? While some reports suggest that the new MacBook will start at $599, others indicate that it could fall in the $699-799 range. For reference, the Google Store sells Acer Chromebooks that cost as little as $179, with mid-range models costing around $300-600, and higher-end editions going for no more than $800. Taking this into consideration, it would make more sense for Apple to target the mid-range Chromebooks with a $599 price tag. This would lure students and young adults, potentially winning them as lifelong customers through the ecosystem lock-in. But Apple pricing doesn’t always make sense—ahem, iPhone 16e—so a higher price of $799 wouldn’t exactly surprise us. 4. What M5 chip variants will we get? Beyond the affordable MacBook, Apple could announce new M5 MacBook Pro and Mac Studio models within the next week. The MacBook Pro will likely get M5 Pro and M5 Max configurations, following last year’s vanilla M5 debut. Will customers get to configure the CPU and GPU? Certain reports, along with the online Apple Store’s updated Mac purchasing flow, suggest that users will finally get to pick the number of CPU and GPU cores separately. Meanwhile, Apple has a long history of limiting the variety of SKUs and maintaining a simple product approach. As such, we can’t really tell. In the Mac Studio department, it remains unclear if Apple will release an M5 Ultra edition. The current Mac Studio comes in M4 Max and M3 Ultra variants, and Apple has stated that not every M-series chip will get an Ultra tier. So, Apple could offer the M5 Max as an option, along with either the unreleased M4 Ultra or all-new M5 Ultra. We’ll have to wait and see. Apple 5. Will Apple raise prices? The surge in demand for AI slop generation has led to a RAM shortage and subsequent price increases. Does this mean Apple will also start charging more for its products? Well, it’s hard to predict. CEO Tim Cook recently stated that the RAM crisis won’t significantly hurt Apple in the second quarter of the year, but he didn’t rule out a price hike, either. 6. What’s the second Studio Display tier all about? Apple first launched the Studio Display four years ago, and a refresh is overdue. While we’ve long expected the company to release a Studio Display 2 in the near future, macOS code reveals that there will actually be two new Studio Displays, not one. At least one of them is rumored to adopt support for HDR content and a 120Hz refresh rate. Will the second model miss out on these premium perks and cost way less, or will it differ in size to cater to more customers? We’ll get some answers soon. Apple

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This bundle with 14 Mac apps & 1,000+ learning courses is just $69.99
Macworld TL;DR: Get 14 Mac productivity apps plus lifetime access to 1,000+ StackSkills courses for just $69.99 (MSRP $1,069.87). Most bundles sound impressive but end up collecting digital dust. The Mac Magic App Bundle with StackSkills Lifetime is different. For $69.99 (MSRP: $1,069.87), you’re getting 14 practical Mac apps, plus lifetime access to over 1,000 online courses. Let’s start with the apps. This bundle covers the everyday stuff that slows you down: batch renaming files (Mass Rename), organizing folders (Folder Organizer), exporting file lists, tracking receipts (ReceiptBox), converting audio, managing playlists, exporting podcasts, and even controlling smart home devices like Philips Hue, LIFX, and WeMo — directly from your Mac. There’s also Text Workflow, a text expander alternative that helps you cut repetitive typing and save time daily. Then there’s the StackSkills lifetime pass. You get unlimited access to 1,000+ courses in IT, development, business, marketing, finance, graphic design, wellness, and more — with new courses added monthly. It’s structured for real-world skill building, whether you’re leveling up at work or exploring a side hustle. It’s a productivity boost for your Mac and a long-term investment in your skills — without recurring fees. Get this Mac Magic App Bundle with StackSkills for $69.99 (MSRP: $1,069.87). Mac Magic App Bundle with StackSkills LifetimeSee Deal StackSocial prices subject to change.

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Wireless CarPlay without replacing anything for $35
Macworld TL;DR: For just $34.99, this mini adapter converts wired CarPlay or Android Auto into fast, reliable wireless—no apps, no cables, no headaches. If your car already has factory-wired Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, you’re halfway there. The only thing holding you back? That charging cable you plug in every single time you get in the car. This Mini Wireless CarPlay/Android Auto Adapter upgrades your existing system into a fully wireless setup for just $34.99 (MSRP $59.99). No stereo swap. No complicated install. Just plug it in once, pair via Bluetooth, and you’re done. After that, it reconnects automatically within three seconds every time you start the car. Thanks to dual-band 2.4 GHz + 5 GHz chips, you get fast, stable performance that feels OEM-level. Navigation, music streaming, calls, messaging, Siri, Google Assistant—it all works exactly as it should. Even better, it supports your factory touchscreen, steering wheel buttons, and voice commands. It’s over 50% smaller than standard adapters, designed to sit flush and stay out of sight. Compatible with 1,000+ vehicle models, iPhone 6+ and Android 11+, it’s built to handle heat, surges, and real-world driving conditions. This may be the easiest way to modernize your ride without touching your dashboard. Pick up the Mini Wireless CarPlay/Android Auto Adapter for $34.99 (MSRP $59.99). Mini Wireless CarPlay/Android Auto AdapterSee Deal StackSocial prices subject to change.

