Tag: Source: 9to5mac.com

### Today’s Tech Deals: Unmatched Prices on Apple Products

In the most recent issue of 9to5Toys Lunch Break, we feature some impressive price reductions on Apple products available through Amazon. Whether you’re seeking a new iPad, iPhone, or related accessories, there are considerable savings to discover.

#### 1. **Apple’s 11-inch M5 iPad Pro – $200 Off**

Amazon is presently providing the premium 11-inch M5 iPad Pro with Nano-Texture Glass at a historic low of **$1,899**, down from its usual price of **$2,099**. This variant is particularly enticing for those in search of a high-performance tablet, making it an ideal selection for professionals and creatives alike. This price reduction marks the first instance this model has been discounted to this level, offering a rare chance for shoppers.

#### 2. **512GB Unlocked iPhone 16 Pro – $480 Off**

Another exceptional offer is the **512GB unlocked iPhone 16 Pro**, now priced at **$819**, which represents a **$480 discount** from the original retail price of **$1,299**. This cost is also **$200 lower** than what Apple charges for a refurbished unit. The Amazon Renewed Premium option serves as an excellent alternative for those desiring a high-quality device without the brand-new expense.

For those who value the reassurance of buying directly from Apple, the refurbished model is priced at **$1,019**. However, for many, the Amazon deal appears to be a more economical choice without compromising on quality.

#### 3. **Apple Watch Series 11 – $100 Off**

The **46mm Jet Black Apple Watch Series 11** is experiencing a price cut as well, currently available for **$100 off**. This smartwatch merges style and functionality, making it a fantastic addition to any tech lover’s assortment.

#### 4. **Accessory Deals**

Alongside the major product discounts, several accessory deals are noteworthy:

– **iPhone 17 Pro TechWoven Cases** are now at their lowest price in months.
– The **Light Blue Alpine Loop** with Black Titanium finish is offered at **30% off**.
– The **Apple Crossbody Strap** is listed at just over **$23**, marking its lowest price to date.
– The **Anker Nano Travel Adapter** is also reduced to **$20**, making it a sensible buy for travelers.

#### 5. **Thunderbolt Pro Cable – 55% Off**

Lastly, a significant deal on the **Apple Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) Pro Cable** is available for **$31**, which is **55% off** its usual price of **$69**. This cable is crucial for anyone requiring rapid data transfer and charging functionalities.

### Conclusion

With these substantial discounts on Apple products and accessories, now is the perfect time to invest in top-notch technology. Whether you’re upgrading your gadgets or searching for the ideal accessory, these deals present a great opportunity to save. Be sure to take advantage of these offers while they are available!

Apple is reportedly preparing to unveil a red variant of the iPhone 18 Pro, following the striking Cosmic Orange introduction of the iPhone 17 Pro. This represents a notable moment as Apple has never released a red flagship iPhone on its original launch day. Traditionally, red iPhone models have debuted mid-cycle, first seen with the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus, and later with the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus.

Although Apple has produced red versions for models such as the iPhone XR and iPhone 14, the Pro series has typically showcased more understated hues, excluding red from the lineup for models between the iPhone XS and the iPhone 14 Pro. The arrival of the Cosmic Orange iPhone 17 Pro has altered expectations, indicating that Apple might be more inclined to embrace daring color options for its flagship devices.

The expected red iPhone 18 Pro could offer consumers the chance to possess a bold red device from launch, catering to those who value vibrant designs alongside premium specifications. As Apple continues to push boundaries, enthusiasts remain optimistic for a combination of lively colors and serious performance in their upcoming flagship smartphone.

### March 2026: Thrilling New Arrivals on Apple TV

March is poised to be an important month for Apple TV, showcasing a range of fresh content that includes ongoing episodes of beloved series, the kickoff of the Formula 1 season, and the premiere of several eagerly awaited shows. Here’s a detailed look at what to anticipate from Apple TV in March.

#### The Hunt
– **Release Date:** March 4
– **Type:** TV Show
– **Genre:** Thriller (French-language)

In “The Hunt,” Franck and his companions relish their weekends hunting together until they stumble upon a rival group that targets them. Following a brutal confrontation, Franck and his friends find themselves feeling pursued as they attempt to return to their normal lives, only to discover they are being tracked by their assailants.

