Tag: Source: 9to5mac.com

**Mobile Gaming Performance in 2025: Insights from Sensor Tower’s Report**

Sensor Tower has unveiled its State of Gaming 2026 report, offering a comprehensive examination of the mobile gaming industry’s performance in 2025 and forecasts for the next year. The results showcase notable trends and changes in consumer habits within the gaming market.

### Mobile Game Revenue Trends

In 2025, revenue from mobile games saw a slight rise of 1% compared to 2024, totaling $52.5 billion from the App Store alone, which indicates a year-over-year growth of 0.6%. This revenue surpasses the combined totals of Google Play ($30 billion) and Steam ($11.7 billion), even though Steam recorded the highest growth rate at 13%.

### Download Statistics

In contrast to revenue growth, the overall downloads across platforms witnessed a decline. The App Store logged 7.8 billion downloads in 2025, representing a 5.7% decrease, whereas Google Play noted a drop to 42.4 billion downloads, down by 7.3%. Conversely, Steam noted a rise in downloads, achieving 857 million, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 6%.

### New Game Releases

The volume of new game launches displayed significant differences across platforms. The App Store experienced an increase of 11.4%, totaling 55,300 new games, while Google Play led with about 150,000 new releases, representing a significant growth of 45.9%. Steam contributed around 20,000 new titles, with an increase of 8.4%.

### Dominance of Roblox

Roblox stood out as the top game in 2025, with nearly 450 million monthly active users, including around 100 million from iOS devices. It ranked as the leading app among both male and female users in the US within the 18-54 age range. Other prominent games included Clash Royale, which was favored by male players, and Block Blast!, popular among female users. For those aged 55 and above, NYT Games claimed the top spot.

### Conclusion

The State of Gaming 2026 report from Sensor Tower emphasizes a multifaceted landscape for mobile gaming in 2025, marked by increasing revenues alongside declining download figures. As the sector progresses, comprehending these trends will be vital for developers and marketers seeking to adeptly navigate the competitive gaming scene. For additional insights and a thorough analysis, consult the complete report linked [here](https://sensortower.com/report/state-of-gaming-2026).

**Spotify’s Intelligent Reorder Function: Improving Playlist Transitions**

In the competitive arena of music streaming platforms, Spotify has launched a new feature designed to elevate the listening experience for its Premium users. The Intelligent Reorder function allows individuals to smartly rearrange songs within their playlists, concentrating on two fundamental musical components: beats per minute (BPM) and key. This advancement aims to produce smoother transitions between tracks, enhancing the overall musical flow.

**How Intelligent Reorder Operates**

The Intelligent Reorder function employs algorithms to assess the BPM and key of tracks in a playlist. By clustering songs with matching tempos and tonalities, Spotify ensures that the shift from one song to the next appears more natural and unified. This automatic modification assists in sustaining the energy and ambiance of the playlist, making it especially advantageous for occasions like workouts, gatherings, or lengthy drives where continuous listening is preferred.

To utilize the Intelligent Reorder function, users can adhere to a straightforward two-step procedure:

1. Tap on “Mix” for a chosen playlist and then select “Edit” to reach the Intelligent Reorder option.
2. The songs will be automatically rearranged based on their BPM and key, leading to improved transitions.

**Enhancing Previous Features**

The launch of Intelligent Reorder builds upon Spotify’s earlier upgrades to track transitions. Last autumn, the platform started permitting users to insert and modify transition points in songs, further polishing the listening experience. This progression reflects Spotify’s dedication to equipping users with innovative tools that enrich their music enjoyment.

**Comparative Features in Other Streaming Platforms**

Spotify’s Intelligent Reorder is not the sole feature aimed at enhancing song transitions. Apple Music has also taken notable steps in this domain with its AutoMix feature, rolled out as part of iOS 26. AutoMix automatically modifies transitions without necessitating manual intervention, simplifying the process for users seeking seamless listening.

As competition escalates among music streaming platforms, features like Intelligent Reorder and AutoMix underscore the industry’s emphasis on improving user experience through technology. By focusing on smoother transitions and superior playlist management, these services are transforming how listeners interact with music.

In summary, Spotify’s Intelligent Reorder feature signifies a major progression in playlist management, enabling users to relish their favorite songs with enhanced flow and coherence. As music streaming continues to develop, such advancements will be vital in shaping the future of our musical experiences.

**Significant Savings on Apple Devices: 512GB M3 iPad Air and Apple Watch Ultra 3**

In the current roundup of tech bargains, noteworthy savings on sought-after Apple devices are in the spotlight. Specifically, the 512GB 13-inch M3 iPad Air is being offered at a remarkable $250 off, while the newest Apple Watch Ultra 3 has seen price reductions of up to $159. These offers are ideal for those wanting to elevate their tech without overspending.

