iOS 27 Siri Overhaul: Standalone App, New Design, Dynamic Island Integration and Ask Siri Button
Apple is testing a standalone Siri chatbot app for iOS 27, reports Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. Apple plans to debut a chatbot version of ‌Siri‌ that will compete with Claude and ChatGPT, and the new ‌Siri‌ could be accessible through a dedicated app. Gurman previously said that Apple was not going to develop a standalone ‌Siri‌ app, but it appears plans have changed. It was not clear how the rumored chatbot version of ‌Siri‌ was going to work without an app, because people often have multiple back-and-forth text-based conversations with chatbots, and not having a dedicated space would have been confusing. Like ChatGPT and Claude, ‌Siri‌ will support both text and voice-based conversations. The app will display either a list or grid of past conversations, with options to favorite chats, search through chats, initiate new chats, and save chats. Conversations with ‌Siri‌ will resemble iMessage conversations, with Apple using chat bubbles. New conversations will start with suggested prompts on what to ask. ‌Siri‌ will be able to do much of what current chatbots can do, such as searching the web with visually rich results, providing summaries, and evaluating uploaded documents, and the personal assistant will still be integrated into Apple devices. Pressing the side button on an iPhone or using the ‌Siri‌ wake word will activate ‌Siri‌. ‌Siri‌ integration will replace the current Spotlight search functionality, but Apple plans to keep and expand on ‌Siri‌ Suggestions. ‌Siri‌ Suggestions will have more access to user data to provide more relevant prompts. Chatbot ‌Siri‌ will have an updated look to go along with the dedicated app. Activating ‌Siri‌ will have a new animation that prompts the user to search or ask a question, and Gurman says Apple is testing a version of ‌Siri‌ integrated into the Dynamic Island. Apple's test interface includes a glowing ‌Siri‌ icon and a "searching" label in the ‌Dynamic Island‌ while ‌Siri‌ is processing a request, and once done, ‌Siri‌ expands into a larger translucent panel with the results. Pulling down on the menu initiates an interface for a conversation. It's also possible Apple will integrate an "Ask ‌Siri‌" button into the menus of other apps, giving users a way to send content directly to ‌Siri‌ alongside a request. The iOS keyboard could get a Write with ‌Siri‌ option that surfaces Writing Tools. Apple Intelligence ‌Siri‌ features that were originally planned for iOS 18 will be introduced in ‌iOS 27‌, with ‌Siri‌ able to use personal data and context to answer queries. ‌Siri‌ will also be able to do more in and between apps, and will be able to see what's on the user's screen. Apple promised that those features would appear before the end of 2026. Apple is planning to introduce the new version of ‌Siri‌ at the June WWDC keynote. Dates for WWDC were announced yesterday, and the keynote event is set to take place on Monday, June 8.Related Roundup: iOS 27Tags: Bloomberg, Dynamic Island, Mark Gurman, SiriThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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Studio Display and Studio Display XDR Get Firmware Update
Apple today released a new firmware update for the Studio Display and ‌Studio Display‌ XDR, its two new monitors that came out earlier in March. The ‌Studio Display‌ Firmware 26.4 update is only for the new ‌Studio Display‌ options, and it is not available on the older model. ‌Studio Display‌ firmware can be updated by connecting the display to a Mac and going to System Settings > Software Update. Apple did not provide release notes for the firmware update. Related Roundup: Studio DisplayBuyer's Guide: Displays (Buy Now)Related Forum: Mac AccessoriesThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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macOS Tahoe 26.4 Now Available With Safari Compact Tab Bar, Battery Charge Limits and More
Apple today released macOS Tahoe 26.4, the fourth major update to the ‌macOS Tahoe‌ operating system. ‌macOS Tahoe‌ comes six weeks after Apple released ‌macOS Tahoe‌ 26.3. Mac users can download the new software by opening up the System Settings app and navigating to the Software Update section. ‌macOS Tahoe‌ 26.4 returns the compact tab bar option to Safari for those who prefer the slimmed down look, along with a new Charge Limit feature for the Mac so you can set a maximum charge level from 80 to 100 percent. It also adds new eight emoji characters, and it displays warnings for apps that will stop working in the future. Apple is ending support for Rosetta 2 after macOS 27, so app that are still using Rosetta will display a popup letting users know that the app won't work starting with macOS 28. macOS 26.4 also includes Apple Creator Studio for the Freeform app and it has the same Family Sharing change as iOS 26.4. Adult members of a family group can now opt to use their own payment methods for purchases instead of having to share one.Related Roundup: macOS TahoeRelated Forum: macOS TahoeThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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Apple Releases iOS 26.4 and iPadOS 26.4 With New Emoji, Playlist Playground, Purchase Sharing Changes and More
Apple today released iOS 26.4 and iPadOS 26.4, the latest updates to the iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 operating systems. The new software comes six weeks after Apple released iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4. The new software can be downloaded on eligible iPhones and iPads over-the-air by going to Settings > General > Software Update. iOS 26.4 adds a new Apple Music feature called Playlist Playground, which uses AI to generate playlists for you based on text-based prompts. You can ask for moods, feelings, occasions, and more when making a request. The update also has new emoji characters, a useful change to payment methods for Purchase Sharing in family groups, and much more. Apple's notes for the update are below. Apple Music - Playlist Playground (beta) generates a playlist from your description, complete with a title, description, and tracklist - Concerts helps you discover nearby shows from artists in your library and recommends new artists based on what you