Tag: Source: 9to5mac.com

**CarPlay Improvements: Apple Music Favorites and One-Touch Playback in iOS 26.4**

CarPlay has recently undergone major updates with the launch of iOS 26.4, bringing forth new functionalities and engaging applications. Among these improvements, a standout feature is the introduction of pinned music in Apple Music, which is especially advantageous for users who regularly use CarPlay while on the road.

### Pinned Music in Apple Music

The new pinning capability in Apple Music enables users to swiftly access their top artists, albums, playlists, or songs by pinning them to the forefront of their Library. This feature, accommodating up to six pins, fulfills a long-standing user request that enhances the overall experience. Although some users may desire the option to pin additional items, the existing configuration offers a streamlined method for accessing frequently enjoyed music.

### Advantages of Pinned Music in CarPlay

For individuals who have moved from city life without a vehicle to suburban living with a car, the practicality of CarPlay becomes clear. Pinned music syncs automatically from the iPhone to CarPlay, prominently displaying it at the top of the Music app interface. This function is particularly advantageous for drivers who wish to reduce distractions while browsing music selections.

Utilizing Siri for music requests is a common practice, but pinned music presents a quick and safe substitute. Instead of navigating through several screens to locate a desired album or playlist, drivers can simply tap on their pinned choices. Moreover, if users set their pins for one-tap playback on their iPhone, this capability smoothly transitions to CarPlay, further improving the driving experience.

### Configuring Music Pins

To benefit from the pinned music function in Apple Music, follow these straightforward steps:

1. Open the Music app on your iPhone.
2. Long-press on any artist, album, playlist, or song.
3. Tap the ‘Pin’ option in the popup menu.
4. In the Library tab, find the new pin at the top of the screen and long-press it.
5. Alter the ‘Tap Action’ to ‘Play’ for one-tap playback in the vehicle.

Once configured, users will discover that they can depend less on Siri for music playback, as pinned music delivers a simple way to access frequently played tracks without the possible missteps that can arise with voice commands.

### Conclusion

The addition of pinned music in Apple Music with CarPlay is a transformative development for drivers aiming for a more efficient and safer method of enjoying their favorite songs. With the extra convenience of one-tap playback, users can elevate their driving experience while maintaining concentration on the road. As CarPlay progresses, features like these underscore the significance of user-centric design in automotive technology.

Amazon has revealed that effective May 20, 2026, all Kindle e-readers and Kindle Fire devices launched in 2012 and before will be unable to purchase, borrow, or download new content from the Kindle Store. This move impacts users with older Kindle models, restricting their access to new titles unless they opt for an updated device.

As stated by Amazon representative Jackie Burke, while users will retain the ability to read books they’ve already downloaded, they will forfeit access to the Kindle Store. Moreover, if these older devices undergo deregistration or factory resetting, they cannot be re-registered following the deadline.

The models affected include:

– Kindle (2007)
– Kindle 2 (2009)
– Kindle DX (2009)
– Kindle DX Graphite (2010)
– Kindle Keyboard/Kindle 3 (2010)
– Kindle 4 (2011)
– Kindle Touch (2011)
– Kindle Fire (2011)
– Kindle 5 (2012)
– Kindle Paperwhite (2012)
– Kindle Fire 2 (2012)
– Kindle Fire HD 7 (2012)
– Kindle Fire HD 8.9 (2012)

Users have started to receive notifications via email regarding this update, which gives them just over a month’s notice before the deadline. Amazon is providing limited discounts on new Kindle models for those who decide to upgrade.

For individuals not planning to upgrade, utilizing the Kindle app on an iPhone or iPad is recommended as an alternative for accessing new content.

If your Kindle appears on the list of affected devices, upgrading remains the sole option to keep access to the Kindle Store. For additional information on the latest Kindle devices, users can check Amazon’s website.

## Workbench: A Fresh Approach to Remotely Access Your Mac from iPhone and iPad

Astropad, renowned for their premium Rock Paper Pencil iPad screen protectors, has launched a new macOS utility named Workbench. This cutting-edge application is crafted to deliver a remote desktop experience suited for the AI age, enabling users to effortlessly connect to their Mac from their iPhone or iPad.

### Features of Workbench

Workbench features native applications for Mac, iPhone, and iPad, providing rapid and high-fidelity streaming with Retina support and virtually lossless visuals. The app facilitates voice input control, permitting users to issue prompts and commands straight from their mobile devices to their Mac. Moreover, keyboard input is accommodated for typing and activating shortcuts, improving the overall user interaction.

A noteworthy capability of Workbench is its function to merge multiple Mac displays into a single screen that aligns with the resolution of the remote device. A mini-map view is also offered, which grants a swift means to navigate expansive desktops, simplifying remote work management for users.