### 512GB 13-inch M3 iPad Air

Amazon has cut the price of the 512GB 13-inch M3 iPad Air to **$999.99**, reduced from its standard price of **$1,249**. This discount is impressive, as such significant price drops on the M3 iPad Air are uncommon. The promotion is presently available exclusively for the gray color variant, which frequently sees these notable price cuts.

For individuals seeking more affordable choices, discounts are also applicable on the base model M3 iPad Air configurations, with savings of up to **$120** on the Wi-Fi only models. However, securing $250 off new models is nearly unprecedented, making this promotion especially appealing.

### Apple Watch Ultra 3 Offers

Alongside the iPad Air, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is also benefiting from considerable discounts. Brand new units are on sale at attractive prices, but the top bargains are found on “excellent” refurbished devices. Best Buy is providing these open-box varieties with a one-year warranty, ensuring buyers’ comfort.

Prices for the Apple Watch Ultra 3 have significantly dropped, with reductions reaching **$159 off** the original price. This presents a fantastic opportunity to consider upgrading to this premium smartwatch.

### Accessory Promotions

In addition to the major device savings, there are also striking deals on accessories. The Apple Crossbody Strap is available at up to **60% off**, and ZAGG’s Pro 2 Apple Pencil alternative is being sold for just **$30**, reduced from **$80**. Furthermore, SANDMARC has introduced a new 24x zoom Tetraprism 72mm iPhone Lens, which is also included in the ongoing promotions.

### Conclusion

With these significant reductions on the 512GB M3 iPad Air and the Apple Watch Ultra 3, now is the perfect moment for tech aficionados to make a purchase. Whether you’re aiming to boost your productivity with a new iPad or monitor your fitness with a smartwatch, these offers deliver outstanding value. Be sure to move swiftly, as these deals may not be available for long.

**tvOS 26.4: New Features for Apple TV 4K Users**

tvOS 26.4 is entering beta testing, with a release anticipated next month. This update brings several improvements for Apple TV 4K users. Here are three major changes to anticipate:

### 1. Subtitle Customization

A key feature in tvOS 26.4 is the option to personalize subtitles directly within the Apple TV app. Previously, these settings were tucked away in Accessibility, but now they can be easily accessed in the built-in video player.

When subtitles are activated, a new ‘Style’ menu will show up, enabling users to select from several styles, including:

– Classic
– Large Text
– Outline Text
– Transparent Background

Moreover, there is a ‘Manage Styles’ button that directs users to the Accessibility settings, allowing them to create personalized subtitle styles. This feature will enhance any app using the default tvOS video player, although many streaming services might still rely on their own players.

### 2. Continuous Audio Connectivity

tvOS 26.4 features a new ‘Continuous Audio Connection’ setting, located under Settings ⇾ Video and Audio ⇾ Audio Format, within the HDMI Output area. This option aims to improve compatibility with audio systems, especially Sonos speakers, but is expected to have wider implications.

Apple explains this toggle allows the Apple TV to utilize a Dolby MAT connection for smooth transitions between audio formats. This means that while older receivers might show Dolby Atmos, the original audio will be played correctly. Users facing audio setup challenges with their Apple TV may find that activating this feature may solve their issues.

### 3. Elimination of Movies and TV Shows iTunes Apps

With tvOS 26.4, Apple finalizes the shift of legacy iTunes apps into the TV app by removing the separate Movies and TV Shows apps. Most features from these apps have already been incorporated into the TV app, making this shift expected.

Nonetheless, users might miss the iTunes Wish List feature, which is being phased out. Apple suggests migrating any Wish List items to the TV app’s Watchlist. While the Watchlist isn’t identical to the Wish List, it offers an alternative for tracking preferred content.

As the official release of tvOS 26.4 nears, users are encouraged to explore these new features and prepare for the changes.

**Carrot Weather: An In-Depth Look at the Latest Update**

Carrot Weather stands out as a premier weather app for iPhone, celebrated for its extensive features and adaptability. The recent update has rolled out significant advancements, such as the inclusion of The Weather Channel as a novel data source, enhanced discussions from the National Weather Service, and a lively interface that enhances user engagement.

### New Data Source: The Weather Channel

A notable aspect of Carrot Weather is its capability to toggle between different data sources for weather updates. With this latest enhancement, users can now tap into forecasts from The Weather Channel, broadening the app’s already extensive selection of data options. Furthermore, the app enables users to retrieve hyper-local insights from Weather Underground personal weather stations, offering more accurate weather information tailored to particular areas.

