Author: Richard

### Apple Mitigates Tablet Market Decline with Rise in iPad Average Selling Price

As per a recent study conducted by Counterpoint Research, worldwide tablet shipments saw a decrease of 3% quarter-over-quarter and 4% year-over-year in Q4 2025. This downturn signifies a shift into a more established phase of the tablet market. The fall follows a strong Q3 and a high benchmark from the previous year, when Q4 2024 shipments had surged nearly 8% year-over-year, propelled by prominent OEMs like Apple and Samsung resuming regular launch schedules, in addition to the swift growth of Chinese OEMs.

Diverging from the general market trend, Apple noted a notable rise in the average selling price of its iPad, climbing from $527 in Q3 2025 to $583 in Q4 2025. This roughly 10% surge helped cushion the broader market slowdown while solidifying Apple’s position in the premium tablet sector. The report implies that this commanding stance may offer Apple an edge over Android manufacturers, especially as increasing memory costs pressure lower and mid-tier devices.

Apple’s Q1 2026 earnings, corresponding to sales for the quarter concluding December 27, revealed a 5% year-over-year increase in iPad revenue, amounting to $8.5 billion. During the post-earnings conference call, CEO Tim Cook and CFO Kevan Parekh pointed out that the quarter also set a record for iPad upgraders, with over 50% of iPad purchasers being first-time buyers of the product.

The Counterpoint report indicated that the tablet market remained in the mid-100-million-unit range for the entire year, indicating a transition towards a more stable, replacement-driven trajectory. Additionally, tablet shipments are anticipated to expand through 2029, with year-over-year growth projected to stay positive until 2028, followed by a slight decline in 2029 and 2030.

For more detailed insights, you can access the full report [here](https://counterpointresearch.com/en/insights/global-tablet-shipments-decline-3-percent-qoq-in-q4-2025).

Apple TV has kicked off the year on a high note with hits such as “Shrinking,” “Hijack,” and “Monarch: Legacy of Monsters,” but the upcoming five weeks promise even more exciting new premieres.

### March 18: Imperfect Women

“Imperfect Women” is an upcoming psychological thriller series showcasing a stellar cast, including Elisabeth Moss, Kerry Washington, Kate Mara, and others. Inspired by the Araminta Hall novel, initial reviews liken it to popular series like “Big Little Lies” and “Little Fires Everywhere.” The narrative revolves around a crime that shakes the foundation of a decades-long friendship among three women, highlighting themes of guilt, retribution, love, and betrayal.

[Add Imperfect Women to your Apple TV Watchlist here.](https://tv.apple.com/show/imperfect-women/umc.cmc.1w2rmpbqzt24879bt7109zgi6?itscg=30200&itsct=tv_box_link&mttnsubad=umc.cmc.1w2rmpbqzt24879bt7109zgi6&at=1000l3cvR)

### March 27: For All Mankind

The celebrated Apple TV sci-fi series “For All Mankind” is back for its fifth season. Set in an alternative timeline of the space race, the new season unfolds in the 2010s, spotlighting the thriving colony on Mars and the conflicts arising between its residents and Earth.

[Watch For All Mankind seasons 1-4 here.](https://tv.apple.com/show/for-all-mankind/umc.cmc.6wsi780sz5tdbqcf11k76mkp7?itscg=30200&itsct=tv_box_link&mttnsubad=umc.cmc.6wsi780sz5tdbqcf11k76mkp7&at=1000l3cvR)

### April 3: Your Friends & Neighbors

Season 2 of “Your Friends & Neighbors” is poised to elevate the tension as Jon Hamm’s character encounters new hurdles from a mysterious neighbor portrayed by James Marsden. The show continues to delve into the life of an unexpected suburban thief.

[Watch Your Friends & Neighbors season 1 here.](https://tv.apple.com/show/your-friends–neighbors/umc.cmc.74o37kzay0yuuub8iumddjsg?itscg=30200&itsct=tv_box_link&mttnsubad=umc.cmc.74o37kzay0yuuub8iumddjsg&at=1000l3cvR)

### April 10: Outcome

“Outcome,” directed by Jonah Hill, is a new film debuting exclusively on Apple TV. Featuring Keanu Reeves, Cameron Diaz, and Matt Bomer, the dark comedy follows a Hollywood celebrity grappling with personal issues after being blackmailed with a compromising video.

[Add Outcome to your Apple TV Watchlist here.](https://tv.apple.com/movie/outcome/umc.cmc.3uvjztuy2y8ve2rj6nvgyop89?itscg=30200&itsct=tv_box_link&mttnsubad=umc.cmc.3uvjztuy2y8ve2rj6nvgyop89&at=1000l3cvR)

### April 15: Margo’s Got Money Troubles

“Margo’s Got Money Troubles,” which debuted at SXSW, boasts a talented ensemble including Elle Fanning and Michelle Pfeiffer. The comedy-drama follows a recent college graduate as she navigates the challenges of new motherhood and financial difficulties.