listen to - Offline Music Recognition in Control Center identifies songs without an internet connection and delivers results automatically when you're back online - Ambient Music widget for Sleep, Chill, Productivity, and Wellbeing brings curated playlists to the Home Screen - Full screen backgrounds give album and playlist pages a more immersive look Accessibility - Reduce bright effects setting minimizes bright flashes when tapping on elements like buttons - Subtitle and caption settings are available from the captions icon while viewing media, making them easier to find, customize, and preview - Reduce Motion setting more reliably reduces the animations of Liquid Glass for users sensitive to on screen motion This update also includes the following enhancements: - 8 new emoji including an orca, trombone, landslide, ballet dancer, and distorted face are available in the emoji keyboard - Freeform gains advanced image creation and editing tools, and a premium content library, joining Apple Creator Studio - Mark reminders as urgent from the Quick Toolbar or by touching and holding, and filter for urgent reminders in your Smart Lists - Purchase Sharing lets adult members in Family Sharing groups use their own payment method when making purchases, without relying on the family organizer - Improved keyboard accuracy when typing quickly For information on the security content of Apple software updates, please visit: https://support.apple.com/100100 Some features may not be available in all regions or on all iPhone models. To learn more, please visit: https://www.apple.com/ios/feature-availability/. Software updates, like this one, add new features and improvements that may affect performance and/or battery life. To learn more, please visit: https://support.apple.com/125039 We should be getting iOS 26.5 and iPadOS 26.5 betas in the near future, perhaps as soon as this week.Related Roundups: iOS 26, iPadOS 26Related Forum: iOS 26This article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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watchOS 26.4 Now Available With Workout Update and New Emoji
Apple today released watchOS 26.4, the fourth major update to the watchOS 26 operating system that came out in September. watchOS 26.4 comes a month and a half after Apple released watchOS 26.3. watchOS 26.4 can be downloaded for free on an iPhone running iOS 26.4 by opening up the Apple Watch app and going to General > Software Update, or initiating an update in the Settings app on the watch. To install the new software, the Apple Watch needs to have at least 50 percent battery and it needs to be placed on a charger. The update makes it quicker to start a workout in the Workout app by tapping on a Workout type icon, plus it has eight new emoji characters that include orca, trombone, treasure chest, fight cloud, hairy creature, landslide, ballet dancer, and distorted face. Apple's release notes are below. This update introduces 8 new emoji, along with other features, bug fixes, and security updates for your Apple Watch This update also includes the following enhancements: - Support for AirPods Max 2 - Workout type icon in the Workout app lets you start a workout with a single tap - 8 new emoji including an orca, trombone, landslide, ballet dancer, and distorted face are available in the emoji keyboard More on what's new in ‌watchOS 26‌ can be found in our watchOS 26 roundup.Related Roundups: Apple Watch 11, watchOS 26Buyer's Guide: Apple Watch (Neutral)Related Forum: Apple WatchThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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watchOS 26.4 Now Available With Workout Update and New Emoji
Apple today released watchOS 26.4, the fourth major update to the watchOS 26 operating system that came out in September. watchOS 26.4 comes a month and a half after Apple released watchOS 26.3. watchOS 26.4 can be downloaded for free on an iPhone running iOS 26.4 by opening up the Apple Watch app and going to General > Software Update, or initiating an update in the Settings app on the watch. To install the new software, the Apple Watch needs to have at least 50 percent battery and it needs to be placed on a charger. The update makes it quicker to start a workout in the Workout app by tapping on a Workout type icon, plus it has eight new emoji characters that include orca, trombone, treasure chest, fight cloud, hairy creature, landslide, ballet dancer, and distorted face. Apple's release notes are below. This update introduces 8 new emoji, along with other features, bug fixes, and security updates for your Apple Watch This update also includes the following enhancements: - Support for AirPods Max 2 - Workout type icon in the Workout app lets you start a workout with a single tap - 8 new emoji including an orca, trombone, landslide, ballet dancer, and distorted face are available in the emoji keyboard More on what's new in ‌watchOS 26‌ can be found in our watchOS 26 roundup.Related Roundups: Apple Watch 11, watchOS 26Buyer's Guide: Apple Watch (Neutral)Related Forum: Apple WatchThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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Apple Releases tvOS 26.4 With Genius Browse
Apple today released tvOS 26.4, the fourth update to the tvOS operating system that came out last fall. tvOS 26.4 is available for the Apple TV 4K and the ‌Apple TV‌ HD, and it comes over a month after Apple released tvOS 26.3. tvOS 26.4 can be downloaded using the Settings app on the ‌‌‌Apple TV‌‌‌. Open up Settings and go to System > Software Update to get the new software. ‌‌‌Apple TV‌‌‌ owners who have automatic software updates activated will be upgraded to tvOS 26.4 automatically. Apple added a new Genius Browse section to the ‌Apple TV‌ app in tvOS 26.4. Genius Browse is a content discovery feature that provides recommendations for TV shows and movies across multiple suggested categories. Suggestions vary based on content preferences, and the options are updated regularly. The update removes the dedicated iTunes Movies and iTunes TV Shows apps that Apple started phasing out in 2023, which means wishlists will no longer be available. Apple sent emails to affected customers with instructions on how to transfer wishlist content to the ‌Apple TV‌ app watchlist. tvOS 26.4 also adds more easily accessible customization options for subtitles, and it improves ‌Apple TV‌ Audio Format settings with an option for Continuous Audio Connection for HDMI output. Full release notes for tvOS 26.4 are available through Apple's tvOS support document.Related Roundup: Apple TVBuyer's Guide: Apple TV (Don't Buy)Related Forum: Apple TV and Home TheaterThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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Apple Releases visionOS 26.4
