Tag: Source: 9to5mac.com

Ongoing Promotions: $170 Discount on M4 MacBook Air, $300 Reduction on M4 Max Mac Studio, Along with Deals on Apple Pencil Pro, iPad Mini, AirTag, and Additional Items

The Apple promotions for the 4th of July are creating substantial savings, featuring discounts of up to $170 on the newest 24GB M4 MacBook Air models. Furthermore, there are significant price cuts of $200 to $300 on M4 Max Mac Studio setups. The iPad mini 7 is also enjoying a $100 reduction across all variants, while the Apple Pencil Pro and AirPods Max are being offered at lower prices, with savings of $79 and as much as $130 on open-box versions, respectively. The Best Buy 4th of July sale showcases these offers and additional deals.

### M4 MacBook Air Deals
The M4 MacBook Air has experienced price variations, but currently, there are steady $150 discounts available at both Amazon and Best Buy. Particularly, the 15-inch Midnight model with 24GB RAM and a 512GB SSD is priced at $1,429, which is $170 below its standard price of $1,599. The same discount is offered for the Starlight variant of the same model. These promotions provide an excellent chance for those intending to buy a new MacBook Air.

### iPad Mini 7 Discounts
Amazon has reduced prices by $100 on all color options of the iPad mini 7, with offers beginning at $399. This encompasses various storage options and Wi-Fi + Cellular versions. While some premium configurations have experienced temporary deeper price cuts at stores like Costco, the current Amazon prices represent the lowest noted since the product’s launch last fall.

### M4 Max Mac Studio Offers
B&H has kicked off its 4th of July sale, providing the M4 Max Mac Studio for $1,799, down from $1,999, along with other configurations seeing reductions of $200 to $300. This includes options with different RAM and SSD sizes, making it an appealing choice for those requiring high-performance computing for activities such as video editing or music production.

### AirPods Max and Accessories
Apple’s USB-C AirPods Max are now priced at $479.99, reflecting a nearly $80 discount from the original price. Open-box models can be found with discounts of up to $130, making them a competitive choice compared to other premium headphones.

### AirTag Pricing
The Apple AirTag has been marked down to $22.97, the best deal of the year, with a 4-pack going for under $19 each. This pricing arrives as excitement mounts for the next-generation AirTag launch, anticipated later this year.

### Apple Watch Series 10 Discounts
Amazon is presenting the Apple Watch Series 10 at $100 off, with prices starting from $299. Various configurations are available, including favored color and band combinations.

These 4th of July promotions offer an outstanding opportunity for shoppers wanting to purchase Apple products at lower prices.

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Google Calendar Introduces Easy-to-Use App for Apple Watch

### Google Calendar for Apple Watch: A Fresh Companion for Your Agenda

In a significant extension of its offerings, Google has launched Google Calendar for Apple Watch, becoming its fourth application designed for the Apple Watch ecosystem. This innovative app enables users to efficiently oversee their schedules straight from their wrist.

#### App Overview

Google Calendar for Apple Watch is crafted with ease of use in focus. The app showcases a week’s worth of events alongside Google Tasks, helping users monitor their engagements at a glance. The interface presents a simple list view, with the current day and date clearly highlighted in the top-right corner.

Each event or task appears as a color-coded card. The card features the time at the top, followed by the event’s name and location. Users can tap on any card to access more comprehensive details, ensuring they remain organized without needing to retrieve their phones.

#### Features and Capabilities

While the app shines in offering immediate access to event specifics, it presently does not support the creation of new events or reminders directly from the Apple Watch. Users receive a prompt to “Open Calendar on your phone to view more,” revealing a limitation in functionality compared to its Wear OS equivalent.

Google Calendar for Apple Watch includes two complications for watch faces, boosting its practicality:

1. **Upcoming Event Complication**: Offered in both circular and rectangular styles, this complication displays the next scheduled event. It can also be integrated into a Smart Stack widget for fast access.

2. **Current Date Complication**: This circular complication reveals the present day and date, and tapping it launches the Google Calendar app.

#### Availability and Compatibility

The Google Calendar app for Apple Watch is being introduced with version 25.24.1 of the iPhone application. This update adds to other Google apps available on the Apple Watch, including Google Keep, Google Maps, and YouTube Music.

#### Final Thoughts

Google Calendar for Apple Watch presents a handy method for users to oversee their schedules while on the move. Although it currently lacks some features available on other platforms, its user-friendly design and compatibility with existing Google services render it a crucial resource for those who depend on Google Calendar for organization. As Google enhances its portfolio for Apple devices, users can anticipate possible upgrades and features in forthcoming updates.

