AirPods Max 2 review, Apple’s anniversary, Mac Pro discontinued
Benjamin and Chance discuss Apple’s 50th anniversary celebrations, and the same-day news that the Studio Display XDR got $400 cheaper (kinda). Also, Chance reviews the AirPods Max 2, Apple formally discontinues the Mac Pro, and Mark Gurman teases us with even more iOS 27 Siri details.  And in Happy Hour Plus, Benjamin explores the latest in the third-party external display landscape. Subscribe at 9to5mac.com/join. Sponsored by Shopify: See less carts go abandoned and more sales. Sign up for a $1 per month trial at shopify.com/happyhour. Sponsored by BenQ: Check out BenQ’s smarter displays made for how Mac users actually work and sign up for the giveaway here. Sponsored by Square: Get up to $200 off Square hardware when you sign up at square.com/go/happyhour. Sponsored by HelloFresh: America’s #1 meal kit! Get 10 free meals + a FREE Nutribullet Ultra Plus+ 2-in-1 Compact Kitchen System (a $189.99 value) on your third box at HelloFresh.com/happyhour10fm. more…

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Google Meet now on Apple CarPlay, Android Auto coming ‘soon’ 
Google Meet is now available on Apple CarPlay for iPhone users to “join meetings safely while on the road.” more…

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Apple TV has one of its biggest hit series returning today
Last year was a breakout year for Apple TV, and one of the streamer’s biggest hits was Your Friends & Neighbors, the Jon Hamm drama that’s back tonight for season 2. more…

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OpenAI buys TBPN tech podcast after shutting down side quest Sora app
Last month, OpenAI announced it was shutting down its Sora app after reports that leadership wanted to eliminate side quests. Now the company behind ChatGPT is buying a tech and business podcast. more…

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iPhone users in Russia can no longer buy anything Apple sells
Macworld Beginning April 1, iPhone users in Russia can no longer buy any new digital content or services with Apple’s billing system. That includes paid apps and in-app purchases, Apple subscriptions such as Apple Music, Apple One, or iCloud+, or adding funds to an Apple account balance. Current purchases will remain available, as will access to subscription services that have been paid, but subscriptions made through Apple’s billing will not renew. Russian users who have a current balance on the Apple Account can continue to spend it, Apple says, but they will not be able to add more funds. Apple says that data held in iCloud+ will continue to be accessible after those subscriptions end. The Moscow Times reports there are some 16 million iPhone users in the country. More information is available in a recently updated Apple Support document. This move was allegedly made to comply with an order from the Ministry of Digital Affairs in Russia, which likely has several motivations. First, it believes Apple is blocking popular Russian apps and payment systems. Second, it wants to prevent users from using Russian credit cards to purchase foreign goods using loopholes like third-party digital account balances. And third, the Russian government wants to crack down on VPN services that are used to circumvent its internet censorship and geographic blocks. Apple hasn’t sold iPhones in Russia since 2022, when it “paused all product sales in Russia” following the invasion of Ukraine.

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iPhone 18’s biggest design change will be new colors, says leaker
Earlier today, a new leak indicated there’s no black option coming for iPhone 18 Pro. Now, another leaker indicates colors will be the standout design change for the iPhone 18 lineup. more…

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Apple disables payments in Russia
As of April 1st, payment processing is no longer available for new purchases and subscriptions on the App Store and other services in Russia… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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iOS 27: Three new features and changes coming besides Siri
iOS 27 will be unveiled on June 8 at WWDC 2026, and while rumors point to a major focus on Siri and AI, here are three new features and changes besides Siri. more…

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Siri is the bottleneck: Apple waiting to launch new ‘HomePad,’ Apple TV, HomePod, and HomePod mini
Apple has new HomePod mini, full-sized HomePod, and Apple TV hardware ready to go,but the long-awaited Apple Intelligence-powered Siri… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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iPhones are floating in outer space as you read this
Macworld Wednesday was a big day in history–no, we’re not talking about Apple’s 50th anniversary celebration or the launch of the AirPods Max 2. We’re talking about the Artemis II space mission, which took some special guests on its trip to orbit the moon. NASA’s Orion spacecraft launched on Wednesday afternoon, and among the high-tech devices the Orion astronauts took with them are iPhone 17 Pros. While smartphones have been used by passengers on private “space” trips, back in February, NASA cleared the way for astronauts to take smartphones to space for the first time, as a way to validate NASA’s requirements for the technology it uses. And it didn’t take long for iPhones to make an appearance. Community space journalist Owen Sparks spotted the iPhone in a couple of video clips from NASA and posted them to X.com. The first video shows the astronauts preparing for the mission as a NASA assistant places a smartphone inside the pocket of a suit. Sparks identifies it as an iPhone, but since we don’t see the back, it’s difficult to identify the actual phone in the clip. 😂 pic.twitter.com/0c2AKHh0gC— Owen Sparks (@OwenSparks) April 2, 2026 The other clips are clearer. One shows the cabin of the Orion, and one of the astronauts passes a phone by floating it to their crew member. The phone turns, and you’ll recognize the three-camera bump that you’ll find on the iPhone 17 Pro. It looks like a silver model, not Cosmic Orange (what a missed opportunity). If you look closely, you’ll see a black circle on the right side below the plateau. It’s not some secret camera that they’re testing for Apple. Sparks speculates that it’s a velcro patch used to stick the iPhone to their suits and other points on the ship to keep them in place in zero gravity. Apple has yet to comment on the current mission. Back in February, Apple remarked that NASA’s approval “will mark the first time the iPhone has been fully qualified for extended use in orbit and beyond.” The iPhone actually made its first space voyage in 2011 when two iPhone 4s were on the space shuttle, but they weren’t for general use. Rather, those phones were loaded with an app that contained four step-by-step instruction programs to help the space station’s crew perform experiments in the U.S. portion of the orbiting outpost, according to Space.com.

