The new iPad Air is basically the old iPad Air
Macworld Kicking off a week of product announcements, the new iPad Air has arrived, but if you go see it at the Apple Store, you’d be hard-pressed to know if Apple actually switched out the old models. They have the same dimensions, same colors, and same displays, have the same prices, and the same tagline on Apple’s website. What’s actually new is the CPU (M4 vs M3), modem (C1X), networking chip (N1), and RAM (12GB vs 8GB). Those are all fine upgrades, especially for the same prices, but if you own last year’s model or even 2024’s version, there’s probably no need to upgrade.  Apple’s press release highlights “blazing performance” and “game-changing iPadOS 26 features,” but it’s not like the iPad Air didn’t have that before. Quite frankly, an M1 iPad Air from 2022 will run iPadOS 26 perfectly fine. Not that any of this is a bad thing. Apple has absolutely won the tablet war, and its hardware has no competitor. And now that iPadOS 26 has finally upgraded the interface to be more like the Mac, there’s not much to criticize. But some new colors would have been nice. You can preorder the new iPad Air beginning Wednesday, March 4, at 9:15 a.m. ET. @macworld.com No competition #ipad ♬ original sound – Macworld – Macworld Apple iPad Air 11-inch (M4, 2026) Price When Reviewed: $599 Best Prices Today: $599 at Apple Apple iPad Air 13-inch (M4, 2026) Price When Reviewed: $799 (138GB) Best Prices Today: $799 at Apple

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4 key upgrades make new M4 iPad Air a beast
The new M4 iPad Air features a faster processor, more RAM, new Apple wireless chips and other enhancements to Apple's mid-range tablet. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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iPhone 17e vs iPhone 17: What’s actually different?
Apple has just launched iPhone 17e, the latest member of the iPhone 17 family. Here’s what’s the same and different between iPhone 17e and iPhone 17. more…

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Apple’s iPhone 17e gets MagSafe and A19, but it’s not all good news
Macworld Apple today announced the iPhone 17e, a follow-up to last year’s iPhone 16e with a number of useful improvements, to kick off its ongoing “big week” of product announcements. As expected, the 17e has been upgraded to support Apple’s MagSafe charging technology, rectifying the 16e’s most painful shortcoming. This means that, provided you have a compatible charger, your phone will be securely held in the charging sweet spot by a ring of magnets. MagSafe would normally mean significantly faster wireless charging speeds too: the 16e is capped at 7.5W, whereas recent iPhones can wirelessly charge using MagSafe at up to 22W or even 25W. Unfortunately the iPhone 17e has not been given access to the full extent of MagSafe’s powers in this regard, and has a limit of 15W. That’s the same as MagSafe on the iPhones 12 through 15, and remains an improvement on the 16e, but is still disappointing. Here’s a summary of the various wireless charging speeds of recent iPhones, compiled helpfully by Macworld contributor and charging expert Simon Jary: iPhone 8-11: (Qi) 7.5W iPhone 12-15: (MagSafe and Qi2) 15W iPhone 16 series (except 16e): (MagSafe and Qi2.2) 22W iPhone 17 series (except 17e): (MagSafe and Qi2.2) 25W iPhone Air: (MagSafe and Qi2.2) 20W iPhone 16e: (Qi) 7.5W iPhone 17e: (MagSafe and Qi2) 15W It was also expected that the 17e would get a new processor, as this is a standard upgrade for almost every refresh of almost every Apple product. The iPhone 16e came with an A18 chip; the 17 has an A19, which, according to Apple, “delivers exceptional performance for everything users do.” Of course that depends on the user and their needs, and it’s important to point out that, just like last year, Apple has chosen to use “binned” units of the chip in order to save money. Binned chips have failed manufacturing tests in some minor way and don’t have the full complement of cores. Whereas the A19 in the iPhone 17 has a 5-core GPU, the 17e’s A19 has just a 4-core GPU, so performance won’t be quite as good. It’s unlikely to be all that noticeable for most people, however. Welcome upgrades Moving away from these predicted upgrades, Apple has thrown in a couple of bonus enhancements. One is twice the starting storage for the same price. The entry-level iPhone 16e cost $599 and came with 128GB of storage,. This year’s baseline 17e also costs $599 but comes with 256GB, essentially a $100 price cut. (Storage still tops out at a maximum of 512GB, so there are only two pricing tiers this year, rather than three.) Apple also says scratch resistance is 3x better than on the 16e thanks to Ceramic Shield 2 on the 6.1-inch, although that’s difficult to assess without in-depth testing. And although the cameras are still disappointingly few in number—one on the front and one on the back—the wording for the portrait mode has been updated from “Portrait mode with Depth Control” (the same as on the iPhone 12) to “Next-generation portraits with Focus and Depth Control” (same as on the iPhone 17). This appears to highlight the fact that you can change the focus point. Finally, the iPhone 17 gets a new color finish. Whereas the 16 came in a sadly limited choice of white or black, the 17e is also available in a delicate shade Apple calls Soft Pink. The iPhone 17e starts at $599 and takes the place of the 16e, which has been discontinued. It will become available to pre-order on Wednesday March 4 at 6:15 a.m. PT, and goes on sale on March 11.

