Current Offers: $90 Discount on AirPods 4 with AppleCare+, 49% Discount on Apple iPhone 17 Cases, Discover My SmartLock, Black Alpine Loop, and More

**Apple Accessory Offers: AirPods 4, iPhone 17 Cases, and More**

In the most recent issue of 9to5Toys Lunch Break, numerous noteworthy accessory offers have surfaced, featuring substantial markdowns on Apple products. The ongoing sale for AirPods 4, currently marked down to a record low of 45% off, stands out prominently. Furthermore, consumers can now acquire AirPods 4 together with a 2-year AppleCare+ plan at a reduced price.

### Apple’s ANC AirPods 4 with 2 Years of AppleCare+ for $118

At this moment, Amazon is providing Apple’s AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) for merely $99, an impressive 45% reduction. For those in need of additional coverage, a package that includes the AirPods 4 and a 2-year AppleCare+ plan is available for $118, down from a standard price of $208. This offer results in a savings of $90 compared to buying the items individually. AppleCare+ covers accidental damage, hardware, and battery concerns, alongside 24/7 tech assistance.

### iPhone 17 Silicone MagSafe Case for $25

Alongside the AirPods deal, all color options of Apple’s official iPhone 17 Silicone MagSafe cases are now selling at $25, which reflects a 49% discount from the regular $49 price. This deal is perfect for anyone aiming to safeguard their new iPhone 17, making it a fantastic stocking stuffer for the holiday season.

### Black Alpine Loop for Apple Watch Ultra 2/3

For Apple Watch aficionados, Amazon has slashed the price of the black Alpine Loop for the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and 3 to $81.18, reduced from the regular $99 price. This chic accessory is tailored specifically for the Natural titanium finish and serves as an excellent enhancement for those looking to elevate their Apple Watch experience.

### Discounts on Apple Watch Series 11

The Apple Watch Series 11 is also experiencing considerable discounts, with prices commencing at $329. Following the Cyber Monday promotions, multiple configurations remain available at these reduced prices, but they are predicted to increase soon, so prompt action is advisable for interested buyers.

### Overview of Accessory Offers

– **AirPods 4 with AppleCare+**: $118 (Reg. $208)
– **iPhone 17 Silicone Case**: $25 (Reg. $49)
– **Black Alpine Loop for Apple Watch**: $81.18 (Reg. $99)
– **Apple Watch Series 11**: Starting from $329

These offers provide an exceptional chance for Apple fans to save on sought-after accessories and gadgets, particularly as the holiday season draws near.

Departures of Apple Executives, Advancements in the App Store, and Perspectives on Apple Music Replay 2025

**Apple’s Executive Departures and Industry Developments: A Week in Review**

This week has brought notable shifts at Apple with the announcement of the departure of two vital executives: John Giannandrea, Senior Vice President of AI, and Alan Dye, Vice President of Design. Giannandrea’s retirement follows a distinguished career where he was integral in developing Apple’s artificial intelligence strategy. His exit raises uncertainties about the future of AI projects at Apple, especially as competition within the tech sector escalates.

Alan Dye, recognized for his impact on Apple’s design ethos, is moving on to pursue a new role at Meta. His departure signals a transformation in Apple’s design governance, which has been key in shaping the user experience across Apple’s array of products. The departure of both Giannandrea and Dye may affect Apple’s innovation strategies looking ahead.

In other developments, Apple has come to a consensus with Tencent regarding commissions for mini apps within WeChat. This agreement is noteworthy as it emphasizes Apple’s continual attempts to maneuver through the complexities of the Chinese market, where WeChat reigns supreme. The deal might facilitate greater collaboration between Apple and Tencent, potentially benefiting developers and consumers alike.

Moreover, India is making news with its plan to pre-install a state security app on iPhones. This strategy raises worries regarding privacy and user independence as it mirrors broader governmental attempts to supervise digital communications. The consequences of such a policy could impact Apple’s operations in India, a crucial market for the company.

On a more upbeat note, Apple Music has introduced its new Replay feature, enabling users to revisit their preferred songs and playlists from the preceding year. This enhancement is anticipated to boost user engagement and offer a customized listening experience.

In sports, an analytics report indicates that baseball games are attracting more subscribers to Apple TV than the platform’s original programming. This finding highlights the increasing significance of live sports content in drawing and retaining subscribers in a fiercely competitive streaming environment.

