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9to5Mac Daily: March 19, 2026 – Summary of Apple’s Purchase and Fresh Updates in iOS 26.4

**9to5Mac Daily: Your Destination for Daily Apple News and Insights**

In the swiftly evolving tech landscape, keeping abreast of the latest information is vital, particularly for Apple fans. The 9to5Mac Daily podcast acts as a trustworthy source for daily summaries of the most important stories within the Apple ecosystem. Accessible on multiple platforms such as iTunes, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, Google Play, and via a dedicated RSS feed, this podcast guarantees that listeners stay informed about the latest advancements in technology.

**What to Anticipate from 9to5Mac Daily**

Every episode of 9to5Mac Daily is produced on weekdays, delivering new material to keep listeners well-informed. The podcast explores a broad spectrum of subjects, including product unveilings, software enhancements, market trends, and insights into Apple’s business practices. Subscribing ensures that listeners receive new episodes immediately upon release, making certain they don’t overlook essential updates.

**Unique Content and Advantages**

For individuals eager to improve their listening journey, 9to5Mac provides a subscription service through 9to5Mac Daily Plus. Subscribers enjoy ad-free versions of each episode, along with extra content that offers a deeper examination of the discussed stories. This premium option is ideal for dedicated listeners who wish to support the podcast while benefiting from additional features.

**Interaction and Community**

Listeners are invited to share their opinions and suggestions regarding the podcast. The 9to5Mac team appreciates community participation and encourages listeners to connect via email or provide ratings on services like Apple Podcasts and Overcast. This engagement not only enhances the podcast but also cultivates a sense of community among Apple supporters.

**Stay Protected with Backblaze**

Alongside tech news, 9to5Mac Daily also showcases sponsorships from companies such as Backblaze, which provides dependable backup solutions for users. With available promotional codes, listeners can benefit from discounts on services that help keep their data safe.

**Final Thoughts**

9to5Mac Daily is a crucial resource for anyone intrigued by Apple and its ecosystem. With daily updates, exclusive content for subscribers, and an emphasis on community interaction, it distinguishes itself as a leading podcast in the technology arena. Whether you are a casual listener or a committed Apple enthusiast, tuning in to 9to5Mac Daily will keep you informed and linked to the latest in technology.

ITC Judge Determines That Apple Watch’s Blood Oxygen Functionality Does Not Infringe on Masimo Patents

**Apple’s Legal Conflict with Masimo Regarding Blood Oxygen Capability: Recent Updates**

Apple Inc. is presently involved in a legal conflict with the health technology firm Masimo concerning the blood oxygen tracking capability of the Apple Watch. Recent updates in this matter have notable consequences for both entities and consumers.

**Preliminary Decision by ITC**

The primary important update originates from the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC), where Administrative Law Judge Monica Bhattacharyya delivered a preliminary decision stating that Apple’s modified blood oxygen capability does not infringe upon Masimo’s patents. This conclusion is significant as it indicates that Apple has effectively adjusted its technology to evade legal issues while still providing a comparable health monitoring function.

The revamped feature, introduced in the U.S. in late 2023, relocates much of the processing from the Apple Watch to the linked iPhone. Users can start a blood oxygen measurement on the watch, but must check the results on their iPhone, effectively altering the operation of the feature and possibly evading the patent concerns brought up by Masimo.

Judge Bhattacharyya’s ruling is provisional and will undergo examination by the entire ITC Commission for a conclusive verdict. Apple has voiced contentment with this decision, stressing its dedication to innovation in healthcare technology.

**Federal Circuit’s Support of Exclusion Order**

In a different yet related event, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit has endorsed the ITC’s initial exclusion order regarding the original iteration of the blood oxygen capability. This order bans the sale of the original Apple Watch blood oxygen feature within the United States, a ruling that previously compelled Apple to cease sales of specific models.

While Apple may continue distributing the redesigned edition of the Apple Watch, the original feature remains prohibited. This ruling emphasizes the enduring challenges Apple confronts in managing patent disputes while striving to preserve its market position.

**Conclusion**

The legal conflict between Apple and Masimo showcases the intricacies of patent law in the swiftly changing technology and health industries. As Apple modifies its products to align with legal requirements, consumers may gain from ongoing advancements in health monitoring technologies. The results of these legal proceedings will be monitored closely, as they may establish precedents for future technology and patent conflicts.

Latest Offers: AirPods Pro 3, $300 Discount 24GB M4 MacBook Air, Apple 240W Cable at $18, New M4 iPad Air, and Additional Items

### Today’s Tech Offers: Unmissable Savings on Apple Products

In the latest edition of **9to5Toys Lunch Break**, a selection of Apple products can be found at remarkable discounts, making it an ideal moment for tech aficionados to enhance their devices. Here’s a comprehensive summary of the top deals available.

#### AirPods Pro 3: $50 Off

The AirPods Pro 3 are now being offered with a $50 discount, presenting one of the best prices we’ve seen. These wireless earbuds are celebrated for their outstanding sound quality, active noise cancellation, and comfortable design, making them an essential accessory for Apple users.

#### MacBook Air Savings: Up to $300 Off

The **13-inch 24GB M4 MacBook Air** is experiencing a price reduction of $200, now priced at **$1,199**. This variant includes 512GB of storage and is an excellent choice for those seeking a high-performance yet portable laptop. However, stock is limited, so potential buyers should move quickly.

