Some Apple AI servers are reportedly sitting unused on warehouse shelves, due to low Apple Intelligence usage
Earlier this year, Bloomberg reported that Apple was looking to host the much-delayed new Siri models on Google servers, rather than Apple’s Private Cloud Compute. The Information is reporting a similar story this morning, saying that Google has been tasked with running Siri servers inside its data centers, while adhering to Apple’s privacy standards. The Information goes on to detail how Private Cloud Compute is not up to task. As well as being underpowered, it is also reportedly underutilized in its current state, with the company only using about 10% of its capacity on average, leading to some already-manufactured Apple servers to be sitting dormant on warehouse shelves. more…

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Apple unveils the powerful new M4 iPad Air
Apple on Monday announced the new iPad Air featuring M4 and more memory, giving users a big jump in performance at the same starting price… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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Apple published a new Press Release
Apple just published a new Press Release:Apple introduces iPhone 17e

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iPhone 17e arrives with A19 chip upgrade and MagSafe charging
Apple's new iPhone 17e brings more speed, better wireless connectivity, and corrects the biggest flaw in the iPhone 16e.The new iPhone 17e comes in black, white, and soft pink — image credit: AppleJust one year after the introduction of the iPhone 16e, Apple has replaced it with a new model. The iPhone 17e is now the new entry-level device in the iPhone roster, providing essential functionality for those on a budget.The new model is pretty much an update to the previous version, rather than a complete overhaul. It is still a device with a 6.1-inch OLED screen, with it still clinging on to the notch at the top for Face ID instead of moving to the modern Dynamic Island. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Apple unveils new iPad Air with M4 chip, more RAM, C1X and N1
Apple has kicked off its big product launch week today, and one of the unveilings is a new iPad Air with M4 chip. Here are the details. more…

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Apple officially announces iPhone 17e with MagSafe, 2x base storage, ‘soft pink’ color
Apple has officially announced the new iPhone 17e. This model includes Apple’s MagSafe wireless charging technology, unlike iPhone 16e which simply featured basic wireless charging without MagSafe accessory support. The new model starts at the same price as its predecessor while offering twice the storage. Apple also has three color options this time: black, white, and a new soft pink. more…

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Apple TV’s ‘The Studio’ is the most-awarded series at the 32nd Annual Actor Awards
On Sunday night, Apple scored three wins at the 32nd Annual Actor Awards, presented by SAG-AFTRA: Outstanding Performance… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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PSA: Most Wi-Fi routers vulnerable to AirSnitch attack – here’s what to do
You may recall that way back in 2017, the WPA2 encryption standard used by most Wi-Fi routers at the time was cracked and had to be replaced with a new version, WPA3. Now a new attack method dubbed AirSnitch means that Wi-Fi encryption on most networks can be bypassed in order to access all of the traffic passing through the router. Almost all routers are vulnerable, so there are three steps you should take in order to protect yourself, with the greatest risk occurring through use of public Wi-Fi hotspots … more…

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Apple published a new Press Release
Apple just published a new Press Release:Apple introduces the new iPad Air, powered by M4

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Report: The giant foldable iPad isn’t dead
Macworld We shouldn’t have to wait much longer for Apple’s first foldable device, with the iPhone Fold expected to launch this September. But there are plenty more folding devices in the company’s development pipeline, including one that will be particularly interesting for Apple fans who want a really big screen. In the latest instalment of his Power On newsletter, leaker Mark Gurman says what he describes as “a gigantic, foldable iPad” is currently in development. This will have “a Mac-sized giant screen,” he says, but retain the iPad’s signature portability thanks to its foldable nature. If you include laptops, the Mac’s screen currently starts at just 13.6 inches for the smaller MacBook Air, which is barely any bigger than the largest iPad Pro, but based on previous rumors, we’re likely looking at a screen in the region of 18 inches. As you will have guessed, this isn’t a new concept. Gurman himself predicted back in December 2024 that Apple’s “vision for the future of computing” was a foldable device the size of two iPad Pros side by side, yet capable of fitting into a backpack when folded up. The idea was revisited last spring, when GF Securities analyst Jeff Pu predicted that the so-called iPad Fold would launch alongside a foldable iPhone towards the end of 2026, but by October, reports were far less optimistic. The mega tablet had, they now said, hit “development snags” and might never make it to market. Those snags have evidently not entirely gone away, and Gurman acknowledges in his latest report that hurdles still to be surmounted include “concerns about its practicality when it comes to typing.” Quite a fundamental issue, one would have thought, for a device intended for use as an aid to productivity on the go. So the device is unlikely to launch any time soon: Gurman says it’s “near the end of Apple’s 2020s road map.” And like the naysayers in October, he notes that it remains by no means certain that Apple will ever release it. As for the product’s details, Gurman cautions not to expect the long-awaited hybrid product that many fans hope will one day bridge the gap between the Mac and iPad lines. Rather than “a true combo product,” the folding iPad is “designed through and through as an iPad.” Of course, by then we’ll likely have the first touchscreen Macbook, so things could certainly change.

