Tag: Source: 9to5mac.com

The 98th Annual Academy Awards occurred recently, highlighting a major occasion in the film sector. Apple garnered six nominations this year and, importantly, it secured its first Oscar in three years with F1: The Movie, which won the award for ‘Best Sound.’

F1: The Movie has established itself as the highest-grossing sports film ever and signifies Apple’s most triumphant theatrical release to date. Following its recent Oscar win, it now boasts ‘Academy Award winner’ as part of its impressive repertoire. At the Oscars ceremony, F1 surpassed rivals including Frankenstein, One Battle After Another, Sinners, and Sirāt to seize the award.

This year’s nominations for Apple marked a notable enhancement compared to 2025, when the company did not receive any nominations for its films. In 2024, Apple had a robust performance with 13 nominations, underscored by Martin Scorsese’s Killers of the Flower Moon, but exited the ceremony without any victories.

Before this year, Apple’s last Oscar triumph was in 2023, when The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse captured Best Animated Short Film. The company’s most distinguished achievement came in 2022 when CODA won Best Picture, becoming the first film from a streaming service to obtain this accolade.

In recent years, Apple has overhauled its film strategy, which seems to be producing favorable outcomes. With an exciting slate of new films set for release on Apple TV this year, the company aspires to strengthen its footprint at subsequent Academy Awards.

Apple TV is offered for $12.99 per month, with reduced pricing available through the Apple One bundle.

**Ford Mustang Mach-E: Advancing EV Travel with Apple Maps EV Routing**

The Ford Mustang Mach-E is prominent in the electric vehicle (EV) sector, especially because of its connection with Apple Maps EV Routing in CarPlay. This functionality aims to ease long-distance journeys for EV users by automatically including essential charging stops in the route, making road excursions more feasible.

A key drawback of the existing Apple Maps EV Routing is the lack of battery preconditioning, an essential factor for maximizing charging effectiveness. Battery preconditioning aids in ensuring that an EV’s battery is at the perfect temperature for rapid charging, which is particularly vital in cooler areas. Thankfully, Ford has revealed that this limitation will be tackled in the forthcoming 2026 model year Mustang Mach-E.

As per Ford’s official site, the 2026 Mustang Mach-E will offer en-route battery preconditioning when utilizing Apple Maps EV Routing. This feature will intuitively modify the battery temperature as the vehicle nears a direct current (DC) fast charger, guaranteeing optimal charging efficiency upon arrival. The company highlights that this function will exclusively be available for the 2026 model year.

For en-route preconditioning, drivers can chart a course that includes a DC fast charging stop by using one of the following navigation options:
– Connected Navigation
– Google Maps EV Routing
– Apple Maps EV Routing

While Ford’s Connected Navigation and Google Maps EV Routing permit users to choose a nearby DC fast charger and initiate preconditioning, this specific capability is not currently available with Apple Maps EV Routing.

The significance of battery preconditioning is critical, especially during road trips. Well-preconditioned batteries are able to recharge more swiftly, improving the overall driving experience and minimizing waiting times at charging stations. As a Mustang Mach-E owner who mainly relies on Apple Maps for navigation, the absence of this capability has been evident, making the announcement of its addition in future models a positive development.

Nonetheless, it’s important to mention that the new preconditioning feature will not be accessible for earlier versions, including the 2022 Mustang Mach-E. Ford has not yet disclosed whether this feature will be implemented in older models or in other vehicles within its range, such as the F-150 Lightning, which also features Apple Maps EV Routing.

In summary, the incorporation of en-route battery preconditioning in the 2026 Ford Mustang Mach-E marks a significant leap forward for EV travel, particularly for Apple Maps users. As the EV landscape continues to transform, such features will be vital in bolstering the convenience and efficacy of electric vehicle ownership.

**Apple’s Newest Promotions: AirPods Pro 3, MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro Price Cuts**

In the technology sphere, Apple routinely garners interest with its groundbreaking products and attractive pricing. Recently, notable price reductions have surfaced on numerous Apple offerings, making it a prime moment for buyers to acquire premium devices.

