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- Sunday March 01
- 04:31 pmApple 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…04:02 pmToday 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.)03:56 pmApple 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 Forums03:40 pmApple 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…03:00 pmNew 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.)02:40 pmiPad 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 Forums02:35 pmThe 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.02:02 pmBaseus 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 Forums01:49 pmWWDC 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 Forums01:48 pmTable 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 Forums01:38 pmMassive 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 Forums01:37 pmApple believes low-cost MacBook will be an ‘incredible value,’ tempting switchers: report | 9 to 5 MacApple believes low-cost MacBook will be an ‘incredible value,’ tempting switchers: report
As early as tomorrow, Apple will be unveiling its highly anticipated low-cost MacBook. It’ll be powered by an A18 Pro chip, offer a slightly smaller display, but still hit on all of the core Mac features people know and love. The biggest point of debate has been the price point. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple believes it’ll be an ‘incredible value,’ and may even convince a lot of Windows and Chromebook users to switch. more…08:06 amFlash deals: Samsung's S85F OLED TV plunges to $847 today only
B&H's Samsung OLED TV Deal Zone delivers price drops of up to $902 off the 55-inch and 65-inch S85F 4K models.Save up to $800 on Samsung S85F OLED TVs today only.Today only, shoppers can take advantage of in-cart coupon savings on Samsung's S85F OLED televisions. Choose from the 55-inch option for $847.99 with the instant savings plus in-cart coupon, bringing the total discount to $650 off MSRP.Save up to $900 on Samsung S85F Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums08:00 amTurn your wallet into a trackable smart device with these slim cards for 24% off
Macworld TL;DR: Get three Apple Find My-compatible SmartCards for $89.99 — ultra-slim, rechargeable, and wallet-ready. Losing your wallet is a special kind of panic. The backtracking. The pocket checks. The sinking feeling. The KeySmart® SmartCard is built to eliminate that routine, with a 3-pack on sale for $89.99 (MSRP $119.97) for a limited time. Each ultra-slim card slips into your wallet like a credit card and connects directly to Apple’s Find My app, so you can track it from your iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple Watch. At less than 2mm thick, it adds virtually no bulk. You can play a sound to locate it nearby, see its last known location on a map, and even activate Lost Mode to display your contact information if someone finds it. Left-behind notifications alert you if your wallet or badge isn’t with you before you get too far. It supports Qi wireless charging — no special cables required — and lasts up to eight months on a single charge. With an IPX8 waterproof rating and a 200-foot Bluetooth range, it’s built for daily life, not just careful days. If you’re ready to stop retracing your steps, grab this 3-pack of KeySmart SmartCards for $89.99 and give your essentials built-in backup. KeySmart® SmartCard – Works With Apple Find My | Wireless Charging (3-Pack)See Deal StackSocial prices subject to change.02:12 amSecurity Bite: Why Apple still needs your spam reports
9to5Mac Security Bite is exclusively brought to you by Mosyle, the only Apple Unified Platform. Making Apple devices work-ready and enterprise-safe is all we do. Our unique integrated approach to management and security combines state-of-the-art Apple-specific security solutions for fully automated Hardening & Compliance, Next Generation EDR, AI-powered Zero Trust, and exclusive Privilege Management with the most powerful and modern Apple MDM on the market. The result is a totally automated Apple Unified Platform currently trusted by over 45,000 organizations to make millions of Apple devices work-ready with no effort and at an affordable cost. Request your EXTENDED TRIAL today and understand why Mosyle is everything you need to work with Apple. Much like the infamously useless “close door” button in an elevator, reporting spam on an iPhone or Mac often feels like a placebo. This skepticism isn’t exclusive to Apple either. There is widespread distrust of reporting features in general. The issue largely stems from a lack of transparency. Because users rarely see a noticeable decline in junk mail after hitting “report,” many assume the button does nothing and eventually stop using it altogether. While Apple does provide a great support document for how to make reports, it doesn’t explain exactly what it does with these reports to improve its security prowess. Allow me to shed some light here… more…01:43 amWill Apple’s upcoming low-cost MacBook actually be worthwhile?
As soon as next week, Apple is set to unveil its cheapest MacBook to date. It’ll be powered by an A18 Pro chip, offer a 12.9-inch display, and come in a plethora of colors. It’ll also have a couple key compromises to bring it down to a lower starting price. That raises the question: will it be worth it compared to the MacBook Air? more…Saturday February 2811:04 pmReading Doesn’t Fill a Database, It Trains Your Internal LLM
Many of us think of reading as building a mental database we can query later. But we forget most of what we read. A better analogy? Reading trains our internal large language models, reshaping how we think without providing accurate recall.09:08 pm16-inch M4 Pro MacBook Pro vs. Acer Predator Helios Neo 14: Apple's never been so far behind | AppleInsider16-inch M4 Pro MacBook Pro vs. Acer Predator Helios Neo 14: Apple's never been so far behind
Apple's 16-inch MacBook Pro has been my notebook of choice in recent years, but it isn't perfect, and that led me to check out the competition — namely, Acer's $2,000 Predator Helios Neo 14 AI laptop.Two very different notebooks at very similar price pointsMy current notebook is an M4 Pro 16-inch MacBook Pro, and that replaced my M1 Pro 16-inch MacBook Pro after it took an unfortunate tumble from a table. As you might expect, I'm very comfortable with macOS, and switching to Windows full-time isn't in the cards.But that doesn't mean that there isn't room for a Windows PC in my life. Because as much as Apple might try to tell you otherwise, Mac gaming just doesn't quite cut it. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums08:30 pmIndie App Spotlight: ‘Itsyhome’ adds smart home controls to your Mac’s menu bar
Welcome to Indie App Spotlight. This is a weekly 9to5Mac series where we showcase the latest apps in the indie app world. If you’re a developer and would like your app featured, get in contact. If you’re someone who spends a lot of time on their Mac, you might often find yourself wanting to control one of your lights, thermostats, or just check on your camera. At the same time, you might not love Apple’s Home app. Itsyhome adds all of the home controls you’ll need to your Mac’s menu bar – and it isn’t even HomeKit exclusive. It also supports Home Assistant, and has loads of useful features under the hood. more…05:00 pmHands-on with ESR’s latest line of accessories for iPad
Accessories maker ESR recently launched a new lineup of iPad accessories that aim to expand the usefulness of iPad for casual users. They are focusing on users who frequently switch between the many modes of iPad: typing, drawing or writing, and regular tablet usage, such as playing games or watching videos. more…