For anyone interested in larger models, the **15-inch M4 MacBook Air** has been reduced by $300, lowering its cost to **$1,299**. Apple also launched the M5 models, which offer expanded storage choices, but the M4 models remain a great value.

#### New 13-inch M4 iPad Air: Lowest Price Yet

The new **13-inch M4 iPad Air** is now available at a record low price of **$735.49**. This model is ideal for users desiring a lightweight tablet with robust performance. While the discount is currently limited to the purple version, other models in the M4 range are also discounted.

#### 2TB 13-inch M5 iPad Pro: $200 Off

For those seeking premium tablets, the **2TB 13-inch M5 iPad Pro** is now priced at **$2,099**, a $200 reduction from its original cost. Additionally, Best Buy features an open-box listing at **$1,894.99**, offering a significant savings of over $400.

#### Accessories and Charging Deals

Apple’s **240W USB-C Woven Charge Cable** is now available for **$18**, and there are notable discounts on accessories like the **Apple Crossbody Strap**, with savings up to **62% off**. AirTags are also obtainable for under **$16** each, providing an economical solution for tracking personal belongings.

#### Studio Display Discounts

The **2026 Studio Display** is currently discounted by $100, bringing its price to **$1,499**. This model features standard glass and a tilt-adjustable stand, making it an appealing selection for users aiming to upgrade their workspace.

#### Apple Watch Series 10: Massive Discount

One of the highlight deals is the **46mm Apple Watch Series 10 GPS + Cellular**, now available for **$369.91**, a remarkable **$429 off** the original price. This model includes a premium Slate Titanium Case and Milanese Loop, making it an opulent choice for smartwatch users.

### Conclusion

With these impressive savings on a variety of Apple products, now is an excellent opportunity to invest in new technology. Whether you’re in the market for earbuds, laptops, tablets, or accessories, there are offers that meet different needs and preferences. Ensure to check availability, as stock is limited on many of these products.

Casio’s New $600 Calculator is a Work of Art

Can a basic calculator with an old-school segmented LCD screen be beautiful? Casio’s response to that question is its new S100X featuring a traditional Japanese hand-painted finish using sap from the lacquer tree, giving the calculator a glossy black finish with warm red highlights around the edges. It somehow looks even more luxurious than if […]

Tesla’s Full Self-Driving on Verge of Recall

Tesla’s Full Self-Driving system is facing an expanded investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration over its safety during poor road visibility conditions, as previously reported by Reuters. Tesla vehicles with Full Self-Driving (FSD) have a “degradation detection” system that’s supposed to alert drivers to take over when the vehicle’s cameras can’t see the […]

iOS 26 Improves One of the Most Distinctive Capabilities of the iPhone

**Personal Voice: An Innovative Feature in iOS 26**

Are you aware that your iPhone is capable of mimicking your voice, enabling you to input text prompts that are audibly articulated in a voice strikingly similar to yours? This functionality is known as Personal Voice, and with the launch of iOS 26, it has received noteworthy improvements.

### Personal Voice: Preserve a Digital Version of Your Voice

Earlier this week, YouTuber MKBHD showcased the Personal Voice feature, first rolled out with iOS 17. His video served as a reminder of the remarkable enhancements Personal Voice has experienced in iOS 26.

Per Apple’s official enumeration of new features in iOS 26, the creation of Personal Voice has been made more efficient. For users facing the potential loss of their speech, Personal Voice employs on-device intelligence to generate a more seamless, natural-sounding voice in under a minute, needing just 10 recorded phrases.

This Accessibility feature is accessible in Settings under Accessibility, specifically in the Personal Voice area. Although primarily aimed at individuals who might lose their voice, its distinctive functionalities make it entertaining for anyone to try out.

In iOS 17, the process for setting up Personal Voice was tedious, necessitating users to vocalize 150 text prompts over about 15 minutes. However, with iOS 26, the configuration is considerably easier, taking merely a minute or two.

### Enhancements in iOS 26: Two Major Improvements

iOS 26 has refined Personal Voice in two significant manners:

1. **Streamlined Setup**: The initial setup process now requires just 10 prompts rather than 150, dramatically cutting down the time needed to establish your Personal Voice.

2. **Improved Voice Quality**: The feature now generates a voice that is “smoother” and “more natural-sounding” compared to its earlier version. This enhancement is due to better on-device intelligence, though it is noted that an AI-supported iPhone is required for the upgraded experience.

After your Personal Voice is created, it can be utilized in various ways:

– You can choose your Personal Voice for built-in functionalities such as Live Speech, Read & Speak, and VoiceOver, all of which can be adjusted in the Accessibility settings.
– Third-party applications, especially augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) apps, can request to employ your Personal Voice to vocalize through your device’s speaker or during calls, although they cannot capture speech from Personal Voice.

To begin using Personal Voice after setup, go to Settings, then Accessibility, and select Live Speech. Enable Live Speech, and you can triple-click the iPhone’s Side Button to enter your text prompt.

At present, Personal Voice caters to English (United States), Spanish (Mexico), and Chinese (Mandarin – mainland China).

Have you experimented with Personal Voice in iOS 26? Share your thoughts in the comments!