[Add Margo’s Got Money Troubles to your Apple TV Watchlist here.](https://tv.apple.com/show/margos-got-money-troubles/umc.cmc.6wgw0u6vuwydp6obbzzccup3w?itscg=30200&itsct=tv_box_link&mttnsubad=umc.cmc.6wgw0u6vuwydp6obbzzccup3w&at=1000l3cvR)

Apple TV is offered at $12.99 per month, or you can access it at a reduced rate through the Apple One bundle.

**iFixIt Teardown Uncovers MacBook Neo as Most Repairable in 14 Years**

Anticipation was significant regarding what iFixIt would discover upon disassembling the [MacBook Neo](https://amzn.to/47vJmkn). Here’s what was uncovered.

### ‘We Haven’t Been This Excited About a MacBook Since 2012’

Recent information indicates that the [MacBook Neo](https://amzn.to/47vJmkn) is more repair-friendly, credited to knowledge from the do-it-yourself and right-to-repair advocates as well as [Apple’s official repair manuals](https://9to5mac.com/2026/03/11/apple-publishes-repair-manuals-for-the-iphone-17e-new-macbooks-ipads-more/). Today, [iFixit shared its own teardown](https://www.ifixit.com/News/116152/macbook-neo-is-the-most-repairable-macbook-in-14-years) and repairability evaluation, branding it “the most repairable MacBook in fourteen years.”

From the start, iFixit points out that the lower case can be opened by hand after unscrewing eight pentalobe screws, with no tools or leverage necessary.

Upon opening, iFixIt noted that a majority of components of the [MacBook Neo](https://amzn.to/47vJmkn) are easily seen and reached:

> “We’ve got straightforward access to the battery, the speakers, the USB-C ports, and even the trackpad. In most contemporary laptops, at least one of those parts is hidden beneath something else. Here, Apple actually enables us to view the components we need.”

Importantly, the battery is fixed in place with screws instead of adhesive, a notable enhancement compared to earlier models. Though 18 screws secure it, this design modification aligns with the EU’s impending battery [regulation](https://9to5mac.com/2023/06/19/iphone-user-replaceable-batteries-law/).

As the teardown continues, iFixIt emphasizes the modularity and simplicity of dismantling, noting resemblances between the [MacBook Neo](https://amzn.to/47vJmkn) and the iPhone 16 Pro logic boards. They also highlight inconsistencies in Apple’s disassembly manual, which references an ambient light sensor cable that the MacBook Neo does not feature.

During the keyboard dismantling, iFixIt states that users must eliminate 41 screws to free it, but stresses that replacing the keyboard remains a relatively straightforward task.

In the end, the [MacBook Neo](https://amzn.to/47vJmkn) earns a rating of 6 out of 10 on iFixIt’s repairability scale. Although it is commended for being the most repairable MacBook in fourteen years, it loses points due to soldered components such as storage and RAM.

In summary, iFixIt remarks:

> “For a device targeted at schools and students, that all makes a lot of sense. If Apple aims for success in the education sector, it can’t merely create a less expensive MacBook. It needs to develop one that can withstand student life and recover from it. Cracked screens, worn-out batteries, damaged ports, sticky keys—these aren’t outliers in a classroom. They’re the expected scenario, and Apple seems to comprehend that.”

Watch iFixIt’s complete teardown of the [MacBook Neo](https://amzn.to/47vJmkn) below:

### Worth Exploring on Amazon

*FTC: We utilize income generating auto affiliate links.* [Learn more.](https://9to5mac.com/about/#affiliate)

**Apple Grand Central Hosts Exclusive Event for 50th Anniversary Featuring Alicia Keys**

Apple’s Grand Central Terminal venue in New York City is presently closed to the public due to an enigmatic special event occurring. The closure, affecting customers until Saturday, March 14, at 10 am, has ignited curiosity and speculation about the essence of the event.

Recent reports suggest that the event is probably a unique performance by acclaimed artist Alicia Keys. Observations from spectators, including 9to5Mac’s Michael Burkhardt, indicate the presence of a pink piano and signage commemorating Apple’s 50th anniversary. Furthermore, a set list featuring multiple Alicia Keys tracks has been observed, amplifying the excitement surrounding the event.

While the Grand Central site is momentarily inaccessible, Apple has recommended that customers shop online or explore other nearby retail options. This closure is not a first; Apple has previously employed the Grand Central venue for media interviews and special productions.

As the event progresses, details remain scarce, but the blend of Apple’s significant anniversary and a performance by Alicia Keys is sure to deliver a remarkable experience. Updates will be shared as further information arises regarding this captivating event at Apple Grand Central.

