Tag: Source: 9to5mac.com

Amazon’s 2026 Big Spring Sale has officially commenced, offering a diverse selection of substantial savings across multiple categories, including electronics, smart home gadgets, and accessories. This sale highlights important price reductions on sought-after items, creating a prime chance for shoppers to save on popular products.

### Major Discounts on Apple Products

A key feature of the sale is the impressive savings on Apple products. Shoppers can discover discounts of up to **$400 off** on various Apple Watch models, such as the latest Series 9, 10, and 11, along with the Ultra 2. For example, the **41mm Apple Watch Series 9 GPS + Cell model** is listed at **$299**, reduced from its original price of **$699**.

Furthermore, the **AirPods Pro 3** are now offered at **$199**, with pre-orders for the **AirPods Max 2** available alongside trade-in deals providing up to **$130 off** when upgrading from older versions.

### MacBook Air and Pro Deals

The sale also showcases remarkable discounts on the **MacBook Air** range, with last-generation M4 models seeing price cuts of up to **$300 off**. The latest M5 models are also competitively priced, for instance, the **13-inch M5 MacBook Air 16GB/512GB** for **$1,049** (regularly $1,099).

For those looking at the **MacBook Pro**, the M5 variants have received discounts too, starting from **$1,479** with savings of up to **$200 off** the original prices.

### iPad Air Discounts

The **iPad Air** collection is also featured in the Big Spring Sale, with reductions of up to **$200 off** on both the older-generation M3 models and the newly launched M4 models. This is an excellent chance for consumers eager to enhance their tablet experience.

### Smart Home and Accessory Deals

In addition to Apple products, the sale encompasses a variety of smart home gadgets and accessories. Highlighted offers include discounts on **ecobee thermostats**, **UGREEN NASync systems**, and **Govee smart lighting** items. Anker chargers are prominently featured as well, featuring discounts of up to **40%** on popular charging tools.

### Conclusion

Amazon’s 2026 Big Spring Sale offers an exceptional opportunity for consumers to exploit significant markdowns across a broad spectrum of products, especially within the electronics sector. With promotions on Apple gadgets, MacBooks, iPads, and smart home accessories, shoppers can discover outstanding bargains during this promotional period.

**Extension of Apple Music in Buick and GMC Vehicles**

In December 2023, General Motors (GM) commenced the launch of a dedicated native Apple Music app for chosen Cadillac and Chevrolet models. Following this, GM has revealed an extension of the Apple Music app to incorporate selected Buick and GMC vehicles, improving the audio streaming experience for drivers.

### Supported Models

The following Buick and GMC vehicles will now support the Apple Music app:

**Buick:**
– 2026 Enclave
– 2026 Envision

**GMC:**
– 2025–2026 Acadia
– 2025–2026 Canyon
– 2025–2026 Sierra EV
– 2025–2026 Terrain
– 2025–2026 Yukon and Yukon XL
– 2026 HUMMER EV SUV and HUMMER EV Pickup

Starting today, the Apple Music app will automatically appear in these vehicles, supporting GM’s assertion that Apple Music is now accessible in around 1.2 million cars on the road.

### Audio Streaming Integration

As part of GM’s OnStar Basics package, audio streaming apps, including Apple Music, will be included for eight years in new GM vehicles. This integration enables drivers to enjoy their favorite music effortlessly while driving.

### Context and Implications

The launch of a native Apple Music app is viewed as a response to GM’s choice to discontinue CarPlay in its upcoming electric vehicles (EVs). This transition has sparked concerns among consumers who appreciate the complete functionality that CarPlay provides, including access to Apple Maps, Apple Podcasts, and various third-party iPhone applications. The native Apple Music app acts as a partial replacement for the CarPlay experience, yet many features are still lacking.

### Conclusion

With the introduction of the Apple Music app to Buick and GMC vehicles, GM is making strides to enhance the in-car entertainment experience for its customers. However, the continuous decline of CarPlay support prompts questions about the future of integrated smartphone functionality in GM’s vehicle lineup.

# iOS 26.4: Fresh Features and Improvements for iPhone Users

iOS 26.4 has been released for all iPhone users, presenting a multitude of new features and upgrades across various applications, such as Apple Music, Apple Podcasts, Messages, and more. This article highlights the main updates and capabilities that accompany this newest version of iOS.