Apple today released visionOS 26.4, the fourth update to the visionOS 26 operating system that launched in September. visionOS 26.4 comes 1.5 months after Apple released visionOS 26.3. ‌visionOS 26‌.4 can be downloaded on all Vision Pro headsets by navigating to the Settings app, selecting the General section, and choosing the Software Update option. To install an update, the Vision Pro headset needs to be removed, and there is a software progress bar available on the exterior EyeSight display. Apple's release notes say that visionOS 26.4 includes bug fixes and security improvements, along with improved Spatial Audio and eight new emoji characters. New additions include distorted face, fight cloud, landslide, ballet dancer, treasure chest, trombone, orca, and hairy creature. This update introduces 8 new emoji, along with other features, bug fixes, and security updates for your Apple Vision Pro This update includes the following enhancements: - Support for AirPods Max 2 - 8 new emoji including an orca, trombone, landslide, ballet dancer, and distorted face are available in the emoji keyboard - Spatial Audio starts faster in familiar spaces by remembering the acoustic properties of rooms you’ve been in beforevisionOS 26.4 is recommended for all Vision Pro users.Related Roundup: Apple Vision ProBuyer's Guide: Vision Pro (Buy Now)Related Forum: Apple Vision ProThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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Apple Releases HomePod Software 26.4
Alongside iOS 26.4, iPadOS 26.4, and macOS Tahoe 26.4, Apple has released new HomePod 26.4 software for the ‌HomePod‌ and the HomePod mini. The update comes a little over a month after Apple released ‌HomePod‌ Software 26.3. According to Apple's release notes, ‌HomePod‌ Software 26.4 includes performance and stability improvements. ‌‌HomePod‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌ software is installed automatically on the ‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌HomePod‌‌‌‌ unless the feature is disabled‌‌‌‌, but the ‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌HomePod‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌ can also be manually updated in the Home app on iPhone, iPad, or Mac by tapping on the More button, choosing Home Settings, and then selecting the Software Update option.Related Roundups: HomePod, HomePod miniBuyer's Guide: HomePod (Neutral), HomePod Mini (Don't Buy)Related Forum: HomePod, HomeKit, CarPlay, Home & Auto TechnologyThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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Apple's 50th Anniversary Events Continue in UK, Canada, Mexico, Japan, Thailand, and Beyond
Apple has been celebrating its upcoming 50th anniversary by hosting special events around the world, making stops in the United States, China, South Korea, and Thailand so far. Over the coming days, the celebrations will continue in the UK, France, Canada, Mexico, India, Japan, and Australia, while China will get an encore performance. MacRumors has been invited to attend one of Apple's 50th-anniversary celebrations in London this week, but we are keeping specific details under wraps in order to avoid spoiling Apple's surprise. Stay tuned for our coverage of the event. Apple Stores in Paris, France and Vancouver, Canada will be hosting special Today at Apple sessions tied to the company's 50th anniversary this week, with more details about those events outlined in our previous reporting. Apple is also planning to host celebrations in Mexico, India, and Japan over the coming days, according to a source familiar with the matter. Apple and the Sydney Opera House in Australia recently announced a collaboration, and we reported that this will tie into Apple's 50th-anniversary celebrations. On his Instagram page last week, Australian composer Bailey Pickles said Apple asked him to compose and perform music for its upcoming 50th-anniversary celebration at the Opera House, where Apple will soon be illuminating artwork. From March 25 to March 27, the Opera House's eastern sails will be illuminated with artwork created in the Procreate app on the iPad by a group of 10 emerging Australian artists. Through free Today at Apple sessions earlier this month, the public also had the opportunity to create and submit artwork for potential illumination. Apple said selected artworks from both commissioned artists and public submissions will be curated and projected onto the Opera House's eastern sails on March 25 at 8:30 p.m. local time, and on March 26 and March 27 at 8 p.m. local time. Pickles did not say exactly when he will be performing at the world-famous venue, but it is clear that the 50th-anniversary celebration will involve a mix of artwork and music. China is getting an encore 50th-anniversary celebration, as Apple will be hosting a special Today at Apple session at its Jing'an store in Shanghai, China on March 28, and there may be a surprise performance outside of the store as well. Finally, there may be a grand finale at Apple Park in Cupertino, California, although this event might be limited to Apple's employees. Apple kicked off its celebrations with a surprise performance by singer Alicia Keys at the iconic Grand Central Terminal in New York earlier this month. ↓ Chinese singer Li Yuchun also performed at Apple's Taikoo Li store in Chengdu, China last week, as part of the celebrations. ↓ South Korean boy band CORTIS performed at Apple's Myeongdong store in Seoul last week. ↓ Molly Yllom, the artist behind the Crybaby universe, led a special Today at Apple session at Apple's Iconsiam store in Bangkok last week. ↓ Apple turns 50 on April 1. "At Apple, we're more focused on building tomorrow than remembering yesterday," said Apple's CEO Tim Cook, in a public letter. "But we couldn't let this milestone pass without thanking the millions of people who make Apple what it is today."Tags: Apple 50th Anniversary, Apple Store, Today at Apple, United KingdomThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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Add a Volume Slider to Your iPhone Lock Screen
