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Decentraland Launches on Epic Games Store

The metaverse was supposed to be its own destination. You would put on a headset, enter a virtual world, and never need to think about the platform that brought you there. That was the pitch, anyway. Decentraland, one of the earliest and most persistent experiments in decentralised virtual worlds, appears to have reached a different […]

This story continues at The Next Web

9to5Mac Daily: March 30, 2026 – News on Apple AI Recruitment and 50th Anniversary Festivities

**9to5Mac Daily: Your Go-To Source for Daily Apple News and Insights**

In the rapidly evolving realm of technology, keeping abreast of the latest updates is essential, particularly for Apple fans. The 9to5Mac Daily podcast is a vital tool for those who wish to stay informed about Apple-centric happenings. This insightful podcast aims to summarize the day’s most important stories, offering perspectives on new products, software enhancements, and market trends.

**Podcast Access**

Listeners can conveniently access the 9to5Mac Daily podcast through multiple platforms, such as [iTunes and Apple’s Podcasts app](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/9to5mac-daily/id1331816080), [Stitcher](https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/9to5mac-daily), [TuneIn](https://tunein.com/radio/9to5Mac-Daily-p1089524/), [Google Play](https://play.google.com/music/m/I5d4dzs7dauazmfxvvrynyiuram?t=9to5Mac_Daily), or through a [dedicated RSS feed](https://feedpress.me/9to5macdaily) for Overcast and other podcast apps. New episodes are produced on weekdays, ensuring that subscribers receive the most current information promptly.

**Episode Overview**

Every episode of 9to5Mac Daily includes a review of the most impactful stories affecting the Apple landscape. Covering everything from product introductions to software revisions and market news, the podcast addresses a broad spectrum of topics pertinent to Apple users. Its format is crafted to be succinct and informative, allowing listeners to remain updated without sacrificing too much of their time.

**Exclusive Content and Support Options**

For those wishing to enrich their listening journey, 9to5Mac offers a subscription service via [9to5Mac Daily Plus](https://9to5mac.com/join/). Subscribers access ad-free episodes and exclusive content, providing a more thorough exploration of the subjects at hand. This subscription not only elevates the listening experience but also provides direct support to the creators.

**Listener Engagement and Feedback**

Listeners are invited to voice their opinions and feedback regarding the podcast. They can connect via email at [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]) or rate the podcast on platforms such as [Apple Podcasts](https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/id1331816080?at=10laZc&pt=11l8808) and [Overcast](https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/app/overcast/id888422857?mt=8&at=10laZc&pt=11l8808). This interaction aids the podcast in expanding its reach and connecting with more individuals interested in Apple news.

**In Summary**

To sum up, 9to5Mac Daily is an indispensable resource for anyone keen on Apple news and technology. With its accessible format, captivating content, and avenues for listener engagement, it stands out as an excellent option for daily updates in the tech sphere. Whether you’re a seasoned Apple user or new to the ecosystem, tuning into 9to5Mac Daily will keep you informed and engaged.

Apple Unveils First Beta Release of iOS 26.5

Apple has unveiled the initial iOS 26.5 beta for developers, following the formal release of iOS 26.4 for iPhone. This new beta iteration, which is roughly 8GB in size for the iPhone 17 Pro, is anticipated to bring various enhancements and features.

In the prior update, iOS 26.4, Apple underscored 13 enhancements, encompassing improvements to Apple Music, the launch of new emoji, and upgrades to the keyboard experience. These modifications were designed to improve user engagement and overall functionality on iPhones.

With the arrival of iOS 26.5, there is hope for the introduction of much-anticipated Siri and Apple Intelligence features. Apple had earlier announced capabilities such as Personal Intelligence in 2024 but postponed their launch until 2025. Recently, in early 2026, Apple verified a collaboration with Google to implement Gemini AI models to fuel these forthcoming features, which has sparked enthusiasm among users and developers alike.

As developers evaluate the beta version, users are encouraged to stay informed about any new advancements or features that may surface. Looking forward, Apple plans to introduce iOS 27 during its Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) on June 8, 2026, at Apple Park in California. This event is projected to showcase the subsequent generation of iOS and offer insights into future updates.

Currently, there have been no notable indications of new features in the iOS 26.5 beta, but users are advised to remain vigilant for upcoming announcements or updates.

Apple Anticipated to Surpass Overall Notebook Market Results Despite Falling Shipment Forecasts

TrendForce has adjusted its 2026 notebook shipment prediction downward, with Apple being the notable exception. Here are the specifics.