### Tailored for AI Workflows

Astropad has purposely developed Workbench with AI workflows at the forefront. The app empowers users to oversee AI agents operating on their Mac while they are not present, rendering it an essential tool for professionals engaged in artificial intelligence.

### Driven by Astropad’s Liquid Engine

The functionality of Workbench is powered by Astropad’s exclusive Liquid engine, renowned for its speed and clarity. This technology also drives other Astropad products, including Luna Display and Astropad Studio, distinguishing Workbench from alternative remote desktop solutions.

### Pricing and Accessibility

Workbench provides a free trial allowing users to utilize the app for 20 minutes each day. For those needing enhanced connectivity, a subscription is obtainable at $10 per month or $50 per year for unrestricted remote desktop access. The app necessitates iOS 26 and macOS 15 or newer, with compatibility for Intel Macs, although Apple silicon Macs are preferred. Workbench guarantees user confidentiality with end-to-end AES-256 encryption.

For additional details about Workbench, visit Astropad’s official website [here](https://astropad.com/product/workbench/).

### Today’s 9to5Toys Lunch Break: Significant Offers on Apple Items

In this edition of 9to5Toys Lunch Break, we bring attention to notable reductions on Apple’s recent offerings, such as the M5 MacBook Air and MacBook Pro, in addition to deals on the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and uncommon black USB-C cables.

#### Midnight 24GB M5 MacBook Air with 1TB Storage at Unmatched Price

For those searching for a new laptop, the Midnight 24GB M5 MacBook Air with 1TB storage is currently offered at a record low of **$1,349**, showcasing a **$150 reduction** from its standard price of **$1,499**. This offer is available for both the Midnight and Sky Blue editions, while the Silver and Starlight options are discounted by **$149**. Furthermore, the 15-inch M5 MacBook Air with 24GB of RAM is also experiencing the same **$150 price cut**.

The base-level 16GB models are now starting at **$949**, making it an ideal time for shoppers in search of a robust yet reasonably priced Apple laptop.

#### Apple’s Upcoming 2026 Edition 16-inch M5 Pro MacBook Pro Offers

The 2026 M5 Pro MacBook Pro series is also featuring considerable savings, with discounts reaching **$199 off**. The 14-inch versions are being sold for **$150 off**, while the larger 16-inch units start at **$949**. The configurations comprise options with 24GB/2TB and 48GB/1TB setups, each equipped with a 20-core GPU.

#### Uncommon Discounts on Genuine Black Apple USB-C Cables

In addition to laptops, there are uncommon offers on genuine black Apple Woven USB-C cables, beginning at just above **$7** each in multi-pack options. These cables are generally challenging to acquire and are being sold at a notable discount through Woot, which is offering them in bulk.

#### Apple Watch Ultra 3 Price Reductions

For those passionate about smartwatches, Amazon has the Apple Watch Ultra 3 available at nearly **$100 off**, with starting prices from **$699.99**. This represents one of the lowest prices recorded since the watch’s debut, presenting a fantastic opportunity for anyone looking to buy a high-end wearable.

### Conclusion

With these significant reductions on a variety of Apple products, this is an excellent moment for consumers to consider upgrading their tech. Whether in search of a powerful laptop, a smartwatch, or accessories, today’s offerings provide substantial savings and value.

**Shrinking Season 4: Anticipations Following the Season 3 Finale**

The season 3 finale of *Shrinking* has now been released on Apple TV, signaling the end of the initial three-season storyline conceived by co-creator Bill Lawrence. In a recent conversation, Lawrence provided details on what followers can expect from season 4, unveiling thrilling developments for the cherished series.

### Full Cast Returns with a Noteworthy Time Leap

A key announcement is that the entire cast will return for season 4, featuring the legendary Harrison Ford. Lawrence stressed the value of continuity, hinting at character relationships that will carry through into the upcoming season. He mentioned, “It’s not coincidental that Alice is attending Wesleyan University and that at the end of the finale, she’s on her way for dinner at Paul’s house…So, yes, Harrison’s back on the show.”

### A New Plotline Emerges

As the original three-season storyline concludes, season 4 is set to unveil a new plotline. Lawrence hinted that while the series will transform, it will stay anchored in its roots, especially the interactions between Jason Segel’s character and Harrison Ford’s. He suggested a considerable time leap that will exceed a year or two, indicating that the characters will have undergone significant development and changes during this interval.

### Steering Clear of Repetition in Character Development

Lawrence reassured fans that the new plot will not revisit the topics of loss and recovery that have been pivotal in prior seasons. Instead, he hinted at new obstacles and advancements for the characters, stating, “I believe people will enjoy watching.” This strategy aims to keep the storyline captivating and avoid a sense of redundancy.