#### Formula 1 2026 Season Kicks Off
– **Release Date:** March 7
– **Type:** Grand Prix Race
– **Genre:** Sports

The Formula 1 2026 season launches with the Australian Grand Prix. Apple TV subscribers in the US will have complete access to all F1 races, including additional coverage, at no extra charge. Fans can follow the races via the Apple TV app.

#### Twisted Yoga
– **Release Date:** March 13
– **Type:** TV Show
– **Genre:** True Crime Docuseries

“Twisted Yoga” features former members of a tantric yoga school who share their journeys of pursuing wellness and community, only to find themselves in a cult-like setup. The series examines themes of abuse and manipulation at the hands of a self-proclaimed guru.

#### Imperfect Women
– **Release Date:** March 18
– **Type:** TV Show
– **Genre:** Psychological Thriller

“Imperfect Women” explores the lives of three women whose long-standing friendship is disrupted by a crime. The series delves into themes of guilt, betrayal, and the intricacies of relationships as the investigation progresses.

#### Wonder Pets: In the City (Season 2)
– **Release Date:** March 20
– **Type:** TV Show
– **Genre:** Kids & Family

In the second season of “Wonder Pets: In the City,” the valiant classroom pets—Izzy the Guinea Pig, Tate the Snake, and Zuri the Bunny—embark on musical quests worldwide to rescue animals, highlighting teamwork and problem-solving.

#### For All Mankind (Season 5)
– **Release Date:** March 27
– **Type:** TV Show
– **Genre:** Sci-Fi

The fifth season of “For All Mankind” continues the narrative in the years following the Goldilocks asteroid heist. As the colony on Mars expands, tensions escalate between its residents and Earth, laying the groundwork for new challenges and adventures.

#### New Episodes of Ongoing Series
March will also introduce new episodes for various currently airing Apple TV series, including “Monarch: Legacy of Monsters” and “Shrinking,” ensuring that subscribers have ample content to enjoy throughout the month.

Apple TV is available for $12.99 per month, with discounts offered through the Apple One bundle. With a varied lineup of new and returning shows, March promises to be an exhilarating month for Apple TV viewers.

Apple has recently refreshed its Apple Sports app to version 3.8, bringing forth several new features designed to enhance the experience for sports fans. The update concentrates on delivering thorough tracking for NCAA tournaments, broadening soccer coverage, and boosting support for leagues and teams across different areas.

One of the highlight features of this update is the live tracking of the Men’s and Women’s NCAA tournaments. Users can now monitor the advancement of their preferred teams with updated brackets that display matchups and results for every round. This feature enables fans to remain updated on every game, facilitating greater engagement with the tournaments.

In addition to the NCAA updates, Apple Sports has launched a new soccer category aimed at simplifying the process of locating and following favorite leagues and cups. This expansion incorporates several major leagues, including:

– Campeonato Brasileiro Série A
– Categoría Primera A
– Liga de Primera
– Liga Pro
– Liga Profesional de Futbol
– Primera División del Perú

These additions highlight Apple’s dedication to offering a more comprehensive sports tracking experience for soccer enthusiasts.

Moreover, the app is extending its scope by enabling the tracking of leagues and teams in Latin America and the Caribbean. This initiative is expected to attract a broader audience and enhance the app’s functionality for users in these territories.

Apple Sports is available for free on the App Store, making it accessible for iPhone users eager to stay updated with their preferred sports and teams. With these improvements, Apple continues to establish itself as a key player in the sports tracking app arena, catering to a varied spectrum of sports fans.

**Monarch: Legacy of Monsters Receives Significant Marketing Boost from Apple TV**

Apple TV’s eagerly awaited sci-fi series, *Monarch: Legacy of Monsters*, is poised to debut this week, and the streaming platform has initiated an impressive marketing initiative to draw in viewers. In a spectacular affair, Apple joined forces with Legendary to present a drone show featuring legendary monsters from the series, including Godzilla and Kong.

