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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The most overlooked AirPods Pro upgrade isn’t in the case — It’s in your ear
Macworld AirPods Pro users obsess over firmware updates, spatial audio settings, and noise cancellation modes. But there’s one performance factor hiding in plain sight — and most people never think to upgrade it. The ear tips. For something so small, ear tips have an outsized impact on comfort, stability, sound quality, and noise isolation. And for many users, the stock silicone tips are the weakest link in an otherwise premium listening experience. If your AirPods Pro (Gen 1, 2, or 3) have ever felt loose, uncomfortable, or underwhelming in noisy environments, the issue may not be the earbuds themselves. It may be the seal. Comply Why ear tips matter more than you think AirPods Pro are engineered around one core assumption: they need a proper in-ear seal to perform at their best. When that seal fails, everything suffers. Loose fit = falling out: Many users struggle with AirPods slipping out while walking, commuting, or working out. Silicone doesn’t adapt to your ear canal — it simply presses against it. That means movement, jaw motion, or sweat can break the seal. Poor seal = weaker sound: Without a consistent seal, bass response drops. Sound feels thinner. Clarity suffers. Noise cancellation becomes less effective because outside sound leaks in. More noise = higher volume: When background noise creeps in, most people compensate by turning up the volume — often higher than necessary. Over time, that can contribute to listening fatigue. Pressure points = ear fatigue: Silicone can create hotspots or irritation during long sessions. What feels fine for 20 minutes may become uncomfortable after an hour. In short, if the seal isn’t right, you’re not hearing what your AirPods Pro are truly capable of delivering. Comply The best upgrade AirPods users can make Comply Premium Memory Foam Ear Tips are designed specifically to enhance the AirPods Pro experience — improving fit, comfort, stability, and listening performance. Instead of relying on a fixed silicone shape, Comply uses proprietary slow-recovery, body heat-activated memory foam. When inserted, the foam gently expands to conform to the natural contours of your ear canal. The result is a secure, personalized fit that stays in place throughout the day. Buy Comply Premium Memory Foam Ear Tips for Apple AirPods Pro Secure, personalized fit The expanding foam creates a stable in-ear seal that helps keep AirPods from shifting or falling out — whether you’re commuting, on a call, or at the gym. All-day comfort Soft memory foam adapts to your ear’s shape instead of pushing against it. That reduces pressure points and ear fatigue, allowing for longer, more comfortable listening sessions. Enhanced noise isolation A proper seal blocks more external noise passively. That means clearer calls, more immersive music, and better performance from Active Noise Cancellation. Improved listening experience With a consistent seal, listeners often notice more balanced highs, mids, and bass — along with improved clarity and depth. In many cases, better isolation also means you don’t need to increase volume as much in noisy environments—helping protect hearing without sacrificing sound quality. Comply Designed for AirPods Pro (without compromise) Upgrading ear tips shouldn’t create new inconveniences. Comply tips are engineered to: Click securely into place Stay attached to your device Fit inside the AirPods charging case Avoid interfering with charging Installation is simple. Each Complete Pack includes three pairs of tips, a cleaning brush (or wipe with MAX), and a removal tool for easy maintenance. Multiple sizes are available, and most users can select the same size that fits best in the stock Apple tips. Not sure? An assorted pack makes it easy to find your ideal fit. Two premium options Comply TrueGrip® ($24.99): Comply’s original premium memory foam formula delivers trusted comfort and a secure, customized seal. Comply TrueGrip® MAX ($29.99): Built for added durability and moisture resistance, MAX features patented SmartSkin™ Technology — ideal for workouts, commuting, and daily wear. The enhanced formula extends tip lifespan while maintaining all the comfort and stability benefits. A small upgrade. A noticeable difference. AirPods Pro are a premium product. But even the best earbuds can’t perform at their peak without a proper fit. Most users don’t realize they can upgrade this one critical component. Yet for under $30, premium memory foam ear tips can transform comfort, stability, noise isolation, and overall sound quality. Before you replace your earbuds, try upgrading the part that touches your ears. Because better sound doesn’t start with new hardware — it starts with a better seal. Buy Comply Premium Memory Foam Ear Tips for Apple AirPods Pro

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This one-time $90 purchase gives you Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook for life
Macworld TL;DR: Score lifetime access to Microsoft Office 2024 Home & Business for Mac or PC for a one-time purchase of $89.97 until March 8. Whether you’re working from home, managing projects, or creating presentations for school, Microsoft Office 2024 Home & Business brings all your essential apps together in one lifetime license. Available for Mac or PC, this one-time purchase costs just $89.97 until March 8 (MSRP $249.99) and includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote — no subscription required. Office 2024 is designed for modern workflows. AI-powered suggestions help you write smarter in Word, analyze data trends in Excel, and create engaging presentations in PowerPoint with voice, video, and captions. The suite also supports co-authoring and integrated Teams features so multiple users can collaborate on the same document in real time. Improved performance, touch-friendly controls, and a clean, unified interface make navigation and content creation faster and more intuitive on Mac. Installed directly on your computer, Office 2024 works offline and includes ongoing updates for security and features. One code connects to your Microsoft account, providing lifetime access for a single device. Upgrade your productivity setup today and get Microsoft Office 2024 Home & Business for Mac or PC for $89.97 — essential apps, one-time purchase, lifetime access. Microsoft Office 2024 Home & Business for Mac or PC Lifetime LicenseSee Deal StackSocial prices subject to change.