### Series Future

Looking forward, Lawrence indicated that there are intentions for at least two additional seasons, with the potential to extend the series to six seasons. Furthermore, he confirmed that fan-favorite Michael J. Fox will make a return, and he hinted at the possibility of spinoffs focusing on secondary characters, implying they could embark on their own narratives.

### Conclusion

As *Shrinking* prepares to enter its fourth season, fans can look forward to a mix of familiar faces, new stories, and significant time leaps that promise to keep the series vibrant and captivating. With the initial three seasons available for streaming on Apple TV, viewers can catch up before immersing themselves in the next chapter of this touching and comedic journey through life and relationships.

For those interested, Apple TV is offered at $12.99 per month, with discounts available through the Apple One bundle.

### 9to5Mac Daily: Your Destination for Daily Apple Updates

In the rapidly changing realm of technology, keeping abreast of the latest updates and advancements is vital, particularly for Apple fans. **9to5Mac Daily** is a podcast that provides a brief overview of the leading stories connected to Apple and its ecosystem every weekday.

#### What is 9to5Mac Daily?

9to5Mac Daily is a podcast created by the team at 9to5Mac, a well-known outlet for Apple news, rumors, and reviews. Each episode offers listeners a digest of the most significant stories of the day, making it simple to stay updated without having to browse through numerous articles.

#### How to Listen

Listeners can tune into 9to5Mac Daily via several platforms, ensuring accessibility for all. The podcast can be found on:

– [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.

#### Subscription Advantages

For those seeking an improved experience, subscribing to **9to5Mac Daily Plus** provides several perks, including:

– Ad-free versions of each episode
– Access to exclusive content

This subscription not only supports the creators but also enhances the listening journey.

#### Engage with the Community

Listeners are invited to share their opinions and feedback. They can contact through email at [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]). Moreover, ratings and reviews on platforms like Apple Podcasts and Overcast help others find the show.

#### Conclusion

9to5Mac Daily is a vital resource for anyone keen on Apple news. With its daily updates, listeners can remain informed about the latest events in the tech sphere, all while enjoying the convenience of a podcast format. Whether commuting, exercising, or simply unwinding at home, 9to5Mac Daily is an excellent way to stay connected with the constantly changing landscape of Apple technology.

Apple Wallet has recently experienced notable upgrades with the launch of iOS 26, especially in broadening its car key compatibility to a greater range of vehicle manufacturers. This progress signifies a vital step towards Apple’s aim of substituting physical wallets with digital alternatives.

### Expansion of Car Key Support

Traditionally, the incorporation of car keys into Apple Wallet has progressed slowly, largely necessitating partnerships with various car manufacturers. However, recent updates suggest a promising increase in this domain.

In June 2025, Apple announced that 13 automotive brands had pledged to support car keys in the Wallet application. This initiative has begun to produce results, with two significant automakers—Toyota and Rivian—recently initiating their car key functionality.

– **Toyota**: The company started facilitating Apple Wallet car keys in February 2026, commencing with the 2026 RAV4 model.
– **Rivian**: The electric vehicle maker unveiled car key support in late December 2025 for its second-generation R1S and R1T models.

### Upcoming Brands

The momentum persists as additional major automotive brands are anticipated to follow:

– **Porsche**: The luxury car manufacturer has declared that car key support will be integrated into its 2026 electric Macan and Cayenne models. The Macan is currently available for ordering, with deliveries anticipated this spring, while the Cayenne is set to launch later in the year.

– **General Motors (GM)**: GM, which includes brands like Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC, has also affirmed plans to incorporate Apple Wallet car key support. This was indicated by backend code modifications last autumn, and GM’s confirmation in December cemented the timeline for future vehicle support.

### Future Prospects

With an expanding roster of automotive partners, Apple aims to broaden its car key capabilities further. The hope is to witness additional introductions prior to the one-year anniversary of the initial announcement at WWDC in June 2025.

For users keen on determining whether their vehicle can utilize car keys in Apple Wallet, a detailed guide is accessible online.

### Conclusion

The integration of car keys into Apple Wallet signifies a remarkable enhancement in digital wallet functionalities, boosting user convenience and aligning with Apple’s long-term vision of a completely digital wallet experience. As more automotive brands participate in this initiative, the likelihood of widespread adoption grows, paving the way for a future where physical keys could become a thing of the past.

### Apple TV’s Criminal Record Season 2: What to Anticipate

Apple TV is prepared to reintroduce its praised crime thriller, **Criminal Record**, with the eagerly awaited second season debuting on **April 22**. Following the triumph of its inaugural season, which received critical praise and highlighted outstanding performances from actors Peter Capaldi and Cush Jumbo, the new season is set to explore the intricacies of crime and justice in modern London.

#### Season 2 Trailer and Release Timeline

The trailer for Season 2 has been unveiled, providing fans a sneak peek of the gripping drama ahead. The premiere episode will be accessible on **April 22**, with following episodes launched weekly until **June 10**.