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Not a macOS 26 fan? Here’s how to block the alerts or downgrade
My personal view is that macOS 26 is a decent upgrade on balance, despite a few embarrassing mistakes. I also think that a minority of very vocal commenters have given a misleading impression about the level of opposition to the Liquid Glass update. However, if you’ve decided not to upgrade, you’ll be pleased to know that you can stop your Mac nagging you to do so … more…

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Malwarebytes for Mac Review: Strong malware detection, but is it worth the price?
Macworld At a glanceExpert's Rating Pros Strong malware detection with fast scans Simple installation and setup Solid VPN and now includes external drive scanning Cons InConsistent Browser Guard and web protection No firewall, parental controls, or automatic drive scanning Limited reporting and clunky malware detail navigation Our Verdict Malwarebytes Desktop Security for Mac is worth trying thanks to its fast scans, strong core protection, capable VPN, and risk-free 14-day trial, especially if you want straightforward security without complexity. However, users seeking a fully featured, all-in-one suite with firewall controls, parental tools, and more polished reporting may find better value elsewhere Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Retailer Price Malwarebytes (first year, 1 devices) $59.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Price When ReviewedStandard plan $59.99; Plus plan $79.99; Ultimate plan starts at $279.99 (currently $139.99) a year for three devices Best Prices Today: Malwarebytes Premium Security Retailer Price Malwarebytes (first year, 1 devices) $59.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Standard$59.99Plus$79.99Ultimate$139.99 Best for: Fast, reliable malware detection without complexity Not for: Power users or IT professionals who need detailed reporting and visibility Malwarebytes for Mac offer real-time malware and ransomware protection, adware removal, and web threat blocking for Mac users. It can scan internal and external drives, run scheduled and custom scans and also offers a VPN, identity protection, and digital footprint monitoring. There have been a few updates since we last evaluated it in 2024, so we thought it was time to take another look. Malwarebytes’ Desktop Security for Mac has been in version 5 since February 2024, but in December 2025 a major update brought an enhanced scan engine for macOS that includes the ability to scan external drives as part of the Custom scan options. Other updates to Malwarebytes since the last time we reviewed the software include identity protection features (including integration with Digital Footprint Scanner and Identity Theft Protection), improved scan flexibility, usability and UI improvements, and changes that have massively reduced CPU usage, with scans and real-time protection now much lighter on system resources. In this review, we’ll look at how good Malwarebytes is at detecting malware on a Mac, how well the VPN and identity related features work, what’s missing compared to rivals, and whether it is worth the price. Malwarebytes for Mac is one of the Mac Antivirus solutions we examine in our Best Antivirus for Mac buying guide. Getting started: How easy to use is Macwarebytes for Mac? Malwarebytes for Mac requires macOS 11 Big Sur or later and is quick to download and install. Granting Full Disk Access and enabling the necessary system permissions is straightforward, and setting up network protections involves minimal fuss. Once installed, creating an account and confirming a subscription is simple. The interface is clean and intuitive, making basic scanning easy even for non-technical users, with core features clearly laid out and easy to navigate. However, some of the more advanced tools and reporting elements feel limited or less polished compared to more fully featured competitors. Scanning: How good is Malwarebytes at detecting malware? Scanning is extremely fast. Foundry When it comes to antivirus and anti-malware scanning (long Malwarebytes’ bread and butter) the software remains one of the best scanners available. The application offers an extremely fast Quick Scan that targets the areas where suspicious files typically congregate, as well as a speedy custom scan of my MacBook Pro’s SSD, despite more than 800GB of used storage. Scans can be paused mid-run, and overall performance is satisfying to watch. The long-awaited external drive scanning feature which arrived at the end of 2025 performs well. However, you’ll need to initiate a Custom Scan and manually select the drive rather than use a more streamlined interface. This feels awkward, but gets the job done. Once a scan completes, malicious files can be ignored, quarantined, or deleted, with these actions configurable in the application settings. In terms of detection, Malwarebytes for Mac works effectively alongside macOS’s built-in XProtect and Gatekeeper features and stopped nearly all the malware samples I tested. The only exception was a Flash Python script, which executed but appeared to cause no damage. AI features: How good is the Scam Guard chatbot? Like just about every other software company, Malwarebytes has stepped into the AI arena and introduced new features built around it. Its Scam Guard now functions as an AI-powered chatbot, allowing users to drag and drop or copy and paste suspicious emails or URLs to get an assessment. The feature works well enough, though it’s not particularly groundbreaking. In practice, it largely advises caution in response to the usual wave of scam emails that land in my Gmail inbox (i.e., fake medicines, fake UPS and FedEx packages that are supposedly coming my way, fabulous contest prizes I’ve supposedly won, and Cash App deposits totaling almost $14,000 that I have yet to claim). VPN: How well do the VPN and identity features work? The VPN client, available in the Plus and Ultimate tiers, is designed to protect your privacy and secure your internet connection by routing your traffic through an encrypted server. It encrypts your online activity, masks your IP address