Tag: Source: 9to5mac.com

**2026 Memorial Day Sales: Incredible Offers on Apple Devices and More**

As Memorial Day nears, prominent retailers such as Amazon and Best Buy are unveiling substantial reductions on sought-after electronics, especially Apple devices. This year’s promotions showcase some of the most remarkable prices we’ve encountered, making it a prime moment for shoppers to upgrade their technology.

### Apple’s 15-inch M5 MacBook Air at Its Lowest Ever

One of the highlighted bargains this Memorial Day is the **15-inch M5 MacBook Air**, which has dropped to an all-time low price of **$1,099.99**, down from its standard price of **$1,299**. This variant, equipped with **16GB of RAM** and **512GB of storage**, is experiencing a discount of nearly **$200** for the first time since its launch in March 2026. This deal is particularly significant as it represents the best available price on Amazon, making it a compelling choice for anyone in search of a new laptop.

### Clearance Deals on the 13-inch M3 iPad Air

Alongside the MacBook Air, the **13-inch 1TB M3 iPad Air** is also offered at a remarkable clearance price of **$1,049**, showcasing a **$400** reduction. This model has been aggressively discounted as Amazon clears its inventory for the forthcoming M4 version. With limited stock remaining, this offer is an outstanding chance for consumers seeking a high-performance tablet without the newest chip.

### Price Cuts on iPhone 17 Pro Max

For smartphone enthusiasts, the **iPhone 17 Pro Max** is currently benefiting from a rare price reduction of **$99**. Offered through Woot, these devices are identified as “pristine” and have never been utilized by customers. While the savings might not be enormous compared to brand new units, it’s a significant opportunity for those aiming to save on Apple’s latest flagship smartphone.

### Affordable 512GB 13-inch M5 iPad Pro

The **13-inch M5 iPad Pro** with **512GB of storage** is also discounted to **$1,349.99**, down from **$1,499**. This price cut signifies nearly **$150 off** and is among the best prices currently available for this model. With its robust M5 processor, this iPad Pro is perfect for professionals and creatives alike.

### New Nintendo Switch 2 Bundle

In the gaming arena, the latest **Nintendo Switch 2: Choose Your Game Bundle** is priced at **$500**, offering up to **$580** in value. This bundle is an excellent option for gamers intending to upgrade their gaming console.

### Sonos Memorial Day Offers

Sonos is also joining the Memorial Day festivities with discounts on various products, including the new **Era 100 SL Speaker**. This marks the first price reduction we’ve seen on this model, making it a fantastic time to improve your home audio experience.

### Accessory and Charging Promotions

Moreover, an array of accessory deals are available, such as Anker’s **Qi2 15W MagSafe power bank** for **$46** and a **Lenovo 5-in-1 USB-C hub** for just **$22**. These accessories can enhance your new devices wonderfully.

### Conclusion

With Memorial Day sales in progress, consumers have a special chance to capitalize on substantial savings on high-demand electronics. Whether you’re in the market for a new MacBook, iPad, or gaming console, now is the ideal moment to explore and enjoy discounts.

As Spotify enthusiasts globally anticipate the return of their classic app icon, the company has unveiled a series of thrilling new functionalities. These comprise AI-driven remix tools, concert ticket reservations, and more.

### Spotify Secures Agreement with Major Label to Authorize Fan-Made Covers and Remixes

Spotify has finalized a groundbreaking licensing deal with Universal Music Group, permitting fan-created music covers and remixes on the platform. This innovative tool will allow fans to produce covers and remixes of their beloved tracks from participating artists and songwriters, utilizing generative AI technology. The effort is aimed at unlocking new revenue channels and improving music exploration.

Spotify characterizes this AI-enabled remix and cover creation tool as a premium add-on for Spotify Premium subscribers. This initiative marks Spotify’s most ambitious AI venture to date, following the launch of an AI DJ feature and a unique Claude connector for music and podcast integration.

### Concert Tickets Are Being Enhanced with Reserved Feature

Besides music creation tools, Spotify is upgrading its concert ticket services with a new function named Reserved. This feature will secure up to two concert tickets for purchase solely for Premium subscribers in the United States. Reserved is tailored for devoted fans, utilizing artist listening history to ascertain eligibility, rather than appealing to casual concert attendees or ticket resellers.