#### Season Synopsis

**Criminal Record** is a character-centric drama that examines the difficulties of law enforcement in a reality where truth is frequently hard to grasp. This season starts with a jarring event: a young man is fatally stabbed at a political rally. This devastating occurrence compels rival police officers, June Lenker and Daniel Hegarty, to form an uneasy alliance. What starts as a murder inquiry swiftly transforms into a high-pressure undercover mission aimed at disrupting a far-right bomb plot in London.

#### Watch Season 1

For those who have yet to delve into the compelling narrative of **Criminal Record**, Season 1 is currently available for streaming on Apple TV. The series has received accolades for its captivating plot and character arcs, making it an essential watch for enthusiasts of the crime thriller genre.

#### Further Suggestions

If you’re looking for additional crime-focused content, Apple TV also offers other exhilarating series like **Imperfect Women** and **Your Friends & Neighbors**, both presently airing. Furthermore, the French-language series **The Hunt** has just wrapped up its season finale, offering more choices for viewers in search of thrilling stories.

#### Subscription Details

Apple TV can be subscribed to for **$12.99 per month**, with savings available through the **Apple One bundle**.

As the release date nears, excitement among fans of the series continues to rise. Will you be watching Season 2 of **Criminal Record**?

### Insta360 Snap: A Fresh Chapter in Selfie Technology for iPhone Users

Insta360, a leading brand in the action camera industry, has recently launched the Insta360 Snap, a magnetic selfie screen crafted specifically for iPhone users. This groundbreaking accessory is part of an expanding trend that enhances the selfie-taking process by utilizing the superior rear cameras of smartphones.

#### What Is the Insta360 Snap?

The Insta360 Snap is a 3.5-inch, 4K touchscreen display that enables users to preview their photos in real-time while employing their iPhone’s top-notch rear camera. This device is more than just a typical case; it serves as an independent accessory that connects through USB-C, ensuring compatibility with both iPhone and Android devices.

#### Key Features of the Insta360 Snap

1. **Real-Time Preview**: Users can expertly frame their photos with real-time screen mirroring, guaranteeing they capture the finest selfies available.

2. **High-Resolution Touchscreen**: The 3.5-inch display offers complete control over the phone’s camera settings, enriching the overall photography experience.

3. **Plug and Play**: The Snap requires no power source, allowing for immediate use. It supports 4K recording along with an instant preview feature.

4. **Adjustable Lighting**: The light edition, co-created with beauty-tech specialists AMIRO, provides adjustable brightness levels to improve selfies, even in dim environments.

5. **Premium Protection**: The Snap includes a cover that safeguards the screen against scratches and secures the cable when not in operation.

6. **Compatibility with Third-Party Apps**: It integrates smoothly with various camera applications, offering flexibility in both shooting and editing.

7. **USB-C Connection**: Engineered for effortless connectivity, the Snap accommodates a broad array of devices, making it a versatile tool for photographers.

#### Pricing and Availability

The Insta360 Snap comes in two variants: the standard model priced at $79.99 and a light edition for $89.99. Both versions can be purchased directly from Insta360 and Amazon.

#### Conclusion

The Insta360 Snap signifies a notable progression in the domain of smartphone photography accessories. As the trend of rear touchscreen iPhone cases gains traction, the Snap distinguishes itself with its quality and usability. With its innovative capabilities and user-friendliness, it is set to become an essential accessory for selfie lovers. As technology advances, it will be intriguing to observe how such devices assimilate into mainstream retail, potentially even finding their way into Apple stores in the future.

The Artemis II mission represents a pivotal moment in the realm of space exploration, especially with the incorporation of smartphones into the astronaut equipment. Every crew member’s spacesuit has a pocket that holds an iPhone 17 Pro Max, a first for long-duration space journeys. This advancement necessitated extensive safety testing to mitigate potential risks, such as loose objects floating in the cabin or the chance of a cracked screen.

Smartphones have never been sanctioned for prolonged use in space before, marking this as a revolutionary advancement. The approval process for the iPhone entailed comprehensive assessments to ascertain the safety and operability of the devices within the distinct conditions of space. The addition of these smartphones enables astronauts to document unique viewpoints of their journey, including selfies that can help to make the experience more relatable for those on Earth.

While professional cameras have been utilized in space since the inaugural missions, the small size of smartphones allows astronauts to snap candid photos that can captivate the public in a more approachable manner. The capacity to share these experiences can boost public engagement and support for NASA’s endeavors, which is essential for obtaining future funding amidst governmental scrutiny.

The photographs taken on iPhones during the Artemis II mission may have considerable consequences for NASA, potentially affecting public perception and backing for upcoming crewed space expeditions. The integration of commonplace technology into space exploration not only enhances the astronauts’ journey but also nurtures a bond with audiences back on Earth.