Your iPhone's Lock Screen has built-in media playback controls that appear whenever music, a podcast, or other audio is playing. What you might not realize is that those controls can also include a volume slider that lets you adjust the volume without you having to unlock your iPhone or fumble for the physical buttons. Originally, Apple included a volume slider in the Lock Screen media player by default, but it quietly removed the function in iOS 16. It eventually returned as an option in iOS 18.2, but Apple decided to bury it in Accessibility settings, where it's easy to overlook. The setting is still available in iOS 26, and it's super-simple to enable. Here's how to turn it on: Open Settings on your iPhone. Tap Accessibility. Under "Hearing," tap Audio & Visual. Toggle on the switch next to Always Show Volume Control. The next time you play audio, a volume slider will appear in the Lock Screen's media player underneath the existing playback controls. It's especially useful when your iPhone is propped up on a desk or sitting on a nightstand, since you don't need to pick it up just to change the volume. To turn it off again, just head back to Settings ➝ Accessibility ➝ Audio & Visual and toggle off Always Show Volume Control.This article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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Apple Announces Ads Are Coming to Apple Maps
As expected, Apple has officially announced that ads are coming to the Apple Maps app on the iPhone and iPad in the U.S. and Canada starting "this summer." Apple says businesses in the U.S. and Canada only will be able to place ads in search results and at the top of a new "Suggested Places" section in the app. "Ads on Maps will appear when users search in Maps, and can appear at the top of a user's search results based on relevance, as well as at the top of a new Suggested Places experience in Maps, which will display recommendations based on what's trending nearby, the user's recent searches, and more," says Apple. Similar to the ads that are already shown in App Store search results on the iPhone and iPad, ads in Apple Maps will have an "Ad" label, and Apple promises strong privacy protections. For example, Apple says a user's location and the ads they see and interact with in Apple Maps are not associated with a user's Apple Account. "Maps with ads is just as private as Maps without ads," says Apple. "Where you go and the ads you see and interact with are not associated with your Apple Account. Personal data stays on your device, is not collected or stored by Apple Ads, and is not shared with third parties." The introduction of ads in Apple Maps will obviously help to further increase Apple's services revenue, but the move will disappoint some customers. Businesses will be able to set up ads in Apple Maps via the new Apple Business platform. More details are available on Apple's website.Tags: Apple Ads, Apple MapsThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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Apple Unveils 'Apple Business' All-in-One Platform
Apple today announced Apple Business, a new all-in-one platform that unifies device management, productivity tools, and customer outreach features. The service is designed to be a consolidated replacement for several of Apple's existing business-focused offerings, including Apple Business Essentials, Apple Business Manager, and Apple Business Connect. It provides organizations with a single interface to manage devices, employees, communications, and customer engagement across Apple's ecosystem. Apple Business incorporates built-in mobile device management (MDM), which allows companies to configure device settings, security policies, apps, and user groups from one place. Apple Business app will allow employees to install work-related apps, access colleague contact information, and request support. New "Blueprints" enable administrators to preconfigure devices with specific settings and apps, facilitating zero-touch deployment so that employees can begin using devices immediately after unboxing. Zero-touch deployment is available when devices are purchased through Apple or authorized resellers. The platform introduces Managed Apple Accounts with what Apple describes as "cryptographic separation" between personal and work data, allowing employees to use the same device for both purposes without commingling information. Account provisioning can be automated through integrations with identity providers such as Google Workspace and Microsoft Entra ID. Additional features include the ability to create user groups, assign roles, distribute apps through the App Store, and access an Admin API for large-scale deployments, covering device, user, audit, and MDM service data. Apple Business also adds integrated email, calendar, and directory services tied to custom domains. Businesses can either bring an existing domain or purchase one through the platform. These tools include features such as calendar delegation and a company directory with personalized contact cards. In addition to internal management tools, Apple Business introduces new tools for customer engagement. The platform will allow businesses to manage how their brand and locations appear across Apple services, consolidating features previously available in Apple Business Connect. These include brand profiles with logos and details, customizable place cards in Apple Maps with photos, hours, and actions such as ordering or reservations, and analytics showing how users discover and interact with locations. Branded communications will extend to the Mail app and iCloud Mail, as well as order tracking in Wallet, and that businesses using Tap to Pay on iPhone can display their branding during transactions. Apple also announced a new advertising feature tied to ‌Apple Maps‌, scheduled to launch in the United States and Canada later this summer. Businesses will be able to create ads that appear at the top of search results in Maps, as well as within a new Suggested Places experience. Apple Business will be available starting April 14 in more than 200 countries and regions as a free service for new and existing users of its prior business platforms, with certain features limited to specific regions. Optional paid services for additional ‌iCloud‌ storage and AppleCare+ will remain available within the platform. Apple Business Essentials, Apple Business Manager, and Apple Business Connect will be discontinued once Apple Business launches, with existing data such as claimed locations and account information automatically migrated to the new system. Business Essentials customers will no longer be charged monthly fees for device management after the transition.Tag: Apple BusinessThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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Anker's New Prime 3-in-1 Foldable Charging Station Hits Low Price on Amazon