### AirPods Pro 3 at $210

Amazon has slashed the cost of the AirPods Pro 3 to **$209.99**, just $10 above the lowest holiday price noted last year. Although a brief deal at $185 was available, this present offer represents a great chance for those aiming to buy Apple’s top-tier earbuds. Reports suggest that some customers might find them for as little as **$199** at Verizon, though stock may differ.

This price drop aligns with the debut of the new AirPods Max 2, further emphasizing Apple’s dedication to improving its audio product range. The ongoing **Best Buy Tech Fest sale** has also played a role in this price cut, presenting various Apple devices at lower prices throughout the week.

### MacBook Air Price Cuts

Apple’s **M4 MacBook Air** models are also experiencing significant reductions, with savings of **$300** off the retail price. The **15-inch M4 MacBook Air** equipped with 24GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD is now listed at **$1,299**. This pricing is especially attractive given it was previously listed at **$1,599** before the M5 models were released.

For those eyeing the M5 series, while cash discounts exist, the M4 models currently provide better pricing, particularly for specs with 24GB of RAM. The M5 series come at higher prices, making the M4 a more affordable choice without compromising on performance.

### MacBook Pro Discounts

The **M5 MacBook Pro** featuring 24GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD has also been priced down, now retailing for **$1,799**, down from its initial launch price of **$1,999**. This represents a **$200** reduction, making it a desirable option for professionals seeking robust computing power at a more accessible price.

Moreover, various configurations of the M5 Pro MacBook Pro can be found at lower rates, including the **14-inch variant** with 24GB of RAM and 1TB storage for **$2,149**, and the **16-inch variant** priced at **$2,649**.

### iPad Promotions

Alongside the markdowns on MacBooks and AirPods, Apple’s iPad collection is also witnessing price cuts. The **iPad 11** starts at **$299**, while the **iPad mini** is priced from **$399**. The new **M4 iPad Air** models are also available at launch week discounts, making them an attractive option for those seeking a new tablet.

### Conclusion

With these significant price reductions on AirPods, MacBooks, and iPads, it’s an excellent opportunity for consumers to think about upgrading their Apple products. Whether you are in the market for superior audio with the AirPods Pro 3, a high-performance laptop with the MacBook Air or Pro, or a multifunctional tablet with the iPad, there are ample choices available at competitive price points.

### 9to5Mac Daily: Your Daily Source for Apple News

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#### What is 9to5Mac Daily?

**9to5Mac Daily** is a podcast that provides brief overviews of the leading Apple-related news every weekday. Hosted by experienced tech journalists, the podcast addresses a variety of subjects, including product releases, software enhancements, industry developments, and more.

Listeners can tune into the podcast through numerous platforms, such as [iTunes](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/9to5mac-daily/id1331816080), [Stitcher](https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/9to5mac-daily), [TuneIn](https://tunein.com/radio/9to5Mac-Daily-p1089524/), [Google Play](https://play.google.com/music/m/I5d4dzs7dauazmfxvvrynyiuram?t=9to5Mac_Daily), or through a specific [RSS feed](https://feedpress.me/9to5macdaily) for those who favor alternative podcast applications.

#### Key Features

– **Daily Episodes**: Fresh episodes are recorded on weekdays, guaranteeing that listeners remain current with the latest news.
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– **Community Engagement**: The podcast invites listener participation through email feedback and ratings on platforms like Apple Podcasts and Overcast.

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#### Conclusion

For those interested in Apple news, **9to5Mac Daily** is an indispensable resource. With its dedication to providing timely and pertinent information, it assists listeners in remaining informed about the constantly changing landscape of Apple technology. Whether you’re a casual user or a tech expert, tuning into this podcast is an excellent way to stay connected with the Apple community.

