Author: sparta

### BenQ 27″ 4K Nano Gloss Monitor for MacBook: An Ideal Partner for Apple Users

In a thrilling partnership, BenQ is commemorating the debut of its MA series monitors specifically crafted for Mac aficionados by launching a giveaway for Apple’s newest MacBook Pro. The prize includes not just the MacBook Pro but also the latest BenQ 27″ 4K Nano Gloss Monitor, elevating the Apple experience.

#### Highlights of the BenQ 27″ 4K Nano Gloss Monitor

BenQ’s MA series monitors are meticulously designed to mirror the display quality of MacBooks, guaranteeing a unified visual experience. A key feature is the **Mac Color-Tuning Technology**, which enables users to relish precise color reproduction that aligns with their MacBook display. Furthermore, BenQ supplies dedicated Mac software that harmonizes brightness modifications across different displays, ensuring visual output remains consistent.

The monitor acts as a multifunctional center for Mac users. With a single cable connection, it not only offers a top-notch monitor feed but also powers the MacBook with an impressive 90W output. This configuration includes two HDMI ports and an extra USB-C port, allowing users to seamlessly connect and charge additional Apple devices.

For those interested in exploring the complete range of features, further details about the BenQ 27″ 4K Nano Gloss Monitor and the entire MA series can be found [here](https://benqurl.biz/3WZyqpL).

#### How to Participate in the Giveaway

To join the giveaway for an opportunity to win the MacBook Pro and the BenQ monitor, readers should provide their name and email address below (one entry per email). Participants are encouraged to promote the giveaway on social media platforms like [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/9to5mac/) and [X](https://twitter.com/9to5mac), and follow BenQ on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/benqnorthamerica/) or [X](https://x.com/BenQAmerica) for the latest updates. The entry window is open until March 20, 2026, and is limited to residents of the US and Canada only.

#### Eligibility Requirements

The giveaway is accessible to individuals who are 18 years of age or older and reside in the continental United States, Hawaii, or Alaska. Employees of BenQ and their immediate families are disqualified from participation. The giveaway is null where legally restricted, and no purchase is required to enter or win.

For those eager to participate, click [here](https://gleam.io/HnSKO/9to5macs-macbook-giveaway-from-benq) to reach the entry form.

This collaboration between BenQ and 9to5Mac not only showcases the cutting-edge features of the MA series monitors but also offers a wonderful chance for Apple enthusiasts to upgrade their tech setup.

Apple scientists carried out an examination to assess the effects of AI-generated relevance labels on App Store search rankings and application downloads. The study, named “Scaling Search Relevance: Augmenting App Store Ranking with LLM-Generated Judgments,” sought to establish whether large language models (LLMs) could improve search outcomes by generating relevance labels that inform the ranking framework.

The research underscored two main elements affecting search rankings: behavioral relevance, which evaluates user interactions with search results (such as application taps and downloads), and textual relevance, which looks at how well an app’s metadata corresponds with a user’s search query. While behavioral relevance data is plentiful and straightforward to measure, textual relevance labels produced by human reviewers are limited and expensive to create, resulting in a scalability bottleneck.

To tackle this challenge, the researchers optimized a 3-billion-parameter LLM on existing human evaluations, allowing it to create relevance labels based on user queries and app metadata. They generated millions of new relevance labels and recalibrated the App Store ranking system using both the original and LLM-generated datasets.

After the recalibration, the researchers performed an offline assessment and an international A/B test using live App Store traffic. The findings revealed that the LLM-enhanced model recorded a statistically significant 0.24% rise in conversion rate, defined as the fraction of search sessions leading to at least one app download. This enhancement was detected in 89% of storefronts.

Even though a 0.24% increase might appear negligible, it has the potential to yield substantial boosts in app downloads, with forecasts predicting 38 billion total App Store downloads by 2025. This could result in millions of extra downloads, providing significant benefits to app developers.