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Save $100 on iPad mini 7, plus grab Apple Pencil Pro deal
Amazon is kicking off March with an iPad mini 7 deal that takes $100 off multiple colors and storage capacities. Plus, grab an Apple Pencil Pro at $35 off.Save $100 on Apple's iPad mini 7 at Amazon - Image credit: AppleGrab a $100 discount on Apple's iPad mini 7, with all four color options eligible for the savings. This is the current model, which comes in your choice of 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB of storage.Save $100 on iPad mini 7 Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Sonos Play portable Bluetooth and AirPlay 2 speaker leaks early
It looks like Apple isn’t the only company with new products launching soon. A new Sonos Play portable Bluetooth and AirPlay 2 speaker has shown up online before actually being announced. more…

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Reboot: Godzilla, mini Macs, and easing the supply chain
In this week's "Reboot" column, the Apple Experience is a supply chain play, mini versions of old Macs are cute, and Godzilla's drone show record.Godzilla in drones and a pair of mini MacsReboot is a new weekly column covering some of the lighter stories within the Apple reality distortion field from the past seven days. All to get the next week underway with a good first step.This week, we saw Apple Store closures due to the Iran attacks, regulatory action in Brazil and Spain, Taiwan invasion fears, and more age verification shenanigans. At least next week will distract us with product launches. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Apple is launching new products this week, here’s what’s coming
Apple is launching new hardware this week starting Monday, and rumors indicate several new products are coming. Here’s everything Apple is rumored to launch in the days ahead. more…

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Which new Apple product announcement this week are you most excited about? [Poll]
Apple product launch week starts Monday morning, according to Tim Cook, and 9to5Mac will be in New York on Wednesday for the special “experience” portion of the week’s announcements. With new iPhones, iPads, and Macs all rumored, which Apple product announcement this week are you most excited about? more…

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Claude hits #1 on the App Store as users rally behind Anthropic’s government standoff
AI chatbots currently take up the top three spots on the US App Store’s Top Downloaded charts. For Anthropic’s Claude, which takes the first-place position right now, that’s a jump from 42nd place just two months ago. more…

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Apple replacing Core ML with modernized Core AI framework for iOS 27 at WWDC
A new report says that Apple will replace Core ML with a modernized Core AI framework at WWDC, helping developers better leverage modern AI capabilities with their apps in iOS 27. more…

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Today in Apple history: New card runs Apple II software on Macs
On March 1, 1991, Apple introduced the Apple IIe Card, which let users turn their LC family Macs into fully functioning Apple IIe computers. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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Apple Stores close in United Arab Emirates following Iran strikes
A number of Apple Store locations in the United Arab Emirates have temporarily closed, in line with government recommendations as Middle East tensions rise.Apple Al Maryah IslandJoint strikes on Iran by the United States and Israel has led to an escalation of tensions in the Middle East, including the death of Iranian leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Following the initial strikes and retaliation by Iran, as well as the threat of future incidents, Apple has moved to close its stores in the United Arab Emirates.The UAE's Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has made a recommendation to private sector companies in the country. The advisement seeks to minimize the number of workers in open areas, excluding anyone in essential roles requiring physical attendance. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Apple Stores in UAE temporarily closed
Apple has temporarily closed its five retail locations in the United Arab Emirates following a significant escalation in Middle East conflict over the weekend. more…