and protects you on unsecured networks. While it’s not as customizable as a standalone VPN application, it still offers a solid range of preferences, including the option to launch automatically at startup and to block specific applications or IP addresses when the VPN is active. Additional features include a reliable kill switch, quick geographic location switching, and strong performance during streaming. Other features: Are Identity Protection and Browser Guard reliable? Malwarebytes found exposure to 38 separate bata breaches.Foundry Other major features include Identity Protection and Browser Guard, both of which come with strengths and weaknesses. Like similar services, Identity Protection scanned my email address, flagged exposure in 38 separate data breaches over the years, and began generating detailed reports outlining where my information had been leaked. It also layers in additional monitoring features, including credit bureau reporting and even a registry of sex offenders within a two-mile radius — thorough, if somewhat expansive in scope. Many of these tools are reserved for higher-tier plans, and there’s an underlying sense that taking full advantage of them nudges you toward a more expensive subscription level, potentially beyond your current plan if you opt into additional services. Malwarebytes 5’s Browser Guard, unfortunately, proves more of a mixed bag. While installing the Safari extension was straightforward, the Chrome extension was unavailable, with the software reporting that the app store could not be reached and suggesting I contact a system administrator within my organization. In practice, the Safari version was inconsistent: it blocked most scam and spam test sites but still allowed a noticeable amount of questionable traffic through without warning, occasionally redirecting traffic to a vague online casino site. Suspicious links are investigated.Foundry Price: Is Malwarebytes worth the money Malwarebytes for Mac uses a tiered subscription model with different levels of protection for personal users. All plans ofer free customer support and a 60-day money back guarantee. There is also a 14-day trial period. The Standard plan starts at $59.99/£49.99 a year for 3 devices and offers core antivirus protection, including malware, virus, ransomware, phishing and spyware protection, and web protection. The Plus plan starts at $79.99/69.98 a year for 3 devices and offers everything in Standard as well as the Privacy VPN and geographic location switching. The Ultimate plan starts at $279.99 (currently $139.99) a year for 3 devices and adds Identity Protection (dark web/credit monitoring, recovery assistance) as well as $2M identity theft insurance and Online Personal Data Remover tools. The U.K. has a slightly different option here: the Total plan starts at £149.99 (currently £74.99) a year. Some of the Identity Protection features aren’t available, including dark web and breach alerts and credit card alerts, while identity theft insurance is limited to $1M. Other suites offer more features for a similar cost, and if you are after a feature-rich security suite with things like parental controls, cloud backup, or more robust lab-certified detection, look elsewhere. That said, the price is reasonable if you want straightforward malware protection with basic extras (VPN, identity tools), and the 14-day free trial – which requires no credit card – makes it easy to test-drive. Problems: What’s missing compared to rivals? What’s present in Malwarebytes 5 is solid, but there’s still work to be done and bugs to address. The application offers a respectable degree of customization – including an interesting option to configure the percentage of CPU resources it can use. However, a number of smaller issues prevent it from feeling truly polished. The absence of a firewall or parental controls may raise eyebrows. Scheduled Scans are a useful addition, but because they don’t run in the foreground, it’s difficult to confirm at a glance that a scan is actually in progress. Post-scan reports are reasonably detailed, but the screen formatting obscured exactly where malware was located, and there appeared to be no way to export reports – a significant limitation for IT departments. At the end of a scan, Malwarebytes 5 provides quick links to its online malware catalog. However, instead of directing you to the specific definition tied to the detected threat, it drops you into a broad index that requires manual searching – an unnecessarily clumsy approach. Combined with the inability to access the Chrome Web Store to test Browser Guard for Chrome and the lack of automatic scanning when an external drive is mounted, these issues suggest that while the foundation is strong, Malwarebytes still has refinement ahead. Addressing promised features, lingering bugs, and usability gaps in future updates will be key to elevating the suite from good to truly excellent. Verdict: Should you buy Malwarebytes for Mac? What’s present in Malwarebytes for Mac is good and most of its core features are as strong as ever. The addition of external drive scanning and expanded parity with the Windows version are welcome improvements. Still, there’s a sense that this version hasn’t yet reached its full potential. We hope the developers take a close look at where the Mac version stands, compare it thoughtfully to its Windows counterpart, and dedicate the time needed to refine, polish, and bug-fix what’s already a solid foundation. Is Malwarebytes for Mac worth downloading? Absolutely. Its fast scans, straightforward setup, capable VPN client, identity protection features, and consistently strong anti-malware engine make for a compelling package. There’s a genuinely good product here. However, users seeking a fully featured, all-in-one security suite may find it lacking. The absence of firewall controls, parental protections, more advanced real-time defenses, and smoother report exporting limits its appeal. The interface can also make it harder than it should be to review threat details or pinpoint exactly where malware was located. While Browser Guard’s uneven performance and occasional extension issues further hold it back.