For more information, the complete study can be accessed [here](https://machinelearning.apple.com/research/augmenting-app).

### The iPhone 17e’s A19 Chip: Performance Insights

Following Apple’s recent announcements, initial benchmarks for the iPhone 17e’s A19 chip have emerged, shedding light on its performance potential. The A19 chip boasts a 6-core CPU, a 4-core GPU, and a 16-core Neural Engine, distinguishing it as a significant advancement in Apple’s offerings.

#### Geekbench Performance Results

The iPhone 17e has demonstrated encouraging results on Geekbench, with 11 reported scores revealing an average single-core performance of around 3,320 and a multi-core performance near 8,373. These numbers imply that the A19 chip surpasses its predecessor, the A18 chip utilized in the iPhone 16e, which recorded an average single-core score of 3,241.

The single-core scores for the A19 chip range from 3,001 to 3,607, while multi-core scores fluctuate between 6,657 and 9,241. This variability complicates a direct comparison between the iPhone 17e and other models, but the average scores indicate a robust performance enhancement.

#### Comparison with Previous Models

In terms of single-core performance, the A19 chip slightly edges out the A18 chip in the iPhone 16, which logged an average score of 3,319. For multi-core performance, the iPhone 17e’s score of 8,373 surpasses those of the iPhone 16e (7,977), the iPhone 16 Plus (8,266), and the iPhone 16 (8,280).

The Metal score, which indicates graphics performance, also reflects a notable upgrade. The iPhone 17e averages 31,163, compared to 23,895 for the iPhone 16e and 27,666 for the iPhone 16.

#### Conclusion

Although these early benchmarks offer a preview of the capabilities of the iPhone 17e’s A19 chip, it’s crucial to interpret these results with care. As more users evaluate the device after its launch, additional data will elucidate its performance in practical settings. The preliminary results, however, imply that the iPhone 17e will stand as a strong contender in Apple’s smartphone range, delivering improved performance over its predecessors.

### BMX SolidSafe Air: The Premier Slim MagSafe Power Bank

In the search for a slim MagSafe power bank, the BMX SolidSafe Air stands out as an exceptional choice. Featuring a 5,000 mAh capacity and a thickness of under 6.8mm, it provides a stylish solution for those desiring portability without sacrificing performance. After a week of evaluation, here’s an in-depth look at its features and my personal insights.

#### Key Features

The SolidSafe Air presents several impressive attributes:
– **5,000mAh Capacity**: Ample power to charge your devices multiple times.
– **Qi2 15W Wireless Charging**: Rapid charging rates for compatible devices.
– **20W USB-C Output**: Supports Power Delivery for swift wired charging.
– **Dual Device Charging**: Capable of charging two devices at once.
– **Ultra-Slim Design**: Measuring just 6.88mm thick and weighing 116g, it ranks among the thinnest power banks on the market.
– **Sturdy Construction**: Designed with a titanium finish for style and resilience.
– **LED Battery Indicators**: Offers a visual indication of remaining battery life.

Charging the SolidSafe Air through USB-C at 15W allows it to achieve full capacity in less than two hours, making it ideal for users on the move.

#### Design and Usability

The aesthetics of the SolidSafe Air are particularly attractive. The brushed titanium finish both conveys a premium look and improves grip. Its dimensions are perfectly aligned with the iPhone 17 Pro, ensuring a snug fit without any overhang, a common issue with other power banks.

For reference, the iPhone 17 Pro has a thickness of 8.75mm and weighs 206g, while the SolidSafe Air adds minimal weight and size, allowing for easy transport in a bag or pocket.

#### Charging Performance

During my testing, I predominantly utilized the SolidSafe Air with my iPhone 17 Pro. When the phone’s battery fell to about 20-30%, the power bank successfully charged it to roughly 90-95% while I continued using the device. The power bank stayed cool during use, with only slight warmth detected, which is typical for wireless charging.

