Author: Richard

### Today’s 9to5Toys Lunch Break: Tech Bargains and Savings

In this edition of 9to5Toys Lunch Break, we showcase some of the top tech bargains currently available, featuring substantial price reductions on the newest MacBook Pro models, Apple Watch accessories, and more.

#### Best New 2026 M5 Pro MacBook Pro at $149 Off

The 2026 M5 Pro MacBook Pro is now offered at an impressive discount. The 14-inch version with 24GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD can be yours for **$2,049.99**, down from the usual **$2,199**. This offer represents the lowest price seen on Amazon since its launch in early March.

For those open to open-box alternatives, units can be found for **$1,914.99**, which is **$284 off** the retail price and includes a one-year Apple warranty.

**Notable Features of the M5 Pro MacBook Pro:**
– Cutting-edge speed and robust on-device AI capabilities.
– All-day battery longevity and a breathtaking Liquid Retina XDR display.
– Improved GPU performance with a Neural Accelerator for expedited AI tasks.

#### Apple Watch Sport Bands Priced at Just $15

Alongside MacBook offerings, Apple Watch Sport Bands are now available for **$15**, reflecting a **69% discount** from the original **$49**. These bands are offered in various colors and sizes, compatible with multiple Apple Watch models.

#### Nomad Leather iPhone 17 Pro/Max Cases at 20% Off

Nomad is providing **20% off** its leather cases for the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max. Each purchase comes with a **FREE screen protector**, presenting a perfect chance to stylishly safeguard your device.

#### More Deals on Accessories and iPads

– **Current-Generation iPad**: The least expensive iPad is back down to **$299**, available in all four colors.
– **M4 iPad Air Discounts**: The M4 iPad Air range is experiencing price reductions of up to **$100**.

These offers represent some of the finest prices on popular tech items, making it a fantastic moment to upgrade or acquire new accessories.

### The Necessity for Enhanced Weather Updates from Siri

In recent conversations regarding the capabilities of Apple’s Siri, a particular feature request has surfaced that reveals a notable deficiency in the voice assistant’s weather reporting abilities. While Siri delivers sufficient weather updates for locations such as Cupertino, California, users in other regions, especially those with unique weather patterns like London, find the details inadequate.

#### The Significance of Detailed Weather Information

For numerous users, particularly those residing in areas recognized for their erratic weather, knowing whether to bring an umbrella or don a raincoat is vital. The current standard reply from Siri concerning the weather usually encompasses temperature predictions but frequently excludes the chances of precipitation. This gap necessitates follow-up inquiries, which can be irritating for users who anticipate a more thorough report.

For example, when inquiring Siri about the weather, a common response might be:

> “Expect cloudy skies today. The high temperature will be 12 degrees and low will be seven.”

Although this information is helpful, it does not clarify if rain is anticipated, leading to additional questions such as:

> “Is it going to rain today?”

The answer to this follow-up often indicates that rain is indeed approaching, causing users to question why this important detail was not included in the initial response.

#### The Argument for Global Weather Awareness

This scenario highlights a broader concern: Siri’s weather reporting seems primarily customized to the climate of California, overlooking the varied weather conditions encountered in other regions of the globe. For inhabitants of cities like London or Seattle, where rain is a common phenomenon, having prompt access to precipitation information is crucial for everyday planning.

Apple’s voice assistant should acknowledge that weather events differ greatly across various locales. By improving Siri’s capability to deliver comprehensive weather reports that encompass the likelihood of rain, users can make more informed decisions regarding their clothing and daily routines.

#### Conclusion

In conclusion, the appeal for enhanced weather reporting from Siri is not just a matter of convenience; it signifies a requirement for a more user-focused approach to voice assistant technology. By recognizing the diverse weather patterns experienced worldwide and integrating pertinent information into its reports, Apple can substantially elevate the user experience for Siri, rendering it a more dependable assistant for all users, irrespective of their location.

Apple has experienced a notable year for product introductions already, but later this year, the Apple Watch Ultra 4 is anticipated to launch with four speculated new features.

## #1: Innovative Health Sensors

Last summer, Digitimes indicated through supply chain sources that this year’s Apple Watch Ultra 4 is predicted to double the amount of sensor components. Some of these novel sensors might be connected to the potential inclusion of Touch ID. Apple regularly enhances its suite of health sensors in the Apple Watch. The new sensors are expected to reduce dependence on algorithmic data interpretation, possibly resulting in improved health data, enhanced performance, and better battery life. While Apple has been developing blood sugar monitoring, this capability is not projected to debut this year.

## #2: Changes in Industrial Design

Digitimes also noted that the upcoming Apple Watch Ultra 4 will showcase modifications to its exterior design. The level of these design updates remains unclear. There have been speculations of a significant overhaul, but recent reports suggest that the revisions might not be as comprehensive as initially believed. Previous plans for a larger model featuring microLED technology may have altered due to the unavailability of this new display tech.

## #3: Touch ID

Macworld’s Filipe Espósito uncovered indications in leaked Apple code suggesting that Touch ID is under consideration for the 2026 Apple Watch iterations. The code references support for “AppleMesa,” which serves as Apple’s internal name for Touch ID. Although specific details regarding hardware implementation were not disclosed, it is feasible that Touch ID could be incorporated into the side button, Digital Crown, or Action button. This feature could lessen the necessity for passcode inputs and offer a more convenient method for authenticating Apple Pay and other functionalities.

## #4: Improvements in Power Efficiency

As per Digitimes, the new Ultra model is projected to experience notable enhancements in power efficiency, potentially owing to a new S-class chip or advancements linked to the newly introduced sensors. The Apple Watch Ultra 3 witnessed battery life improvements, and similar upgrades could be anticipated with the Ultra 4. There is a possibility for battery enhancements via efficiency gains, or Apple may choose to decrease the battery size while retaining the same battery longevity.

## Summing Up the Rumored Features of Apple Watch Ultra 4

With the anticipated debut of the Apple Watch Ultra 4 in early September, more leaks and speculations are likely to arise. Present expectations indicate that the Ultra 4 may bring enhancements in vital domains like health, design, and battery longevity.

Which new features do you wish for the Apple Watch Ultra 4 to include?