Tag: Source: 9to5mac.com

AirPods Pro 3 Priced at $220 for Black Friday Promotion, Reaching Historic Low Price

### AirPods Pro 3: Black Friday Offer and Feature Summary

The eagerly awaited AirPods Pro 3 are now offered at a reduced price as part of Amazon’s Black Friday week promotion for 2025. Priced at **$219.99 shipped**, this offer signifies a notable discount from the initial retail cost of $249. This campaign is part of a larger Black Friday event, featuring other significant deals including the AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) for **$109.99**, marking a record low.

#### Pricing and Availability

The AirPods Pro 3 made their official debut in September 2025. Initially, there was just a slight price decrease shortly following their launch, but the current Black Friday offer stands as the best monetary saving accessible from a leading retailer. Best Buy’s Deals of the Day also reflect this offer, though it may only be available for a limited period.

#### Key Features of AirPods Pro 3

The AirPods Pro 3 are packed with several cutting-edge features that elevate the auditory experience:

– **Top-tier Active Noise Cancellation**: This new model features enhanced noise cancellation, diminishing background sounds by up to twice as effectively as that of the AirPods Pro 2. This function enables users to completely engage in their audio experience.

– **Revolutionary Audio Performance**: The AirPods Pro 3 incorporate an innovative acoustic design that provides richer bass, clearer sound, and vibrant vocals, creating a three-dimensional soundscape.

– **Heart Rate Monitoring**: A significant hardware enhancement includes integrated heart rate monitoring, allowing users to keep track of their heart rate and calories burned across a range of up to 50 different workout types. This functionality works smoothly with the iPhone, giving access to fitness metrics like the Move ring and step count.

– **Real-time Translation**: The AirPods Pro 3 also feature live translation capabilities, enabling users to converse in various languages, driven by Apple Intelligence.

#### Conclusion

With the introduction of the AirPods Pro 3, Apple has unveiled substantial upgrades that appeal to both audio aficionados and fitness-minded individuals. The current Black Friday deal presents a fantastic chance for consumers to acquire these high-tech earbuds at a lower price. For those looking to experience state-of-the-art audio technology alongside innovative health tracking functionalities, the AirPods Pro 3 make for an enticing option this holiday season.

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Upcoming iOS 26.2: The Three Main New Features to Anticipate

**iOS 26.2: Thrilling New Additions to Elevate User Experience**

iOS 26.2 is scheduled to be released for all users next month, but early users have already started delving into its fresh features in the beta version. Here are three prominent upgrades that aim to enhance the holistic user experience.

### 1. Auto-Generated Chapters in Apple Podcasts

For those who love podcasts, the addition of auto-generated chapters in Apple Podcasts is revolutionary. Chapters enable listeners to move through episodes seamlessly, particularly in lengthy shows. While numerous Apple-focused podcasts already include chapters, many do not. With iOS 26.2, Apple Podcasts harnesses AI to create chapters from episode transcripts, enriching the listening experience without necessitating extra efforts from creators. This feature is anticipated to greatly enhance how users interact with their preferred podcasts.

### 2. ‘Urgent’ Feature in Reminders App

The Reminders app has significantly improved, and the new ‘Urgent’ feature is a welcomed enhancement. Now, users can designate reminders as urgent, which activates an alarm when the due time arrives. This feature guarantees that critical tasks are not forgotten, as the alarm persists until it is either snoozed or turned off. Snoozing the alarm returns it after nine minutes, while the task remains visible on the Lock Screen until it is completed. This improvement positions Reminders as a more effective task management application, catering to users who require a dependable method to manage their time efficiently.

### 3. Apple News Navigation Enhancements

Apple News has evolved from a basic news application into a diverse platform providing games, recipes, and audio stories. iOS 26.2 brings noteworthy navigation enhancements that simplify access to essential features. The Today view now contains quick links to categories like Sports, Puzzles, Politics, and Food, making it simpler for users to discover content they love. Moreover, the removal of Sports from the bottom tab bar has freed up space for a new Following tab, bringing together previously concealed features and improving the overall usability of the app. These updates are especially advantageous for Apple One and Apple News+ subscribers who regularly engage with the platform’s varied offerings.