## iOS 26.4 Overview

To install iOS 26.4, users need to access the Settings app on their iPhone, select General, and then opt for Software Update. The update can either be installed instantly or scheduled for overnight automatic installation.

## New Features in iOS 26.4

### Apple Music Upgrades

iOS 26.4 places a strong focus on Apple Music, introducing numerous new features:

1. **Concerts**: Users can now find concerts and tour dates for artists in their Apple Music Library.
2. **Full-Screen Artwork**: Albums and playlists now showcase fresh full-screen artwork that enriches the listening experience.
3. **Revamped Profile Section**: The profile section has been redesigned for easier account and subscription management.
4. **Multiple Playlist Additions**: Users are able to add a single track to multiple playlists at once.

### Offline Music Detection

The Shazam widget in Control Center now operates offline, enabling users to recognize songs without internet access. Results will be provided automatically once the device is connected again.

### Playlist Creator

A new feature called Playlist Creator allows users to generate playlists using text descriptions. For instance, typing “sad songs from the 1990s for a rainy day” will create a playlist based on that description. This feature is still in beta but demonstrates Apple’s use of AI technology.

### New Emoji

iOS 26.4 brings eight new emoji, including:
– Ballet Dancer
– Distorted Face
– Fight Cloud
– Hairy Creature
– Landslide
– Orca
– Trombone
– Treasure Chest

### New Widgets

A new assortment of Ambient Music widgets is now available for the Home Screen, allowing users to play music tailored for various moods: Chill, Productivity, Sleep, and Wellbeing. These widgets are available in small and medium sizes.

### Reminders App Enhancements

The Reminders app now includes a Smart List that outlines all tasks marked as urgent, building upon the “Urgent” feature introduced in iOS 26.2.

### Apple Podcasts Updates

Apple Podcasts has undergone a notable update with enhanced video podcast functionalities, streamlining the switch between video and audio formats. The update also includes support for dynamic video advertisements.

### Apple Health Improvements

iOS 26.4 adds new Sleep and Vitals data to the Apple Health app, including an average bedtime metric and the return of Blood Oxygen readings to the Vitals graph.

### Keyboard Precision Improvements

The update enhances keyboard accuracy by resolving a bug that caused characters to register as tapped but not entered, improving the Auto-Correction feature.

### CarPlay Improvements

Two new features for CarPlay include:
1. Support for voice-activated AI chatbots, enabling apps like Google and OpenAI to incorporate voice interactions.
2. The Ambient Music widget can now also be integrated into CarPlay.

### Stolen Device Security

Stolen Device Security is now enabled by default, requiring Face ID verification for specific tasks when away from trusted locations.

### Liquid Glass Customization

iOS 26.4 introduces new options to customize Liquid Glass effects in the Accessibility menu, including a feature to lessen bright effects and improved motion reduction settings.

### Family Sharing Improvements

Adult family members can now utilize their own payment methods for purchases without depending on the family organizer.

### App Store Modifications

The Search bar has been relocated back to the top of the Search tab in the App Store, and the apps and purchase history screens have been consolidated in the Settings app.

### Additional Features and Modifications

– Age verification has been introduced for users in the UK.
– A new toggle for Audio Zoom in the Camera settings.
– Redesigned Wallpaper and Apple Watch face collections.
– Dark Mode enhancements for Control Center.
– New iCloud settings for searching Photos and iCloud Drive content.
– A Set Charge Limit action added to the Shortcuts app.
– Chinese (Taiwan) included for Live Captions in Accessibility.

## Conclusion

iOS 26.4 delivers a range of exciting new features and enhancements that improve the overall user experience on iPhones. From updates to Apple Music and Podcasts to advancements in the Health app and CarPlay, this update aims to make the iPhone experience more enjoyable and efficient. What features are you most looking forward to in iOS 26.4?

**Apple’s AI Collaboration with Google: Perspectives on Siri’s Evolution**

Recent news has illuminated the shifting dynamics between Apple and Google, particularly in the realm of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. A comprehensive article from *Bloomberg* outlined expectations for Siri in iOS 27, while a subsequent report from *The Information* explored the details of Apple’s AI partnership with Google, emphasizing the Gemini model and its effects on Siri’s capabilities.

### Notable Autonomy in AI Advancement

As reported by *The Information*, Apple’s alliance with Google is more profound than previously recognized. The article highlights that Apple has acquired considerable autonomy to access and modify Google’s AI technologies, especially the Gemini model. This access equips Apple to harness Google’s sophisticated AI functionalities while retaining control over its application development.

