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- Tuesday March 17
- 02:56 pmAmazon adds new 1-hour and 3-hour options for faster delivery
Amazon has announced that delivery is getting even faster, with new 1-hour and 3-hour delivery options rolling out in thousands of cities across the US. Here are the details. more…02:48 pmWhy did Apple just declare a 12-year-old iPhone obsolete?
Macworld The bad news is that Apple just ended all hardware servicing for one of its most popular products. The good news is that the product is the iPhone 5, which was discontinued more than 12 years ago, and it’s frankly amazing that it lasted this long. Apple has three categories for products that it has stopped selling and are no longer covered by warranty: discontinued, vintage, and obsolete. For a minimum of five years after they are discontinued, the products are still relatively easy to get repaired because servicing and replacement parts continue to be available from Apple service providers. At this point, products are declared vintage, at which point servicing may still be available, but it depends on whether the provider still has the parts. And around the seven-year mark, they are declared obsolete, and all hardware servicing ends. It’s important to note that those timeframes are only minimums, and they are sometimes stretched. And based on the device declared obsolete this week, Apple just stretched the definition of obsolete by an astonishing margin. As spotted by MacRumors, the iPhone 5 this week moved from the vintage to the obsolete category on Apple’s official list. The fact that it’s on the list is indisputable, but it’s hard to know for sure whether it definitely made the transition this week. Apple just quietly updates the list; it doesn’t make announcements. But MacRumors seems sure it moved on March 16, and a quick trip to the Wayback Machine confirms that the iPhone 5 was on the vintage list, not the obsolete one, as recently as March 12. This is pretty amazing. The iPhone 5 was launched in September 2012 and lasted only one year: it was discontinued in September 2013, when the iPhone 5c and 5s came out. So it’s been off the market, not for seven years, but for more than 12. The iPhone 5c and 5s (discontinued in 2014) were already on the obsolete list, as were the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus (2016) and the 32GB versions of the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus (2018). Even the 1st-gen iPhone SE, which came out in 2016 and was killed off in 2018, is on the list. So why has the iPhone 5 only just made it on there? Perhaps the stockpile of parts just held out longer than expected; perhaps service providers were able to reuse parts from the iPhone 5s and iPhone SE, which followed largely the same design… although that doesn’t really explain why they were declared obsolete. Did Apple forget? Were there so many people using the iPhone 5 that it had to keep it technically repairable until now? Does someone at Apple just really like that phone? Ultimately, it’s a bit of a mystery, but if you own one, it just got a bit harder to repair.02:44 pmThe first Matter camera has arrived, but Apple users won't notice
Two new products have gone on sale from Aqara, including the world's first Matter-certified camera. For Apple Home users, that Matter support means very little today.The Aqara G350 is the first camera to ship with Matter 1.5 supportAfter being previewed at CES 2026, the Aqara G400 video doorbell and Aqara G350 indoor camera are both available to purchase. The G350 has the honor of being the very first camera to be certified Matter compatible.Even though cameras were added to the Matter spec in late 2025, Aqara is officially the first to market with the G350. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums02:41 pmAlways-on display may come to iPhone 19e in 2028
Apple's plan for the iPhone 19e involves a switch to LTPO for the display panel, giving the future budget model an always-on screen, if not ProMotion support.iPhone 17e doesn't have LTPO, but iPhone 19e couldThe display is an extremely important part of mobile devices, and requires a lot of development and planning ahead of its use. Following the introduction of the iPhone 17e, we now have rumors about the display that should be used in the iPhone 19e.Sources of ZDNet Korea say that Apple is considering adding Low-Temperature Polycrystalline Oxide Thin-Film Transistor (LTPO TFT) OLED displays to its future budget model. Specifically, that LTPO+ will be added to the iPhone Air in the first half of 2028, as well as a folding device in the second half of the year. Rumor Score: 🤔 Possible Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums02:39 pmApple Original Films unveils trailer for ‘Outcome,’ starring Keanu Reeves, Jonah Hill, Cameron Diaz, and more | Mac Daily NewsApple Original Films unveils trailer for ‘Outcome,’ starring Keanu Reeves, Jonah Hill, Cameron Diaz, and more
Apple Original Films on Tuesday unveiled the trailer for director Jonah Hill’s upcoming dark comedy, “Outcome,” starring Keanu Reeves, Hill… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.02:31 pmiPadOS 26.4: Here are four new features coming soon to iPad
iPadOS 26.4 is expected to launch in the coming weeks, packing lots of new iPad features—four of which are highlighted below. more…02:26 pmToday in Apple history: Microsoft gets sued for ripping off Mac OS
On March 17, 1988, Apple sued Microsoft for allegedly stealing 189 elements of its Macintosh operating system to create Windows 2.0. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)02:21 pmTim Cook names Apple’s greatest contributions, talks tariff refunds and retirement rumors | 9 to 5 MacTim Cook names Apple’s greatest contributions, talks tariff refunds and retirement rumors