While there are aspects to contemplate regarding the implementation of Reserved, the feature is set to link genuine fans with concert events. Additional details about Reserved can be accessed through Spotify’s official channels.

Spotify has also revealed updates for podcasts and audiobooks, which are part of the comprehensive announcements made during Spotify’s Investor Day 2026.

As users keep an eye on the situation concerning Spotify’s temporary disco ball app icon, these new features indicate the company’s dedication to innovation and improving the user experience on the platform.

### You Are the Product: Comprehending App Tracking Transparency on iOS

As technology progresses, so too do the techniques utilized by businesses to monitor user activity across applications and websites. Apple’s App Tracking Transparency (ATT) system, launched in iOS 14.5, has dramatically transformed the realm of user privacy and data gathering. This article delves into the functioning of ATT, its consequences for user privacy, and how to automatically reject tracking requests on your iPhone.

#### The Effects of App Tracking Transparency

Prior to the adoption of ATT, applications enjoyed unrestricted access to user information, including age, gender, location, and browsing patterns. This data was extremely valuable for advertisers and data brokers, enabling them to construct comprehensive profiles for targeted marketing. However, the advent of ATT mandated that apps seek permission from users before utilizing their device’s advertising identifier (IDFA), a unique marker employed for tracking purposes.

This shift proved particularly harmful to companies like Facebook and Instagram, which depended heavily on user tracking for their advertising frameworks. In 2022 alone, Facebook allegedly incurred a loss of about $12.8 billion due to the constraints imposed by ATT.

#### The Transition to Alternative Tracking Techniques

In reaction to ATT, numerous companies have embraced alternative tracking techniques, such as device fingerprinting and contextual advertising. Device fingerprinting gathers various device-specific data, including screen dimensions, operating system version, and time zone, to establish a unique identifier for tracking. Meanwhile, contextual advertising concentrates on user activity within a single application rather than across several platforms.

Although these techniques are less intrusive than acquiring a user’s IDFA, they still raise privacy issues. Users continue to be at risk from data collection practices that endanger their anonymity.

#### How to Automatically Reject Tracking Requests

For those looking to boost their privacy and eliminate the nuisance of continual tracking notifications, a straightforward solution exists. By modifying a specific setting on your iPhone, you can automatically refuse tracking requests from apps without needing to engage with any prompts.

To accomplish this, adhere to the following steps:

1. Launch the **Settings** app on your iPhone.
2. Go to **Privacy & Security**.
3. Choose **Tracking**.
4. Switch off the option labeled **Allow Apps to Request to Track**.

By deactivating this setting, your iPhone will automatically reply with a “no” to any app that tries to solicit tracking permission. This not only simplifies your experience but also bolsters your privacy by preventing apps from even inquiring for permission.

#### Conclusion

Apple’s App Tracking Transparency framework signifies a major advancement in user privacy, empowering individuals to take charge of their data. By grasping the mechanics of ATT and leveraging the available configurations on your iPhone, you can safeguard your anonymity and enjoy a more private experience while utilizing apps. As the digital environment continues to change, remaining aware of privacy measures is essential for protecting personal information.

Apple TV is poised to transform the sports broadcasting arena by leveraging the iPhone 17 Pro to capture live events. This weekend, the platform will air a Major League Soccer match between LA Galaxy and Houston Dynamo FC, marking the inaugural occasion a major professional sporting event will be filmed entirely on an iPhone.

Apple’s venture into live sports production commenced last autumn with a trial during Friday Night Baseball, where the iPhone 17 Pro was utilized to film a game featuring the Detroit Tigers and Boston Red Sox. Building on this experience, the forthcoming MLS match will highlight the capabilities of the iPhone 17 Pro in a live sports context.

As per Apple’s press release, the match will include a variety of camera perspectives and angles, featuring team warmups, player introductions, and distinctive in-net goal views. The sleek design of the iPhone enables inventive filming techniques that traditional, larger cameras cannot replicate, ensuring a novel viewing experience for fans.

The live broadcast is set for Saturday, May 23, at 7:30 p.m. PT. Viewers can stream the match through an Apple TV subscription, which also provides access to a range of original shows and movies, in addition to sports content without any extra charges. Apple TV is offered for $12.99 per month, with discounts accessible through the Apple One bundle.