### Declining demand, increasing costs, and supply chain restructuring to significantly impact 2026

TrendForce has modified its forecast for the global notebook market in 2026, decreasing its shipment prediction from its earlier assessment:

> According to TrendForce’s most recent research on the notebook sector, global notebook shipments are displaying distinct signs of further decline. As a result, TrendForce has adjusted its 2026 full-year shipment forecast downward from -9.2% to -14.8% YoY, amid expectations of weakening end-market demand and rising supply chain expenses, indicating a more profound industry correction.

Two primary elements prompted the downward adjustment. Firstly, TrendForce points to “macroeconomic challenges” for a less robust recovery in the consumer market than anticipated. Secondly, it mentions that increasing component costs, partly stemming from “the swift growth of computing demand for AI,” will exert additional pressure on pricing throughout the industry.

> As critical component expenses continue to rise, notebook manufacturers are slowly transferring these increases to end-market prices to maintain margins.

TrendForce forecasts that prices will persist in their upward trend in the upcoming quarters, which will, in turn, make consumers more cautious and hesitant to acquire new products.

Regarding Apple, TrendForce reiterated that the company is in a better position to navigate these challenges due to its diminished dependency on external suppliers, combined with long-term partnerships and supply agreements:

> Apple has recently launched a more affordable model, the MacBook Neo. The main factors behind this decision include its proprietary Apple Silicon chips, which lessen reliance on outside CPU suppliers and offer greater flexibility in capacity management and cost discussions. Moreover, Apple’s highly standardized product specifications, streamlined model range, and focused memory capacities and configurations allow it to scale procurement volumes and enhance long-term contract negotiations.

Consequently, TrendForce anticipates that Apple will surpass the overall market performance, with shipments increasing by 7.7% year over year in 2026.

To access TrendForce’s complete report, follow this link.

Understanding Indirect Blockchain Exposure in Compliance: The Multi-Hop Challenge

Public blockchains operate as permissionless networks where anyone can send digital assets to any address at any time. This open architecture creates a fundamental technical challenge for compliance teams tracking the flow of funds. Digital assets rarely travel in straight lines. They often move through multiple intermediate wallets before reaching a final destination. This multi-hop […]

This story continues at The Next Web

Grab a Four-Pack of Govee Color-Changing Smart Bulbs for Just $27

Spring cleaning isn’t just about clearing things out. It’s also a chance to refresh your living space, and a simple place to start is smart lighting — specifically, Govee’s Smart A19 LED Light Bulbs. The color-changing bulbs can instantly change the vibe of your home, and now through the end of today, March 31st, you […]

The Elimination of Live Wallpapers on iPhone: Factors Influencing Apple’s Choice

When Apple initially launched live wallpapers years ago, the feature gained immense popularity among users. Its absence was felt on iPhones for a long time, and its implementation seemed like a necessary improvement. Live wallpapers animated static images through a long press. However, if you’ve attempted to set live wallpapers on more recent iPhones or iOS versions, you may have realized that the feature is absent. This is due to Apple’s elimination of live wallpapers from iPhones.

Though many users found the removal perplexing, it seems it was executed to enhance lock screen customization options. Given that the Apple Watch already employed the same long-press gesture for customizations that the iPhone used for live wallpapers, Apple decided to phase out the latter for a more seamless experience. So, while it might seem that Apple quietly took away a valuable feature, there is significantly more to the narrative, which is crucial to the overall user experience.

Apple emphasized lock screen customizations

Apple Launches macOS 26.5 Beta 1 for Evaluation

Apple is beginning to distribute the initial macOS 26.5 beta to developers, in conjunction with iOS 26.5 beta 1, iPadOS 26.5 beta 1, and updates for its various other operating systems. Here are the specifics.

### This is likely the final significant system update prior to WWDC26.

Less than a week after the launch of macOS 26.4, Apple is now distributing the first developer beta of macOS 26.5.

macOS 26.4 introduced numerous features that Apple had not previously disclosed, primarily the new Charge Limit feature. It also included eight new emoji, the initial consumer-facing warning about the discontinuation of Rosetta 2, and the reintroduction of the compact tab view in Safari.

This will probably be the last major macOS 26 update before WWDC26, where it is anticipated that Apple will unveil macOS 27. Last year, macOS 15.5 was released in May, while macOS 15.6 debuted in July, following WWDC25.

As is often true with first betas, it is currently unclear which, if any, changes or bug fixes Apple has planned. We are investigating the system and will update you with significant discoveries.

The release build for macOS 26.5 beta 1 is 25F5042g.

### How to install the new beta

Here’s how to install the macOS Tahoe 26.5 developer beta 1:

1. Backup your Mac
2. Open System Settings
3. Go to General ⇾ Software Update
4. Click the ‘i’ icon next to Beta Updates
5. From the dropdown menu in the upper-right, select the macOS Developer Tahoe Beta
6. Hit ‘Done’

Did you notice any changes in today’s betas? Share your thoughts in the comments.