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Reasons to View the F1 Film in Cinemas Rather Than Waiting for Apple TV+ Launch

F1 The Movie is shaping up to be the blockbuster that Apple anticipated. Initial box office figures indicate it is the company’s most successful theatrical release by a significant margin. However, while many may be eager for it to arrive on Apple TV+, here’s why F1 The Movie is distinctly worth experiencing in cinemas.

## F1 provides a singular cinematic experience that Apple TV+ cannot replicate

Apple is known for the iPhone, a device that—whether positively or negatively—has become a common way to watch movies and TV shows today. Yet, of all the films you might view on an iPhone, F1 should not be one of them.

Numerous individuals familiar with the F1 marketing campaign might think: “It’s an Apple film; it will eventually premiere on Apple TV+. I’ll hold off until then.” Indeed, F1 will make its way to Apple TV+ in due time. As my colleague Ben indicates, a mid-fall arrival is anticipated.

If you possess a large living room television and an excellent surround sound system, F1 will likely provide a superb at-home experience. However, one recurring theme in early reviews is that F1 truly warrants a theatrical screening.

Why? Because the film’s aim of capturing ultra-authentic racing scenes is best accomplished on the largest screen available—ideally IMAX. David Chen shares in his newsletter Decoding Everything:

> “The movie truly showcases its brilliance in the racing scenes. Pitt and Idris mastered driving actual F2 cars, and Kosinski and his team engineered new camera systems to incorporate high-quality sensors into the cockpits of those vehicles. The outcome is an immersion level seldom felt in theaters. It’s easy to believe these characters are genuinely in danger, racing at incredible speeds while attempting to navigate other vehicles and obstacles on the track… I can only describe it as one of the most remarkable IMAX experiences I’ve ever had.”

“It’s one of the most remarkable IMAX experiences I’ve ever had.”

Exploring the specifics of F1’s filming reveals further clarity.

## F1’s director discusses the movie’s racing sequences

In a discussion about the depth of immersion F1 achieves, director Joseph Kosinski shared with Collider:

> “Apple ended up being the perfect collaborator for us. I think Formula One aligns exceptionally well with their identity as a company—innovative and design-oriented. Thus, we were fortunate to utilize some of their technology, as Formula One cars are equipped with a small broadcast camera positioned right behind the driver’s head, transmitting 720p video for live broadcasts. They permitted us to swap that camera with an Apple camera that recorded 4K raw video at 24p, and they allowed us to install that camera on two or three cars in every race. While they weren’t receiving a live feed from that car, we captured high-quality footage that genuinely represented the experience of being in that race. This footage is incorporated throughout our film to provide the audience with an authentic perspective of what it’s like to be part of a real F1 race.”

In essence, F1 is the kind of film that delivers a unique viewing experience when enjoyed in IMAX or another large format. Your home TV setup, or your iPhone or iPad, simply cannot emulate the intended impact. Will F1 still be enjoyable on Apple TV+? Yes, the film has received very favorable reviews. However, for this specific film, the theatrical experience appears to be particularly vital.

Did you catch F1 The Movie in theaters, or are you planning to wait for Apple TV+? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Apple TV+ is accessible for $9.99 per month and includes popular TV shows and films such as Ted Lasso, Severance, The Morning Show, Silo, and Shrinking.

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Apple Reveals Absent Features in iOS 26 for EU Customers

### EU to Experience Postponed Introduction of iOS 26 Features Due to DMA Issues

Earlier this month, Apple introduced iOS 26, highlighting a variety of new features and enhancements. However, the corporation has confirmed that specific features will not be accessible to users in the European Union (EU) at the time of launch, mainly due to regulatory issues tied to the Digital Markets Act (DMA).

Apple’s dedication to adhering to the EU’s DMA implies that EU users will forfeit certain functionalities in iOS 26, at least in the beginning. According to a report by Edith Hancock in *The Wall Street Journal*, Apple disclosed that it would postpone the deployment of some proposed features in the EU due to regulatory obstacles.

One significant feature that will not be available in the EU is the “visited places” service, which monitors and logs users’ locations. This functionality is part of the updates being made to Apple Maps in iOS 26 and is regarded as a stepping stone to more advanced Apple Intelligence features.

While the “visited places” feature is the only one explicitly referenced by Apple as being absent from the EU launch, the company has suggested that other features might also encounter delays. Hancock reports that Apple is still assessing which features might not be accessible in the EU and is working on strategies to deliver them as promptly as possible.

