Tag: Source: 9to5mac.com

### Today’s 9to5Toys Lunch Break: Irresistible Offers on Apple Products

In the newest edition of the 9to5Toys Lunch Break, an array of appealing offers on Apple products has surfaced, presenting a fantastic chance for tech aficionados to enhance their devices. Here’s a summary of the top deals available today.

#### 1. Unlocked 1TB iPhone 16 Pro Max at $650 Off

For shoppers seeking a high-capacity smartphone, Amazon is currently listing the **1TB iPhone 16 Pro Max** for **$949 shipped**, which marks a notable **$650 discount** from its original price of $1,599. This offer is particularly attractive as it undercuts the price of the comparable **iPhone 17 Pro Max**, which is priced at $1,599, and is **$320 less** than the price shown on Apple’s official refurbished store. Amazon’s Premium Renewed units come with a 365-day refund or replacement guarantee, making it a trustworthy choice for consumers.

#### 2. All AirPods Max (USB-C) Colors at $100 Off

Amazon is also offering all five hues of the latest **AirPods Max (USB-C)** at **$449 shipped**, reduced from the standard price of $549. This **$100 reduction** is applicable to all color choices: Midnight, Blue, Orange, Starlight, and Purple. This offer is an excellent chance for anyone looking to obtain Apple’s premier over-ear headphones, particularly after missing opportunities during past holiday sales.

#### 3. 24GB M4 Pro MacBook Pro at $440 Off

For those contemplating a new laptop, Best Buy has a deal on the **M4 Pro MacBook Pro**. Open-box units are available for **$2,058.99 shipped**, which is **$440 off** the retail price. This model boasts a 16-inch display, 24GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD. Although the new M5 Pro models are approaching, the M4 Pro continues to be a robust option for users seeking performance without the premium cost of the latest models.

#### 4. Apple Watch Series 11 Models at Best Prices Ever

The **Apple Watch Series 11** is also experiencing significant price cuts, with the **42mm Rose Gold variant** now available for **$299 shipped**, down from $399. Furthermore, the **46mm Jet Black version** is priced at **$329 shipped**, both matching the lowest prices recorded since their launch. These offers provide a superb opportunity for anyone looking to invest in Apple’s newest wearable tech.

#### 5. ZAGG Pro Keys 2 for M4/M5 iPad Pro at 57% Off

A remarkable accessory deal is the **ZAGG Pro Keys 2** for M4/M5 iPad Pro, now available for **$65**, reflecting a **57% reduction** from its usual price of $150. This keyboard case features a polycarbonate design with drop protection, a laptop-style keyboard, and Bluetooth multi-device pairing, making it a practical choice for iPad users.

#### 6. Official Apple Crossbody Strap at New Low Prices

Finally, the **official Apple Crossbody Strap** is seeing price reductions, with some colors available for as little as **$24**, accounting for up to **60% off** the original price. This is a wonderful opportunity to acquire a chic and functional accessory for your Apple devices.

### Conclusion

With these outstanding deals on Apple products, today is a prime opportunity for consumers to enhance their tech at substantial savings. Whether you’re in pursuit of a new iPhone, headphones, laptop, or accessories, these offers are definitely worth considering before they disappear.

iOS 26.4 is now in beta, loaded with numerous new functionalities. Here’s a summary of the latest additions to six iPhone applications in iOS 26.4.

## Apple Music

Apple Music is introducing five new features in iOS 26.4, making it one of the most significant updates for the app.

New features comprise:

– Playlist Playground, an AI-driven playlist generator
– Stunning new fullscreen interface for albums and playlists
– Ambient Music widgets for the Home Screen
– Concert details for artists and nearby venues
– Option to add tracks to multiple playlists simultaneously

## Reminders

In iOS 26.4, Apple enhances the ‘Urgent’ reminders feature that first appeared in iOS 26.2. Now, all your ‘Urgent’ reminders are accessible from a dedicated ‘Urgent’ smart list at the top of the app, allowing you to easily view your most critical, time-sensitive tasks in one location.