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HP Renaissance: Navigating Memory Storms and the AI Horizon
Strong Q1 results amid memory shortages and print decline give HP space to expand its OpenAI strategy before a CEO transition. The post appeared first on TechNewsWorld.

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The low-cost MacBook will act as a gateway drug to the Mac world
We’re gearing up for the official announcement of the low-cost MacBook this week, and Apple reportedly believes it will offer “incredible value.” The company thinks it will bring two types of new user into the Mac world. That’s important not just for sales of the MacBook itself, but what it means for the Mac lineup as a whole – even for those of us who have no plans to buy the machine … more…

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Apple retail stores brace for ‘major rush’
Macworld Apple’s retail stores are reportedly bracing for a “major rush,” as customers respond to this week’s product announcements. Employees have been warned that they will likely have to work longer hours, while internal displays are being overhauled to showcase the new devices with the biggest mainstream appeal, which probably means the budget MacBook. In the latest edition of his Power On newsletter, Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman discusses Apple’s preparations for what CEO Tim Cook has described as a “big week” of announcements. Employees, he says, have been told to expect “an influx of customers,” and some say the planning is on the same level as the annual flagship iPhone refresh, which usually increases foot traffic to stores as people rush to buy and try the new handsets. This is unusual behavior for a non-iPhone launch, so Apple clearly thinks this week’s batch of products has a rare degree of mainstream appeal. Odd, then, that the company hasn’t organised a full press event. Members of the press (including Macworld) are merely getting only an “experience” on Wednesday, which experts think will be a hands-on session with the various devices announced via press release on the first three days of this week. Of the rumored new products, most are expected to be routine updates to existing devices: new versions of the baseline iPad and iPad Air with A19 and M4 chips respectively, M5 MacBooks, and an iPhone 17e which should in most respects be similar to last year’s 16e. The exception is the budget MacBook, which is a completely new concept with a rumored new, colorful look. This is likely to be the product Apple expects to drive feverish customer interest. Sure enough, Gurman believes this is the device that the retail stores are being reorganised to showcase. “Stores are… preparing to have an entire table dedicated to one of the new products,” he writes. “Routine upgrades wouldn’t require this, so it’s likely tied to the low-cost MacBook.” Whether the budget MacBook will really live up to that designation is debatable; we would certainly expect some compromises on the specs list. But Apple, according to Gurman’s sources, believes the product is “incredible value” and will drive large numbers of Windows and Chromebook users to switch to macOS. Does the company really think this, or does it just want us to think it thinks this? It wouldn’t be the first suspiciously self-serving “internal leak” to come out of Apple Park. But there’s certainly plenty of anticipation about this product, so stay tuned to our March announcements live blog, where you will hear all the news as it happens, plus our reaction and analysis, throughout the week.

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March is a huge month for Apple fans–here’s what’s coming
Macworld Apple is kicking off March with a bang, releasing five or more products in the first week alone, including what is likely to be the first MacBook designed to address a more affordable market segment. But that’s not all. The software releases are worth paying attention to as well, and there’s good content on Apple TV and Apple Arcade this month, too. New Macs, iPads, iPhone 17e, and more Apple will start off March with the release of a tranche of products—five or more, if the rumors are correct. There’s an “Apple Experience” for the press being held in three cities on the morning of March 4, but some of the products may be unveiled before that. Depending on when you read this, some may have already arrived, but here’s what we’ll probably see this week: Low-cost MacBook: We’re not sure what Apple will call it, but the biggest release this week will be a new MacBook designed to be priced “well under $1,000.” It’s the most popular price segment and one that Apple has never competed in before. This MacBook is rumored to have a display around 13 inches, an A18 Pro or A19 chip, and a few other corners cut compared to the MacBook Air. M5 Pro/Max MacBook Pro: We got the M5 MacBook Pro last fall, but the higher-end models still contain M4 chips. This release will bring us the more powerful variants of the M5, but don’t expect much else to change. iPhone 17e: Just like last year’s iPhone 16e, but with an A19 processor, MagSafe, and probably a C1X modem and N1 networking chips. M5 MacBook Air: There’s a good chance that the MacBook Air will get its M5 upgrade as well. It’s time. M5 Mac Studio: It’s more of a long shot at this time, but the Mac Studio is expected to get an upgrade to the M5 Max and M5 Ultra chips in the first quarter of the year. M5 Mac mini: Also due for its M5 upgrade (to an M5 and M5 Pro) is the Mac mini. Rumors say it’s coming in the first half of 2026, but we’re not sure about the timing. Studio Display: Apple is working on a new Studio Display (maybe two!) that will feature ProMotion, HDR, and other improvements. It’s expected in the first half of this year, but we’re not exactly sure when. iPad Air: Due for an update to the M4. There shouldn’t be any other changes. iPad: The current base-model iPad has an A16. It should get a bump to the A17 or A18 with support for Apple Intelligence. Apps and software updates Testing for the 26.4 OS releases is currently underway. There’s no new Siri, but there are some other nice features like new Apple Music full-page playlist and album art, a video podcast experience, and iPhone-style battery charge limits on MacBooks. For the last several years, the x.4 updates have been released in mid-to-late March, and we expect that will be true again. If so, the 26.5 beta might start in March, and could give us a glimpse at the oft-delayed Siri update we were supposed to get in 26.4. Services Apple TV+ Here are the shows, series, and movies we expect to release on Apple TV+ in March. If you want to know what’s coming later, check our full guide to upcoming Apple TV+ content. Imperfect Women: Imperfect Women examines a crime that shatters the lives of three women in a decades-long friendship. The unconventional thriller explores guilt and retribution, love and betrayal, and the compromises we make that irrevocably alter our lives. March 18 Wonder Pets: In the City: Wonder Pets: In the City introduces a trio of heroes: Izzy the Guinea Pig, Tate the Snake, and Zuri the Bunny. These heroic classroom pets live in a kindergarten in New York City and travel all around the globe in their amazing “Jetcar” to rescue animals in musical, mini-opera-themed adventures.  March 20 For All Mankind (season 5): The fifth and likely final season of the sci-fi epic that imagines an alternate reality where the Soviet Union beat the United States to the moon, and the decades of space race that follows. March 27 Apple Arcade Apple releases most Apple Arcade games on the first Friday of each month. Check our Apple Arcade FAQ for a full list of Apple Arcade games and more details on the service. Occasionally, games are released with no forewarning, but you’ll usually see next month’s releases listed in the Coming Soon section. Pocket Love+: Design your dream home, dress up your perfect couple, and adopt cute pets in this cozy sim. March 5 Flow Free+: Connect matching colors with pipes in this simple puzzle game. March 5 Oceanhorn 3: The last floating island of the Sky Realm has just landed in the Shadow Sea, ushering in a new era of exploration! March 5 Doraemon Dorayaki Shop Story+: Run a sweets shop with the popular manga character Doraemon. March 5