As iOS 26.2 nears its official launch, users are excited to see how these features will enrich their daily interactions with their devices. Whether through enhanced podcast navigation, improved task management, or a more intuitive news experience, iOS 26.2 is poised to be a significant update for Apple users.

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Apple TV Subreddit to Conduct AMA with ‘Carol Sturka’ Character from Pluribus

Apple is preparing to host a Reddit AMA with Rhea Seehorn in her role as Carol Sturka from the Apple TV series “Pluribus.” This upcoming event comes after a previous AMA with Christopher Chung, who played Roddy Ho in “Slow Horses.” The AMA is scheduled for Friday, November 21, at 9 a.m. PT, providing fans an opportunity to engage with Seehorn’s character, the creator of the fictional book “Bloodsong of Wycaro.”

In her invitation, Carol Sturka conveys her enthusiasm for the AMA, highlighting her recent book tour and the favorable responses to her work. Apple has also made a complimentary chapter from “Bloodsong of Wycaro” available to promote the series, which can be accessed through their platform.

This AMA represents Apple’s inaugural promotional event following the cancellation of a prior session with an Apple Music Product Manager. Fans are invited to submit their questions in advance of the event, as many have already taken part, making this session a much-anticipated interaction for both viewers and readers.

For those keen on “Pluribus,” it is available on Apple TV, which provides a subscription service featuring a variety of popular shows and films.

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Apple Attains $2.4 Million Earnings for Each Employee, Secures Third Place in Tech Industry

### Apple’s Revenue Per Employee: An In-Depth Analysis

Apple Inc., recognized for its cutting-edge products and robust market influence, achieves an impressive revenue per employee (RPE) of $2,413,171. This statistic illustrates the efficiency and productivity of the company, even though it does not place Apple at the highest ranking among technology giants.

#### Grasping Revenue Per Employee

Revenue per employee serves as a crucial performance indicator that companies utilize to assess the productivity and effectiveness of their workforce. It is derived by dividing the total revenue of an organization by its employee count. While RPE offers significant insights into a company’s operational efficacy, it does come with its restrictions. It might neglect cultural factors and other intangible advantages that are vital to a company’s overall well-being.

#### Apple’s Ranking Among Tech Leaders

Within the technology sector, Apple holds the third position in RPE:

1. **Nvidia**: $4,408,784
2. **Netflix**: $4,153,125
3. **Apple**: $2,413,171

The differences in RPE among these firms can be linked to Apple’s larger workforce, which comprises a considerable number of retail employees. With around 164,000 staff members, Apple’s RPE is influenced by the presence of these retail workers, unlike firms focused mainly on technological development or services.

#### Comparison Across Industries

In various sectors, the highest RPE is achieved by VICI Properties, a real estate firm that focuses on leasing properties to tenants, mainly casinos and hotels. VICI’s operational model enables it to keep low operational expenses while securing long-term leases, thereby enhancing its remarkable RPE.

#### Summary

Apple’s revenue per employee exemplifies its successful business approach and market tactics. Although it may not top the technology sector in RPE, the company’s significant revenue production underscores its strong market position. Analyzing RPE can offer insights into workforce productivity, but it is crucial to consider the wider context of a company’s operations and industry trends.

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Doordash Data Breach Exposes Personal Details Such As Names, Addresses, and Phone Numbers

### DoorDash Data Breach: Essential Information

A recent security incident at DoorDash has sparked concerns over the safety of personal data belonging to its customers. The food delivery platform has acknowledged that an unauthorized external entity accessed certain user information, although the precise count of impacted individuals has not been disclosed.

#### Which Data Was Compromised?

As per DoorDash, the personal information that may have been compromised in the breach includes:

– First and last name
– Phone number
– Email address
– Physical address

Crucially, DoorDash has indicated that no banking or payment card details were compromised during this event.