## Apple Podcasts

Beginning with iOS 26.4, the Podcasts app will offer an “enhanced video podcast experience.” Users will be able to transition effortlessly between viewing and listening to shows, download videos for offline viewing, and benefit from automatic quality adjustments for smooth playback regardless of network conditions.

## Apple TV

Apple’s TV app simplifies changing subtitle styles in iOS 26.4. While watching a video, users can tap the Subtitles button to find a new Style menu featuring options like Classic, Large Text, Outline Text, and Transparent Background.

## Health

iOS 26.4 introduces a new Highlight for sleep data: bedtime, providing a quick visual summary of bedtime patterns over the past two weeks. It also reinstates Blood Oxygen readings to the Vitals graph for Apple Watch users.

## Freeform

iOS 26.4 brings premium features to Freeform, including the Content Hub for access to Apple-curated images, graphics, and backgrounds, along with the capability to generate new AI images utilizing OpenAI’s image models.

Which new app features in iOS 26.4 are you most looking forward to? Share your thoughts in the comments.

### 9to5Mac Daily: Your Go-To Source for Daily Tech Updates

In the dynamic realm of technology, keeping up-to-date is essential. 9to5Mac Daily provides a handy method to refresh your knowledge on the latest Apple news and advancements through its daily podcast. Each episode delivers a summary of the prominent stories, guaranteeing that listeners remain informed with the most significant information in the tech sector.

#### Podcast Access

Listeners can tune in to 9to5Mac Daily on various platforms, such as:
– [iTunes and Apple’s Podcasts app](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)
– [Dedicated RSS feed](https://feedpress.me/9to5macdaily) for Overcast and other podcast applications.

New episodes are released every weekday, making it simple for tech aficionados to incorporate the freshest news into their daily schedule.

#### Sponsorship and Support

9to5Mac Daily is backed by BenQ, which provides smarter displays tailored for Mac users. Furthermore, listeners can directly support the podcast by subscribing to 9to5Mac Daily Plus, which offers ad-free episodes and exclusive content.

#### Engaging with the Community

Listeners are invited to share their opinions and feedback. They can contact via email at [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]) or leave reviews on platforms like Apple Podcasts and Overcast. This engagement supports the podcast’s growth and helps it reach a broader audience.

#### Conclusion

For anyone keen on Apple and tech updates, 9to5Mac Daily is an indispensable resource. With its user-friendly format and captivating content, it ensures that listeners are consistently informed about the latest events in the tech industry. Subscribe today to stay updated!

Apple is set to unveil new products next week, as confirmed earlier today by CEO Tim Cook. The iPhone 17e will be among these releases, and here are the anticipated features.

### A19 Chip

The iPhone 17e is predicted to feature the newest A19 chip, the same chip that was introduced in last fall’s iPhone 17. By incorporating the A19 into its entry-level model, Apple is ensuring that the iPhone 17e remains relevant for users who don’t upgrade regularly. The A19’s power and efficiency, along with its Neural Engine for AI functions, will enable the iPhone 17e to compete strongly with higher-priced alternatives.

### MagSafe Support

When the iPhone 16e was released, it provided a number of contemporary features at a reduced cost, but the absence of MagSafe support was a major drawback. MagSafe has been integrated into the iPhone lineup since the debut of the iPhone 12 in 2020. Luckily, the iPhone 17e is anticipated to include MagSafe support, responding to user feedback from the previous year.

### 18MP Center Stage Front Camera

One of the most unexpected features rumored for the iPhone 17e is the front-facing camera. Reports suggest that the iPhone 17e will receive the new 18MP Center Stage front camera that first appeared in the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro. While no additional camera modifications are foreseen, this upgrade represents a considerable enhancement.

### C1X and N1 Wireless Chips

The iPhone 16e was the pioneer model to incorporate an Apple-designed 5G modem, the C1. The newer C1X modem, which launched last fall, is expected to be featured in the iPhone 17e, along with the N1 wireless chip that governs Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Thread. These Apple-engineered chips are expected to improve wireless connectivity.

### Maybe: Dynamic Island Instead of Notch

Rumors persist that the iPhone 17e might undergo a design alteration, replacing the notch with a Dynamic Island. This modification would modernize the device’s appearance and introduce Dynamic Island software features to the ‘e’ series for the first time. However, recent speculation has varied on whether this change will indeed take place.