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Apple March event live blog: Every new product as it happens
Macworld Aside from the launch of the AirTag 2 last month, it’s been a quiet year for Apple so far. But all that’s about to change this week. On Wednesday, Apple will hold a “special experience” in London, Shanghai, and New York City following a “big week” of announcements that all kick off on Monday. Macworld will be on site in New York City for whatever Apple has planned, but until then, we’ve got two days of announcements. So stay tuned to this page for full coverage all week long. Apple Apple March ‘experience’ event: Latest rumors High demand expected: According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple expects a ‘major rush’ of customers at its stores following this week’s announcements. ‘Incredible value’: Gurman reports that Apple believes its new MacBook is “incredible value” and that it will “drive a serious number of switchers from Windows machines and Chromebooks.” 18 mins ago, By Michael SimonFirst products expected at 9 am ET Based on previous announcements, we expect Apple to unveil the first of its new products on Apple.com at 9 am ET (6 am PT/2 pm GMT). So stay tuned! Link copied SHARE 52 mins ago, By Michael SimonA MacBook under $599? Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reports that Apple believes its new MacBook is “incredible value” and that it will “drive a serious number of switchers from Windows machines and Chromebooks.” This could just be Apple’s own hype machine at full tilt, but it could also signal that the new MacBook will be cheaper than we think. Could $499 be possible? Link copied SHARE 53 mins ago, By Michael SimonApple Stores ready for big crowds According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple expects a “major rush” of customers at its stores following this week’s announcements. I assume that’s because everyone will want to check out the new low-cost MacBook, because I doubt people will be rushing to get a look at the M4 chip in the iPad Air. Link copied SHARE 54 mins ago, By Michael SimonApple March 'experience' event: What to expect While Apple is promising a week of announcements, that really just means Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. But those three days will be filled with lots of new products. We’re expecting numerous updates to existing devices, including: iPhone 17e M4 iPad Air A19 iPad M5 Pro/Max MacBook Pro M5 MacBook Air Mac Studio Studio Display Link copied SHARE 55 mins ago, By Michael SimonWelcome to the Apple experience live blog! Starting this morning, Apple will unveil a variety of new products over the course of the next three days. We expect products to arrive at 9 am ET, so stick around for the news, come back for the analysis of what Apple releases, and check out our social media sites (Facebook, Threads, and Bluesky) to join the conversation. Link copied SHARE