**AirPods Max 2: A Thorough Comparison with Earlier Versions**

Apple has officially launched the eagerly awaited AirPods Max 2, featuring numerous enhancements compared to earlier versions, including both USB-C and Lightning variants. This article explores the primary distinctions and advancements that the new AirPods Max 2 offers.

### H2 vs H1: Beyond just a ‘chip bump’

Though the design, weight, battery life, and Smart Case of AirPods Max 2 are identical to those of previous models, a major internal improvement sets them apart: the incorporation of the H2 chip. This new chip not only boosts performance but also unveils a variety of new features, elevating the user experience.

### AirPods Max 2 audio experience: Enhanced ANC, Transparency, and more

Audio fidelity continues to be a vital feature for headphones, and Apple asserts that AirPods Max 2 delivers “enhanced sound quality.” The new high dynamic range amplifier guarantees clearer audio, enriching the listening experience with better instrument localization and more precise bass response.

Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) has experienced a significant upgrade, with AirPods Max 2 offering up to 1.5 times more ANC compared to prior models. The Transparency mode takes advantage of a new digital signal processing algorithm, yielding a more natural acoustic experience.

### New H2 features exclusively available with AirPods Max 2

Thanks to the H2 chip, AirPods Max 2 debuts several new features that were not present in the original models:

– **Adaptive Audio**: Automatically modifies ANC and Transparency levels based on the surroundings.
– **Conversation Awareness**: Dials down content volume and minimizes background noise when conversing with someone nearby.
– **Live Translation**: Aids communication across languages in face-to-face interactions.
– **Voice Isolation**: Enhances the user’s voice during calls while diminishing surrounding noise.
– **Camera Remote**: Enables remote capturing of photos and videos using the Digital Crown.
– **Studio-quality Audio Recording**: Boosts audio fidelity for content creators.
– **Loud Sound Reduction**: Shields users from loud environmental sounds while preserving audio quality.
– **Personalized Volume**: Adjusts the audio experience based on user preferences.
– **Siri Interactions**: Allows users to interact with Siri using head gestures.

These features are consistent with those found in other Apple devices equipped with the H2 chip, representing a notable advancement for AirPods Max.

### AirPods Max 2 vs AirPods Max: Minor differences and conclusion

Additional distinctions encompass:

– The transition from the original AirPods Max with Lightning to AirPods Max 2 introduces USB-C compatibility and 24-bit, 48 kHz lossless audio via a wired connection.
– AirPods Max 2 supports Bluetooth 5.3, whereas older models are restricted to Bluetooth 5.0.

In conclusion, AirPods Max 2 introduces a wealth of upgrades compared to both the original Lightning and USB-C models. With enhanced audio fidelity, upgraded ANC and Transparency, and a range of new features, the AirPods Max 2 may represent an appealing upgrade for users in search of an improved audio experience.

**Apple Joins Forces with TCS London Marathon 2026**

Apple has revealed its collaboration with the TCS London Marathon, scheduled for April 26, 2026. This partnership signifies a major achievement as Apple becomes the Official Performance Technology Product Partner for the occasion.

The connection between running and Apple is longstanding, especially highlighted by the creation of the Apple Watch, which has been acknowledged as a top smartwatch for tracking runs over the last ten years. The Apple Watch has advanced to incorporate features that address the needs of runners across all levels, offering tools for motivation, progress monitoring, and health and fitness insights.

Jay Blahnik, Apple’s Vice President of Fitness Technologies, voiced excitement about the alliance, stating, “The London Marathon is among the world’s premier sporting events and a remarkable celebration of the global running community. Apple’s technologies empower runners at every level with robust tools and insights that assist them in maintaining motivation, monitoring their advancement, and gaining a deeper understanding of their health and fitness. We couldn’t be more thrilled to partner with the 2026 TCS London Marathon.”

This year’s marathon is expected to be particularly remarkable as it takes place 11 years and two days after the inaugural release of the Apple Watch. The watch has been instrumental in inspiring numerous individuals to begin running, as shown by personal stories from users who have revolutionized their fitness journeys with its assistance.

