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Uncover the Ease of Apple Gift Cards for Utilizing Apple’s Premier Services

# Grasping Apple Gift Cards and Services

If you’re a supporter of Apple, it’s likely you received at least one Apple Gift Card during the holiday season. These gift cards are applicable for purchases in the App Store, Apple Store, and various Apple services such as Apple Music and Apple TV.

## Overview of Apple Services

Apple presents a range of services that can be utilized with Apple Gift Cards. Here’s a brief overview of the services currently offered:

– **[Apple Music](https://apple.co/48lJx2o)**: A music streaming service that provides access to over 100 million tracks.
– Cost: $10.99 per month

– **[Apple TV](https://apple.co/4qXELj0)**: Provides access to popular television series and films like *Ted Lasso*, *Severance*, and *Pluribus*.
– Cost: $12.99 per month

– **[Apple Fitness+](https://apple.co/4pm7D34)**: A digital fitness platform featuring video workouts in 12 distinct workout categories.
– Cost: $9.99 per month

– **[Apple Arcade](https://apple.co/3XAbEEZ)**: A gaming subscription service with over 200 games, completely free of in-app purchases or advertisements.
– Cost: $6.99 per month

– **[Apple News+](https://apple.co/4i7bY7v)**: Offers access to leading stories and publications, daily puzzles, and comprehensive recipes.
– Cost: $12.99 per month

– **[iCloud+](https://www.apple.com/icloud/)**: Provides iCloud storage, Apple Invites, iCloud Private Relay, My Email, Custom Email Domain, and HomeKit Secure Video.
– Cost: $0.99 per month (50GB), $2.99 per month (200GB), $9.99 per month (2TB)

You can redeem an Apple Gift Card for any of these mentioned services. Once your balance is depleted, your usual payment method will be charged. To avoid any charges, ensure you cancel your subscription before it renews.

## Apple One Bundles

For those who are well integrated into the Apple ecosystem, applying an Apple Gift Card towards the Apple One bundle could be more advantageous. Apple One provides access to numerous services at a reduced monthly rate.

### Apple One Plans

– **Apple One Individual (save $12/month)**
– Services: Apple TV, Apple Music, Apple Arcade, iCloud+ with 50GB of storage
– Cost: $19.95

– **Apple One Family (save $14/month)**
– Services: Apple TV, Apple Music, Apple Arcade, iCloud+ with 200GB of storage
– Cost: $25.95

– **Apple One Premier (save $32/month)**
– Services: Apple TV, Apple Music, Apple Arcade, Apple Fitness+, Apple News+, iCloud+ with 2TB of storage
– Cost: $37.95

The value of Apple TV is especially remarkable, as it now boasts a wide array of popular TV shows and films. Furthermore, it will include access to F1 and MLS games at no additional cost next year.

Apple Arcade has also become increasingly popular, featuring a growing assortment of games free of ads or in-app purchases. Recent titles include *PowerWash Simulator* and *SpongeBob Patty Pursuit 2*.

As we near the new year, Apple Fitness+ presents an excellent option for those aiming to enhance their health and wellness.

In summary, for most users within the Apple ecosystem, one of the Apple One bundles is a wise selection. If you’re already enrolled in services like Apple TV and Apple Music, transitioning to Apple One Individual can result in substantial savings.

Are you currently subscribed to any Apple services? Do you have plans to add or remove any services in the near future?

Top 5 Essential Steam Deck Applications for 2026

extend the lifespan of your equipment with some fantastic applications. Now that the Steam Deck has established its position in the market, numerous applications have been launched to enhance the handheld’s gaming experience. The question arises, which applications are genuinely worth utilizing? Well, that’s exactly our purpose today: We’ve compiled a list of the top five applications every Steam Deck gamer ought to install on their device. From consolidated game launchers to game streaming applications, BGR has your needs covered.

Heroic Games Launcher

The Steam Deck provides a fairly simple user interface, and while you can sideload applications and games to access from your Steam library, there are more efficient methods to keep everything organized in one location. 

The Heroic Games Launcher is among the top selections to manage your multi-store game collection. Not only is the app open source (similar to the other software integrated into the Steam Deck), but it also accommodates software from various stores. From Steam to GOG to Epic to Amazon Prime Games, the Heroic Games Launcher includes them all.

Utilizing a third-party launcher like Heroic to consolidate everything in one place is convenient, but it’s also the ideal launcher to compile the free games you’ve been accumulating from sources like Epic and Amazon. Both companies provide free titles every month, and a lot of gamers frequently leave those freebies unused. This no longer has to be the situation with the Heroic Games Launcher: It’s the perfect opportunity to stop letting your backlog sit and start gaming, with the assistance of a launcher that supports all of the

Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus: Sleek, Powered by Google AI, Now $150 Discounted at Best Buy

This holiday discount is still available.