#### Company Reaction

In light of the breach, DoorDash has rolled out a series of security enhancements, which encompass:

1. Upgrades to security systems aimed at preventing and identifying malicious actions.
2. Increased training for employees on social engineering tactics.
3. Collaboration with an external firm for investigation and specialized assistance.
4. Referral of the case to law enforcement for ongoing inquiries.

DoorDash has also reached out to affected users “where necessary,” although the ambiguous phrasing raises questions about the breach’s scope.

#### Verifying Your Status

Customers worried about their data being at risk can contact DoorDash through specific phone numbers. For individuals in the U.S. and Canada, the toll-free number is +1-833-918-8030, whereas international callers can use +1-214-393-3293. When reaching out to the support team, it is recommended to provide reference code **B155060** for help.

#### Steps to Take

Following a data breach, it is vital to stay alert against possible phishing efforts. Users should refrain from clicking on links in unwanted emails and access websites directly through bookmarks or by entering the URL in their browser.

As the investigation progresses, DoorDash is committed to improving its security measures to avert similar incidents in the future. Customers are urged to remain updated and take appropriate steps to safeguard their personal information.

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M5 Vision Pro Debuts in Two More Countries as Worldwide Expansion Continues

# M5 Vision Pro: Increased Availability and Enhanced Features

Apple’s M5 Vision Pro, the newest version of its groundbreaking spatial computer, has recently broadened its availability with pre-orders now available in Korea and Taiwan. This follows the initial launch in nine nations, with intentions for additional expansion to encompass China and Singapore. Customers in these newly added regions can also arrange personalized trials at Apple Stores, enabling them to experience the cutting-edge features of the Vision Pro directly.

## Key Features of the M5 Vision Pro

The M5 Vision Pro, unveiled alongside the new iPad Pro and MacBook Pro, features several important upgrades, particularly the M5 chip. This upgraded chip boosts performance across numerous applications, enabling quicker AI-driven workflows and better display rendering. Users can anticipate extended battery life, with the device offering up to two and a half hours of general usage and three hours of video playback—an enhancement over the earlier model.

The revised design includes a dual-knit band, which has been underscored as a vital improvement. This band not only enhances comfort during prolonged use but also simplifies adjustments. Reviewers have remarked that this alteration significantly influences the overall user experience, rendering the headset more user-friendly.

## Performance Improvements

In real-world usage, the M5 Vision Pro exhibits reliable performance, even in challenging conditions. Users have noted that while the earlier M2 model could experience delays during challenging tasks, the M5 ensures smooth operation, facilitating a more uninterrupted workflow. Although the fans may still engage under heavy workloads, the overall performance stays stable, even with numerous applications operational simultaneously.

## Pre-orders and Availability

As of November 28, the M5 Vision Pro will be offered in a total of 13 nations, including Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, the UAE, the UK, and the US. This expansion mirrors Apple’s dedication to making its cutting-edge technology available to a wider audience.

## Conclusion

The M5 Vision Pro signifies a substantial advancement in Apple’s spatial computing technology, merging enhanced performance, greater comfort, and increased availability. With its innovative features and enhancements, it is ready to transform user experiences in augmented and virtual reality applications. As Apple continues to widen its market presence, the M5 Vision Pro is poised to emerge as a prominent force in the rapidly changing realm of spatial computing.

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AirPods Pro 3 Offered at $220 for Black Friday Sale, Signifying Record Low Price

### AirPods Pro 3: Black Friday Offer and Feature Summary

The eagerly awaited **AirPods Pro 3** have been officially released, and as Black Friday 2025 approaches, a thrilling offer is now accessible on Amazon. The new AirPods Pro 3 are presently available for **$219.99**, a significant reduction from their initial retail price of **$249**. This promotion is part of Amazon’s Black Friday week sale, currently running, giving consumers the chance to acquire these premium earbuds at a lower cost.

#### Pricing and Availability

The AirPods Pro 3 are offered for **$219.99 shipped** on Amazon, making it one of the top cash discounts provided by a leading retailer. This price reduction corresponds with similar promotions from Best Buy, although those may be limited to a shorter timeframe. Initial offers on the AirPods Pro 3 were minimal, featuring only slight discounts right after their launch, but the ongoing Black Friday deal signifies a considerable savings opportunity for consumers wanting to enhance their audio experience.