Anker's new Prime 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station has been marked down to $119.99 today on Amazon, down from $149.99, with no need for a coupon. This accessory just launched last month, and Amazon's price is within $4 of the all-time low we tracked a few weeks back. 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. This deal, and many of the others we've collected below, are part of early deals for Amazon's Big Spring Sale, which officially kicks off tomorrow. Because of this, you'll need to have an Amazon Prime membership in order to get some of these discounts, including the Prime 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station. $30 OFFAnker Prime 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station for $119.99 The Prime 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station features Qi2.2 support, which lets a compatible MagSafe ‌iPhone‌ charge at up to 25W. It's the same speed as Apple's ‌MagSafe‌ charger, and it is 10W faster than the standard Qi2 ‌MagSafe‌ chargers. You can also simultaneously charge an Apple Watch and AirPods with the device. There are plenty of other Anker discounts happening on Amazon this week, including the Prime 14-in-1 Thunderbolt 5 Dock back at its all-time low price of $339.99, down from $399.99. Anker's popular 3-in-1 MagSafe-Compatible Charging Cube is also down to a new all-time low price of $92.98, down from $129.99. $60 OFFAnker Prime 14-in-1 Thunderbolt 5 Dock for $339.99 Wall Chargers Nano USB-C Wall Charger - $29.99, down from $39.99 6-in-1 USB-C Power Strip - $79.99, down from $109.99 140W 4-Port GaN USB-C Charger - $89.99, down from $99.99 14-in-1 Prime Thunderbolt 5 Dock - $339.99, down from $399.99 Wireless Chargers 3-in-1 MagSafe-Compatible UFO Charger - $69.99, down from $89.99 3-in-1 MagSafe-Compatible Foldable Charging Station - $85.99, down from $109.99 3-in-1 MagSafe-Compatible Charging Cube - $92.98, down from $129.99 3-in-1 Prime Wireless Charging Station - $119.99, down from $149.99 Prime MagSafe-Compatible 3-in-1 Charging Station - $169.99, down from $229.99 Portable Chargers SOLIX C300 Power Station with Lantern - $179.99, down from $249.00 Prime Power Bank 26,250 mAh - $199.99, down from $229.99 SOLIX C1000 Gen 2 Portable Power Station - $559.99, down from $799.00 SOLIX C2000 Gen 2 Portable Power Station - $999.99, down from $1,499.00 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 2026? 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 Still 'Far From' Full-Screen iPhone as Hidden Face ID Hits Snags
Apple's progress toward under-display Face ID and a fully uninterrupted iPhone display is encountering ongoing challenges, with a new report indicating that the company is likely to focus on incremental reductions to the Dynamic Island rather than major front-facing design changes in the near term. A new post from Weibo user "Fixed Focus Digital" suggests that Apple's development of under-display technologies is not advancing as smoothly as previously anticipated, casting doubt on expectations for significant front-facing design changes in upcoming iPhone models. According to the leaker, Apple's near-term approach is expected to prioritize refining existing solutions rather than introducing a fully hidden front camera and ‌Face ID‌ system. The latest information aligns with a growing body of mixed reports surrounding the iPhone 18 Pro models. Earlier claims from multiple sources, including Bloomberg's Mark Gurman and display industry analyst Ross Young, indicated that Apple would reduce the size of the ‌Dynamic Island‌, likely by relocating some ‌Face ID‌ components beneath the display. Other sources have cast doubt on the extent of these changes. Weibo leaker "Digital Chat Station" recently claimed that the ‌iPhone 18 Pro‌ models may reuse much of their existing front-facing design, with ‌Face ID‌ and the ‌Dynamic Island‌ remaining "largely unchanged" and more ambitious under-display implementations pushed to a later generation. In the same series of posts, Fixed Focus Digital also commented on Apple's upcoming foldable iPhone, describing the device as "ultra-flat, moderately sized, and affordably priced," and claimed that supply chain expectations for production volumes are relatively high. Ultra-flat, moderately sized, and affordably priced—there is simply no reason for the iPhone Fold to fail. At least on the supply side, inventory expectations are quite substantial. However, if sales do end up flopping... Apple's stock price is going to take a nosedive. The ‌iPhone 18 Pro‌, ‌iPhone 18 Pro‌ Max, and Apple's first foldable iPhone are expected to be announced in the fall. Tags: Dynamic Island, Face ID, Fixed Focus Digital, Foldable iPhoneThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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Mac OS X Launched 25 Years Ago Today: 'The Future of the Mac'
