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Comprehending the Typical Lifespan of a MacBook Pro and Suggestions for Prolonging It

macOS 26 ceasing support on certain models. While some MacBooks can function well for more than ten years, that is usually not the case. Nevertheless, you can assist your MacBook Pro in becoming one of those exceptional devices that endure for an extended period. All it requires is a bit of attention and upkeep, and you can extend its longevity.

The contrast between a durable and a fleeting MacBook lies in their daily care. Clogged vents, overlooked updates, or depleted batteries can gradually detract from your device’s efficiency and lifespan. Luckily, maintaining a MacBook’s hardware and software doesn’t necessitate spending a fortune or being a technology expert. Therefore, let’s examine what influences the lifespan of a MacBook Pro and what steps you can take to ensure it remains functional for as long as possible.

MacBooks can endure long despite lack of software support

What’s up with these Google hidden features?

YouTube Premium Provides Notable Savings with Pixel 10 Acquisition

Could this be the icing on the cake for 2025?

(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)

Key points to note

  • YouTube Premium is allegedly notifying subscribers via email about a 40% reduction on a Pixel 10 series device from the Google Store.
  • Users have until December 31, 2025, to secure their exclusive code and make a purchase.
  • This week, Google reduced the price of the Pixel 10 Pro by $250; however, “select” members of Google Play Points can enjoy an additional $200 discount.

It’s holiday time, and while others have been capitalizing on discounts, YouTube Premium is joining in for Pixel phone offers.

Earlier this week, YouTube Premium is said to have started sending emails to its subscribers detailing how to benefit from a substantial Pixel phone promotion (as reported by 9to5Google). According to the outlet, the email contains a “unique code” that Premium members can use to receive a significant 40% off a Pixel 10 series phone. The service emphasizes that users can “enjoy all the videos and music” they cherish, nodding to its own online content.

The code being provided by YouTube Premium is intended for use on the Google Store when completing a purchase for a Pixel 10 series model in your

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Metro by T-Mobile Provides Complimentary Samsung Galaxy A16 While It Clears Out Smartphone Stock

The festive season is here, bringing with it a rush of thrilling offers on Android devices. This year, Metro by T-Mobile presents an unbeatable promotion on the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G. By transferring an existing number and subscribing to the $40/month Period plan, customers can obtain this affordable smartphone at no cost, with no trade-in necessary.

The Samsung Galaxy A16 5G is an economical Android phone that delivers impressive capabilities with its high-end features. It features a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED screen, a robust 5,000mAh battery, and a flexible triple-camera setup. Moreover, it comes with a microSD slot for additional storage, making it an ideal option for anyone seeking a feature-rich phone without overspending.

This promotion is part of a larger trend of holiday offers across many retailers. Best Buy is providing discounts of up to 50% on Chromebooks and Android phones, while Amazon is featuring deals on headphones and smart home gadgets. Walmart has reduced prices on ASUS laptops and locked phones, and Samsung is advertising trade-in opportunities along with their new Galaxy XR headset.

For those keen on carrier promotions, Verizon is giving away free phones with a new line and trade-in, and T-Mobile is offering free Galaxy devices with $300 back on 5G Home Internet. Mint Mobile is providing 50% off the Pixel 10 and BOGO Unlimited plans, while AT&T has a free Z Flip 7 available with trade-in and a new line.

These promotions present a fantastic chance to upgrade your smartphone or buy gifts for family and friends. Whether you’re in the market for an affordable choice like the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G or hunting for premium devices with substantial discounts, this holiday season has options for everyone.

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Google Pixel Revamps Emoji Designs to Match iPhone in Newest Android 16 Beta [Gallery]

As part of the Android 16 QPR3 beta release that was deployed to Google Pixel smartphones, Google has revitalized its emoji collection, unveiling several redesigned icons in anticipation of a broader update slated for the future.

Google’s emoji styles for Android, especially on Pixel models, have progressed over the years, displaying minor alterations in design for certain emojis and the introduction of fresh ones. Earlier this year, Google confirmed its adoption of Unicode 17.0 additions, but the latest beta update also features altered designs for existing emojis, now accessible in Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1.

The revised emoji designs for facial expressions encompass:

– Melting Face
– Face Exhaling
– Nauseated Face
– Cold Face
– Loudly Crying Face

Most modifications are subtle; for example, the “Face Exhaling” emoji now possesses a more distinct frontward angle, while the “Loudly Crying Face” has a smaller mouth, aligning more closely with Apple’s interpretation. The “Cold Face” emoji has streamlined its appearance by eliminating the snow on top, again reflecting Apple’s style.