### Lively Interface and Fresh Layouts

The interface of Carrot Weather is crafted for personalization, permitting users to choose various metrics and cards to showcase based on their preferences. The update launches a new “Sky” layout that incorporates dynamic visuals to represent current weather conditions. This layout can also be implemented in existing setups, improving both the design and functionality of the app. The aesthetic is reminiscent of the dynamic interface seen in Apple Weather, enhancing its visual allure and user-friendliness.

### Additional Features and Updates

This update introduces several additional enhancements to Carrot Weather:

– **Area Forecast Discussions**: Users now have access to forecast evaluations from local meteorologists at the National Weather Service, available through the menu button within the app.

– **Custom Backgrounds for Apple Watch**: Users can customize the background of the Carrot Weather app on their Apple Watch. To personalize their experience, users can go to Settings in the iPhone app, select Apple Watch, and pick their desired background.

### Release Notes Summary

The complete list of updates in the latest Carrot Weather release comprises:

– Fresh forecasts from The Weather Channel.
– Access to observations from adjacent Weather Underground stations.
– Launch of the Sky layout featuring realistic weather visuals.
– Area Forecast Discussions from local NWS meteorologists.
– Customizable backgrounds for the Apple Watch app.

### Availability

Carrot Weather can be downloaded from the App Store for iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and Apple Vision Pro, ensuring availability across a variety of devices.

For those seeking to enhance their weather monitoring experience, Carrot Weather remains a leading choice, merging functionality with an appealing user interface.

Apple is set to host a hardware launch event next week on March 4, with speculation suggesting that several new products will make their debut in the days leading up to it. Here’s a list of all the products Apple is believed to introduce next week.

## iPhone 17e

The iPhone 17 lineup has proven to be quite successful, and Apple is preparing to introduce one more model next week. The iPhone 17e will take the place of the iPhone 16e in Apple’s offerings. It is anticipated to retain the same starting price of $599, while incorporating several significant enhancements:

– A19 chip
– Center Stage front camera
– MagSafe compatibility
– C1X and N1 wireless chips
– Possibly: Dynamic Island instead of notch

The sales performance of the iPhone 16e remains uncertain, but the new 17e seems to promise a more robust overall product.

## A18 iPad and M4 iPad Air

Next week is expected to see the unveiling of two new iPads: an A18 base iPad and an iPad Air featuring the M4 chip. The fundamental design of both iPads is likely to remain unchanged from their predecessors, as these will primarily involve spec upgrades. Among the two, the base iPad is set to receive the more substantial upgrade with the A18 enabling Apple Intelligence support. An increasing number of iPadOS features rely on Apple Intelligence, which is expected to continue. The new iPad with an A18 chip will support the upcoming Siri later this year, as well as all current AI functionalities.

## New ‘MacBook’

Apple phased out its base model ‘MacBook’ a few years back, but a comeback is anticipated next week. The new MacBook is rumored to include:

– 12.9-inch display
– A18 Pro chip
– 8GB RAM
– Exciting color choices
– Approximately $699 price

It may not be the ideal machine for everyone, but Apple will likely market it as an excellent choice for PC and Chromebook users who already have an iPhone.

## MacBook Pro with M5 Pro and M5 Max

The M5 MacBook Pro was released several months ago in October, but only in the 14-inch model with the base M5 chip. Next week, both the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro equipped with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips are expected to launch. No design modifications are planned, as changes are being reserved for the redesigned M6 model later this year. Nevertheless, the new MacBook Pros are sure to deliver exceptional performance and will be promoted as the top laptops for AI-related tasks.

## Additional products that might launch: New Studio Display, M5 MacBook Air, Mac Studio

While the aforementioned products are largely anticipated to launch next week, there are a few extra devices that stand a solid chance of making their debut as well. The M5 MacBook Air appears to be the most probable of the additional offerings. Apple introduced the M4 model around this same time last year, and the stock of the MacBook Air seems to be reduced at Apple Stores.

Speculation suggests that a new Apple Studio Display and M5 Mac Studio may also be ready for presentation. The Studio Display 2 is rumored to feature a 120Hz ProMotion display, HDR support, and an A19 chip. Apple’s upcoming Mac Studio is expected to come in M5 Max and M5 Ultra configurations—the first Ultra chip since the M3 series.

Which new Apple products on the horizon are you most looking forward to? Share your thoughts in the comments.