As the marathon nears, the collaboration between Apple and the TCS London Marathon is set to enhance the experience for both participants and spectators, showcasing the blend of technology and athletics in one of the globe’s most prestigious running events.

**Apple Purchases MotionVFX: A New Chapter for Video Editing Solutions**

Apple has formally acquired MotionVFX, a leading firm recognized for its premium templates and plugins tailored for video editing applications, especially Final Cut Pro. This purchase, revealed on MotionVFX’s website, represents a notable advancement in Apple’s dedication to improving the resources accessible for creators and editors.

### MotionVFX’s Vision and Heritage

Established in 2009 by Szymon Masiak and based in Warsaw, Poland, MotionVFX has devoted more than 15 years to producing visually captivating content and effects for video editors. The organization has earned a robust reputation for its top-tier visual effects templates, plugins, and motion graphics tools, which feature transitions, titles, effects, and cinematic templates designed for Final Cut Pro, Motion, and DaVinci Resolve.

In their announcement, MotionVFX shared their enthusiasm about joining the Apple team, highlighting their mutual commitment to quality, user-friendliness, and exceptional design. They appreciated the loyalty of their customers over the years, remarking, “You inspired us, you challenged us, and you helped our products become what they are today.”

### Consequences of the Acquisition

With the acquisition, the 70 staff members of MotionVFX will merge into Apple. This action is anticipated to bolster Apple’s offerings in the video editing sector, especially after the recent debut of the Apple Creator Studio bundle, granting access to tools like Final Cut Pro at a reasonable monthly or yearly subscription cost.

Although Apple has not made a public statement regarding the acquisition, incorporating MotionVFX’s expertise could result in groundbreaking updates and features within Apple’s video editing software, giving creators more tools to generate high-quality content.

### Summary

The acquisition of MotionVFX by Apple represents a tactical enhancement of Apple’s creative resources, aligning with the company’s persistent dedication to assisting video editors and content creators. As MotionVFX becomes part of the Apple family, the outlook appears bright for innovations in video editing technology, which may lead to novel features and enhanced user experiences for creators globally.

Apple’s Human Interface Design Progression: Liquid Glass and iOS 27

In December, Apple appointed Steve Lemay as the new Vice President of Human Interface Design, following Alan Dye’s exit to join Meta. This change ignited conversation regarding the future of Apple’s Liquid Glass design language, a hallmark of its user interface.

Recent information from Mark Gurman’s Power On newsletter suggests that Apple is not intending to forsake the Liquid Glass design. Rather, the company is considering the introduction of a system-wide slider that would enable users to modify the intensity of the Liquid Glass effect. This capability was first envisioned during the development of iOS 26 but encountered engineering hurdles that stalled its widespread implementation.

The slider was partially delivered on the lock screen clock, yet extending it to app folders, the home screen, and navigation bars proved challenging. Nevertheless, with iOS 27 approaching, Apple seems hopeful about surmounting these obstacles and making the slider a universal feature.

If accomplished, this could drastically transform the user experience in relation to Liquid Glass, fostering increased customization and possibly addressing user feedback. Gurman highlights Lemay’s strong support for Liquid Glass, indicating a continuity in its evolution.

Even with the potential for a system-wide slider, some experts, including contributors from 9to5Mac, are skeptical about its deployment. They contend that while enhancements to the interface are required, a slider could complicate the user experience and result in inconsistent UI components.

As Apple continues to refine its design strategy, the dialogue surrounding Liquid Glass and user customization remains lively, with iOS 27 set to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Apple’s interface design.

Apple has revealed the official successor to the AirPods Max today. Years after the initial model was launched, AirPods Max 2 have arrived.

### AirPods Max 2 Available for Order on March 25, Shipping in Early April

Today the highly anticipated AirPods Max 2 have been introduced.

The standout new feature is the H2 chip that has been a part of AirPods Pro and AirPods 4 for some time.