This tendency to align more closely with Apple’s emoji designs seems to be a recurring theme in Google’s updates. Prior designs, which tended to be more animated or expressive, have been refined to produce a more familiar look for users migrating from iPhone or Samsung Galaxy phones. Noteworthy instances of this transformation are evident in the “Melting Face,” “Raccoon,” and “Flashlight” emojis, all of which have been overhauled to mimic Apple’s emoji selections.

In addition to the aforementioned updates, numerous other alterations are present, including the redesign of various animals like the raccoon, tropical fish, and zebra, along with objects such as the loudspeaker and flashlight. Many of these revisions are live in the initial beta of QPR3, showcasing a clear trend towards designs that closely align with those of iOS emojis. For instance, the “Bacon” emoji now showcases a second strip of bacon to synchronize with Apple’s rendition.

Nonetheless, the new Unicode 17.0 emojis, such as “Distorted Face,” “Orca,” and “Trombone,” are not yet ready for use, although they can be viewed in a browser.

The updates are explicitly associated with the QPR3 beta, as illustrated by comparisons between devices operating the new beta and those still on the stable QPR2 release.

In summary, the Android 16 QPR3 beta update signifies a notable advancement in Google’s continuous evolution of emoji design, indicating a transition towards a more cohesive aesthetic that appeals to users accustomed to Apple’s emoji set.

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The Enduring Charm of the iPhone Air: An Examination of Its Design and Features

# iPhone Air: A New Chapter of Elegance and Durability

When Apple unveiled the groundbreaking iPhone X in 2017, it signified the start of a lengthy journey into a fresh era of iPhone aesthetics. The following year, iPhone XR succeeded the older iPhone 8, introducing a full-screen display, Face ID, and a gesture-driven experience that significantly diminished the prominence of large bezels and the Home button.

Eight years later, iPhone Air emerges as the nearest equivalent to another iPhone X milestone from Apple. The shift is less extensive in nature but equally purposeful. While iPhone X reset aspirations for the entire lineup, iPhone Air signifies a thoughtful deviation. Its ultra-slim design prioritizes a forward-looking appeal rather than feature overload, carving out a unique niche alongside Apple’s traditional designs.

iPhone Air is also anticipated to have a longer shelf life compared to iPhone X. Apple replaced iPhone X with iPhone XS in under a year, whereas iPhone Air has a more relaxed association with time.

## An iPhone Beyond Time

This looser association with time begins with a moment of introspection. If you upgrade frequently but find it difficult to value performance enhancements, pursuing yearly improvements in silicon may not be as vital as you presumed. For many iPhone users, the overall experience feels quite similar year after year, even as Apple consistently provides tangible advancements on paper.

iPhone Air aligns neatly with that understanding. It serves as a device for individuals who realize that maxing out iPhone performance is no longer the primary goal. Gradual improvements in speed or efficiency become less significant when daily tasks already feel instantaneous, and the compromises required to maintain an ultra-slim silhouette are easier to accept.

Seen from this perspective, iPhone Air is less about settling for fewer features and more about valuing those that stand out. A marginally quicker iPhone 17 Pro won’t make your iPhone Air seem outdated in a year if you predominantly appreciate the ultra-thin form factor.

## Pro Enhancements Won’t Date Air

And regarding lenses, the same rationale holds for iPhone Air’s camera configuration. For iPhone Air purchasers, the lack of certain lenses simplifies the upgrade evaluation. There’s no anticipation for Apple to extract slightly improved results from a feature you seldom utilize. The end result is a device that maintains a sense of stability across generations, even as Apple advances its premium models.

This stability supports the notion that iPhone Air doesn’t age in the same manner as other iPhones. Camera enhancements are significant motivators for yearly upgrades, and stepping away from that cycle makes it simpler to retain a device longer without the fear of being outdated.

By identifying the device merely as iPhone Air, Apple avoids tying it to a specific numerical generation. Without a 17 in its title, the model feels less connected to a particular year and less vulnerable to the annual comparison cycle that characterizes the rest of the lineup. When the iPhone 18 series eventually debuts, iPhone Air doesn’t automatically appear as last year’s model like a numbered version might.

## iPhone Air ‘Delay’ Speculations as a Marketing Angle

That separation from the yearly rhythm, whether by design or otherwise, influences how the device is perceived over time. iPhone Air is more straightforward to assess on its own merits rather than as a bridge to the next version.