Today marks the 25th anniversary of Apple launching Mac OS X, the operating system that serves as the foundation of modern-day macOS. Apple released a public beta of Mac OS X in September 2000, and the operating system officially launched on March 24, 2001. "Mac OS X is the future of the Mac, and we hope it will delight our customers with its unrivaled power and ease of use," said Steve Jobs, in 2001. "The Public Beta has generated incredible feedback and support from Mac users and developers, which has helped us to make Mac OS X the most advanced operating system ever." Mac OS X was a next-generation, UNIX-based operating system for the Mac, succeeding the classic Mac OS operating system. It ushered in Apple's iconic "Aqua" interface, the Dock, an improved Finder app with hierarchical navigation, and more. Mac OS X 10.0 screenshot via Stephen Hackett's gallery "Mac OS X is the most important software from Apple since the original Macintosh operating system in 1984 that revolutionized the entire industry," said Jobs. In the U.S., Mac OS X was priced at $129. Apple stopped charging for macOS releases in 2013, when OS X Mavericks was released free of charge. Mac OS X was renamed to OS X in 2012 and to macOS in 2016:Mac OS X 10.0 (2001): "Cheetah" Mac OS X 10.1 (2001): "Puma" Mac OS X 10.2 (2002): Jaguar Mac OS X 10.3 (2003): Panther Mac OS X 10.4 (2005): Tiger Mac OS X 10.5 (2007): Leopard Mac OS X 10.6 (2009): Snow Leopard Mac OS X 10.7 (2011): Lion OS X 10.8 (2012): Mountain Lion OS X 10.9 (2013): Mavericks OS X 10.10 (2014): Yosemite OS X 10.11 (2015): El Capitan macOS 10.12 (2016): Sierra macOS 10.13 (2017): High Sierra macOS 10.14 (2018): Mojave macOS 10.15 (2019): Catalina macOS 11 (2020): Big Sur macOS 12 (2021): Monterey macOS 13 (2022): Ventura macOS 14 (2023): Sonoma macOS 15 (2024): Sequoia macOS 26 (2025): TahoeMac OS X was a big part of Apple's renaissance, which began when Jobs returned to the company in the late 1990s. Big hits in those first few years after his return included the iMac in 1998, the iBook in 1999, and Mac OS X and the iPod in 2001. In this sense, it is poetic that this milestone comes just a week ahead of Apple's 50th anniversary.Related Roundup: macOS TahoeRelated Forum: macOS TahoeThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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Apple TV, Siri Targeted in EU Broadcaster Complaint Citing DMA Rules
A coalition of Europe's biggest broadcasters is pushing the EU to bring smart TV platforms like Apple TV and virtual assistants like Siri under the bloc's toughest tech regulation, reports Reuters. The Association of Commercial Television and Video on Demand Services in Europe (ACT), whose members include Disney, NBCUniversal, Paramount+, and Sky, sent a letter on Monday to EU antitrust chief Teresa Ribera arguing that smart TV operating systems from Google, Amazon, Apple, and Samsung should be designated as gatekeepers under the Digital Markets Act (DMA). Under the DMA, any platform with more than 45 million monthly active EU users and a market valuation above €75 billion is presumed to be a gatekeeper, subject to obligations designed to curb self-preferencing and increase interoperability. To evidence their claim, the broadcasters cited market data showing Android TV's share grew from 16 percent to 23 percent between 2019 and 2024, while Amazon Fire OS climbed from 5 percent to 12 percent. Samsung's Tizen holds 24 percent, but Apple TV's share was not referenced. The ACT also wants virtual assistants like Alexa and Siri brought under the DMA, arguing that the current lack of regulation has left AI assistants free to act as de facto gatekeepers for media content across phones, smart speakers, and car infotainment systems. The European Commission confirmed it received the letter and is reviewing it. So far, Apple, Google, Amazon, and Samsung have not commented. Apple's App Store, iOS, and Safari are already classified as DMA gatekeepers. A separate review into whether Apple Maps and Apple Ads meet the threshold was concluded last month, with regulators ruling that neither qualified due to low usage in Europe. Notably, the broadcasters' letter asks the Commission to apply the DMA based on "qualitative criteria," even where platforms don't hit the usual quantitative benchmarks outlined in the regulations. The request may sound like it's on shaky ground, but the DMA does actually have a provision for this circumstance – the EC can designate a company as a gatekeeper even if it doesn't meet the hard numeric thresholds stated above. It can look instead at factors like the platform's size, number of business users, network effects, lock-in, and structural market characteristics. In fact, this is how the Commission designated iPadOS as having gatekeeper status, even though it didn't meet the quantitative threshold. In practice, though, the Commission is likely to be cautious about using this approach because it's messier than quantitative rules and easier to challenge in court. Apple is very likely to contest it, especially given that Apple TV's market share appears to be relatively small. Whether the same will apply to Siri is another matter, since it's tied to the iPhone and the EU already considers that a gatekeeper platform.Related Roundup: Apple TVTags: Apple Antitrust, European Commission, European Union, SiriBuyer's Guide: Apple TV (Don't Buy)Related Forum: Apple TV and Home TheaterThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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Apple Bracing Display Supply Chain for Wave of New OLED Devices
Apple is moving more decisively to reduce its reliance on Chinese manufacturers ahead of the launch of a wave of new products with OLED panels, DigiTimes reports. Apple has apparently accelerated efforts to diversify its OLED sourcing away from Chinese suppliers such as BOE, which have historically played an important role in the company's display supply chain. The impact on BOE has already been substantial. DigiTimes says the company's dedicated Apple OLED production line in Mianyang, Sichuan saw utilization rates fall from approximately 82% in 2024 to 48% by February 2026. Shipments to Apple have also declined sharply, dropping by more than 40% compared to initial expectations. OLED panel shipments from Sichuan to Apple's assembly partners in Vietnam fell by over 50% year over year in February, underscoring the speed of the transition. In place of Chinese suppliers, Apple is increasingly depending on reliable South Korean display manufacturers such as Samsung Display and LG Display. ‌DigiTimes‌ says future Apple devices, including the iPhone 18 Pro, the first foldable iPhone, and upcoming MacBook Pro and iPad mini models, are expected to depend predominantly on OLED panels sourced from these companies. All of these products are expected to launch this year, with OLED coming to the ‌MacBook Pro‌ and ‌iPad mini‌ for the first time. The realignment reflects a broader shift in Apple's component sourcing strategy that has been underway for several years, as the company seeks to mitigate supply chain risk. Apple has already diversified final assembly across countries such as India and Vietnam. Tags: China, DigiTimes, LG, LG Display, OLED, Samsung, South KoreaThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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Anthropic's Claude AI Can Now Use Your Mac While You're Away
