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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Baseus PicoGo AM52 Qi2.2 batteries review: multi-device charging & 25W MagSafe
The Baseus PicoGo line has expanded with the AM52 Qi2.2 MagSafe battery packs, which bring more features and faster speeds to the pocketable chargers. One even has a built-in cable.Baseus PicoGo AM52 review: 10,000 mAh packed as small as it can getI already compared the fall lineup of Baseus battery packs to Apple's odd iPhone Air MagSafe Battery, so there's no need for it today. The two I'm reviewing are massive 10,000 mAh batteries packed in what qualifies as a "slim" case.The Baseus PicoGo AM52 power bank is Qi2.2 certified and MagSafe compatible. One has an integrated cable and the other doesn't. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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WWDC 2026 to introduce Core AI as replacement for Core ML
Apple is expected to push its Gemini-trained Apple Foundation Models and new chatbot-like Siri functions during WWDC, but Core ML could also see an update to Core AI to emphasize the priority shift.iPhone 17 Pro Max will be an AI powerhouse thanks to its feature setCore ML is a framework that allows developers to implement machine learning technology into their apps. In recent years, its functionality has spread to generative tools and AI.According to the Power On newsletter, Apple is going to release a Core AI framework during WWDC 2026. It is a replacement for Core ML, though both frameworks could exist in tandem for some time. Rumor Score: 🤔 Possible Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Table space: Apple retail braces for affordable MacBook push
Apple Stores are preparing for a significant number of physical product launches during its early March event, with the new MacBook getting its own table.A new MacBook is on the wayFrom Monday, Apple will be making multiple product announcements before holding a three-city "experience" event. While the actual products that will launch are not officially known, it seems Apple is expecting one to make a big impression on consumers.Retail workers were told to prepare for a sudden influx of customers in early March due to its program of product launches this week, writes Mark Gurman in the Bloomberg "Power On" newsletter. The prelaunch planning for the week is at a similar level to an iPhone launch, meaning Apple has big expectations for its lineup. Rumor Score: 🤯 Likely Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Massive foldable iPad is in the works, but may never launch
Apple is reportedly working on a gigantic iPad Fold, but if it launches at all, it won't be until the end of the 2020s.What a large folding iPad could look like - Image Credit: AppleInsiderBacking up some previous claims that Apple is planning a foldable iPad, and others that it has been delayed until 2029, Bloomberg's "Power On"newsletter adds that it might never be released.Once again repeating previous claims, the new report says that development of the iPad Fold has hit problems. Those reportedly include design issues to do with the simple practicality of how a user might type on one. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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