This also favors consumers who often tend to adopt early but didn’t participate from the onset. If the release cycle extends beyond a strict twelve-month interval, acquiring iPhone Air later in its lifecycle feels less psychologically burdensome. The device doesn’t seem obsolete just because the calendar has advanced. Instead, it conveys a design that Apple aims to allow to flourish, making later purchases feel just as legitimate as those made early on.

Ideally, iPhone Air would marry its ultra-slim form with the same camera system present in Apple’s Pro models. However, the reality is that physical constraints still impose strict limitations, and sophisticated camera hardware inevitably occupies space. Rather than pursuing an unachievable ideal, Apple is embracing those limitations to develop an iPhone that feels unique, intentional, and remarkably enduring.

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9to5Mac Daily: December 18, 2025 – Introduction of iOS 26.3 Beta Trials

### 9to5Mac Daily: Your Go-To for Daily Apple News

In the rapidly evolving tech landscape, keeping abreast of current events is vital, particularly for Apple fans. **9to5Mac Daily** is a podcast created to offer succinct and insightful summaries of the key stories concerning Apple and its ecosystem. New episodes are made available every weekday, enabling listeners to stay informed about the latest happenings and analysis.

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By subscribing, you guarantee that new episodes arrive as soon as they are ready for listening.

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#### Premium Content

For those seeking an upgraded listening experience, there’s the option to subscribe to **9to5Mac Daily Plus**. This subscription grants access to ad-free episodes and additional bonus content, making it a great investment for dedicated podcast fans.

#### Connect with the Community

**9to5Mac Daily** promotes audience interaction. Share your opinions or suggestions by emailing the team at [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]). Additionally, listeners are encouraged to rate the podcast on platforms such as [Apple Podcasts](https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/id1331816080?at=10laZc&pt=11l8808) or recommend it via

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Amazon Delivery Driver Charged with Cat Theft

a Best Buy shopper unwrapped a package only to find it filled with stones instead of the $1,200 graphics card they had purchased, adding to the growing list of delivery woes making news. Recently, an Amazon delivery driver was accused of taking someone’s cat after delivering a parcel, with the whole event captured on surveillance footage. The driver later admitted to the police that he had taken the cat, claiming he believed it was a stray. According to People, the cat, which initially tried to escape when approached by the Amazon driver, ultimately leaped from the delivery vehicle, but it remains unaccounted for.

Diane Huff-Medina, a mother of three, stated in a Facebook update that their cat, Piper, was taken on December 11. “An Amazon delivery worker took our cat… after delivering a package on Thursday evening. We just want her back home safe,” she wrote in her message.

The woman also posted a surveillance clip showing the Amazon Flex worker leaving a package around 6:00 p.m. He then spots the cat, gives it a pat, and tries to lift it. Despite the cat’s struggles, the man manages to carry the pet to his vehicle. The cat, known to be an indoor-outdoor animal, is microchipped, yet Piper was not wearing a collar at the time she was taken by the Amazon delivery driver.

Amazon terminated the driver

Google Maps Brings Back Previously Discontinued Feature for Winter Season

the Google Maps functionality after it ceased the feature the previous year.

“We received feedback from numerous users who regretted the absence of ski details on Google Maps, so we’re reintroducing ski lifts and trails this winter,” a Google representative informed Powder. “You will notice current ski information starting with well-known resorts across North America and Europe.” Interestingly, this stands in contrast to the rationale provided by Google last October when it turned off the feature. “Over the years, we’ve discovered that the majority of users do not rely on Google Maps for this sort of information, opting instead for maps directly from the specific ski resorts, as they are perceived to be the most credible source of this data,” a Google Maps product manager explained to an individual who raised questions about the modification. “Consequently, we have been in the midst of eliminating this data from Maps, which you may have already observed.”

Ski enthusiasts dissatisfied with Google’s choice initiated at least one petition urging the company to restore the feature. Close to 3,000 individuals signed one of these petitions. It remains uncertain if this particular petition influenced Google’s decision, but the company acknowledged the sentiment.

Ski trails and lifts in Google Maps

Arrange Your Battery Drawer with This Useful Dollar Tree Fix

declutter your tech space. Dollar Tree provides sets of drawer organizers that can help sort different batteries, making them simpler to find and enhancing the overall neatness.

Be aware that the stock of specific Dollar Tree items may differ by location, and these products, at these prices, were available at the time of writing. You can purchase directly from Dollar Tree’s website for delivery, or you can check for availability at local stores. Dollar Tree has 9,000 locations throughout the United States and Canada, making it convenient to visit and discover great items for DIY home organization.

Utilizing Dollar Tree containers for organizing drawers