It is reported that Apple has full access to the Gemini model within its data centers. This setup permits Apple to develop smaller, specialized models crafted for specific tasks, functioning directly on Apple devices. This ability is essential for boosting performance and efficiency since smaller models can perform tasks more swiftly and with reduced computational resources compared to larger, cloud-based models.

### The Technique of Model Distillation

The method employed by Apple to produce these smaller models is referred to as “distillation.” This technique enables a large language model (LLM) such as Gemini to impart its knowledge to smaller, more efficient models. The advantages of this strategy are notable: smaller models can yield quicker results and demand less energy, making them optimal for on-device use.

As mentioned in the report, Apple’s student models can adapt to emulate the internal computations of the Gemini model, resulting in performance that closely mirrors that of the larger model while reducing resource consumption. Nevertheless, the process is intricate, as Apple’s goals for Siri may not consistently coincide with the strengths of the Gemini model.

### Prospective Advancements for Siri

In spite of the partnership with Google, Apple is still committed to advancing its own AI capabilities through its Foundation Models team. While the current focus of this team remains somewhat unclear, it is evident that Apple is not relinquishing its ambitions to devise proprietary models.

Excitement is mounting for the forthcoming Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June, where Apple is anticipated to announce significant upgrades to Siri. These improvements may encompass features such as Siri’s ability to retain past interactions and offer proactive suggestions, like advising users to leave for the airport to avoid traffic congestion.

### Conclusion

Apple’s collaboration with Google signifies a strategic initiative to enhance its AI proficiency, particularly in elevating Siri’s functionality. With substantial access to Google’s Gemini model and the capacity to create customized, efficient models, Apple is well-positioned to achieve considerable progress in its AI initiatives. As the tech community awaits the official revelations at WWDC, the ramifications of this partnership could transform user interactions with Siri and establish new benchmarks for AI assimilation in consumer technology.

# iOS 26.4: Fresh Features in Apple Music

iOS 26.4 has officially launched, delivering a multitude of new features aimed at improving the user experience on iPhones. One of the standout updates is the unveiling of a new fullscreen layout for albums and playlists in Apple Music.

## Fresh Fullscreen Layout in Apple Music

With this latest update, Apple Music has transformed its interface, especially in the presentation of albums and playlists. The track list now sports a background color that harmonizes with the album or playlist artwork. This design decision is intended to foster a more immersive listening experience, as the background hue is thoughtfully chosen to complement the artwork, enhancing the overall visual appeal.

In addition to the refreshed views for albums and playlists, users will also find a redesigned Profile screen within the Music app. By tapping their profile image, users can access this new format, which aligns with other system applications, including Podcasts and TV. The revamped Profile screen features handy shortcuts pertaining to the user’s Apple Account, such as options for adding funds or redeeming gift cards and app codes.

For those keen on discovering all the new functionalities introduced in Apple Music with iOS 26.4, a detailed overview is available for further exploration.

## Subscription Details

Apple Music is offered at $10.99 per month for individual subscribers. Moreover, it can be accessed as part of the Apple One package, which provides a variety of Apple services at a consolidated price.

## Conclusion

The fresh design for albums and playlists in the Music app of iOS 26.4 represents a significant advancement in boosting user interaction and visual charm. Users are invited to share their feedback on the new design and delve into the enhanced features to fully relish their music experience.

Apple has unveiled a thrilling yearlong partnership with the Sydney Opera House, commencing with a newly commissioned artwork titled *Illuminating Creativity*. This groundbreaking initiative will convert the Opera House’s eastern Bennelong sails into a lively canvas celebrating creativity, community, and Australian talent from March 25-27.

The artwork will include original static and moving-image pieces crafted on the iPad using the popular digital art app Procreate, by ten up-and-coming Australian artists. This effort not only demonstrates the artistic potential of the iPad and Apple Pencil but also reinforces Apple’s dedication to nurturing local talent and promoting creativity.

From March 9-15, Apple will encourage the public to engage in this artistic venture through complimentary Today at Apple sessions hosted at various Apple Store locations nationwide. During these sessions, participants can create their own digital artworks on the iPad, with the opportunity to submit their pieces for consideration in the final projection. Chosen artworks, from both the commissioned artists and public entries, will be curated and projected onto the iconic sails of the Sydney Opera House at 8:30 p.m. on March 25, and at 8:00 p.m. on March 26 and 27.