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Edifier Neobuds Planar review: In-ear headphones with a difference
Macworld At a glanceExpert's Rating Pros Detailed sound Long battery life Compact charging case Inductive charging possible Cons Sometimes difficult to find buttons straight away Our Verdict The Neobuds Planar are in-ear headphones for tech connoisseurs who value differentiated and unadulterated sound reproduction. They are particularly enjoyable when listening to acoustic instruments, orchestras and music with a highly differentiated soundscape. Price when reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best pricing today Price When Reviewed$199.99 Best Prices Today: Edifier Neobuds Planar Retailer Price $199.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Planar magnetic drivers are otherwise only found in high-end headphones, such as the Edifier Stax Spirit S5, or in speakers, for example from Piega. Put simply, the driver does not consist of a classic conical membrane, but of a 12-millimeter, 2-micrometer-thin surface that is driven evenly by a very strong magnetic field. Planar drivers are known for having less resonance and lower inertia effects than dynamic drivers. This results in faster and more precise reproduction, especially with dynamic music or fine details. State of the art Edifier relies on Bluetooth 5.4 and a dual-device connection, i.e. parallel connection with two devices. Qualcomm Snapdragon Sound technology provides extensive codec support, including high-resolution Bluetooth codecs such as LHDC (up to 96 kHz/24 bit) and LDAC, as well as aptX Adaptive and AAC. Unfortunately, only AAC is relevant for Apple users, as Apple does not yet support high-resolution codecs. Qualcomm Snapdragon Sound technology also serves as the basis for sound processing. Qualcomm Adaptive Noise Cancelling is integrated as intelligent active noise cancellation that adapts to the environment. Six microphones with an AI algorithm for voice enhancement enable clear and reliable calls even in noisy environments. As is usual with in-ear headphones, the Neobuds Planar are IP55 certified and therefore protected against dust and water. However, this only applies to the in-ear headphones themselves, not to the charging station, which should be protected from water, for example. Edifier specifies a battery life of up to 7.5 hours without and up to 5 hours with ANC. We almost achieved these values in practice. The charging case can extend the runtime of the earbuds to up to 30 hours. Practical: the charging case can be charged both wirelessly and via USB-C. Comfort and operation The elongated case design allows easy access to the side touch buttons. Each operation is confirmed with a sound, which is very advantageous in practice. This is also because the buttons do not stand out very clearly from the housing. Five pairs of ear tips in different sizes are included to adjust the fit. A USB-C charging cable is also included in the scope of delivery. The Neobuds Planar fit very well in the ear canal, so you can also wear them while exercising. In addition to the buttons, you can also adjust the equaliser using the Edifier Connex app. There are four audio profiles available: “Original”, “Dynamic”, “Electrostatic” and “Customised” for individual settings. The practical test First, let’s talk about active noise cancellation: in addition to excellent adaptive noise cancellation, you can also select the Standard ANC, Ambient Sound and Wind Reduction settings. While the ANC delivers impressive results, the wind reduction is not always optimal and sometimes sounds artificial. We carried out the sound test using the “Original” audio profile. We were very excited to hear how the planar magnetic drivers would perform, but started cautiously with pop and rock. The wide stereo image literally jumped out at us and provided a pleasant sound. This was a perfect match for Yello, Depeche Mode and Blank & Jones. The bass is deep enough without dominating the sound. Especially with electronic music, the detailed sound is a welcome experience compared to competitors’ headphones, which are often tailored to a specific, mostly youthful music habit. The super-thin and lightweight diaphragm shows off all its advantages here, including a very fast response. This is particularly noticeable in the fast and accurate reproduction of electronic beats. This becomes particularly clear when switching to jazz with acoustic instruments. Voices and instruments are reproduced in a very differentiated manner, and the low distortion, which enables natural sound reproduction, is clearly audible. Of course, the sound can be adjusted to your own preferences using the four-band equaliser. If you are looking for analytical and detailed reproduction, this is the right choice for you. For us, this is a highlight among in-ear headphones and something for connoisseurs. Price The Edifier Neobuds Planar are priced at $199.99 or £199.99. Should you buy the Edifier Neobuds Planar? The planar driver gives the Neobuds Planar a clarity of sound that clearly sets them apart from the usual mainstream in-ear headphones. This may be irritating at first for listeners who are not used to it. However, the analytical and detailed reproduction is a welcome alternative to the mostly artificial-sounding competitors. The latter are primarily designed for the listening habits and music style of young listeners. It’s important to know this beforehand so you won’t be disappointed later. One example is the bass: depending on the piece of music, it is always present and precise, but never dominant or intrusive. Music lovers of acoustic music from the classical and jazz genres in particular will enjoy the Neobuds Planar. These are headphones for connoisseurs. The price of $199/£199 is also reflected in the more sophisticated planar driver technology. But even aside from the sound experience, the Neobuds Planar have a lot to offer. Long battery life, good noise cancellation and automatic pause/play control when putting them on and taking them off are testament to the developers’ many years of experience. Only the buttons could be easier to find.