Additionally, I evaluated the battery with my AirPods Pro, and it functioned flawlessly, delivering a dependable charge without any complications.

#### Considerations

While the SolidSafe Air excels in numerous aspects, one feature that could improve its usability is an LCD display to show battery percentage or charging status. However, integrating such a feature might have increased its dimensions or decreased battery capacity, which would undermine its primary selling point of being ultra-slim.

#### Pricing and Availability

The BMX SolidSafe Air is now available on the BMX website for **$59** and comes in three color options: Silver, Gold, and Black. This pricing places it competitively in the market, especially given its distinctive thinness and design.

#### Conclusion

For anyone seeking a MagSafe power bank that emphasizes slimness and portability, the BMX SolidSafe Air is an outstanding option. It not only enhances the Apple aesthetic but also delivers functionality without added bulk. Whether you own an iPhone Air or any MagSafe-compatible device, this battery represents a valuable investment for greater mobility and convenience.

What are your views on slim MagSafe batteries? Would you favor a larger battery for increased capacity, or do you prioritize portability more? Let’s engage in discussion!

### Jeff: Head of Video Content Production at 9to5

Jeff has made a name for himself in the field of technology content production, taking on the role of head of video content creation at 9to5. His career commenced in 2016 when he became part of 9to5Mac, a top destination for Apple-related news and insights. Since that time, Jeff has committed himself to producing a varied range of video content, encompassing walkthroughs, how-tos, written guides, and product evaluations.

#### Expertise in Clarifying Technology

A key strength of Jeff is his talent for making complicated technological ideas easier to understand. He takes pride in breaking down topics in a way that is accessible for a broad audience, ensuring that even those with little technical expertise can follow along with the information shared. This method has struck a chord with viewers, enhancing the appeal of his videos.

#### Influence and Reach

Jeff’s input at 9to5 has garnered attention. His videos have gathered hundreds of millions of views, indicating a strong demand for straightforward and succinct tech content. Individuals from various backgrounds rely on Jeff’s videos to deepen their understanding of the latest technology developments, devices, and software.

#### Captivating Content

The videos created by Jeff are not only educational but also captivating. He utilizes numerous formats to address diverse learning preferences, making it simpler for viewers to digest information. Whether it’s a detailed tutorial or an all-encompassing product assessment, Jeff ensures that his audience is informed and entertained.

#### Subscribe for More

For those wanting to keep up with the latest in technology, subscribing to 9to5Mac on YouTube is highly advisable. Jeff’s channel offers a consistent influx of new content covering a broad spectrum of subjects, making it a valuable resource for tech fans and casual users alike.

In summary, Jeff’s position as the head of video content production at 9to5 has significantly shaped how technology is conveyed to the public. His dedication to clarity and simplicity continues to educate and motivate viewers globally.

This week, Apple announced a variety of new Macs equipped with M5 chips, signifying a significant change in its pricing approach. The company has raised the base storage on multiple models while introducing minor price increases, affecting the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro.

At present, the M4 iterations of the Mac mini, Mac Studio, and iMac retain their earlier pricing model, but adjustments are expected with the rollout of the M5 series.

### This Week’s Changes

With the release of the M5 MacBook Air, Apple has upped the base storage from 256GB to 512GB, alongside a $100 price hike. This change favors customers who previously had to spend an extra $200 for the 512GB upgrade, effectively enhancing the value of the MacBook Air for those requiring additional storage.

A similar change was applied to the base 14-inch MacBook Pro with M5, which also experienced a $100 increase but now comes with 1TB of storage as standard. While the starting price has risen, it becomes more advantageous for users who would have chosen the 1TB upgrade in the past.

On the other hand, the M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pros come standard with 1TB of storage, but at a $200 price increase, meaning customers are essentially paying for the extra storage without any additional benefits.