Kyle Andeer, Vice President of Apple Legal, remarked, “We’ve already had to make the decision to delay the release of products and features we announced this month for our EU customers.” He stressed that users’ security may be at risk if the company is compelled to open its ecosystem to rivals.

This is not the first instance where EU users have faced delays in accessing particular iOS features. Since last year, functionalities like Apple Intelligence were not available in the EU until months following their initial launch, and the iPhone Mirroring feature for Macs remains unavailable.

As Apple navigates the intricacies of regulatory compliance in the EU, users in the region may continue to face delays in accessing new features that are readily available to their peers in other regions.

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Verizon Data Breach: 61 Million Customer Records Allegedly Up for Sale

### Verizon Data Breach: A Significant Security Issue

A reported data breach at Verizon has sparked considerable concern as hackers are allegedly selling a database with 61 million customer records. This database contains sensitive personal information that could be misused for phishing schemes and identity fraud.

#### What Information is Revealed?

The exposed data is said to include a variety of personal details, such as:

– Complete name
– Mailing address
– Birthdate
– Email address
– Telephone number(s)
– Tax ID number
– Additional identification codes

This broad spectrum of information presents serious dangers to individuals whose data may have been affected.

#### Credibility of the Data

Security analysts from SafetyDetectives have noted that although the data is up for sale, the samples given are insufficient to completely confirm their validity. Nonetheless, they indicate that the information seems credible and may have originated in 2025.

#### Dangers Linked to the Breach

If the data is verified as authentic, it poses multiple risks to consumers:

1. **Identity Theft**: With such comprehensive information at hand, assailants can impersonate individuals to open financial accounts, apply for loans, or submit fraudulent tax returns.

2. **Targeted Social Engineering or Phishing Attacks**: The elaborate personal information enables attackers to devise convincing scams via email, phone, or text, aiming to extract more sensitive data or trick individuals into making harmful choices.

3. **Financial Fraud**: Tax ID and address details can be misused to gain access to or reset online banking or financial service accounts, potentially resulting in unauthorized transactions.

4. **Account Takeover or Credential Recovery Exploitation**: Numerous online services rely on personal information like phone numbers and birthdates for identity verification. With this data, attackers could reset passwords and gain control of accounts across various platforms, including email and social networks.

#### Preventative Steps

Individuals are urged to stay alert to unexpected communications from service providers and banks, particularly if they mention personal information to establish legitimacy. If you receive a call or email that seems dubious, it is crucial to reach out to the company directly using a confirmed phone number.

#### Conclusion

The circumstances surrounding the purported Verizon data breach highlight the critical importance of data security and individual vigilance. As the inquiry progresses, remaining informed and cautious can aid in reducing the risks associated with such breaches. Further updates will be shared as more information becomes accessible from Verizon.

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Apple Music Unveils Replay All Time Function to Highlight Your Most Streamed Songs of All Time

Apple Music is celebrating its 10th anniversary today, commemorating ten years since its inception on June 30, 2015. To mark this occasion, Apple has rolled out various new initiatives designed to enhance the user experience and honor the platform’s growth.

Among the notable features is the **Replay All Time** playlist, which enables users to revisit their most streamed tracks since joining Apple Music. This tool provides a nostalgic glimpse into a user’s listening preferences over the last decade, making it a distinctive addition to the yearly Apple Music Replay experience.

Besides the Replay All Time playlist, Apple Music Radio will reveal the **top 500 most-streamed songs** from the past ten years. The countdown will kick off on July 1, unveiling 100 songs each day, with the top 100 being announced on July 5. A specialized playlist entitled **10 Years of Apple Music: Top Songs** will be launched, highlighting these hit tracks.

To further underline its dedication to live radio, Apple is introducing a new **global hub for artists** in Los Angeles. This cutting-edge facility spans three stories and 15,000 square feet, boasting advanced radio studios with immersive Spatial Audio playback, a soundstage for live performances, and designated areas for content production, including a photo lab and isolation booths for songwriting and interviews.

Apple Music Radio will also feature a week of special programming in honor of the anniversary. Highlights include a unique broadcast titled **“Don’t Be Boring: The Birth of Apple Music Radio”** with Zane Lowe and Ebro Darden, reflecting on the service’s formative years and its development over the last decade. The day will conclude with a live event celebrating the artists who have influenced Apple Music.

As Apple Music reaches this important milestone, users are invited to explore the new Replay All Time playlist and participate in the upcoming special programming on Apple Music Radio.