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Monarch: Legacy of Monsters season 2 now available on Apple TV
More than two years after its first season wrapped, Apple TV has finally premiered the long-awaited return of Monarch: Legacy of Monsters. Here’s what to expect. more…

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Plaintiffs took 'unsupported leap' in lawsuit Apple hopes to get dismissed
Apple has requested that the lawsuit against its AI delays and response to an Epic injunction be dismissed. It cites that both counts are unsubstantiated.Apple's AI delays are fodder for class action lawsuitsThere are multiple lawsuits around Apple's delay of a more personalized Siri. One class action suit is being led by South Korea's National Pension Service, and claims that Apple's recent actions have cost billions in stock market losses.According to a report from Reuters, Apple is being targeted by two counts of defrauding shareholders. The first claim is that Apple is overpromising Siri capabilities, Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Netflix backs down, Paramount now likely to acquire Warner Bros.
Paramount is now on track to acquire Warner Brothers Discovery, as Netflix has announced it will not provide a competing offer to purchase the studio.HBO Max could soon become property of Paramount.Warner Bros. Discovery has been working to find the right buyer for months now. In October 2025, it was even reported that Apple TV was among the companies in discussions with Warner Bros. executives regarding a potential purchase agreement.Two months later, Netflix emerged as the top contender and potential new owner of Warner Bros. Discovery. However, the enthusiasm was short-lived, as Paramount offered to buy the venerable Warner Bros studios and its extensive library for $31 per share, as part of an all-cash deal. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Apple Vision Pro owners get sports-related fix to keep F1 & MLS streams looking crisp
Sports MultiView is one of those features that makes Apple Vision Pro a viable purchase, so of course Apple is willing to rush out the visionOS 26.3.1 update just to fix an issue with that feature.Sports MultiView is an excellent feature on Apple Vision Pro. Image source: AppleIt's been two years since Apple Vision Pro arrived on the market, and there still isn't a "killer app." That said, the product has a lot of small features that make it worthwhile, and one of them is sports MultiView.Apple released visionOS 26.3.1 on Thursday evening with a fix specifically for sports MultiView. The release notes say that a flicker issue could occur while using MultiView in the Apple TV app. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Apple asks court to dismiss proposed class action over Siri AI fraud claims
The lawsuit accuses Apple of having misled investors about the timeline and readiness of its Apple Intelligence and Siri features, as well as in relation to the Epic Games case. Here are the details. more…

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Netflix drops bid to buy HBO, Warner Bros. Discovery
Netflix won’t be the new owners of Warner Bros. Discovery after all. Back in December, the company beat out Paramount with a huge $83 billion deal to acquire WBD, but today the company dropped its bid. more…

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Brazil is Apple TV's second largest market & is growing fast, says Eddy Cue
Apple TV is doing great in Brazil, but services chief Eddy Cue says Apple doesn't have any plans for new content developed in the country.Apple's SVP of services, Eddy Cue, says Brazil is Apple TV's fastest-growing market.During a special press event on February 4, Apple previewed content coming to its streaming service in 2026, with several new films and series set to debut on Apple TV later in the year. However, we didn't hear much about Apple's international streaming-related endeavors — until now.Apple's Senior Vice President of Services, Eddy Cue, revealed a few key details about the future of Apple TV in an interview with the Brazilian publication Folha de Sao Paulo, spotted by 9to5mac. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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visionOS 26.3.1 now available with Apple TV app fix
Apple has released visionOS 26.3.1 for Apple Vision Pro users today. The update fixes a flickering problem in the Apple TV app, according to the release notes. more…

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9to5Rewards: Win a MacBook Pro and BenQ’s 27″ 4K Nano Gloss Monitor [Giveaway]
We’re giving away Apple’s latest MacBook Pro to one lucky reader this month courtesy of our friends at BenQ to celebrate the company’s MA series of monitors for Mac. The winner will also receive the new BenQ 27″ 4K Nano Gloss Monitor for MacBook! Head below to enter the giveaway and learn more about the new monitors. more…

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New book explores Steve Jobs’ NeXT years and the road to his Apple comeback
In the upcoming book “Steve Jobs in Exile,” author Geoffrey Cain will explore the lesser-told story of the years that preceded, and ultimately prepared, Steve Jobs for his historic return to Apple. Here are the details. more…

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Apple seeks dismissal of fraud lawsuit over Siri AI promises, Epic Games injunction
Apple urged a San Jose federal judge to toss out a proposed shareholder class action accusing it of double fraud: first by hyping Siri's AI… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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