Apple’s partnership with the Sydney Opera House emphasizes the fusion of technology and art, promoting community involvement and honoring Australian creativity. For additional information about this project, you can consult Apple’s official statement.

As the project progresses, Apple CEO Tim Cook has shared breathtaking video footage of the iPad artwork showcased at the Sydney Opera House, further highlighting the remarkable outcomes of this collaboration.

### macOS 26.4: New Capabilities and the ‘Slow Charger’ Notification

macOS 26.4 has been launched, bringing several new capabilities aimed at improving user satisfaction. A key feature is the ‘Slow Charger’ notification, created to assist users in detecting when their MacBook is charging ineffectively.

#### Comprehending the ‘Slow Charger’ Notification

The ‘Slow Charger’ notification is a newly added feature located in the Battery segment of System Settings. This notification informs users when they are using a charger that falls short of Apple’s minimum suggested wattage for their MacBook variant. If your MacBook is charging slower than anticipated, this feature can help verify the problem and direct you towards a remedy.

As per an updated Apple support document, when utilizing macOS 26.4 or newer, your Mac can alert you of slow charging via the battery status menu and above the Battery Level graph in the Battery settings.

To attain maximum charging speeds, it is crucial to utilize a power adapter and charging cable that supply adequate power, measured in watts (W). Apple advises using chargers that meet or surpass the minimum wattage required for your particular Mac model.

#### Suggested Wattage for Recent Mac Variants

Here are the suggested minimum wattages for various recent Mac variants:

– **MacBook Neo**: 20W USB-C Power Adapter and USB-C Charge Cable
– **MacBook Air**:
– 30W USB-C Power Adapter (13-inch only)
– 35W Dual USB-C Port Power Adapter
– 67W USB-C Power Adapter
– 70W USB-C Power Adapter and USB-C to MagSafe 3 Cable
– **14-inch MacBook Pro**: 67W, 70W, or 96W USB-C Power Adapter and USB-C to MagSafe 3 Cable
– **16-inch MacBook Pro**: 140W USB-C Power Adapter and USB-C to MagSafe 3 Cable

If the ‘Slow Charger’ notification appears in your Battery menu, it may be advisable to invest in a new charger to guarantee your MacBook charges effectively.

#### Alternative Charging Options

For users seeking an economical substitute for Apple’s chargers, the 100W Anker power adapter is a suggested choice that delivers adequate power without the high cost generally linked to Apple products.

#### Summary

The addition of the ‘Slow Charger’ notification in macOS 26.4 is a beneficial upgrade for MacBook users. By ensuring the use of the right charger, you can enhance your device’s charging speed and overall functionality. If you see the ‘Slow Charger’ alert, think about upgrading your charging solution to boost your MacBook’s efficiency.

### Apple Reveals Significant Update to App Store Connect Analytics

Apple has introduced what it calls the “largest update since its inception” for the Analytics platform in App Store Connect. This notable enhancement brings in more than 100 new metrics, refined cohort functionalities, fresh subscription reports, and peer group benchmarks, among other features designed to assist developers in gaining a deeper understanding of and optimizing their app performance.

#### Main Features of the Update

1. **Broadened Metrics**: Developers can now tap into over 100 new metrics that offer more profound insights into monetization and subscription data. This improvement allows for enhanced comprehension of In-App Purchases and promotional offer performance.

2. **Cohort Analysis**: The newly introduced cohort capabilities empower developers to examine user behavior based on shared characteristics, such as download dates, sources, or offer initiation dates. This feature is especially beneficial for monitoring user performance over extended periods, particularly when entering new markets. The cohort information is aggregated to safeguard user privacy.

3. **Peer Group Benchmarks**: Two new monetization benchmarks—conversion from download to paid and revenue per download—enable developers to measure their performance against counterparts. These benchmarks employ differential privacy techniques to ensure that the performance of individual developers remains confidential while still yielding valuable insights.

4. **Subscription Reports**: The update comprises two new subscription reports available for export via the Analytics Reports API. This functionality supports offline analysis and the seamless integration of Analytics data into developers’ systems.

5. **Improved Filtering Options**: Developers can now utilize up to seven filters at once on chosen metrics, allowing for a more detailed analysis and the unearthing of further insights.