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New Soundcore noise-canceling headphones promise epic battery life
Travelers and everyday listeners alike have a new choice in cans -- Soundcore Space 2 headphones, with up to 70 hours of battery life. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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iPad Pro with vapor chamber cooling will wait until early 2027
Consumers can expect a long wait for the next version of the iPad Pro, but the 2027 refresh will get vapor chamber cooling, not a major revamp in design.iPad ProWhile Apple is set to make a number of product announcements within days, the iPad Pro won't be among them. Instead, you're going to be waiting until early 2027 for the next iteration.Writing in Bloomberg's "Power On" newsletter on Sunday, Mark Gurman answers a query about the next iPad Pro and when it will launch. In his response, he tempers expectations of an imminent update, providing a more realistic outlook for the tablet line. Rumor Score: 🤔 Possible Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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The MacBook disruption is about to begin
Macworld Everything we know about the MacBook is about to change. There have been widespread rumors that Apple is about to shake up its laptop range in the most significant way since it introduced the failed 12-inch MacBook in 2015. And after many months of speculation, it now feels like a near-certainty that a budget MacBook powered by an iPhone chip will appear as part of Apple’s March 4 “experience” event. So far, almost all of the focus has been on this laptop itself, and understandably so—Apple has never released a sub-$1,000 MacBook, after all. But the impact of such a device won’t just be limited to the budget market. It will likely spur changes elsewhere in the MacBook lineup as well. Indeed, the new budget MacBook gives Apple the opportunity to rethink the MacBook Air and bring some much-needed upgrades to its mid-range MacBook options, creating space between it and the new budget model while also further distinguishing the Air and Pro lines. Gasping for Air For years, the MacBook Air has occupied the low-end slot among Apple’s portable Macs. It’s got the cheapest price, the lowest-end chips, and the least advanced display. For the majority of consumers, it’s more than enough, and it’s absolutely the best MacBook for most people. But the arrival of a cheaper MacBook will change that perception. Based on rumors, this new MacBook will have a significantly slower chip than the Air, but many of the same characteristics people want in a laptop: price, portability, and battery life. The Air has long checked all of those boxes, but now that something significantly cheaper will be available, Apple needs to reposition the Air as a mid-range device by addressing some of its shortcomings. The MacBook Air is a solid machine for $999, but it’s starting to feel stale.Foundry Primary among those quibbles is the display. Compare the Air’s 13-inch LED display to what you get with the MacBook Pro and the differences are stark. Even if you opt for the larger model, the MacBook Pro offers far superior resolution: 3024 by 1964 pixels in the 14-inch MacBook Pro versus 2560 by 1664 pixels in the 13-inch MacBook Air, or 254 pixels per inch (ppi) compared to 225 ppi. You also get much more in the way of brightness. While the MacBook Air is stuck at 500 nits in all situations, the MacBook Pro can ramp up to 1,000 nits outdoors and 1,600 nits for HDR content. That’s complemented by the Pro’s use of mini-LED technology, which provides much-improved colors and contrast. And finally, there’s the refresh rate. The MacBook Pro’s display is kitted out with Apple’s ProMotion feature, which dynamically adjusts the refresh rate up to 120Hz, depending on what’s on screen, resulting in much smoother motion during gaming, movie watching, and scrolling. Like the non-Pro iPads, the MacBook Air is locked to 60Hz. That all means that the MacBook Air is a categorically budget choice with a display that’s clearly inferior to the one you find in the MacBook Pro, but you get a concession in the form of the price. At $999 compared to the 14-inch MacBook Pro’s $1,599, the MacBook Air is much more affordable, and the tradeoffs are understandable. The M5 MacBook Pro could be redundant with the launch of the low-cost MacBook.Foundry A breath of fresh Air Once the new MacBook arrives, the MacBook Air will no longer be the budget laptop choice. It starts at $999, whereas the new MacBook is expected to cost somewhere around $699. With a price difference like that, the MacBook Air will suddenly become one of Apple’s mid-range Macs. Since Apple already differentiates its laptops with their screens, one way Apple could give the MacBook Air some mid-range attention is by upgrading the Air with ProMotion.That would make a significant difference in day-to-day usage, as higher refresh rates are instantly noticeable and give the Air a much-needed upgrade, not unlike how Apple handled the iPhone 17. And with the MacBook Pro already rumored to get an OLED Ultra Retina XDR display later this year, an Air with a ProMotion LED is an upgrade that steps up the MacBook Air without bringing it too close to the MacBook Pro. Apple’s new MacBook could impact the entire lineup.Eugen Wegmann This realignment of the MacBook lineup comes with another quandary: What should happen to the entry-level 14-inch MacBook Pro? Right now, this model features a similar M5 chip to the upcoming Air with a Pro display and a few more ports for $1,599, hundreds of dollars more than even the 15-inch Air. With the introduction of the new MacBook, Apple’s laptop roster will start looking a little bloated, especially if the Air gets ProMotion.  The entry-level Pro is already a cut-rate machine compared to its Pro- and Max-powered siblings, and the shift in the lineup will only highlight its flaws. And with the rumors of an OLED touchscreen coming later this year, it’s likely the model gets axed, leaving a much clearer lineup. I also wouldn’t be surprised if Apple shuffles the Air lineup, possibly eliminating the low-end chip or bumping the entry-level storage to 512GB for higher price points. So the lineup could look something like: MacBook: $699 13-inch MacBook Air: $1,099 15-inch MacBook Air: $1,299 14-inch MacBook Pro: $1,999 16-inch MacBook Pro: $2,499 With the high-end and low-end all but secured, this is an important time for the MacBook Air. It’s started to feel a little stale, with few exciting improvements since its 2022 redesign. Its lower price has helped it become the go-to MacBook for most people, but with an even cheaper MacBook breaking onto the scene, the MacBook Air will have to work even harder to justify its existence.

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