### iPhone 17e New Features: Wrap-Up

The iPhone 17e is projected to keep the same price of $599 as its previous version, potentially increasing the base storage from 128GB to 256GB. Despite certain limitations, like a 60Hz display without ProMotion and just one rear camera, the enhancements render the iPhone 17e an appealing choice at a competitive price.

Are you considering purchasing the iPhone 17e? Share your thoughts in the comments.

**Star City: A Fresh Chapter in the For All Mankind Universe**

Apple TV’s critically acclaimed space drama, *For All Mankind*, is gearing up for its fifth season next month, but the excitement doesn’t end there. The streaming service has unveiled the launch of *Star City*, a spinoff series that will explore the Soviet viewpoint of the space race. Set to premiere on **May 29**, the show will kick off with two episodes, followed by weekly installments through July 10.

### Overview of Star City

*Star City* is characterized as an exhilarating investigation of the events surrounding the space race, especially concentrating on the pivotal moment when the Soviet Union achieved the milestone of being the first nation to successfully land a man on the moon. This fresh series promises to deliver a distinctive perspective, highlighting the experiences of cosmonauts, engineers, and intelligence officers engaged in the Soviet space initiative.

Apple characterizes the series as “a fast-paced paranoid thriller,” underscoring the dangers and obstacles encountered by those pushing the boundaries of human exploration beyond our planet. The creative team for *Star City* includes Ben Nedivi, Matt Wolpert, and Ronald D. Moore, who also played a role in *For All Mankind*.

### Cast and Production

The cast features Rhys Ifans, celebrated for his performance in *House of the Dragon*, adding a formidable presence to the storyline. The involvement of the same creative talents from *For All Mankind* indicates that *Star City* will uphold the exceptional storytelling and production quality that viewers have come to appreciate.

### Viewing Information

Fans of *For All Mankind* can revisit the first four seasons on Apple TV before immersing themselves in the new spinoff. The launch of *Star City* aligns with the season finale of *For All Mankind*, ensuring a smooth transition for viewers from one captivating story to another.

Apple TV is offered for a subscription price of **$12.99 per month**, with available discounts through the Apple One bundle, making it easy for eager viewers to engage with these fascinating tales.

### Conclusion

With *Star City* on the horizon, expanding the narrative of *For All Mankind*, audiences can anticipate an intriguing exploration of the space race from a fresh perspective. As the series vows to weave historical events with thrilling drama, it is set to captivate both loyal fans and new viewers alike.

**Samsung Galaxy S26: An In-Depth Exploration of New AI Features**

Samsung has a rich history of being a pioneer in technological advancements, frequently revealing new functionalities prior to its rivals. The most recent version, the Galaxy S26, features a collection of AI capabilities aimed at improving user interaction, resembling some aspects of Apple’s AI solutions. Nevertheless, initial reactions indicate that these features might not meet the anticipated expectations.

### New AI Features

The AI functionalities of the Galaxy S26 include a utility called Nudge, which is designed to offer timely recommendations to assist users in reducing distractions. For example, Nudge might remind users to share holiday pictures when a friend shows interest in previous journeys. However, this illustration raises questions about the overall effectiveness of the feature, as it seems to represent one of the limited specific applications provided.

In a similar vein, the Now Brief feature seeks to provide customized notification summaries, comparable to Apple’s notification handling. Although Samsung asserts that Now Brief is significantly more proactive now, information regarding its improvements remains unclear. Users are left pondering the efficiency of this tool, particularly in light of its unimpressive performance in earlier models.

### Criticism of Feature Presentation

Observers have pointed out a trend among technology firms, including Samsung, where they promote an extensive range of capabilities without delivering substantial examples of their real-world applications. This strategy can result in letdowns when users find that the actual performance falls short of what was promised. The Magic Cue feature on Google Pixel devices exemplifies this trend, where promotional showcases demonstrated the full range of features rather than implying broader functionalities.