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Spotify Discover Weekly Unveils Tailored Update Enabling User Feedback for Suggestions

### Spotify’s Discover Weekly: A Decade of Music Exploration and Enhanced Genre Controls

Spotify’s Discover Weekly playlist has become essential for music enthusiasts since its inception ten years ago. Crafted to expose listeners to fresh artists and tracks suited to their preferences, it highlights up-and-coming musicians, serving as a valuable resource for both fans and artists. With more than 100 billion tracks identified through this feature, 77% of which come from less mainstream artists, Discover Weekly has established itself as a powerful venue for music exploration.

#### How Discover Weekly Functions

The algorithm powering Discover Weekly assesses users’ listening patterns, concentrating on their preferred artists and tracks. By juxtaposing these choices with those of other Spotify users, the algorithm assembles a customized playlist that incorporates tracks from artists that the listener might not have discovered otherwise. This strategy not only assists listeners in uncovering new music but also aids emerging artists in connecting with potential fans.

#### Responding to Evolving Preferences

A drawback of the Discover Weekly playlist has been its dependence on historical listening behavior, which may result in suggestions that do not match a user’s shifting musical inclinations. For example, a listener who mainly enjoys indie rock but is starting to explore hip-hop might find the suggestions less pertinent.

To remedy this concern, Spotify has rolled out new options for premium subscribers, empowering them to steer the trajectory of their Discover Weekly playlist. Users can now apply genre filters to direct the algorithm toward specific music styles they are interested in at the moment. This functionality allows listeners to modify their music exploration experience as their preferences evolve.

#### Accessing the New Options

To take advantage of the revamped Discover Weekly playlist, Spotify Premium subscribers need to go to the “Made for You” section within the app. By selecting their Discover Weekly playlist, they will discover the new genre controls at the top, provided they have the latest version of the app installed. This improvement is currently being implemented, so users may need to update their app to access the new features.

#### Conclusion

Spotify’s Discover Weekly has transformed how listeners find music over the last decade. With the rollout of genre controls for premium subscribers, the platform is making a notable stride in personalizing the music exploration process even more. This advancement not only enhances the user experience but also continues to aid emerging artists in reaching new audiences.

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Anticipations for Apple’s Alleged 2026 MacBook Incorporating an iPhone Chip

**Apple’s Upcoming MacBook: A New Chapter with A18 Pro Chip**

Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has revealed that Apple plans to unveil a new MacBook next year, featuring the A18 Pro chip, currently utilized in the iPhone 16 Pro series. This transition signifies a notable change in Apple’s strategy regarding its laptop range, especially concerning performance and pricing.

### Pricing Strategy

Though specific pricing information has not been released, Kuo’s insights imply that Apple might target a lower price point than the existing MacBook Air, which begins at $999. To appeal to a wider audience, the new MacBook could be priced around $799. This would constitute a considerable decrease, particularly with the frequent promotions on current models.

### Not a Comeback of the 12-Inch MacBook

There has been conjecture that this new version could represent the return of the 12-inch MacBook. Nevertheless, it seems that Apple is not revisiting that specific design philosophy. The 12-inch MacBook was a luxury product emphasizing style and portability, commanding a higher price. Instead, Apple appears to be reviving an entry-level option, akin to the forthcoming iPhone 17 Air.

### Performance Expectations

With the advent of Apple Silicon, performance metrics have significantly evolved. The A18 Pro chip is forecasted to deliver performance that matches or surpasses that of the current M1 MacBook Air. The multi-core performance is expected to be comparable, while the single-core performance is projected to be between the M3 and M4 models. Customers satisfied with the performance of the existing MacBook Air are likely to find the new version just as efficient, retaining the same 13-inch screen dimension.

### Differentiation Through Design

To set the new MacBook apart from the MacBook Air, Apple might introduce colorful cases for the entry-level version, contrasting with the more understated color options of the Air. This method could attract consumers desiring a lively appearance while enabling Apple to preserve the premium feel of the MacBook Air.

Additionally, Apple could explore the use of more affordable materials, reminiscent of the iPhone 5c’s colorful plastic design. This strategy could invoke fond memories of older models like the iBook, which showcased colorful designs that differentiated them from more costly alternatives.

### Potential Variations in Screen and Battery

As Apple transitions its MacBook portfolio from IPS LCD to OLED displays, the new MacBook may maintain the classic screen technology, while the MacBook Air could eventually shift to the newer display format. Furthermore, the energy efficiency of the A18 Pro chip might permit smaller batteries, leading to cost savings without sacrificing battery longevity.