Last Friday in Los Angeles, the event highlighted a breathtaking display of 3,000 drones that ascended 500 feet into the sky, crafting a visual feast that reportedly established a new world record. The show attracted stars from the series, such as Kurt Russell and his son Wyatt Russell, adding to the event’s allure.

This marketing endeavor builds upon Apple TV’s past successful promotions, like the immersive campaign for *Severance* season 2, which introduced a Lumon work station at Grand Central Terminal in New York City. Nonetheless, the magnitude of the drone event for *Monarch: Legacy of Monsters* signifies a notable return to grand promotional strategies.

*Monarch: Legacy of Monsters* season 2 is set to debut on **February 27**, with one episode released initially, followed by weekly installments until May 1. Viewers can binge-watch season 1 of the series on Apple TV.

Apple TV is offered at **$12.99 per month**, with specials available through the Apple One bundle.

The iPhone 18 Pro has entered the test production phase ahead of its expected rollout in September, according to a trusted source. This progress signifies that Apple is edging closer to finalizing its design and gearing up for large-scale production.

As reported in a post from Fixed Focus Digital on Weibo, production for the iPhone 18 Pro has started, and the materials utilized in the device remain largely unchanged from earlier models. Test production is a vital stage where Apple’s assembly partners strive to pinpoint any possible issues before mass production kicks off. This phase usually takes place once all design choices are locked in.

However, a recent update from Bloomberg hints that Apple might still be weighing one element: the color selections for the iPhone 18 Pro. There are signs that Apple is contemplating the introduction of a deep red hue to its array, potentially alongside the previously favored orange variant. The choice of color is important, as it could influence the marketing and attractiveness of the device at its release.

If Apple plans to include the red color option at launch, a decision would normally need to be reached by this time. Still, there are a few ways to align the differing reports. One possibility is that Apple is evaluating the performance of the red color through the production stages. Another avenue could be the company’s intention to roll out the red option at a later date, similar to past occasions when Apple has introduced new colors to existing models.

As the launch date nears, the anticipation surrounding the iPhone 18 Pro continues to rise, with consumers eagerly awaiting the unveiling of new features and design aspects by Apple. The potential inclusion of a red color option could further boost the device’s attractiveness, making it a point of discussion among fans and technology aficionados alike.

**Acme Weather: A Fresh Take on Weather Prediction**

The developers of the popular Dark Sky weather app have introduced a new iPhone application named Acme Weather, designed to confront the inherent unpredictability of weather forecasting. In contrast to conventional weather apps that deliver a singular forecast, Acme Weather embraces the variability of weather by providing several forecast scenarios.

### Background: The Legacy of Dark Sky

Dark Sky was celebrated for its highly localized, immediate weather updates and cultivated a devoted user base before being purchased by Apple in March 2020. After its acquisition, Dark Sky was merged into Apple’s native Weather app, resulting in its eventual termination in January 2023. The Dark Sky team, however, aimed to develop a new platform that would confront the drawbacks they noted in existing weather applications.

### Key Features of Acme Weather

**Alternative Forecasts**
The unique feature of Acme Weather is its “Alternative Forecasts.” This idea arises from the recognition that weather predictions are seldom 100% precise. Co-creator Adam Grossman highlights that the app not only supplies a primary forecast but also offers alternate outcomes that illustrate the spectrum of possible weather scenarios. This methodology enables users to grasp the reliability of the forecast and equips them for varying weather conditions.

**Community Reporting**
Acme Weather integrates a community reporting element, allowing users to report real-time weather conditions from their areas. This crowdsourced information boosts the accuracy of the app and offers a wider view of current weather occurrences.

**Comprehensive Weather Maps**
The app features intricate maps for various weather phenomena, including radar, lightning, precipitation totals, and temperature differences. This visual representation helps users comprehend intricate weather patterns.

**Robust Notifications**
Acme Weather provides extensive notification features, informing users about upcoming weather shifts, severe weather alerts, and even local occurrences like rain or rainbow appearances. This functionality ensures that users stay updated on essential weather changes.