Apple CEO Tim Cook continues the company’s 50th anniversary celebration with a press stop at Good Morning America on ABC News. The latest interview with Michael Strahan touches on a wide range of topics, including Apple’s greatest contribution, potential tariff refunds, Cook’s future as CEO, and more. more…02:18 pm9to5Mac Overtime 063: The new standard
Fernando and Jeff talk MacBook Neo impressions. The conclusion? The MacBook Neo isn’t necessarily about raw power or specs, it’s all about redefining what the new standard for a budget laptop should be. 9to5Mac Overtime is a weekly video-first podcast exploring fun and interesting observations in the Apple ecosystem, featuring 9to5Mac’s Fernando Silva & Jeff Benjamin. Subscribe to Overtime via Apple Podcasts and our YouTube channel for more. more…02:01 pmApp Store fees drop in China & Beijing immediately asks for more
China is escalating pressure on Apple's App Store just days after a fee cut, signaling the fight is shifting from commissions to the rules that govern payments and app distribution.China is escalating pressure on AppleChina's ruling party newspaper, the People's Daily, said on March 17 that Apple should ease what it called "monopolistic" policies. The editorial followed Apple's move to cut its App Store commission in mainland China from 30% to 25%.Chinese officials framed the move as a result of regulatory pressure, with the change following communication with regulators. The timing shows regulators are pushing beyond pricing and into how Apple controls iOS. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums02:00 pmBeats and Nike team up on special edition Powerbeats Pro 2
Beats and Nike are teaming up for their first-ever hardware collaboration. The new “Powerbeats Pro 2 – Nike Special Edition” blend Beats and Nike design as part of a first-of-its-kind collaboration for Apple’s Beats subsidiary. more…01:58 pmApple's next 50th anniversary concert is probably in China
New York had Alicia Keys, now China is celebrating Apple's 50th birthday with a score of dancers now seen rehearsing ahead of what looks to be a spectacular light show and concert.Dancers rehearsing ahead of a performance outside Apple Taikoo Li Chengdu — image credit: Chengdu City CDCApple promised a series of events celebrating the company's half century, and those began in New York City with a concert by Alicia Keys at Apple Grand Central. Now Chinese social media is starting to show what may be the next event, a dance and probably music concert in China.Images seen so far appear to show that Apple has created a stage in front of its Apple Chengdu Taikoo Li store. Surrounded by thick walls, the stage contains an large elevated section draped in black, and with what look to be floodlights and speakers. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums01:49 pmThe Oppo Find N6 gives us a preview of the iPhone Fold, with a 600k fold life
It’s taken Apple a long time to advance work on the iPhone Fold, and the reason for that was said to be that the company was unhappy with the visible crease in earlier iterations of the display technology. By late last year, around 100 iPhone fold models were said to have been made for testing purposes. These will of course be closely guarded, but a competing Android phone has given us a reasonable idea of what we might expect … more…01:31 pmBy missing AI, Apple is winning AI
In an era when tech giants are burning hundreds of billions on massive AI data centers and infrastructure bets, Apple is conspicuously… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.01:30 pmGet a 10th-gen iPad for just $239.99
This 10th-gen iPad (2022) packs a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display and all-day battery life. Get a near-mint refurbished iPad 10 for less. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)01:28 pmApple TV’s new Keanu Reeves comedy looks hilarious, here’s the trailer
Apple TV has just released the trailer for its new comedy film, Outcome, starring Keanu Reeves and a stacked supporting roster. And based on this early look, it has all the makings of a hit. more…01:00 pmWhy every Mac user should be thrilled MacBook Neo packs 8GB of RAM
MacBook Neo needs just 8GB of RAM, and that's great news for all Mac users, even users of high-end computers. Here's why. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)12:56 pmApple’s 50th anniversary celebrations move from New York to China
Apple began its 50th anniversary celebrations at New York’s Grand Central Station on Friday and is reportedly continuing them in China tomorrow. We’re again expecting a live performance by a popular singer, and Apple retail head Deirdre O’Brien has been spotted in the country … more…12:32 pm11 tech giants – but not Apple – have signed up to an anti-scam initiative
Eleven tech giants and major retailers have signed up to a new anti-scam initiative ahead of a United Nations global fraud summit. The Industry Accord Against Online Scams & Fraud recognizes the growing use of AI by criminal gangs to create more convincing scams, and pledges cooperation between the companies to combat this … more…12:15 pmBenQ MA270S review: Studio Display specs for a whole lot less