### Future Pricing Dynamics

Historically, Apple has upheld a $999 price minimum for the MacBook Air. Should the new model be launched at a lower price, it could establish a pricing strategy where Apple raises the MacBook Air’s cost to retain a $200 difference. This tactic has been practiced previously, and while the new MacBook may debut at $799, the MacBook Air could see its price raised to $1,199 over time.

### Conclusion

The expected launch of a new MacBook powered by the A18 Pro chip signifies a strategic evolution for Apple, concentrating on performance and affordability. As the tech giant seeks to secure a larger market share, the introduction of vibrant designs and potential shifts in pricing strategy could reshape consumer perceptions of entry-level laptops. The tech community is keenly awaiting additional information as the release date nears.

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Examination of Apple’s App Store Terms Indicates Possible Worldwide Commission Rate of 20%

Apple has recently unveiled notable alterations to its App Store regulations within the European Union, hinting at a potential cut in its standard commission from 30% to 20%. This would be the inaugural instance of Apple reducing its commission for all developers and could assist in addressing persistent legal disputes with antitrust authorities worldwide.

Nevertheless, the new regulations are significantly intricate. They apply solely to applications distributed via Apple’s App Store and do not impact those utilizing alternative marketplaces or certain promotional deals. Developers are now presented with a dilemma between a 5% and a 13% commission, with some developers possibly facing a 10% reduction during specific periods. The shift from fixed-price fees to percentage-based fees is also undergoing changes, as Apple is presently contesting the rationale for these adjustments.

Industry insiders have voiced their irritation regarding the perplexing nature of the new regulations. Ryan Jones, the founder of Flighty, remarked that many individuals struggle to grasp the effects of the modifications. John Gruber pointed out that the complexity might be deliberate, making it difficult for developers and the general public to clearly express their concerns about Apple.

One interpretation of the new regulations indicates that developers in the EU may incur a 20% commission on in-app purchases, raising questions regarding a potential global implementation of this diminished rate. If this is accurate, it would result in an inequality where EU developers enjoy a more favorable division compared to those in other territories, unless Apple intends to apply similar modifications globally.

Considering Apple’s ongoing antitrust confrontations, including those in its home territory of the US, a worldwide reduction in the commission could serve as a strategic effort to restore developer goodwill and alleviate regulatory oversight.

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Apple Set to Introduce Budget MacBook Incorporating iPhone Chip, As Reported by Kuo

### Apple’s Imminent Budget-Friendly MacBook: What to Anticipate

Apple’s existing entry-level laptop, the $999 MacBook Air, might soon see a more economical counterpart. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has revealed that Apple is set to introduce a new, lower-cost MacBook model, potentially starting production in late 2025 or early 2026. This upcoming model is anticipated to feature the A18 Pro chip, also used in the iPhone 16 Pro series, instead of the M-series processors that have been typical in Apple’s latest laptops.

#### Aesthetics and Characteristics

The expected MacBook might offer a range of vibrant casing choices, such as silver, pink, and yellow, catering to a wider demographic seeking customization in their gadgets. Although the specific pricing details remain uncertain, Kuo mentions that Apple is targeting a production volume of 5-7 million units for 2026. This ambitious objective suggests that Apple is likely contemplating a considerably lower price point to draw significant sales, indicating a potential shift in their pricing approach.

#### Performance Overview

Even with an iPhone chip, the A18 Pro is predicted to provide sufficient performance for day-to-day computing needs. On Geekbench, the A18 Pro chip attains a single-core score of roughly 3539, just behind the M4 chip used in the Mac mini. Nonetheless, there is a striking disparity in multi-core performance, with the A18 Pro achieving 8772 compared to the M4’s 15000. For regular users, particularly those involved in single-core bound activities, this performance discrepancy may not be substantial.

The multi-core performance of the A18 Pro is akin to that of the original M1 chip from 2020, which continues to effectively serve many users. This implies that the new MacBook could satisfy the demands of casual users and students in need of a dependable machine for daily tasks without the higher cost associated with the MacBook Air.

#### Market Consequences

The triumph of this new MacBook model will heavily rely on its pricing strategy and how it stacks up against the MacBook Air. Apple has not historically released a laptop priced under the $999 threshold, making this prospective launch a noteworthy move for the company. If competitively priced, it could attract a novel customer segment that has been reluctant to invest in Apple’s pricier alternatives.

In summary, Apple’s upcoming budget-friendly MacBook could revolutionize its entry-level laptop sector. With the incorporation of the A18 Pro chip and an emphasis on vibrant designs, this model could resonate with a broader audience, provided it is priced wisely to accommodate the performance differences. As we look forward to more information, the tech community remains keen to observe how Apple will navigate this new landscape.

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