### User Experience and Accessibility

Acme Weather is crafted to present intricate weather data in a straightforward and user-friendly manner. The app condenses vast amounts of information into a digestible interface, facilitating users in interpreting multiple forecasts at once. This stands in contrast to numerous apps that deliver a single forecast, which can frequently be daunting.

### Availability and Pricing

Acme Weather is presently available for iPhone users, with plans for a future Android version. The app is offered at $25 annually, with a two-week free trial accessible for new users. It can be acquired from the App Store.

### Conclusion

Acme Weather signifies a major advancement in weather forecasting applications, emphasizing transparency and user empowerment through its novel approach to uncertainty. By delivering multiple forecasts and community-sourced insights, it seeks to enrich users’ comprehension of weather patterns and enhance their readiness for shifting conditions.

**Microsoft’s OneDrive for Mac: A Thorough Overhaul for a Genuine Experience**

Microsoft has frequently faced scrutiny regarding its strategy for transferring Windows applications to macOS, which often leads to applications that feel out of place and do not integrate smoothly with the native Mac environment. OneDrive, the cloud storage platform, has been a notable instance of this predicament. Nevertheless, Microsoft has recently recognized these deficiencies and has embarked on a substantial redesign of the OneDrive app for Mac, aiming to establish a more genuine experience for its users.

### The Urgency for Transformation

Traditionally, Microsoft’s Mac application team has been seen as performing only the essentials when modifying Windows applications for macOS. This has resulted in user interfaces that do not align with Mac’s aesthetic and a lack of compatibility with macOS features. User feedback emphasized the necessity for a more unified and visually engaging design that reflects the Mac user experience.

### The Liquid Glass Transformation

In response to user input, Microsoft has entirely reconstructed the OneDrive app for Mac. The latest version unveils a “Liquid Glass” aesthetic, which resonates with the visual style of macOS 26 and later. This redesign goes beyond mere appearance; it also improves functionality and user-friendliness.

The refreshed OneDrive Activity Center, which appears when users interact with the OneDrive icon in the menu bar, features a sleek interface that adopts the Swift UI design language. This alteration simplifies the process for users to monitor sync status and manage their files, offering a more instinctive experience.

### Notable Features of the Revamped OneDrive App

1. **Mac-First Interaction**: The redesigned OneDrive Activity Center is tailored specifically for Mac users, providing a neat and contemporary interface that integrates perfectly within the macOS framework.

2. **Native Dialogs**: The application now incorporates Mac-native dialogs that reflect the recognizable aesthetic of macOS 26, ensuring uniformity across applications.

3. **Accessibility Enhancements**: The upgraded OneDrive app accommodates Mac accessibility features, such as VoiceOver and Full Keyboard Access, making it more accommodating for all users.

4. **Seamless Updates**: The new version is currently being introduced in beta and will automatically update for all users shortly, guaranteeing that everyone gains from the improvements.

### Final Thoughts

Microsoft’s dedication to enhancing OneDrive for Mac signifies a crucial move toward developing a more cohesive and user-centric experience for Mac users. By addressing earlier criticisms and concentrating on a design that feels intrinsic to macOS, Microsoft is not only augmenting the functionality of OneDrive but also reinforcing its commitment to user satisfaction. As the rollout progresses, users can anticipate a more refined and effective cloud storage solution that meets their expectations of a Mac application.

### Deciding Between the New Budget MacBook and MacBook Air

With the upcoming release of the new budget MacBook, consumers seeking a portable Mac will soon have three choices: the MacBook, the MacBook Air, and the MacBook Pro. This article is intended to assist prospective buyers who find themselves at a crossroads regarding performance needs, particularly those who seek more than just basic functionality but do not require the extensive capabilities offered by a MacBook Pro.

#### Evaluating User Requirements

For numerous users, especially those involved in light activities such as emailing, web surfing, and document creation, the new MacBook will likely be adequate. The choice for these users typically hinges on aesthetic considerations, including the colors on offer. However, for users with more intense demands—such as budding photographers, occasional 4K video editors, or musicians working with multitrack audio—selecting between the MacBook and MacBook Air requires a more refined analysis.