This event signifies a notable milestone in sports broadcasting, as Apple continues to delve into the convergence of technology and entertainment.

Apple has made significant global advancements for several of its newest health capabilities for Apple Watch and AirPods. Here are the specifics.

## Four Apple Health Features Have Been Introduced in New Countries, with Two for India

Health remains a pivotal area of focus for Apple, not just on Apple Watch but also now with AirPods Pro.

Because of regulatory obligations, Apple’s introduction of new health features is consistently gradual. However, the company has just revealed that some of its recent features have been launched in major new regions globally.

**Hearing Aid**, the feature for AirPods Pro, is now **accessible in Italy**. It necessitates AirPods Pro 3 or AirPods Pro 2.

**Hypertension notifications** have now been initiated **in Taiwan**. They require Apple Watch Series 9 or later, or Apple Watch Ultra 2 or later.

In the largest new global initiative, users **throughout India** now have access to two additional health features:
– **Hearing Test**
– **Sleep apnea notifications**

The Hearing Test requires AirPods Pro 3 or AirPods Pro 2. Sleep apnea notifications require Apple Watch Series 9 or later, Apple Watch Ultra 2, or Apple Watch SE 3.

Apple’s SVP of Marketing, Greg Joswiak, elaborated on the expansion in a post on X:

> “Apple Health is essential to users’ lives, and we’re broadening significant features globally. I’m excited that we provide them in 160+ countries and regions, including Hearing Aid in Italy, hypertension notifications in Taiwan, and sleep apnea notifications and Hearing Test in India!” — Greg Joswiak (@gregjoz)

As Joswiak highlights, select Apple Health features are now available in over 160 countries and regions around the globe.

Are there any Apple Watch or AirPods health features that you’re still hoping for where you reside? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Strava is fundamentally transforming its strength training experience, featuring a revamped workout log, automatic muscle maps, enhanced sharing tools, and extended integrations with various apps and devices. Here are the specifics.

## Strava Welcomes Strength Training

For almost 200 million users, Strava serves as the primary app for recording walking, running, hiking, and cycling activities. More generally, it caters to foot and cycling sports.

While the app does allow for logging various other exercise types, such as strength, racket, water, winter, and additional sports, these activities have never been the main focus of the app, offering more limited features compared to running and cycling.

Today, Strava is entirely revamping its strength experience to better cater to what the platform claims is one of its rapidly expanding sports, with over 500 million strength workouts recorded on the platform in 2025 alone.

This development means Strava users can now plan, track, and share their workouts more accurately, including through 14 new partner integrations with additional apps and devices:

– 24 Hour Fitness (launching this summer)
– Amazfit
– Caliber
– COROS
– Fitbod
– Garmin
– Hevy
– iFIT Personal Trainer
– JEFIT
– Liftoff
– Motra
– REMAKER
– Runna
– WHOOP

The expanded support also brings a workout log feature that enables users to “dynamically capture sets, reps, and weight,” while making it simple to review past sessions and repeat workouts in the future.

Additionally, it introduces auto-generated muscle maps that visually display the muscle groups targeted during exercise sessions.

Being Strava, the update also comprises five new strength-specific sharing formats, enabling users to “celebrate their lifts and achievements with friends, clubs, and the wider Strava community.”

Here’s Matt Salazar, Strava’s Chief Product Officer, on today’s announcement:

> Strength has been one of the fastest-growing sport types on Strava for quite a while, with over 500 million uploads in 2025 alone, and our community has been vocal about what they require from us. […] This transformation brings the same depth, motivation, and shareability that Strava is known for to a variety of strength activities. Whether someone is training for a race, lifting for overall fitness, or focusing on strength as their main activity, they now have tools that cater to their real needs, and this is just the start.

Strava indicates that the new strength experience will be rolled out globally to its users “in the coming weeks,” and further information about the announcement can be found here.

**Wearables and Their Function in Identifying Obstructive Sleep Apnea**

Wearable gadgets, such as the Apple Watch and Oura Smart Ring, have transformed health and fitness tracking. These devices offer users comprehensive insights into their well-being, promoting healthier habits and facilitating early identification of various medical issues. One major condition that wearables aid in detecting is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a serious disorder that interrupts breathing during sleep.