(Image credit: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)

Exploring the Development of Irradiated Dogs in Chernobyl

how radiation present in the CEZ could influence the evolution rate of animals, humans, and vegetation. A significant factor contributing to the CEZ’s status as a center for these hypotheses is the dramatic surge in animal and plant life following humanity’s departure from the region, which remains contaminated nearly 40 years on.

As time progress, scientists have grown increasingly eager to explore the potential evolutionary consequences that might be unveiled in the CEZ. A 2025 study has delved into the possible impacts of radiation on both plants and animals, shedding light on how these organisms have reacted to prolonged radiation exposure. Although there have been notable findings of genetic damage overall, there also seem to be adaptive responses that have been observed. Given that Chernobyl is frequently regarded as one of the worst nuclear catastrophes globally, researchers have consistently monitored the aftermath of the disaster.

Moreover, another 2024 study highlighted distinct genetic variations between dogs living inside versus outside the CEZ, yet the researchers indicate that we have merely begun to explore the potential for witnessing rapid evolution in real-time.

Uncertain findings are still a foundation

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Costco Reveals Seven Significant Modifications Planned for 2026

gifts priced below $50 for the gadget lover in your life has exciting updates for shoppers. Those with a membership should be aware of the upcoming changes before they start considering all the Costco tech products that could be worthwhile purchases.

In 2025, Costco introduced significant modifications that customers might have observed throughout the year, such as increasing its store locations, adding Coca-Cola to the food court, and enhancing the number of membership scanners at the entrances of its outlets. Nevertheless, the company has even more ambitious plans for 2026, which include further expansions, additional improvements to the food court and pharmacy, quicker lines and exit times, a broader range of potentially lower-priced signature merchandise, and improved wages for staff.

Few places offer an affordable smart TV that customers endorse, a slice of pizza, and an electric vehicle, which are likely two reasons why Costco remains a favored shopping choice. It’s worth noting while you read this that Costco’s fiscal year commences in September, so some of these updates may already be happening at a store near you. With that in mind, let’s explore this retailer’s upcoming developments.

What’s on the horizon for Costco in 2026

Durable Tablet Featuring 24% Off After Christmas: Designed to Withstand Tough Environments

The Samsung Galaxy Tab Active 4 Pro is a resilient powerhouse crafted for individuals who require a sturdy device in tough settings. This rugged tablet is protected by a hard plastic shock-resistant exterior, providing resistance to water and dust, making it perfect for outdoor and industrial applications. It includes a programmable side button for instant commands and is equipped with the Samsung S Pen for enhanced functionality.

The Active 4 Pro features enhanced performance and multitasking abilities, a detachable battery, and a mode for operation without a battery. It supports LTE connectivity, ensuring versatility for usage on the move. The present offer on Amazon provides a 24% discount, lowering the price to $460.87 for the LTE-enabled variant with 64GB of storage, which can be expanded via a microSD slot.

This tablet is ideal for those in search of the top rugged tablet that offers extended battery life and compatibility with Microsoft, Google, and various workspace applications. Nevertheless, it may not suit individuals who favor a lightweight, performance-centered device for simple activities. The Samsung Galaxy Tab Active 4 Pro is engineered to endure drops and extreme temperature conditions, guaranteeing dependability in challenging environments.

Ben Stiller’s Alterations Rendered Apple TV’s Severance More Conventional

If you’ve watched the Apple TV series “Severance,” you’re aware that there’s a lot of peculiar activity occurring both inside and outside the confines of Lumon Industries. Given that the whole concept of the series revolves around individuals literally dividing their consciousness in two just to attend work, it shouldn’t come as a shock that the show can be confounding and surreal at times. Nevertheless, prior to director and executive producer Ben Stiller reviewing the script, the show featured even more unusual aspects that didn’t make it into the final edit.

In a 2022 interview, series creator and writer Dan Erickson disclosed that certain initial concepts for “Severance” were a tad too eccentric for Stiller’s liking. During the conversation, Erickson brought up a few elements that were excluded from the show, such as Mark S. (Adam Scott) making a particular discovery at Lumon. Although it may not explain why it’s perpetually winter in the series, it’s still fascinating to consider the potential paths “Severance” might have explored.