### Conclusion

As the Galaxy S26 is introduced, the response to its AI features remains tentative. While Samsung intends to establish itself as a frontrunner in AI innovation, the preliminary feedback suggests that the features may be underdeveloped and lack the necessary depth to effectively rival competing products. As the technological landscape progresses, it remains uncertain whether Samsung can enhance these tools to fulfill user needs or if similar deficiencies will be evident in future launches from competitors such as Apple.

**Apple’s Upcoming Product Reveal: What to Anticipate**

Apple’s CEO Tim Cook has formally declared that the technology giant will present new products starting Monday morning. This initiates an exhilarating release cycle for Apple fans and industry observers. After the announcement, a hands-on experience event will take place on Wednesday, allowing participants to engage with the new products directly. Significantly, 9to5Mac’s Chance Miller will be in New York City to report on the event.

The teaser issued by Apple indicates “a significant week” ahead, stirring excitement among consumers and analysts. Although specific information regarding the products to be revealed has not been shared, there is much speculation surrounding possible updates to current product lines, including the iPhone, iPad, Mac, and potentially new accessories or services.

As Apple persists in innovating and broadening its product range, this week’s events are anticipated to shed light on the company’s future trajectory and technological progress. Both fans and investors will be keenly observing the announcements for any transformative features or upgrades that could influence the market.

Stay tuned for updates as the week unfolds, and get ready for what vows to be an exhilarating display of Apple’s newest innovations.

**Apple’s Bargaining with Samsung: A Transformation in Power Dynamics**

Apple Inc. has always been known for its effective negotiation strategies, often achieving advantageous terms with suppliers by capitalizing on competition among them. Nevertheless, recent reports indicate a notable shift in this scenario, especially in Apple’s negotiations with Samsung concerning RAM procurement.

As per a report from investment platform DealSight, Samsung initially sought a 60% price hike for LPDDR5X memory chips utilized in iPhones. However, the company suggested an astonishing 100% increase, hoping Apple would negotiate it down to a more acceptable rate. Contrary to what was anticipated, Apple agreed to the entire 100% increase, emphasizing a pressing need to secure memory inventory amid a global shortage.

The semiconductor sector is presently witnessing unmatched demand, resulting in considerable price surges for memory chips. This scarcity has weakened Apple’s traditionally robust negotiation leverage, compelling the tech giant to adjust to the difficult market environment. Numerous firms in the tech industry have encountered similar price escalations, frequently surpassing 100%, as they strive to obtain vital components for their products.

An unnamed industry representative remarked on the scenario, observing that Samsung’s original strategy was centered around a 60% hike, but Apple’s immediate acceptance of the 100% increase highlights the urgency among smartphone makers to sustain their supply chains.

While doubts surround the particulars of this negotiation, the larger consequences are apparent. Prominent tech firms, Apple included, are contending with escalating costs and supply limitations, which may influence pricing strategies and product availability in the forthcoming period.

In summary, the recent interactions between Apple and Samsung highlight the changing landscape in the tech sector, where supply chain difficulties can significantly shift traditional power dynamics in supplier negotiations.

**Enterprise Access Control: The Progression with Aliro 1.0**

Enterprise access control has historically been viewed as a “legacy” technology, frequently depending on antiquated systems that can be unwieldy for both users and IT departments. Typically, these systems operate on Windows and employ physical cards, leading to a disjointed experience. Nevertheless, the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA) is tackling these issues with the rollout of the Aliro 1.0 specification, which seeks to standardize the interaction between mobile devices and access control systems.

### What is Aliro?

The Connectivity Standards Alliance is recognized for its contribution to the development of Matter, a protocol aimed at integrating smart home devices. Conversely, Aliro concentrates exclusively on physical access control across multiple industries, such as enterprise, government, healthcare, and residential contexts. This standard not only includes how mobile devices like smartphones unlock entrances but also details how users badge into their workplaces.

Aliro establishes a universal communication protocol that enables various organizations to design and manage digital keycards independent of any particular vendor’s application. It delineates secure authentication techniques between smartphones or wearables and door readers, endorsing technologies like Near Field Communication (NFC) for tap access, Bluetooth Low Energy for extended-range communication, and Ultra-Wideband for touchless unlocking.