### Comprehending Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

Obstructive sleep apnea is marked by recurrent episodes of airway blockage during sleep, causing disrupted breathing, lowered oxygen levels, and fragmented slumber. As per the National Medical Library, OSA ranks among the most deadly sleep disorders, impacting nearly 936 million adults worldwide aged 30 to 69. This condition can lead to severe health repercussions, including cardiovascular problems, metabolic issues, cognitive dysfunctions, and mood disturbances. Furthermore, OSA has been associated with a heightened risk of road traffic accidents due to daytime sleepiness triggered by inadequate sleep quality.

### The Function of Oura Ring in OSA Identification

The Oura Ring comes with sophisticated sensors that track respiration rate and oxygen saturation levels. These measurements enable the device to spot possible signs of OSA. Initially, the Oura Ring would alert users about these concerns through its app, recommending that they seek medical advice. However, the company has enhanced its capabilities through collaboration with health tech company Resmed, offering users more extensive assistance.

This partnership presents three key resources for users who may show signs of OSA:

1. **Informational Resources**: Users can access content to better grasp sleep health and the effects of OSA.

2. **Connection with Healthcare Providers**: The Oura Ring allows users to connect with independent healthcare professionals, either virtually or face-to-face, to address their sleep worries.

3. **Assistance for Healthcare Conversations**: An educational guide is provided to aid users in effectively discussing their sleep health with healthcare providers.

These features aim to make it easier for individuals suffering from undiagnosed sleep disorders to obtain medical care.

Dr. Ricky Bloomfield, chief medical officer at Oura, highlights the significance of recognizing sleep problems: “High-quality sleep is one of the strongest foundations for long-term health, yet many people live for years with unrecognized sleep and breathing issues.” By merging continuous sleep data with Resmed’s expertise, Oura seeks to empower users to identify potential health risks and pursue appropriate treatment.

### Final Thoughts

Wearable technology like the Oura Ring is vital in fostering health and wellness by delivering meaningful insights into sleep behaviors and potential issues like obstructive sleep apnea. With the enhanced ability to connect users with healthcare resources, these devices are not only improving personal health management but also aiding in the broader understanding and treatment of sleep-related disorders.

### iPhone 19 Pro and Pro Max Expected to Feature Quad-Curved Display, Under-Display Face ID

Next year marks the 20th milestone of the iPhone, and recent leaks indicate that Apple’s iPhone 19 Pro models will present an innovative new design. Analyst Jeff Pu has recently provided insights into Apple’s agenda, suggesting that the forthcoming models will display a distinctive design that coincides with the anniversary festivities.

#### Expected Features

The iPhone 19 Pro and Pro Max are anticipated to include:

– **Quad-Curved Display**: This design intends to offer a bezel-less look, elevating the overall appeal and user interaction.

– **Under-Display Face ID**: This enhancement would facilitate a sleeker front display by either removing the notch completely or incorporating a subtle hole-punch cutout for the front camera.

Initially, it was believed that this fresh design would be exclusive to a whole new model, referred to as the ‘iPhone 20.’ However, Pu’s report has clarified that the redesign is aimed at the Pro and Pro Max models, scheduled to launch in 2027.

#### Validation from Supply Chain Sources

The assertions made by Pu have been validated by Digital Chat Station, a trusted entity within the supply chain. In a recent post on Weibo, Digital Chat Station confirmed that the iPhone 19 Pro series will indeed boast the speculated quad-curved screen design, which is currently being evaluated in the mass production phase.

This affirmation lends considerable credibility to the notion that the 20th-anniversary design will not be a separate model but rather an advancement of the current Pro lineup.

#### Anticipated Future Lineup

Alongside the redesigned Pro models, the 2027 lineup may also see the introduction of a second-generation iPhone Ultra and possibly a new iPhone Air, broadening Apple’s range in the smartphone sector.

As anticipation grows surrounding the rumored iPhone 19 Pro design, consumers are left pondering how these advancements will improve their experience with Apple’s premier device.

Indie singer-songwriter Brye has recently recounted an engaging tale on TikTok regarding her popular song “Lemons,” which has garnered an astonishing 100 million streams. What makes this accomplishment particularly remarkable is that Brye created the entire piece using GarageBand on a school-provided iPad, along with an inexpensive plug-in microphone. This disclosure highlights the notion that producing high-quality music does not inherently necessitate costly equipment.