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Some new MacBook Pro chargers include change that breaks accessory compatibility
Here’s something that hasn’t gotten much attention. The 140W power adapter that comes with Apple’s new 16-inch MacBook Pro has a subtle design change. As a result, some accessories are no longer compatible. However, not everyone has the new design. more…

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Comedy-horror series 'Widow's Bay' to haunt Apple TV on April 29
"Widow's Bay" blends genuine horror with character-driven comedy, creeping onto Apple TV at the end of April.Image Credit: Apple TVSet in the idyllic town of the same name, "Widow's Bay" follows Mayor Tom Loftis as he prepares to bolster the town's long-struggling tourism industry. Loftis is ready to battle long-held superstitions to earn the respect of Widow's Bay's citizens, who believe he's a coward.While he does manage to attract tourists, the victory is hollow. As old horrors bubble to the surface, Loftis learns that the superstitions may have been more than just old wives' tales after all. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Watch the first teaser trailer for new Apple TV series ‘Widow’s Bay’
Bookings for “Widow’s Bay,” the quaint island 40 miles off the New England coast… that’s totally safe and completely normal… are now open… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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iPhones are going to the Moon on Artemis II
NASA's Artemis II crew launched with iPhones on its mission around the Moon, but the devices are present as personal tools rather than officially part of the spacecraft's systems.iPhone 17 ProArtemis II, the first deep-space flight to reflect this change, sent four astronauts on a 10-day lunar flyby aboard Orion to validate systems for future missions. Just prior to this launch, NASA approved personal smartphones for astronauts in February 2026, ending a decades-long restriction on consumer electronics in crewed missions.And now, iPhones are in crewmembers' hands. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Deals: 13-inch M5 MacBook Air new low, 1TB M5 MacBook Pro, M4 iPad Air $100 off, Magic Keyboard, more
Today’s 9to5Toys Lunch Break features the ongoing AirPods Pro 3 deal still down at $199 spring holiday pricing, but we are also featuring Apple’s most affordable new 13-inch M5 MacBook Air hitting a new all-time low (and the 24GB/1TB model at nearly $85 off). From there, we move over to this silver 1TB M5 MacBook Pro back at its best Amazon price ever ($250 under launch) as well as Apple’s new 1TB M4 iPad Air at over $100 off, and the least pricey Magic Keyboard sitting at its all-time best price on Amazon today. Head below for a closer look. more…

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New Apple TV series invites you to visit the paradoxical ‘Widow’s Bay’
Apple TV just released the trailer for Widow’s Bay, a new genre-bending series about a charming and quaint small town that’s probably cursed. more…

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9to5Mac Daily: April 2, 2026 – Studio Display XDR price change, more
Listen to a recap of the top stories of the day from 9to5Mac. 9to5Mac Daily is available on iTunes and Apple’s Podcasts app, Stitcher, TuneIn, Google Play, or through our dedicated RSS feed for Overcast and other podcast players. Sponsored by Backblaze: Backup you can rely on. Save 20% with code 9to5daily.  more…