Anthropic are out with yet another update to Claude AI: the company's Claude Code and Cowork tools can now remotely control your Mac on your behalf. When Claude lacks a direct connector for a given app like Slack or Google Calendar, it falls back to controlling the computer like a human, using the screen to navigate. From the Claude blog: In Claude Cowork and Claude Code, you can now enable Claude to use your computer to complete tasks. When Claude doesn't have access to the tools it needs, it will point, click, and navigate what's on your screen to perform the task itself. It can open files, use the browser, and run dev tools automatically – with no setup required. The capability pairs with Dispatch (released last week) which lets you assign Claude tasks from your iPhone and return to finished work on your desktop. In the YouTube video embedded below, Anthropic's demo shows a user asking Claude to export a pitch deck as a PDF and attach it to a meeting invite, all while the user is away from their Mac. "Computer use is still early compared to Claude's ability to code or interact with text," notes Anthropic. "Claude can make mistakes, and while we continue to improve our safeguards, threats are constantly evolving. We recommend starting with the apps you trust and not working with sensitive data." The new feature is essentially Anthropic's version of OpenClaw, the open-source AI agent that went viral earlier this year. OpenClaw runs locally and connects to messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram, using a plugin-based "skills" system to execute tasks ranging from file management to browser automation. It's powerful, but notoriously tricky to configure safely. In contrast, Claude's version is more locked down. The system uses a permission-first approach, and requests user access before touching a new app. It's currently also Mac-only, whereas OpenClaw supports macOS, Windows, and Linux. The new feature is now available in research preview for Claude Pro and Max subscribers. Earlier this month, Claude was updated with support for inline visual content that aims to help provide clearer answers. Anthropic also rolled out a memory import tool that allows users to import conversations and memories from other AI providers into Claude, so new users don't need to start from scratch when they switch.Tag: AnthropicThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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Kwikset Smart Locks Can Now Be Controlled Through Apple CarPlay
Lock maker Kwikset today added CarPlay integration to the Kwikset app, which means iPhone owners can lock or unlock Kwikset smart locks directly from the car's dashboard. The feature works with Kwikset locks that are controlled with the Kwikset app, and it allows locks to be accessed without the need to open the app on an iPhone. When arriving home or leaving, vehicle owners can use ‌CarPlay‌ to unlock or lock their home's doors. When an iPhone is connected to ‌CarPlay‌, the Kwikset app is shown alongside other third-party apps, so users can choose their home and lock or unlock their home door with a tap. Kwikset new ‌CarPlay‌ functionality is designed for Kwikset locks that include the Halo Touch, Halo Keypad, Halo Touchscreen, Halo Select, and Halo Select Plus. The feature does not work with Kwikset Halo locks that are set to Matter mode. Kwikset is also adding the same integration for Android Auto.Related Roundup: CarPlayTag: KwiksetRelated Forum: HomePod, HomeKit, CarPlay, Home & Auto TechnologyThis article, "" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

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LIS (Lisbon) on 2026-03-31
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Mar 31, 23:00 UTC  -  Apr 1, 06:00 UTCMar 31, 04:20 UTCScheduled - We will be performing scheduled maintenance in LIS (Lisbon) datacenter between 2026-03-31 23:00 and 2026-04-01 06:00 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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FRA (Frankfurt) on 2026-03-31
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Mar 31, 23:00 UTC  -  Apr 1, 06:00 UTCMar 31, 04:22 UTCScheduled - We will be performing scheduled maintenance in FRA (Frankfurt) datacenter between 2026-03-31 23:00 and 2026-04-01 06:00 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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HEL (Helsinki) on 2026-04-01
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Apr 1, 01:00 - 06:00 UTCMar 31, 03:48 UTCScheduled - We will be performing scheduled maintenance in HEL (Helsinki) datacenter on 2026-04-01 between 01:00 and 06:00 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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HEL (Helsinki) on 2026-03-31
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Mar 31, 03:00 - 08:00 UTCMar 31, 02:50 UTCScheduled - We will be performing scheduled maintenance in HEL (Helsinki) datacenter on 2026-03-31 between 03:00 and 08:00 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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United Kingdom Account Security Carrier Partner Maintenance – Vodafone
Mar 30, 19:15 PDTCompleted - The scheduled maintenance has been completed.Mar 30, 13:15 PDTIn progress - Scheduled maintenance is currently in progress. We will provide updates as necessary.Mar 30, 07:03 PDTScheduled - Our carrier partner Vodafone United Kingdom is conducting a planned maintenance from 30 March 2026 at 13:15 PDT until 30 March 2026 at 19:15 PDT. During the maintenance window, there could be intermittent API request failures for Vodafone United Kingdom customers.Impacted Products: Lookup Identity Match, Lookup SIM Swap, Legacy Identity MatchAndAttributesWe are aware of the short notice and are working with our Carrier Partners to provide earlier notification where possible.