#### Key Features of AirPods Pro 3

The AirPods Pro 3 are equipped with cutting-edge features that improve both audio quality and user engagement:

1. **World’s Leading Active Noise Cancellation**: The AirPods Pro 3 feature enhanced noise cancellation capabilities, minimizing background noise by up to double that of the previous generation, enabling users to fully engage with their audio.

2. **Innovative Audio Performance**: With a new architectural design, these earbuds provide a three-dimensional audio experience, featuring boosted bass, intricate clarity, and vibrant vocals.

3. **Heart Rate Monitoring**: A notable feature is the integrated heart rate sensor, enabling users to monitor their heart rate and calories burned across as many as 50 different exercise types. This integration with the iPhone grants access to fitness metrics such as the Move ring and step count.

4. **Live Translation**: The AirPods Pro 3 also come with a live translation feature, facilitating smooth communication across various languages, powered by Apple Intelligence.

#### Conclusion

The AirPods Pro 3 signify a considerable leap forward in Apple’s audio technology, merging exceptional sound quality with groundbreaking health tracking features. With the current Black Friday offer, it’s an ideal time for consumers to invest in these high-quality earbuds at a discounted rate. For additional information and to seize this offer, visit the

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Matter 1.5 Unveils Security Cameras and New Features for the First Time

The new version of the Matter smart home standard has been released today: Matter 1.5. The big news is that smart cameras now receive support for the first time.

This effectively extends HomeKit compatibility to a significantly larger selection of cameras, and there are more new product categories introduced in today’s release.

## A brief overview of Matter and HomeKit

Initially, brands wishing to provide HomeKit compatibility had to adhere to a specific Apple standard and submit their devices for approval. The Matter standard removes both of these requirements, allowing any Matter-compatible device to be automatically compatible with HomeKit, Google Home, Alexa, and Samsung Smart Things. As of the start of this year, all Matter devices receive the *Works With Apple Home* badge without any additional testing.

## Matter 1.5 introduces cameras

Cameras have been the most demanded product category in terms of integrating with the Matter standard. Their addition signifies that developers will no longer have to use custom APIs or integrations to work with compatible cameras.

> Matter cameras enable live audio and video streaming utilizing established WebRTC technology, allowing for two-way communication and both local and remote accessibility using standard STUN and TURN protocols. The specification also includes support for multi-stream setups, pan-tilt-zoom functionality, detection and privacy zones, along with adaptable storage options, such as continuous or event-based recording to local or cloud storage.

## Blinds, garage doors, gates, and more

Another category to receive Matter support falls under the classification of “closures.” This encompasses items like window shades, curtains, awnings, gates, and garage doors.

> With a streamlined, modular cluster design, manufacturers can depict various motion types (e.g., sliding, rotating, opening) and configurations (e.g., single or dual panels, nested mechanisms) utilizing a limited set of building blocks.

## Soil sensors

Smart gardening tools are an expanding sector, and soil sensor support increases the number of possible automations.

> Matter 1.5 broadens the standard’s applications into new gardening and plant-care scenarios with soil sensor compatibility. These devices can assess moisture and optionally temperature to assist users in maintaining ideal conditions for indoor plants, gardens, and lawns. When paired with Matter-compatible water valves or irrigation systems, soil sensors can intelligently automate watering, aiding in water conservation and enhancing plant health.

## Energy management

Lastly, support for advanced energy management makes it simpler than ever to monitor the usage costs of smart devices as well as to schedule power-intensive appliances to run when energy rates are lowest.

> The new electrical energy tariff device type allows real-time and forecasted pricing, tariff, and carbon data from utilities, grid operators, and energy services to be communicated with devices in a Matter-defined format. Devices can utilize this information to assess and report their actual energy costs and carbon footprint or to automatically modify their operation based on user preferences, tariff schedules, or regulatory requirements. This also incorporates real-time or predictive data from energy-generating devices, such as home solar systems, into household energy management and optimization.