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Today in Apple history: Microsoft’s first hardware debuts … on the Apple II
On April 2, 1979, Microsoft released its first hardware, a microprocessor card called the Z-80 SoftCard that plugged into the Apple II. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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Apple's brand-new M5 MacBook Air drops to record low price on Amazon
Amazon is kicking off April with steeper discounts on Apple's brand-new M5 MacBook Air.Apple's M5 MacBook Air hits new low prices at Amazon - Image credit: AppleSave $85 on the 13-inch Air with 24GB of RAM and 1TB of storage, bringing the price down to $1,415.50 in Silver.Buy M5/24GB/1TB MacBook Air for $1,415 Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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This $10K iPhone contains an actual piece of Steve Jobs’ turtleneck
Macworld If you’re feeling overly nostalgic during Apple’s 50th anniversary, luxury iPhone customizer Caviar has just the thing you need: the Jobs iPhone adorned with a “genuine fragment” of Steve Jobs’ turtleneck.  That’s right, you can own an iPhone 17 Pro or Pro Max with a tiny square of Steve Jobs’ turtleneck (authenticity confirmed by certificate, Caviar says) right in the center of the Apple logo. It also features a “50th Anniversary Edition” inscription as well as an etching of Steve’s famous lower-case signature. The phone is customized to match the original iPhone, with a “striking combination of black and silver,” and “elevated logo placement.” The lower rectangular glass is black, while the rest of the phone is dark matte silver. Apple offers the iPhone 17 Pro in silver for significantly less, but this hue definitely appears closer to the original’s aesthetic. Other than the design and tiny piece of fabric, you’re getting a regular iPhone in a custom case. You can order the phone in any capacity, though Caviar says there are “only 2 models left in the series.”  Alongside the Jobs phone, Caviar is also selling an “iPhone 2007” model with “Intricate engravings of the very first smartphone’s circuitry radiate outward from this centerpiece, creating a striking visual.” That model, which starts at $10,770, includes “a genuine fragment of the original iPhone 2G motherboard.” On the cheaper end, Caviar is offering Black Apple and Golden Apple editions with a “unique carbon fiber” design that has “a complex, multifaceted texture.” The gold edition includes a “three-dimensional Apple logo cast in solid 18-karat gold,” starting at $8,200, while the less-ornate black model is “just” $6,770.  Caviar doesn’t say if the turtleneck was actually worn by Steve Jobs or is just the same brand, but it’s apparently worth several thousand dollars. We should also point out that a new iPhone is coming out in a few months, so this 17 Pro is closer to being obsolete than new. But if you’re itching for a piece of Apple history, go order one now.

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Apple’s Fitness chief Jay Blahnik, accused of harassment and creating a toxic workplace, to retire
Jay Blahnik, Apple’s longtime vice president of fitness technologies and a key architect of the company’s health and wellness features… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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David Pogue’s ‘Apple: The First 50 Years’
A veritable encyclopedia of Apple history. Just a remarkable, essential, and unique work.

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iOS 26.5 release date: Here’s when to expect new iPhone features
iOS 26.5 arrived in beta this week packing new iPhone features, but a public launch isn’t too far away. Here’s the expected release date for all users. more…

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Grab the M5 MacBook Pro for its best price since Black Friday
Macworld M5 MacBook Pro View Deal These days, the M5 MacBook Pro is down to its best price, which means it’s the perfect time to get one too. So, instead of $1,699, you can get this particular configuration for $1,549. That’s $150 off, but $250 under its original price from a few months ago, the best price we’ve ever seen. Last month, Apple switched up the pricing for the M5 MacBook Pro. It eliminated the 512GB model for $1,599 and replaced it with a 1TB model for $1,699. That’s a price hike, of course, but it also cuts the price of the 1TB model by $100 since it used to cost $1,799. Got all that? What you really need to know is that this is a great laptop with a great set of specs, running on a very powerful M5 chip, 16GB of memory, and a massive 1TB SSD. That’s a fantastic combo that can handle all your daily workload, passion projects, creative edits, and so on. The M5 MacBook was built for professionals and digital creatives alike, and it’s going to deliver a fantastic performance no matter what. The 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display is absolutely gorgeous, too, and will display precise colors and deep contrast that will make it ideal for visual projects. The laptop’s advanced 12MP camera is fantastic for shooting vids or participating in Zoom calls, and its array of ports makes it a true portable workstation. When we reviewed the M5 MacBook Pro, we gave it a 4.5-star rating and our Editors’ Choice award, appreciating the improved GPU performance, the SSD speeds, and the combo of price and performance. So, go ahead and get the laptop you deserve by adding the M5 MacBook Pro to your cart and getting it home for $1,549 from Amazon.

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This power strip clamps onto your desk and won’t let go [Review] ★★★★☆
Anker Nano Power Strip (10-in-1, 70W, Clamp) review (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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Inside 50 years of Apple with the only original employee still there
Apple has only had one person remain with the firm for its entire history. Still employee number 8, Chris Espinosa talks about staying there for half a century, and counting.Chris Espinosa, Apple Employee #8 — image credit: Chris EspinosaChris Espinosa has had very many roles at Apple, ranging from System 7 marketing manager to his position today on the tvOS team. But he was hired by Steve Jobs to write programs for the Apple II computer in 1976 — when he was just 14."It was really, really fun, because that was the time when people were starting the entire industry from scratch," Espinosa has now told The New York Times. "Whether computer stores or commercial software, he added, "all of these things had to be invented." Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Apple reportedly has four new products ready to launch, pending one thing
Apple has had a busy year of new product launches already, but there are at least four additional products that reportedly are ready to launch, save for one key holdup: the new Siri. more…

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Tim Cook’s Apple smart glasses answer is a subtle Steve Jobs callback
There’s a moment in yesterday’s WSJ video piece with Tim Cook that’s really delightful. Cook is asked about Apple’s plans for smart glasses, and his reply is a subtle callback to a classic Steve Jobs moment. more…

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Apple Sports kicks off crucial updates for World Cup soccer fans
With new updates, Apple Sports gets you set to follow the 2026 FIFA World Cup as it descends on North America. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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Apple releases rare iOS 18.7.7 security update to shield older iPhones and iPads from DarkSword hacking tool
Apple has pushed out a critical security update for users still running iOS 18 (and iPadOS 18),to protect against the DarkSword exploit… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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