# What’s New in iOS 26.4 Beta 2?

The second beta version of iOS 26.4 has unveiled various significant modifications and features, expanding on what the initial beta provided. Although it lacks the highly awaited Google Gemini-enhanced Siri functionalities, it still offers users a preview of upcoming improvements and adjustments.

## New Features and Updates

### Podcast Splash Screen
One of the major newcomers in this beta is a revamped splash screen for the Podcast app. This feature showcases the newly added video podcast functionality, enabling users to effortlessly toggle between video and audio formats, along with offline video playback.

### Games App Search Bar
The search feature in the Games app has been refreshed, with the search bar now located at the upper part of the interface. This adjustment reflects a similar enhancement made to the App Store during the first beta launch, improving user navigation.

### Dark Mode Enhancements
For those who favor dark mode, the Control Center context menus have undergone a visual update, now presenting a dark tint instead of the earlier bright white layout. This modification aligns with the overall dark mode aesthetic and enhances visibility.

### Music App Shortcut
A new shortcut has been integrated into the Music app’s profile page, enabling users to swiftly access Settings → Apps → Music. This simplifies the process of customizing controls related to the Music app.

### Accessibility Features
Within the Accessibility settings, a new option named “Reduce Highlighting Effects” has been added under Display & Text Size. While the precise effect of this feature on the user interface is not entirely clear, it is believed to adjust the spectral highlights of the display.

### Encrypted RCS Messaging
The beta additionally introduces the ability to send and receive encrypted RCS messages. While this feature first emerged in beta 1, beta 2 gives users the opportunity to actively test it with compatible carriers.

## Under-the-Hood Changes

### Redesign of Permissions Prompts
A major behind-the-scenes modification entails a planned overhaul of iOS permission prompts. The updated design will adopt a sheet view, moving away from the conventional pop-up style, which is expected to improve user experience.

### NSPredicateValidating Protocol
The SDK has introduced a new `NSPredicateValidating` protocol. This protocol appears to focus on validating predicates before evaluation, potentially lowering the risk of malware exploits that have impacted this API in the past.

### Studio Display Refresh
Rumors of an upcoming refresh of the Studio Display have emerged, suggesting that Apple is developing two new models. These displays are anticipated to feature enhanced audio capabilities and possibly touch functionality, either through touchscreens or capacitive buttons.

## Conclusion

While iOS 26.4 beta 2 may not present major user-facing features, it offers numerous notable updates and improvements that indicate future refinements within the iOS environment. Users are encouraged to explore these modifications and provide feedback on the developments of the beta.

### Adobe Launches Quick Cut: A New AI-Driven Editing Tool in Firefly

Adobe has unveiled the beta version of Quick Cut, a fresh feature in its Firefly suite that utilizes artificial intelligence to simplify the video editing experience. This cutting-edge tool is aimed at aiding creators by autonomously compiling numerous uploaded or generated video clips into a coherent initial edit, significantly minimizing the time and labor needed for early video production.

#### Now Available in Beta

Quick Cut is accessible for users uploading their raw video materials to Firefly. After the footage is uploaded, users can effortlessly click the Quick Cut button and give context related to the video’s content. This context can vary from an extensive interview to a product showcase, a podcast session, or a personal vlog.

Along with the context, users can define key parameters such as the preferred aspect ratio and speed. They also have the choice to upload or create a B-roll track, which aids in organizing supporting footage for easy access.

Upon delivering this information, Quick Cut analyzes the details and produces a preliminary edit of the video. The resulting multi-track edit enables creators to carry out additional modifications, edits, and iterations directly within Firefly, promoting a more efficient workflow prior to final release.

#### Optimizing the Editing Workflow

The key objective of Quick Cut is to catalyze the editing process by supplying creators with a foundational edit to enhance. Adobe underscores that this feature is particularly advantageous for those wishing to focus more on storytelling and narrative rather than dedicating excessive time stitching clips together.

As noted by Adobe, “We crafted Quick Cut to provide video creators with a distinct starting point they can mold, enhance, and personalize. It’s a rapid method to transition from ‘I have clips’ to ‘I have an edit to work with.’” This strategy not only conserves time but also enriches the creative process by enabling users to focus on their videos’ narrative flow.

#### Intended Audience and Applications

Quick Cut is anticipated to be particularly valuable for different kinds of content creators. For example, product reviewers can upload extended unboxing and testing videos, allowing Quick Cut to synchronize the edits with their narration effortlessly. Likewise, journalists can harness this feature to identify key moments in their interviews, simplifying the compilation of highlights and crucial content.