#### Performance Evaluation: M1 vs. A18 Pro

The new MacBook will be driven by the A18 Pro chip, which has been likened to the M1 chip found in previous MacBook Air models. The M1 chip has garnered acclaim for its performance and energy efficiency, setting a lofty benchmark for Apple’s silicon.

– **Single-Core Performance**:
– M1: 2,369
– A18 Pro: 3,409

The A18 Pro surpasses the M1 in single-core tasks, which is advantageous for applications that depend on single-thread performance.

– **Multi-Core Performance**:
– M1: 8,576
– A18 Pro: 8,492

In terms of multi-core performance, both chips are quite similar, suggesting that for multi-threaded applications, users are unlikely to perceive a meaningful difference.

Overall, benchmark results indicate that although the A18 Pro presents some benefits, particularly in single-core performance, the variances might not be significant enough to persuade all users.

#### Is M1 Performance Still Adequate?

Many users may question whether the M1 performance remains sufficient in 2026, especially with the emergence of newer chips. A personal case study demonstrates that the M1 MacBook Air can efficiently handle tasks such as photo editing and 4K video editing. The author, who evaluated an M1 MacBook Air, discovered it competent enough to substitute for a more robust MacBook Pro during travel, even with video editing anticipated.

#### RAM Factors

One significant difference between the forthcoming MacBook and the MacBook Air is RAM options. The new MacBook will feature 8GB of RAM due to the limitations posed by the A18 Pro chip, while the M1 MacBook Air can be configured with 16GB. While 8GB may be adequate for many users, those who operate multiple applications at once might find this restriction noteworthy.

#### Conclusion

As the new budget MacBook enters the marketplace, prospective buyers must consider their specific needs in relation to the capabilities of both the MacBook and MacBook Air. For users with basic demands, the MacBook is an appealing choice. However, for those engaged in more intensive tasks, the MacBook Air, with its extra RAM and established performance, may continue to offer an edge. In the end, the choice will rely on individual usage scenarios and preferences, but the arrival of the MacBook certainly adds complexity to the decision-making process regarding these three Mac models.

The US Supreme Court announced on Friday that the majority of the import tariffs imposed by the Trump administration last year were unlawful. Trump’s reaction to this development now puts Apple in a more difficult situation than it was previously.

While Apple’s lobbying had led to nearly all its products being exempted from the earlier tariffs, Trump has introduced new ones that will once again include them.

### A Brief Summary

Last year featured a tariff narrative that seemed almost fictional. It began on February 1 when Trump enacted sweeping 10% tariffs on all goods brought in from China, in addition to the product-specific tariffs already established. This encompassed most of Apple’s offerings, resulting in either the company or its customers dealing with billions of dollars annually in extra expenses.

In the following two months, there was a swift escalation of reciprocal tariffs between the US and China, culminating in an astonishing peak rate of 145%. Following advocacy from Apple CEO Tim Cook, Trump subsequently exempted several product categories that encompassed all of the company’s items. Negotiations between the US and China eventually led to a reduction of the additional tariff rate down to 10%.

Although this seemed to wrap up the narrative from Apple’s standpoint, the situation has now shifted.

### Supreme Court Overturns Tariffs

Trump had asserted that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act granted him the authority to impose tariffs without congressional consent. Several major corporations contested this and took the case to court.

On Friday, the U.S. Supreme Court decided that this law did not empower Trump to impose new taxes, rendering the tariffs illegal.

### Apple Impacted by New Tariffs

Nonetheless, the White House remains persistent. Just a day following the ruling, Trump referenced an alternative statute claiming it provides him with the authority to impose tariffs. He declared a blanket 10% tariff on all imports from every country, and later that same day stated that he would be raising these to 15%.

Since the latest announcement pertains to nearly all product categories, it will once again affect Apple products.

### 9to5Mac’s Perspective

This issue is not likely to remain permanent. Apple will once more advocate for its product categories to be exempt, and companies are likely to contest the legal foundation of Trump’s asserted new powers.

However, it will still generate unwanted uncertainty for US firms like Apple that have their products produced abroad. Once again, they will be unaware of their actual manufacturing costs until the matter is settled at an indeterminate future date.