Please note that we aren’t revealing any spoilers, as much of what Erickson talks about ultimately ended up on the cutting room floor — but we’re giving you a heads-up anyway, in case this is too much information for anyone who hasn’t started the series. If you’re all caught up, it’s likely you, like us, have several pressing questions that Season 3 is expected to clarify. Let’s examine what got cut from the series.

Severance reduced the peculiarity

During a Q&A with “Severance” creator Dan Erickson for Backstory Magazine, host Jeff Goldsmith inquired about some of Stiller’s feedback regarding the script before it was approved by Apple TV. “It was primarily about grounding it,” Erickson replied. “He believed that the concept itself was bizarre enough that it didn’t require a plethora of other, you know, Terry Gilliam-like embellishments.” The Gilliam reference is fitting, considering that the “Monty Python” veteran has directed numerous unconventional films, including the 1985 dystopian classic “Brazil.”

“Severance” is already strange enough – including the Greek mythology elements that might shed light on a specific Season 2 episode – so it’s easy to presume there were no creative constraints. Yet, Erickson discloses a few distinct ideas that didn’t proceed to production. “There was a pair of disembodied legs that scampered by at one point,” Erickson mentions. “In this version, there was another level that Mark would climb to. And it was sort of in ruins, as if there had been a conflict or something.” He adds that Mark would have discovered the whole floor scorched, and that someone trapped in a cubicle would have been pleading for assistance.

Erickson acknowledges that once Stiller got involved with the script, the “Zoolander” star would start questioning why more bizarre elements were occurring, toning down some of the more extravagant scenes to create a bigger impact. “He wouldn’t allow me to have things be odd just for the sake of being odd,” Erickson shares. However, considering what we observe on the show, it’s astonishing to consider that it’s actually restraining the oddity. Presently, Season 3 of “Severance” is anticipated to commence filming in spring 2026.

Apple’s iOS Development Strategy: Transitions from iOS 26.3 to iOS 27

iOS 26.2 updates – primarily consisting of modifications to the Liquid Glass design and the enhancement of the Live Translation feature across additional languages and regions — users are keenly anticipating further features. However, in contrast to prior iOS software update cycles, Apple has been more prudent in revealing features it may not be able to deliver promptly. In previous years, the company announced a completely new CarPlay experience that took years to launch, the frequently postponed Apple Intelligence platform, and other minor features that required time to debut, like iPad’s Stage Manager, Sidecar, and more.

Following the Siri debacle and the postponement of the brand-new personal assistant, which was anticipated for iOS 18.4, Apple chose to only showcase features it could deliver simultaneously with iOS 26 during the WWDC 2025 keynote. While the company achieved that, it also left us with minimal information regarding upcoming developments. Or so we believed. Keeping that in mind, here’s an iOS roadmap with leaked and anticipated features for iOS 26.3 through iOS 27.

iOS 26.3 will introduce these features and modifications

Apple Wallet Gets Two Key Feature Enhancements in iOS 26

Apple Wallet has rolled out a variety of new features in iOS 26, tackling earlier limitations and improving user engagement. Key among these enhancements are the inclusion of Digital ID and AI-enhanced order tracking.

### AI-Enhanced Order Tracking

First introduced in iOS 16, the order tracking functionality in Apple Wallet faced challenges in gaining popularity due to its dependence on external services. This reliance limited its efficiency, as numerous merchants opted to keep direct control over customer engagement. However, with improvements in iOS 26, Apple has overhauled this feature using Apple Intelligence.

Now, Wallet is capable of automatically pulling order information straight from confirmation emails sent by merchants and delivery providers. This advancement allows users to check their order status, receive progress notifications, and access other pertinent information all in one location without needing external cooperation. To utilize this feature, users can click the three-dot icon in the upper-right corner of Wallet and choose ‘Orders,’ where they can also set up push alerts for updates.

### Digital ID Without State Implementation Required

Apple’s goal to establish Wallet as a primary platform for digital identification has encountered obstacles, with just 12 states and Puerto Rico presently offering digital driver’s licenses. To bypass the sluggish rollout, Apple has launched the Digital ID feature in iOS 26.1.

Although Digital ID does not serve as a direct substitute for a driver’s license, it acts as a beneficial option for identity verification. Users can present their Digital ID at TSA checkpoints for domestic flights and at selected establishments for age confirmation. This feature is already accepted at over 250 airports across the US, with intentions for wider adoption. By promoting Digital ID, Apple aspires to motivate additional states to implement digital driver’s licenses in the future.

In summary, the updates to Apple Wallet in iOS 26, especially the launch of AI-driven order tracking and Digital ID, signify major advancements in transforming the app into a more all-encompassing tool for managing personal data and transactions.