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Your Wi-Fi router's guest network may not be as secure as you think
Researchers have found that the extra wireless network you set up for visitors may not isolate devices the way router makers advertise, potentially allowing attackers on the same network to intercept traffic.Asus RT-AX57 routerWi-Fi security researchers have found new vulnerabilities that let attackers on the same network intercept and mess with traffic. These issues exist even when WPA2 or WPA3 encryption and client isolation are turned on.The techniques, known as AirSnitch, were shared on February 25 at a security symposium in San Diego. Researchers from the University of California, Riverside, and KU Leuven presented their findings. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Apple debuts its 2026 spring accessory collection for iPhone and Apple Watch
The M4 iPad Air and new iPhone 17e aren’t the only Apple product announcements happening today. Apple also just refreshed its Apple Watch band and iPhone case lineup with a variety of spring colors. more…

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The iPhone 17e is a solid upgrade but looks dated on day one
As expected, Apple has today announced the new iPhone 17e with some worthwhile upgrades over its predecessor. The new model gets full support for MagSafe wireless charging and storage has been doubled to 256GB for the same price. There is, however, one very surprising thing about the upgrade … more…

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$599 M4 iPad Air is a lot like the old one, but with a substantial RAM boost
Unexpected RAM upgrade is the highlight of an otherwise straightforward refresh.

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An existing iPhone 16e case will still fit the iPhone 17e
Apple's new iPhone 17e has a few new tricks up its sleeve, but the exterior design remains familiar enough to raise a practical question about case compatibility.Left to right: iPhone 16e case, iPhone 17e caseWhen a new iPhone releases, the most common question we get asked has nothing to do with the tech specs. It's "will my old case fit."On Monday, Apple announced the iPhone 17e, the next generation of Apple Intelligence ready, budget friendlier phones. But we (and some of you) are curious: does the bump in specs also necessitate a whole new phone case? Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Apple introduces A19-powered iPhone 17e with MagSafe and double the starting storage at 256GB
Apple today announced iPhone 17e, a powerful and more affordable addition to the iPhone 17 lineup. At the heart of iPhone 17e is the latest… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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iPhone 17e doubles built-in storage, increases performance
The iPhone 17e includes improvements — including double the starting storage capacity — that make it a great value. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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There's not much in the new M4 iPad Air update other than speed
Apple has started its week of launches by debuting a new iPad Air, which is mostly just an upgrade to M4.Front of the iPad AirThis week will be a busy one for Apple as it brings out a bunch of new products ahead of the March 4 Apple Experience. Its opening salvo includes one of the lesser-speculated product line updates, with the introduction of a new iPad Air.Monday's update is not a massive one for Apple's mid-tier iPads. The headline change is the chip, with the M3 switched out for an M4, which was previously used on the iPad Pro before the fall 2025 upgrade to M5. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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There's not much in the new M4 iPad Air update other than speed
Apple has started its week of launches by debuting a new iPad Air, which is mostly just an upgrade to M4.Front of the iPad AirThis week will be a busy one for Apple as it brings out a bunch of new products ahead of the March 4 Apple Experience. Its opening salvo includes one of the lesser-speculated product line updates, with the introduction of a new iPad Air.Monday's update is not a massive one for Apple's mid-tier iPads. The headline change is the chip, with the M3 switched out for an M4, which was previously used on the iPad Pro before the fall 2025 upgrade to M5. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Apple's new iPhone 17e has an A19 chip, MagSafe, and 256GB of storage for $599
New just-the-basics phone replaces the year-old iPhone 16e at the same price.

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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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