Macworld At a glanceExpert's Rating Pros Great image and text quality Height-adjustable stand is standard Several connectivity options Cons No built-in webcam 70Hz max refresh rate may not be high enough for gamers Our Verdict If you’ve been holding out for a 5K 27-inch display, take a look at the BenQ MA270S. It’s a good alternative to the Apple Studio Display with excellent image quality and more diverse connection options. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Price When Reviewed$999 Best Prices Today: MA270S Retailer Price Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket BenQ has been doing a great job with its displays geared towards Mac users. I’ve reviewed the MA270U and the MA270UP and recommend them. But those 27-inch displays do have one specific feature that may be a no-go for some customers: They are 4K displays, not 5K like the Apple Studio Display. Most people will be fine with 4K, but for others, that’s a deal breaker. Good news: BenQ now has a 5K offering, the new MA270S. It basically looks the same as the others, except it’s now a direct competitor to the high-resolution Studio Display. More good news: the MA270S lives up to the standard set by its two predecessors, with a great combination of image quality, features, and price. Specifications Size27 inchesGlass frontNano Gloss PanelAspect ratio16:9Native resolution5120 by 2880Panel type/BacklightIPS/LED backlightResponse time5 msContrast ratio2000:1Refresh rate70HzColor depth10-bitBrightness450 nitsDimensions with stand (horizontal)Highest height: 22.1 by 24.2 by 8.7 inches (560.1 by 613.8 by 220.2mm) Lowest height: 17 by 24.2 by 8.7 inches (430 by 613.8 by 220.2mm)Weight with stand19.05 lbs (8.64 kg) BenQ MA270S: Design and build The MA270S takes its design cues from its 4K brethren. It’s almost exactly like those two displays, with a plastic case and bezels that are less than 1mm. The one major difference is that BenQ moved the Visual Optimizer Sensor to the lower left of the front of the display. While it disrupts the previously clean line, it doesn’t stand out. You see it, but it’s not distracting. The MA270S’s base has a protective pad for resting an iPhone, AirPods, etc.Foundry The Visual Optimizer Sensor automatically adjusts the display’s brightness based on the room’s lighting. Placing it on the front allows the brightness to be closer in tune with what the user perceives. It’s a thoughtful change. A few months ago, BenQ released the MA270UP, which implements the company’s Nano Gloss Panel. The MA270S also uses the same panel, so it’s a glossy display and not available in matte. Apple’s Studio Display is also glossy, but it has a Nano-texture glass (matte) option that increases the price by $300. I didn’t experience any glare or eye fatigue while using the MA270S, issues that can occur while using a glossy display. Glossy is preferred by users who want colors that are vivid and black reproduction that is deep–some may say a matte screen, by comparison, has a washed-out appearance. BenQ MA270S: Ports The MA270S has the following ports: Two HDMI 2.0 ports One 35W PowerDelivery USB-C port One 96W PowerDelivery Thunderbolt 4 port One 15W PowerDelivery Thunderbolt 4 port Two USB-A (USB 3.2 Gen 2, 10Gbps, 7.5W) One USB-C downstream (USB 3.2 Gen 2, 10Gbps, 15W) 3.5mm headphone jack Macs can connect via HDMI, USC-C, or Thunderbolt.Foundry MacBooks can connect to the display via HDMI, USB-C, or Thunderbolt, and I used all three types without any issues. However, if you connect via HDMI, your MacBook does not charge while connected–HDMI connections don’t provide power. If you want to use the display as a hub, you need to connect the MacBook to USB-C or Thunderbolt. BenQ MA270S: Image quality The MA270S produces pleasing images of great quality, and the text looks sharp. In the Macworld office, I usually use a 4.5K iMac to produce the Macworld Podcast in the studio, and when I switched to a MacBook Pro connected to the BenQ display, I could easily see the upgrade in quality. The blacks are richer, colors are rich, and text looks crisp. This display, like the other MA270 displays, is impressive. One small upgrade that the MA270S offers over the other BenQ displays is a 70Hz refresh rate, slightly higher than the standard 60Hz (which Studio Display uses). I didn’t notice a difference in general everyday use, but those with a more discerning eye might notice the difference over other monitors when scrolling or watching videos. The MA270S’s refresh rate is fixed at 70Hz, so if you want a faster rate (90Hz or 120Hz), you’ll need to look elsewhere. BenQ MA270S: Price The MA270S is priced at $999, and the company is offering a special deal where if you buy two displays, the second display is 20 percent off. This offer is good during the March pre-order period. At $999, it’s significantly cheaper than the Apple Studio Display. Keep in mind that if you want a height-adjustable stand with Apple’s display, you have to pay an extra $400–a feature that’s standard on BenQ’s display–which doubles the price. The MA270S tilts, swivels, and pivots 90 degrees, though you won’t get a webcam or Spatial Audio speakers. USB and a headphone jack are located on the bottom of the display for easy access.Foundry Should you buy the BenQ MA270S? If you’ve been holding out for a 5K 27-inch display, take a look at the BenQ MA270S. It’s a good alternative to the Apple Studio Display; the MA270S matches its image quality, while offering more options as a connection hub. One clear advantage the Studio Display has is a built-in webcam, which is missing from the MA270S, but the Studio Display is prohibitively more expensive if you need a height-adjustable stand. Apple released the 2nd-gen Studio Display in March 2026, and it’s not all that different than the previous model. It still costs $1,599, and the upgrades are minor: Thunderbolt 5 and a better camera. It uses the same 5K, 60Hz panel as before, so unless you want a built-in webcam or Thunderbolt 5, there’s no reason to choose it over the MA270S. Now read: Best Mac monitors: The Mac compatible displays we recommend