Tobin Richardson, President and CEO of the Connectivity Standards Alliance, pointed out that Aliro deals with fragmentation in the adoption of digital keys, crafting a seamless and secure experience that transcends merely entering buildings. This standard aims to minimize integration complexities, promoting quicker innovation and shorter timeframes for bringing new access control solutions to market.

### Industry Support for Aliro

The Aliro standard has received backing from prominent technology firms, including Apple, ASSA ABLOY, Google, Infineon Technologies, Last Lock, Samsung, and STMicroelectronics. These companies have worked together to formulate the Aliro 1.0 specification, and many are anticipated to be among the first to gain certification for products that comply with this standard.

### The Apple Wallet Advantage

An important aspect of the Aliro 1.0 rollout is the support from leading mobile wallet providers, especially Apple, Google, and Samsung. Previously, Apple’s Home Key feature was mostly confined to residential smart locks, but Aliro seeks to broaden this convenience to enterprise and multi-unit dwellings.

With Aliro, credentials can be saved directly in Apple Wallet on iOS devices. This integration enables employees to unlock office doors using the same approach they utilize for mobile payments or boarding flights. By utilizing Apple’s Ultra-Wideband technology, users can unlock doors effortlessly by moving close with their iPhone or Apple Watch, enhancing both security and ease of use.

### The Future of Access Control

From an IT standpoint, Aliro confronts the vendor lock-in dilemma that has traditionally burdened physical access control systems. Organizations often found themselves bound to specific software ecosystems based on the readers they deployed. Aliro’s universal protocol alleviates this issue, allowing interoperability among lock manufacturers, access control providers, and mobile platforms.

As the industry shifts away from legacy systems, the Aliro standard is set to modernize access control, creating a more user-centric experience akin to the Home Key functionality. The Aliro 1.0 certification program is now active, and the initial compatible enterprise hardware is expected to enter the market shortly.

In conclusion, the launch of Aliro 1.0 marks a pivotal improvement in enterprise access control, offering a more integrated, secure, and user-friendly experience for both consumers and organizations.

**Instagram’s Updated Parental Notification System for Self-Harm Queries**

Instagram has revealed a notable policy shift intended to boost the protection of its adolescent users. The platform will now inform parents if their teenage kids repeatedly look up content related to self-harm or suicide. This action arises amid mounting examination of social media’s effects on mental well-being, especially among younger demographics.

### Context of the Matter

Meta’s CEO Mark Zuckerberg has undergone rigorous questioning concerning Instagram’s influence in possibly promoting self-harm in minors. In a recent court session, he voiced regret about the firm’s earlier treatment of underage users and recognized that more could have been accomplished for their safety. The scrutiny escalated after families asserted that Instagram content had played a role in their children’s mental health issues.

Zuckerberg’s testimony underscored internal grievances regarding the insufficiency of age verification processes, particularly for users below 13. He acknowledged that while Meta has enhanced its capabilities in recognizing underage users, he wished the organization had moved more quickly.

### New Alert System

In light of these issues, Instagram will introduce a notification system that informs parents if their teens partake in repeated searches for self-harm or suicide-related material. The company intends to prevent such searches and guide users towards resources and helplines that can offer assistance.

The alerts will be delivered using the contact details associated with Instagram, which could encompass text messages, emails, WhatsApp communications, or in-app notifications. This feature is set to debut in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada, with intentions to extend to additional nations later in the year.

### Objective and Effect

The main aim of this initiative is to equip parents with insights into their children’s online activities, particularly concerning delicate issues like mental health. By alerting parents about troubling search trends, Instagram aspires to foster discussions and furnish families with essential resources to assist their teens.

This policy shift signifies a growing acknowledgment of the obligation social media platforms bear in protecting their users, particularly vulnerable groups like teenagers. As discussions on mental health and social media progress, Instagram’s new strategy may set a precedent for other platforms aiming to improve user safety.

### Closing Thoughts

Instagram’s choice to alert parents of potentially harmful searches represents a significant advancement in tackling the mental health challenges confronting younger users. As the platform rolls out this new feature, it will be crucial to assess its effectiveness and the wider consequences for social media’s involvement in mental health support.