For those looking for more in-depth discussions and insights, the 9to5Mac Happy Hour Plus presents ad-free episodes, bonus content, and exclusive dialogues. Subscriptions are offered at $5 per month or $50 per year.

As usual, feedback and inquiries are welcomed through various channels, including Twitter and email. The tech community is closely observing as Apple navigates these transformations and industry dynamics.

Apple Podcasts Chooses ‘The Rest Is History’ as Show of the Year

Apple Podcasts has revealed its 2025 Show of the Year, the UK-originated podcast *The Rest Is History*. This accolade is awarded to a show that embodies excellence and cultural relevance within the podcasting realm.

Presented by historians Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook, *The Rest Is History* has attained significant acclaim by vividly recounting historical narratives, ranging from the ascent and decline of the Roman Empire to the sinking of the Titanic. The hosts merge their knowledge with captivating storytelling and wit, rendering intricate historical subjects approachable for a wide audience.

Co-host Sandbrook credits their achievement to a non-critical perspective on history, highlighting enjoyment and passion for the topic. Oliver Schusser, Apple’s vice president of Podcasts, commended the show for its educational merits, humor, and community engagement, underscoring its outstanding contribution to the podcasting field.

Audiences can find *The Rest Is History* on Apple Podcasts or through several podcast services. Furthermore, Apple has assembled collections of books and music associated with the show, accessible on Apple Books and Apple Music Classical.

Severance Season 3 Release Schedule Update Revealed

**Severance Season 3: Production Update and Anticipated Premiere**

The celebrated series *Severance* has recently attracted substantial attention, making it onto various ‘Best TV of 2025’ rankings. As excitement mounts for its third season, Apple has issued an important update concerning its production schedule.

### Production Schedule

*Severance* Season 3 is scheduled to begin filming from **April 2026 through December 2026**. This detail comes from the latest edition of Production Weekly, confirming the production timeline that enthusiasts have been eagerly looking forward to. Previously, there were hints from star Patricia Arquette regarding a possible spring 2026 filming start, but the official timeline has now been formally set.

### Expected Premiere Date

Considering the post-production durations noted in previous seasons, *Severance* is anticipated to make its return around **mid-2027**. The standard post-production phase for the series is estimated to take between 6 to 9 months. This implies that the premiere might happen as early as **June 2027**, although it is also likely that the show might launch in September, a month when Apple typically debuts its major series.

### Comparison to Previous Seasons

This timeline indicates that *Severance* will be back sooner than for its second season, which premiered three years after the first. Nevertheless, it still does not meet the expectations many fans had for a faster comeback.

### Streaming Availability

For those wishing to catch up on *Severance* or discover other content, Apple TV+ is offered for **$12.99 per month**. The platform includes a range of popular series and films, such as *Ted Lasso*, *Severance*, and *Pluribus*. Furthermore, it is accessible through the Apple One bundle.

As production progresses, fans of *Severance* can anticipate more updates and the eventual return of the series in 2027.

Russia Limits FaceTime Access, Claiming Its Involvement in Terrorism

**FaceTime Prohibited in Russia Amidst Growing Communication Censorship**

A new article from *Reuters* reveals that Russia has officially barred access to Apple’s FaceTime, rendering users unable to connect through the platform starting today. This move is part of a larger pattern of heightened limitations on foreign tech services in the nation.

As reported by the state communications regulator, Roskomnadzor, the restriction on FaceTime is defended by assertions from law enforcement agencies claiming the app is being used for coordinating and carrying out terrorist operations, recruiting individuals for such endeavors, and perpetrating fraud against Russian citizens. Nonetheless, the regulator did not provide any proof to back these claims.

Reports from Moscow show that users trying to access FaceTime are encountering notifications indicating “User unavailable.” In certain cases, users have noted seeing incoming calls on their devices, yet the calls do not connect when answered.

The prohibition of FaceTime is not an isolated case. This action comes in the wake of recent limitations placed on other widely-used communication platforms, such as Google’s YouTube, Meta’s WhatsApp, and the Telegram messaging service. Furthermore, merely a day before the FaceTime prohibition, Russia also limited access to the popular game Roblox, citing its use for disseminating extremist material and “LGBT propaganda.”

As the scenario progresses, further information will be shared regarding the consequences of these communication restrictions in Russia.