# The Shelly Plug US Gen4: An In-Depth Review

Selecting a smart plug often resembles taking a chance, particularly given the numerous protocols present in the market. Recently, Belkin discontinued support for its Wemo product line, underscoring the unpredictability within the smart home accessory domain. In contrast, Shelly has opted for a different strategy by integrating various connectivity options into its newest product, the Shelly Plug US Gen4. This article delves into the features, connectivity choices, and overall functionality of this cutting-edge smart plug.

## Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6 and Matter

A key highlight of the Shelly Plug US Gen4 is its flexible connectivity. Unlike several smart plugs that require users to choose between Zigbee and Wi-Fi, the Gen4 accommodates both protocols, increasing its interoperability with numerous smart home systems. It comes with Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), representing a significant advancement over older Wi-Fi generations typically found in smart devices.

Wi-Fi 6 boasts numerous benefits, including the capacity to manage multiple IoT devices at once without hampering performance. This is especially advantageous in settings with a high number of connected devices, as it delivers swifter and more consistent connections, even in areas with “noisy” radio frequencies. However, it’s important to mention that the plug does not support the 5 GHz band, which might impact its effectiveness in specific situations.

Moreover, the Shelly Plug US Gen4 is compatible with Matter, a universal protocol that streamlines integration with major smart home platforms like Apple Home, Google Home, and Amazon Alexa. This allows users to seamlessly incorporate the plug into their smart home configuration without the need for a proprietary bridge. For those utilizing Home Assistant, the plug can even be configured to function as a Zigbee device, granting further customization possibilities.

## The Standout Feature: Power Metering

One of the most remarkable aspects of the Shelly Plug US Gen4 is its accurate power metering functionalities. This feature enables users to keep track of the energy consumption of devices connected to the smart plug. However, Apple users may encounter a limitation: while the plug gathers detailed energy usage metrics, Apple’s Home app does not showcase this information in a user-friendly way.

To counter this, Shelly has introduced two smart solutions. First, the LED ring on the plug changes color based on the power draw. It glows green for low consumption and shifts to red when high power usage is identified, such as when a space heater is activated. This visual indicator enables users to quickly gauge power consumption at a glance.

For more in-depth analysis, the Shelly Smart Control app offers detailed insights into energy usage, allowing users to precisely monitor how much power their devices are consuming. Additionally, the plug can be programmed with safety automations, like a “forgotten appliance” rule that automatically disables the plug when it detects a high power draw sustained over time, enhancing household safety.

## Conclusion

The Shelly Plug US Gen4 establishes a new benchmark for smart plugs through its combination of connectivity features and advanced capabilities. Its support for Matter and Wi-Fi 6 guarantees its relevance as smart home technology progresses, while its power metering features provide essential insights into energy use. The sole downside is the lack of 5 GHz Wi-Fi support, which may restrict its performance in certain situations.

In summary, the Shelly Plug US Gen4 is a flexible and powerful addition to any smart home ecosystem, representing a valuable investment for users seeking to improve their home automation experience. It is available for purchase on platforms such as Amazon and directly from the Shelly store.

**Adobe Reaches Agreement with US Department of Justice for $150 Million**

Adobe has entered into a settlement arrangement with the US Department of Justice (DOJ) totaling $150 million. This agreement entails a $75 million payout to the DOJ and an equal $75 million designated for complimentary services for impacted users.

**Settlement Details**

In a press release, Adobe expressed, “We have now concluded a settlement agreement with the Department of Justice that will resolve the legal action initiated in June 2024 concerning our disclosure and subscription cancellation practices.” While agreeing to the settlement, Adobe retains its stance of denying any misconduct, claiming it has been open about the terms and conditions of its subscription contracts and has improved its cancellation procedures.

Adobe’s pledge includes contacting customers adversely affected by its cancellation policies to inform them about the complimentary services available. The company underlines that it will actively reach out to these customers once the required court documents are filed.

**Impact on Customers and Future Steps**

For users who have encountered challenges while canceling Adobe plans, the settlement might offer some reassurance. Nevertheless, uncertainties linger concerning the specifics of the free services and whether they may entail stipulations like joining new subscription plans. Adobe has acknowledged its efforts in improving the clarity and ease of its sign-up and cancellation procedures in recent times.

**Feedback from the Community**

Adobe’s settlement prompts inquiries among users who have experienced difficulties with the company’s subscription framework. Input from affected customers will be vital in grasping the wider implications of this settlement. Users are urged to relay their experiences and any notifications from Adobe regarding the settlement.

In summary, although Adobe denies any misconduct, the $150 million settlement with the DOJ represents a notable move towards addressing issues related to its subscription practices and seeks to offer recompense to affected users.