As with prior Matter updates, it will take some time for the new functionalities to permeate consumer products, but there’s much to anticipate moving forward.

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Apple TV Postpones Launch of Yet Another Series at the Eleventh Hour

In September 2025, Apple garnered attention by halting the premiere of its new series, The Savant, shortly after political activist Charlie Kirk’s murder. The company expressed plans to debut the show at a future date, but two months on, no new release date has been issued, and the series is still labeled as “coming at a later date” in the Apple TV app.

In a parallel development, Apple TV has apparently replicated this issue with the French-language series The Hunt, which was set to debut on December 3, 2025. After a trailer was launched earlier in November, all mentions of The Hunt have vanished, including the press release from the Apple TV PR newsroom. The trailer, which was initially viewable on YouTube, has also been switched to private.

Unlike The Savant, The Hunt has been entirely wiped from the Apple TV app, leaving fans and viewers bewildered by the abrupt removal of the show. Although the trailer is no longer available on the primary Apple TV YouTube channel, it can still be found on the Apple Australia YouTube channel.

The Hunt revolved around a circle of friends who set out on hunting excursions, only to be mysteriously pursued by a competing group. The series was approved in June 2024 under the working title “A L’ombre Des Forets” and was expected to be included in Apple’s growing selection of French-language originals.

Currently, there is no definitive reason as to why The Hunt has been withdrawn from the schedule at such a late stage, and it remains unclear if it will make a return to Apple TV’s lineup. Apple has been approached for a comment, and updates will be provided if any information becomes available.

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Apple Black Friday Offer: Get a Gift Card Worth Up to $250 with Purchase of Mac, iPhone, iPad, and More

**Apple’s Black Friday Shopping Event: Key Information**

The Apple Store has officially unveiled its Black Friday shopping event, scheduled from November 28 to December 1. Throughout this time, customers can earn gift cards worth up to $250 when acquiring eligible products, including Mac, iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch.

### Gift Card Promotions

Apple’s Black Friday deal features a tiered gift card structure based on the product acquired:

– **$250 Gift Card**: Available with the purchase of a MacBook Pro equipped with the M4 Pro or M4 Max chip.
– **$200 Gift Card**: Granted for the 15-inch MacBook Air.
– **$175 Gift Card**: Offered for the 13-inch MacBook Air.
– **$150 Gift Card**: Provided with any M4 iMac model.
– **$100 Gift Card**: Offered with the purchase of a Mac mini or an iPad Air (11-inch or 13-inch).
– **$75 Gift Card**: Available for the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, or AirPods Max.
– **$50 Gift Card**: Granted with the purchase of the iPhone 16e, basic A16 iPad, iPad mini, Apple Watch Series 11, Apple Watch SE 3, AirPods Pro 3, HomePod, or selected Beats wireless headphones.
– **$25 Gift Card**: Available for AirPods 4, Apple TV 4K, Beats Pill, iPad Magic Keyboard, or Apple Pencil Pro.

### Comparison to Other Retailers

While the gift card deals may appear enticing, they frequently don’t offer the best value compared to discounts from other retailers. For instance, AirPods 4 can currently be purchased on Amazon at a greater discount than the $25 gift card value provided by Apple. Likewise, the 15-inch MacBook Air is reduced by $250 on Amazon, exceeding the $200 gift card value from Apple.

### Exclusions and Limitations

Importantly, Apple’s Black Friday promotion excludes its latest high-end products, including the iPhone 17 lineup and the newly launched M5 MacBook Pro and M5 iPad Pro. Additionally, the gift cards cannot be utilized to lower the purchase price at the moment of transaction; they can only be redeemed for future hardware acquisitions or subscriptions/digital in-app purchases on the Apple Account.

### Conclusion

The Apple Black Friday shopping event takes place from November 28 to December 1, presenting various gift card values for qualifying purchases. While the promotion may appeal to shoppers, it is vital to compare these offers with discounts from other retailers to secure the best value. Similar promotions are also available in most Apple Store countries around the globe.

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