Brye, whose complete name is Bryanna Noelle Sebring, asserts that her journey serves as motivation for emerging musicians, demonstrating that achieving success in the music realm is attainable for anyone, irrespective of their financial means or formal education. This feeling parallels the vision expressed by Steve Jobs during the launch of GarageBand in 2004, where he characterized the software as a resource that democratizes music production, converting any Mac into a professional recording studio.

Initially offered solely for Mac, GarageBand has since expanded to support iPads, allowing a wider audience to participate in music creation. Jobs famously remarked that GarageBand is meant for everyone, enabling users to produce music effortlessly. He highlighted that even a child with a basic setup could generate tunes that rival those produced with professional equipment.

In her TikTok video, Brye shares her experience with GarageBand, mentioning that she started crafting beats in high school and even composed musicals using the application. The creation of “Lemons” originated as a reaction to a personal struggle, as she uploaded the demo to spite someone who had wronged her. To her astonishment, the song went viral during the lockdown period in 2020, leading to its extensive fame and success on the charts.

Brye’s narrative resonates with numerous aspiring artists, reinforcing the belief that creativity and skill can thrive without reliance on high-end gear. She recognizes that while enhancing equipment and gaining knowledge about music production can be advantageous, novices can achieve impressive outcomes with GarageBand on any Apple device.

As mentioned by tech commentator John Gruber, Brye’s experience epitomizes the very intention behind the development of GarageBand by Apple: to empower individuals to create, share, and distribute music without the hurdles posed by expensive tools. Brye’s transition from utilizing school equipment to now having a home studio equipped with Logic Pro illustrates the potential for advancement and success in the music industry, regardless of one’s initial circumstances.

In summary, Brye’s success story serves as a potent reminder that passion, creativity, and persistence can lead to significant accomplishments in music, all while leveraging accessible technology. Her hit song “Lemons” stands as evidence that anyone can compose music that strikes a chord with audiences worldwide.

**AT&T Unveils ‘Build-a-Plan’: A Versatile Wireless Solution Starting at $15/Month**

AT&T has rolled out a fresh wireless offering named ‘Build-a-Plan,’ aimed at empowering customers to tailor their mobile services according to their unique requirements. This pioneering plan initiates at a mere $15 monthly and seeks to provide users enhanced oversight of their wireless expenditures.

**Customizable and Adaptive Wireless Plans**

Conventional wireless plans frequently feature fixed characteristics and prices that may not suit every individual’s preferences. AT&T’s Build-a-Plan remedies this concern by enabling customers to modify features on a monthly basis, guaranteeing they only incur costs for what they truly utilize. This adaptability is especially advantageous for those with fluctuating data demands each month.

The pricing model starts at $15 monthly, which encompasses unlimited talk, text, and 1 GB of data. For those needing additional data without hotspot functionality, AT&T presents a plan that includes 15 GB of data, alongside unlimited talk and text, for just $25 per month. This attractive pricing structure appeals to budget-savvy consumers.

**Management of Wireless Expenses**

A key highlight of the Build-a-Plan is the option to modify the plan each month. For instance, if a customer foresees the necessity for extra data during a particular month—perhaps due to travel or increased usage—they can switch to an unlimited data plan. Following the high-usage month, they can effortlessly scale back to a more economical choice.

Jenifer Robertson, executive vice president and general manager of AT&T Consumer, underscored the significance of customer autonomy in her remarks: “Customers desire plans that accommodate their lifestyles. Other providers present rigid, one-size-fits-all plans bundled with unnecessary extras while labeling it ‘savings.’ By granting our customers the flexibility to customize their wireless service month to month, we are offering them an economical means to connect to America’s largest wireless network while maintaining budgetary control. It’s a win-win situation.”

**Launch Date**

The Build-a-Plan is set to officially launch on Wednesday, May 27, and customers can enroll via the AT&T website at [att.com/plans/build-a-plan/](https://www.att.com/plans/build-a-plan/).

This latest introduction from AT&T signifies a notable movement towards more customer-focused wireless solutions, giving users enhanced control over their mobile plans and financial commitments.