6. **App Store Analytics Guide**: A new guide within App Store Connect Help is now available to aid developers in formulating a data-oriented strategy and understanding the array of tools and features provided by the App Store to support their business growth.

#### Educational Resources

To assist developers in navigating the newly introduced features, Apple has supplied links to resources outlining the updates and how to use them effectively.

#### Conclusion

The Analytics platform in App Store Connect serves as an essential tool for developers, providing insights into app performance metrics such as downloads, App Store impressions, conversion rates, and more. With this recent update, Apple intends to equip developers with the necessary data to improve their apps and promote business expansion.

**tvOS 26.4 Now Released for Apple TV 4K: Main Features and Audio Enhancements**

tvOS 26.4 is now available for Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD, introducing a variety of new features along with a major fix for audio playback problems. Users can obtain the update by going to Settings ⇾ System ⇾ Software Updates.

### Main Features of tvOS 26.4

A key addition in this update is the ‘Genius Browse’ function within the Apple TV app. This feature aims to assist users in finding new movies and TV series that match their tastes, improving the overall viewing experience.

### Audio Enhancements

A significant enhancement in tvOS 26.4 resolves an audio issue that many users have faced. The update corrects glitches that happen when audio switches between various formats, like Dolby Atmos and stereo. As per Apple’s official release notes, this fix intends to eliminate these frustrating interruptions during playback.

For users still facing audio troubles, tvOS 26.4 offers an optional ‘Continuous Audio Connection’ setting. This can be activated by navigating to Settings ⇾ Video and Audio ⇾ Audio Format ⇾ HDMI Output. Users are encouraged to try this setting if audio problems persist.

### Conclusion

With the launch of tvOS 26.4, Apple seeks to enhance the user experience on Apple TV 4K and HD, especially concerning audio playback and content exploration. Users are encouraged to share their feedback on the update, particularly about audio performance.

**9to5Mac: Your Premier Destination for Apple News and Insights**

In the rapidly changing realm of technology, keeping abreast of the latest advancements, particularly within the Apple ecosystem, is vital for enthusiasts, developers, and everyday users alike. 9to5Mac has positioned itself as a top-tier source of news, reviews, and insights regarding Apple products and services. With a dedicated team of specialists, 9to5Mac presents timely information that aids readers in navigating the constantly shifting landscape of Apple technology.

**Breaking News and Updates**

At the core of 9to5Mac’s purpose is the dedication to breaking news. The site encompasses everything from product releases and software upgrades to industry patterns and insider knowledge. Readers can anticipate comprehensive articles that not only report on the latest events but also supply context and analysis, facilitating a better understanding of the ramifications of each development.

**Thorough Reviews**

Alongside news coverage, 9to5Mac provides extensive reviews of Apple products. Whether it’s the newest iPhone, MacBook, or software release, the reviews are detailed and enlightening, emphasizing both advantages and disadvantages. This aids consumers in making well-informed purchasing choices and understanding how new features can enhance their experience.

**How-To Guides**

For those eager to optimize their Apple product use, 9to5Mac features a range of how-to guides. These articles offer step-by-step directions on everything from device setup to resolving common issues. The guides are crafted to be user-friendly, catering to both novices and seasoned users alike.

**Exclusive Stories and Insights**

9to5Mac takes pride in delivering exclusive stories that you won’t encounter elsewhere. These articles frequently explore upcoming products, features, and changes within the Apple ecosystem, granting readers an advance look at what the future may hold. This insider viewpoint is priceless for anyone engaged with Apple technology.

**Engagement and Community**

To cultivate a sense of community, 9to5Mac motivates readers to interact with their content via social media platforms. By following 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn, users can remain connected and receive real-time updates. The community aspect encourages discussions and opinion sharing, enriching the overall experience for Apple aficionados.

**Multimedia Content**

In addition to written articles, 9to5Mac also features multimedia content, including videos on their YouTube channel. These videos often highlight product reviews, tutorials, and discourses on the latest Apple news, providing a visual and engaging manner to absorb information.

**Conclusion**

For anyone interested in the Apple ecosystem, 9to5Mac is an indispensable resource. With its dedication to breaking news, thorough reviews, practical how-to guides, and exclusive insights, it acts as a comprehensive hub for all things Apple. Whether you’re a casual user or a tech enthusiast, 9to5Mac has something to present, ensuring you stay informed and connected in the realm of Apple technology.