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Baseus PicoGo AM52 25W 10K Magnetic Power Bank review: Slim high-capacity, high-speed battery pack
Macworld At a glanceExpert's Rating Pros 25W wireless iPhone charging 45W wired charging 10K battery capacity Thermal engineering Built-in cable option Cons Slimmer but slower alternatives Our Verdict Impressing with both fast wireless (25W) and wired (45W) outputs, the Baseus AM52 is the slimmest 25W 10000mAh power bank we’ve tested. Choose the model with a built-in USB-C cable for the most convenient travelling solution. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Price When Reviewed$79.99 Best Prices Today: Baseus PicoGo AM52 Qi2.2 Magnetic Power Bank Retailer Price $69.99 View Deal Baseus $69.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Portable power banks are getting smaller and faster, but somewhere in the middle is a sweet spot that will make the ideal power bank for iPhone users. Too small and the power bank’s capacity to recharge the iPhone’s battery will be impaired. Too fast and the charging phone might get too hot, damaging the health of its battery. Baseus has impressed us with its recent PicoGo series of magnetic wireless power banks. When we reviewed the Baseus PicoGo 10000mAh Magnetic Power Bank (AM61) we noted its super-fast 25W wireless charging speed that is paired by a 45W wired charging option. The Baseus PicoGo AM52 Qi2.2 Magnetic Power Bank follows the AM61 with the same 10K capacity and identical wireless and wired charging speeds. It’s thinner, is built using superior materials and demonstrates better heat dissipation. Simon Jary Size and design The sleek AM52 comes in two models: one with an integrated USB-C cable, and one without. Both measure 4.1 x 2.6 x 0.63 inches (102 x 67 x 16mm), with the cable-free version weighing 196g vs the cabled model’s 211g—so both around 7.45oz. The similarly cabled Baseus PicoGo AM61 measures 4.1 x 2.7 x 0.75 inches (104 x 68 x 19mm) and weighs the same as the wired AM52. The AM52 is therefore roughly the same dimensions as its sibling, except that its marginally slimmer: 16mm vs 19mm. While the AM61 has a plastic front and glossy coated back, the AM52 boasts a silicone front and aluminum alloy back with a sandblasted finish for better fingerprint resistance. The Anker MagGo 10K Slim (above right) is thinner than the 25W Baseus AM52 (above left) but slower at 15W.Simon Jary Most 10K wireless power banks are around 22mm deep, so the AM52 is one of the slimmest we’ve tested. The Anker MagGo Power Bank (10K, Slim) is even slimmer at just under 15mm but is rated at 15W power rather than the AM52’s 25W. The AM52 is, in my experience, the slimmest Qi2.2 power bank you can buy. The aluminum alloy shell of the AM52 is finished with a soft silicone contact surface that’s scratch-resistant and is smoothly comfortable to hold. Speed As mentioned, the Baseus PicoGo AM52 employs the latest Qi2.2 charging technology so can output wirelessly at up to 25W for iPhone 16 or later. Earlier iPhones (12-15) will charge at 15W using this power bank. If you aren’t planning on upgrading your phone for the foreseeable fututre, you could probably save money on a cheaper 15W power bank. If you own an iPhone 16 or 17 or plan on buying one or the iPhone 18, buy a 25W wireless power bank now. In our tests the AM52 recharged an iPhone 16 Pro from 0% to 50% in 36 minutes, which is the charging time we’d expect for a Qi2.2 charger. If you need even faster charging, use the integrated USB-C cable or a separate cable in the USB-C port for output at up to 45W. When clamped to the back of your iPhone and connected via USB-C, priority is given to the faster 45W—the ice-blue wireless indicator light will turn off—as otherwise the 15W shared limit would otherwise be engaged. You needn’t worry about this as the power bank will automatically pick the best speed for you. This won’t make a big difference to the charging time for an iPhone that can’t take advantage of the full 45W, but it is aimed very much as Samsung phones that can accept up to that level of power. It will still be a faster recharge than wireless, even at 25W. Of course, you’ll need at least an iPhone 15 to use the USB-C into the iPhone. Apple fans needn’t shrug their shoulders as 45W is also powerful enough to keep a MacBook Air going or slowly charge a sleeping MacBook Pro. The 10K capacity should give a MacBook around a 30-40% charge. The premium AM52 with built-in 45W USB-C cable. Pictured above are the cabled AM52 at the top and the non-wired AM52 below. Both feature a spare USB-C port.Simon Jary The cabled version of the AM52 retains the USB-C port found on the basic model, so can charge three devices at the same time: one wirelessly, one via the built-in cable and one via the port. When using all the ports, however, power output is limited to 15W shared between the outputs. Charging at as much as 25W brings with it temperature concerns. To protect itself a connected phone getting too warm from the attention will slow down or cut of charging until it cools down—thus negating some of the speedy 25W wireless benefit. We’ve tested a 25W power bank—the Sharge Icemag 3—with its own fan to keep it cool, but at times we could hear this when there was little other background noise. Baseus claims that the fanless AM52 uses a triple-loop cooling system to ensure safe and efficient charging, even when powering two devices simultaneously. This system includes a graphene heat-conduction layer to spread heat evenly and quickly across the aluminum body. Price The Baseus PicoGo AM52 costs $69.99 / £59.99 for the model with no integrated cable and $79.99 / £69.99 for the AM52 with cable built in. We think that extra ten bucks is worth it for the convenience of the built-in cable. The ‘cableless’ AM52 does in fact ship with a separate 300mm USB-C to USB-C cable but it’s not integrated into the power bank itself. Baseus AM52 without cable Baseus PicoGo AM52 Qi2.2 Magnetic Power Bank Read our review Price When Reviewed: $79.99 Best Prices Today: $69.99 at Amazon | $69.99 at Baseus Baseus AM52 with cable Baseus PicoGo AM52 Qi2.2 Magnetic Power Bank with Cable Price When Reviewed: $79.99 Best Prices Today: $79.99 at Amazon | $79.99 at Baseus Should you buy the Baseus PicoGo AM52 Qi2.2 Magnetic Power Bank? Impressing with both fast wireless (25W) and wired (45W) outputs, the Baseus AM52 is the slimmest 25W 10000mAh power bank we’ve tested. Choose the model with a built-in USB-C cable for the most convenient travelling solution.