H2 enhances an improved Active Noise Cancellation experience for users. According to Apple:

> “With the remarkable performance of H2, AirPods Max are updated with up to 1.5x more effective ANC for the ultimate all-day listening experience,” mentioned Eric Treski, Apple’s director of Audio Product Marketing. “The audio quality is exceptionally clear, rich, and acoustically detailed — and when paired with features like Personalized Spatial Audio, AirPods Max 2 provide a deeply immersive experience.”

In addition to ANC enhancements, Apple states that Transparency mode has improved on AirPods Max 2: “With a new digital signal processing algorithm optimized for H2 and the microphone array on AirPods Max, Transparency sounds even more natural.”

H2 represents a significant advancement over the H1 found in the earlier AirPods Max. This is due to not just enhancing ANC but also enabling a range of new capabilities that AirPods Max with the H1 chip did not support.

The new features for AirPods Max 2 users comprise:
– Live Translation
– Adaptive Audio
– Conversation Awareness
– Voice Isolation
– Studio-quality audio recording
– Loud Sound Reduction
– Siri Interactions via head gestures
– Camera Remote

If you are an AirPods Pro user, these capabilities are nothing exceptional—but it’s exciting to finally have them on AirPods Max.

For those interested in the wired experience with AirPods Max 2, Apple indicates that it has been enhanced compared to the previous version, with support for 24-bit, 48 kHz lossless audio.

> For the highest-quality sound across music, movies, and games, the new AirPods Max support 24-bit, 48 kHz lossless audio when connected via the included USB-C cable. Lossless audio and ultra-low latency audio allow music creators to make full use of AirPods Max throughout their entire professional workflow on Logic Pro and other music creation software. With the USB-C cable, AirPods Max are the only headphones that enable musicians to both create and mix in Personalized Spatial Audio with head tracking.

AirPods Max 2 will be priced at $549 and will be available for order starting Wednesday, March 25, with shipping in early April.

The new version retains the same color options available with the previous USB-C model of AirPods Max: midnight, starlight, orange, purple, and blue.

Are you considering upgrading to AirPods Max 2? Share your thoughts in the comments.

In just a few months, Apple is anticipated to announce its newest set of operating systems: iOS 27, macOS 27, watchOS 27, and more. Prior reports concerning iOS 27 have strongly emphasized that this year’s operating systems should concentrate on performance enhancements and overall stability.

As per Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman in today’s Power On newsletter, we probably won’t observe any major alterations to the Liquid Glass interface, though minor modifications may still be possible. Liquid Glass has garnered mixed feedback, with certain users criticizing its readability. Nevertheless, some, including Gurman, value its appearance. The design lead in charge of Liquid Glass, Alan Dye, left Apple last year for Meta, resulting in Steve Lemay assuming the design leadership role.

Many were optimistic that fresh design leadership would indicate a change in the interface’s direction. Since the launch of iOS 26, Apple has offered some customization choices for Liquid Glass, such as a ‘Tinted’ option in iOS 26.1 and the capability to disable specific Liquid Glass effects in iOS 26.4. However, Gurman asserts that substantial design modifications are improbable, mentioning that “the latest internal versions of iOS 27 and macOS 27 don’t show significant design changes.” He proposes that advancements to Liquid Glass will be gradual over the next few years.

Although there are no dramatic changes expected, speculation exists that iOS 27 may bring an extra layer of customization to Liquid Glass. During the creation of iOS 26, Apple examined a systemwide slider that would enable users to manage the intensity of the glass effect. While this feature was effectively deployed for the lock screen clock, extending it throughout the entire system encountered engineering hurdles. If Apple can address these challenges for iOS 27, it could greatly impact the user experience with Liquid Glass.

This possible addition is more conjectural than verified, but it would be a welcome improvement for many users, allowing for a more tailored experience beyond the existing ‘Clear’ and ‘Tinted’ choices.

As excitement increases for the forthcoming operating systems, users are left to consider their preferences on Liquid Glass. Would they rather witness more significant changes sooner, or are they satisfied with the current design?