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KBP (Kyiv) on 2026-03-31
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Mar 31, 01:30 - 06:00 UTCMar 31, 01:22 UTCScheduled - We will be performing scheduled maintenance in KBP (Kyiv) datacenter on 2026-03-31 between 01:30 and 06:00 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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LHR (London) on 2026-03-31
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Mar 31, 03:00 - 07:00 UTCMar 31, 00:32 UTCScheduled - We will be performing scheduled maintenance in LHR (London) datacenter on 2026-03-31 between 03:00 and 07:00 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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Increase in 5xx Errors in Fortaleza, Brazil datacenter (FOR)
Mar 30, 18:30 UTCResolved - Cloudflare identified an increase in 5xx errors with our CDN service in the Fortaleza, Brazil datacenter (FOR). Users may have experienced an increase in errors between 18:44 UTC and 19:12 UTC on March 30, 2026. The issue has been resolved

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Singapore SMS Carrier Maintenance – M1
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Apr 1, 11:00 - 14:00 PDTMar 30, 07:32 PDTScheduled - The M1 network in Singapore is conducting a planned maintenance from 01 April 2026 at 11:00 PDT until 01 April 2026 at 14:00 PDT. During the maintenance window, there could be intermittent delays delivering SMS to M1 Singapore handsets.

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FRA (Frankfurt) on 2026-04-01
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Apr 1, 23:30 UTC  -  Apr 2, 06:00 UTCMar 30, 14:10 UTCScheduled - We will be performing scheduled maintenance in FRA (Frankfurt) datacenter between 2026-04-01 23:30 and 2026-04-02 06:00 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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AMS (Amsterdam) on 2026-03-31
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Mar 31, 23:30 UTC  -  Apr 1, 06:30 UTCMar 30, 14:16 UTCScheduled - We will be performing scheduled maintenance in AMS (Amsterdam) datacenter between 2026-03-31 23:30 and 2026-04-01 06:30 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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Zaps Paused due Prior Connection Failure with Google Services
Status: IdentifiedA previous incident on March 18 "previous incident on March 18": https://status.zapier.com/incidents/01KKZAYF71JFXMX65DDWC33PXP caused Zaps using Google Sheets and Google Drive to pause. While that incident was resolved, some affected Zaps were not restored and remain paused. If your Google Sheets or Google Drive Zaps are currently paused, you will need to turn them back on manually. You can check for affected Zaps directly using this filtered view of your paused Google Sheets and Google Docs Zaps "this filtered view of your paused Google Sheets and Google Docs Zaps": https://zapier.com/app/assets/zaps?app=GoogleSheetsV2CLIAPI%2CGoogleDocsV2CLIAPI&status=off. Look for Zaps that were paused between March 18 and March 19, 2026 and turn on any that should be active. If your Zaps missed data while they were paused, you can import the missing records using Transfer existing data using a spreadsheet "Transfer existing data using a spreadsheet": https://help.zapier.com/hc/en-us/articles/21695863326861-Transfer-existing-data-using-a-spreadsheet. If you need help or have questions, contact our support team at https://zapier.com/app/get-help.

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Russia SMS Carrier Maintenance – Beeline
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Apr 3, 14:00 - 18:00 PDTMar 30, 05:38 PDTScheduled - The Beeline network in Russia is conducting a planned maintenance from 03 April 2026 at 14:00 PDT until 03 April 2026 at 18:00 PDT. During the maintenance window, there could be intermittent delays delivering SMS to Beeline Russia handsets.

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Germany Account Security Carrier Partner Maintenance – T-Mobile
THIS IS A SCHEDULED EVENT Apr 1, 23:00 PDT  -  Apr 2, 01:00 PDTMar 30, 05:50 PDTScheduled - Our carrier partner T-Mobile Germany is conducting a planned maintenance from 01 April 2026 at 23:00 PDT until 02 April 2026 at 01:00 PDT. During the maintenance window, there could be intermittent API request failures for T-Mobile Germany customers.Impacted Products: Verify Silent Network Auth, Lookup Identity Match, Lookup SIM Swap, Legacy Identity MatchAndAttributes

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CNI Maintenance Completed Ahead of Communicated Schedule
Mar 30, 12:00 UTCResolved - Cloudflare Network Interconnect (CNI) edge devices at multiple locations underwent scheduled maintenance ahead of the times communicated to affected customers.On March 30, 2026, between 12:00 UTC and 17:00 UTC, a total of 8 devices across 7 locations were rebooted between 2 hours and 2 days prior to their notified maintenance windows. This was caused by an internal scheduling error where an outdated version of the maintenance schedule was used for execution, while the current version was used for customer notifications. All affected devices successfully completed maintenance and are operating normally. We are contacting affected customers directly to discuss the impact on their specific configurations.

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