#### Other Firefly Features

In conjunction with the launch of Quick Cut, Adobe has revealed that new subscribers to Firefly Pro and Premium before March 16 will enjoy unlimited image and video generations up to 2K resolution. This includes access to third-party models, like Google’s Nano Banana Pro and Runway’s Gen-4 Image, expanding the creative possibilities available in the Firefly platform.

For further details about Adobe Firefly and its features, you can visit the official [Adobe Firefly website](https://www.adobe.com/products/firefly.html).

### Conclusion

Adobe’s Quick Cut feature marks a notable leap in video editing innovation, providing creators with a powerful instrument to streamline their workflow and elevate their storytelling abilities. As the beta version is launched, it holds the potential to revolutionize video content creation, rendering the editing process more accessible and effective for creators across diverse domains.

### The Journey of Touchscreen Macs: From Doubt to Embrace

#### A Retrospective View

In 2008, Steve Jobs, Apple’s co-founder, voiced significant doubt regarding the feasibility of touchscreen Macs, describing the idea as “atrocious.” His apprehensions stemmed from ergonomic concerns, noting that upright touch surfaces could lead to user tiredness and discomfort. Over the years, Apple engaged in comprehensive user evaluations, validating Jobs’ initial doubts about the practicality of touchscreen interfaces on conventional computing devices.

#### The Influence of the iPad

The realm of touchscreen technology underwent a considerable transformation with the launch of the iPad in 2010. This device developed from a straightforward touch interface to a multifunctional tool that could serve as a laptop when connected to a keyboard. Users began to value the versatility of utilizing both touch and trackpad inputs, resulting in a more cohesive experience. This progression has sparked conversations regarding the possibility of touchscreen features in Macs, as consumer preferences have gravitated toward hybrid interaction models.

#### Criteria for Adoption

As conversations surrounding touchscreen Macs gained momentum, some users, including technology commentators, voiced their apprehensions. Two key criteria emerged for the acceptance of a touchscreen Mac:

1. **Pricing Factors**: Users expressed hesitation about investing in a feature they may not frequently use. The preferred arrangement would involve offering both touchscreen and non-touchscreen versions at similar price points.

2. **Maintaining macOS Authenticity**: There was a significant wish to retain the classic macOS experience without sacrificing its functionality for touch features. Users were keen on avoiding a situation where macOS would be simplified, becoming a less versatile interface similar to iPadOS.

#### Recent Developments and Assurance

Recent news, especially from Bloomberg, suggests that Apple might have discovered a method to incorporate touchscreen capabilities without undermining the macOS user experience. The proposed approach features a responsive interface that adjusts according to user engagement. When a user taps a button or control, a contextual menu is displayed, offering relevant choices tailored to touch commands. This flexible strategy aims to preserve the default macOS interface while improving usability for touch interactions.

#### Final Thoughts

The potential rollout of touchscreen Macs signifies a major change in Apple’s perspective on computing. Although initial skepticism from industry figures like Steve Jobs brought forward legitimate concerns, the evolution of user desires and technology has opened the path for a more unified experience. As Apple continues to push boundaries, the challenge will lie in balancing touch features with the comprehensive, precise capabilities that macOS users anticipate. The future of touchscreen Macs could not only redefine our interaction with devices but also enrich the overall user experience in significant ways.

**Apple’s Initial Foldable iPhone: Anticipated Features**

Leaker Fixed Focus Digital has disclosed fresh information about Apple’s eagerly awaited foldable iPhone through Weibo, unveiling thrilling aspects of its design and specifications.

### Nearly Crease-Free Design

Recent findings, including one from UDN, indicated that Apple may have reached a major milestone in foldable technology, potentially leading to a crease-free iPhone Fold. Fixed Focus Digital has offered precise metrics showing that the crease in the gadget will be managed to under 0.15mm, with a bend angle beneath 2.5 degrees. This suggests that the crease could be almost undetectable both visually and to the touch, aligning with prior assertions of a design breakthrough.

To contextualize this, a typical sheet of paper has a thickness of about 0.1mm. Hence, the crease on the foldable iPhone might feel less pronounced than the experience of gliding a finger over two stacked sheets of paper.

### Manufacturing and Launch Schedule

Alongside the design specifics, Fixed Focus Digital affirmed that the production line has started to receive manufacturing orders for Apple’s foldable display, hinting that the device is poised to launch this year. This information supports earlier reports that indicated Apple’s schedule for the foldable iPhone is progressing as planned.

### Final Thoughts

As Apple gears up to venture into the foldable smartphone sector, the progress in crease-free technology and the confirmed manufacturing timeline hint at a bright future for the company’s inaugural foldable iPhone. Fans and customers are steadily anticipating more announcements and the official reveal of this groundbreaking device.