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Apple’s ‘big week’ promises a great deal of not very much
Macworld According to a tweet from Tim Cook posted on Thursday, this is going to be a “big week” of Apple announcements. And in the sense that it’ll bring the first round of new Apple products this year, it’ll certainly be newsworthy. But I suspect that it won’t be particularly big. For one, it’s unlikely to last a full week. The last time the company made this sort of prediction was in late October 2024, when Greg Joswiak tweeted us to “Mac” our calendars for an “exciting week of announcements.” In the event (or lack of event), the week lasted precisely three days: M4 iMac on Monday, M4 Mac mini on Tuesday, and M4 MacBook Pro on Wednesday. Three days isn’t a week, it’s a long weekend. On the plus side, we ought to get more variety this time. Instead of three Macs all running processors from the same chip family, we expect at least five new products across the iPhone, iPad, and Mac departments; we might even get some software. So if your definition of big refers solely to quantity, you’re in luck. Most of us, however, are in search of that “Can’t innovate any more, my ass!” moment where the company unveils something genuinely groundbreaking. Novelty; risk; a substantive upgrade; the first of its kind. And in this respect, the half-week leading up to March 4 seems sure to disappoint. The iPhone 17e will probably correct one of the 16e’s failings, its lack of MagSafe, while retaining all the other annoying compromises and its defiantly non-budget price tag. The new iPads will be straightforward chip refreshes with no design changes expected. And the M5 versions of the MacBook Air and Pro, assuming they make the cut and aren’t held back for later in the year, will be conservative, iterative updates. Which leaves just one product, according to Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman, that “actually looks new.” And that’s the much-anticipated budget MacBook, all set to be the centerpiece of the week’s unveilings. This machine’s tangible newness will be achieved thanks to a range of vibrant colors, perhaps including the yellow, green, and blue visible in the invitation artwork. This can only be a good thing: I’m the last person to dissuade Apple from more properly exploring the possibilities of the color wheel, and fun is important. But whether or not these cosmetic qualities will be enough to make it a good Mac, let alone an appealing purchase, is more uncertain. It all comes down to Apple’s ability, or rather willingness, to properly cater to budget buyers. Cook evidently has zero interest in selling budget phones (though maybe he’s right, because Apple appears to have got out of the budget phone market at exactly the right time). Apple sells a reasonably affordable tablet, but there are plenty of cheaper options out there. And up till now, the idea of a cheap Mac has seemed implausible. What are the chances that the budget MacBook actually lives up to that name? My prediction, as I discussed last week, is that Apple will price the machine somewhere between $699 and $799. Which is a friendly enough number, even if it hardly qualifies as the unmissable bargain I get the impression some Apple fans are hoping for. Just remember that Apple doesn’t want you to buy the cheapest Mac in its portfolio. In other words, we can brace ourselves for a heavy campaign of upselling. Based on bitter experience with the iPhone 16e and various other budget-adjacent Apple products (why does the baseline iPad still not get a laminated screen?!), the company will boobytrap the new MacBook with small spec-list irritations in order to nudge buyers in an upward direction. So no, I’m not expecting much from this week’s announcements, except in terms of sheer volume. And you don’t have to believe me; Apple has admitted as much itself. Not in the tweets and Hashmojis, which toe the PR line and herald excitement and innovation. But in the lack of an event. If Apple had something ground-breaking to announce, it would do so in a fancy keynote presentation, not a series of press releases. Or at the very least it could give us a week that lasts five days. Foundry Welcome to our weekly Apple Breakfast column, which includes all the Apple news you missed last week in a handy bite-sized roundup. We call it Apple Breakfast because we think it goes great with a Monday morning cup of coffee or tea, but it’s cool if you want to give it a read during lunch or dinner hours too. Trending: Top stories Apple’s secretive culture makes it challenging for leakers to get the full picture. So we are left with 6 burning questions about this week’s March event. Something’s been missing from the MacBook lineup, and it’s time Apple brought it back: Fun. In other words, Apple’s new MacBook has one job. A pendant, a doorbell, smart glasses? No one wants that. Apple’s AI products are all doomed, says the Macalope. A cheap MacBook is exactly the kind of shakeup Apple’s laptop range needs, argues Alex Blake. Apple Notes is loaded with hidden tricks. If you think you know your note-taking app, these 10 features may surprise you. Ever wondered what it was like when Tim Cook met Steve Jobs? The former sums up the encounter in four words: passion, vision, charisma, clarity. Podcast of the week The Apple Experience event is this week, March 4. On the latest episode of the Macworld Podcast, we talk about what we expect: new MacBooks, new iPads, a new iPhone 17e, and a lot more. You can catch every episode of the Macworld Podcast on YouTube, Spotify, Soundcloud, the Podcasts app, or our own site. Reviews corner BMX SolidSafe Air 5K: The thinnest Qi2 magnetic power bank we’ve tested. Statik SmartCharge Pro: 15K all-in-one power bank charger for MacBook, iPhone. The rumor mill Apple set to launch ‘at least five new products’ by March 4. Apple’s low-cost MacBook may skip some features you won’t miss. Apple’s touchscreen MacBook Pro might get its own Dynamic Island. Code discoveries indicate that Apple is testing a Studio Display with high-end ports and speakers. Video of the week What do you think Apple will call the upcoming budget MacBook? We weigh up the options in our latest short video. Follow us on TikTok and Instagram! @macworld.com What to call the cheap Apple laptop #macbook ♬ original sound – Macworld – Macworld Software updates, bugs, and problem iOS 26.3.1 update in testing as new Apple releases loom. And with that, we’re done for this week’s Apple Breakfast. If you’d like to get regular roundups, sign up for our newsletters, including our new email from The Macalope–an irreverent, humorous take on the latest news and rumors from a half-man, half-mythical Mac beast. You can also follow us on Facebook, Threads, Bluesky, or X for discussion of breaking Apple news stories. See you next Monday, and stay Appley.

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