### What’s Ahead

Apple’s desktop range remains stable for the moment, but comparable changes are expected in upcoming models. Anticipated pricing modifications include:

– **iMac**: $1299 → $1399 with 512GB becoming the new standard
– **Mac mini**: $599 → $699 with 512GB set as the new standard
– **Mac Studio**: $1999 → at least $2199 with 1TB now standard

For the Mac mini and iMac, the price hike is warranted, as 256GB of storage is insufficient in 2026. Consumers who previously paid for extra storage will find greater value with these updates.

However, it may be preferable for consumers to invest a bit more initially for 512GB of storage to mitigate performance challenges tied to limited storage capacity.

The Mac Studio presents a more intricate scenario. With the M5 Max MacBook Pro now featuring 2TB of storage standard, the cost for an M5 Max upgrade is higher than that of the M4 Max, implying that the Mac Studio could surpass $2199 in its forthcoming version.

### Conclusion

While these adjustments remain conjectural, Apple’s recent changes suggest a probable trend for the remaining Mac lineup. Currently, Apple has not modified its unified memory pricing despite persistent RAM shortages, which does not seem to pose an immediate problem.

The question persists: how do consumers perceive Apple’s approach of raising prices while increasing base storage? Feedback from users who typically choose base storage could yield valuable insights into this new pricing framework.

This week, Apple revealed new MacBook Pro models powered by the freshly introduced M5 Pro and M5 Max chips. The latest Macs can be pre-ordered now and will be available in stores on Wednesday, March 11. Therefore, it may come as a surprise that Apple is anticipated to launch an even more substantial MacBook Pro upgrade — potentially a MacBook Ultra — in 2026.

## Premium MacBook Pro with touchscreen and OLED still slated for 2026 release

After the official M5 Pro/Max MacBook Pro announcement last week, Mark Gurman reports in his Power On newsletter for Bloomberg today that “the high-end MacBook with a touchscreen and OLED is scheduled for release around year-end.”

This device will mark the first Mac to feature both a touchscreen and an OLED display. These are both hardware elements from the iPad Pro and currently do not exist in the Mac lineup.

The speculated MacBook Pro update is likewise expected to operate on the M6 Pro/Max chip. Apple has only just introduced the M5 Pro/Max chip in what is otherwise a routine refresh of the MacBook Pro.

However, this wouldn’t be the first occasion Apple has launched two new M-series chip upgrades for the MacBook Pro within a single year. Nonetheless, Apple could be cutting it closer than the last time this occurred.

## Apple upgraded the MacBook Pro twice in 2023

On January 17, 2023, Apple introduced the M2 Pro/Max MacBook Pro. 286 days later, Apple unveiled the M3 Pro/Max MacBook Pro on October 30, 2023.

If Apple were to announce the M6 Pro/Max MacBook Pro following the same schedule, we would expect an announcement on December 14 this year. Traditionally, Apple has made several Mac announcements early in the year that were subsequently launched in December. The 2019 Mac Pro, 2017 iMac Pro, and 2013 Mac Pro come to mind.

However, even if Apple were to get inventive and label the first touchscreen OLED MacBook Pro something new like MacBook Ultra and charge a premium for it, it would still essentially be a revamped MacBook Pro. The higher base price linked with the incorporation of OLED and touch implies the new Mac may not replace the model introduced this week.

Gurman actually mentions this in his newsletter today:

“…these forthcoming laptops will probably sit above the existing M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pro models, instead of replacing them. While Apple might retain the traditional MacBook Pro name, a “MacBook Ultra” designation would more distinctly indicate their place at the top of the lineup. One thing is clear: Apple, once again, is firmly moving upmarket.”

Thus, despite just announcing new MacBook Pro models, it doesn’t seem implausible for Apple to break its 286-day record and possibly make an announcement in November, assuming the high-end MacBook Pro is ready by that time.

There remains the possibility that circumstances could change between now and then, and this new device may shift to a 2027 product release. Fortunately, for the moment, that isn’t the current expectation.