Tag: Source: 9to5mac.com

**Apple’s Pursuit of Thinner MacBooks: A Complicated Dilemma**

It’s been more than a year since Apple unveiled its intentions for a complete overhaul of the MacBook Pro, with hopes for an unveiling later this year. While Apple is recognized for its quest for more slender and stylish laptops, a significant change is taking place in the PC sector, where companies such as Dell, HP, and Lenovo are adopting a more serviceable design philosophy.

### Apple’s Pursuit of Thinner MacBooks

Apple’s shift to Apple Silicon has led to notable advancements in performance and power efficiency, all while resulting in a more elegant form factor. Nevertheless, this transition has caused the removal of straightforward DIY upgrades for components like RAM and SSDs. The drive for minimalism has not been without its challenges.

In 2016, Apple introduced a MacBook Pro that emphasized design over practicality, leading to the removal of all ports aside from USB-C and the addition of the problematic butterfly keyboard. This model became notorious for its design choices that negatively impacted user experience.

### 2026 MacBook Pro Anticipations

As Apple persists in refining its MacBook Pro lineup, the expectations for the forthcoming model include a slimmer profile equipped with an OLED display. Speculations also hint at potential upgrades such as a touch-enabled display and mobile data capabilities, showcasing Apple’s dedication to progress while addressing the demands of users.

### Meanwhile, Dell, HP, and Lenovo Choose a Different Route

Conversely, Dell, HP, and Lenovo are concentrating on designing laptops that are simpler to repair and upgrade. These manufacturers have heeded customer feedback, acknowledging the desire for replaceable parts like keyboards and batteries. This strategy recalls a time when laptops were crafted for convenience and durability, rather than being tightly sealed and hard to service.

This movement is also evident in gaming laptops, like those from MSI, which highlight serviceability and upgrade options, enabling users to prolong the life of their devices without incurring expensive replacements.

### Conclusion

The ongoing discussion between Apple’s chase for stylish design and the PC industry’s emphasis on repairability prompts significant considerations regarding the future of laptop design. Is the compromise for thinner MacBooks justified at the cost of repair and upgrade possibilities? As consumers, the balance between aesthetics and functionality continues to influence our preferences and expectations within the technology sphere.

### Roblox Age Verification: A Fresh Requirement for Young Users

Roblox, a prominent platform in the gaming sector favored by children, has lately introduced a new age verification procedure necessitating users as young as nine years old to provide a video selfie. This effort, which follows a limited launch in November of last year, is now being scaled up globally. The organization seeks to improve safety protocols and reduce interactions between adults and minors within the game.

#### The Aim of Age Verification

The rollout of age verification is a response to rising apprehensions concerning the online safety of children. Roblox has received backlash for not sufficiently safeguarding its younger audience from potential dangers related to adult interactions. By mandating video selfies, Roblox plans to employ sophisticated technologies, including facial age estimation and ID verification, to generate a more precise evaluation of a user’s age in contrast to self-reported details during account setup.

The company has indicated that this verification procedure will assist in establishing age categories, enabling stricter controls on communication. Users will be sorted into six age brackets, from those nine years and younger to those 21 years and older. This classification aims to limit chat functionalities between users not within the same age range, thereby boosting the security of younger gamers.

#### Enforcement and Worldwide Expansion

Initially, the age verification policy is being applied in Australia, New Zealand, and the Netherlands, with ambitions for a worldwide launch by early next year. It is anticipated that most children will utilize the video selfie option for age verification, as numerous do not have government-issued photographic identification. Significantly, Roblox has promised users that the video selfies will be removed post-verification, addressing any potential privacy issues.

#### The Involvement of Tech Giants in Age Verification

The introduction of age verification by Roblox prompts broader discussions about who should be accountable for ensuring the safety of young users online. At present, the responsibility lies with individual app developers to authenticate the ages of their users. Nevertheless, there is a mounting argument that firms such as Apple and Google should assume this duty.

With escalating public demand and new legislation emerging, developers may be pressured to incorporate age verification protocols across various platforms. Opponents contend that permitting numerous developers to access sensitive data, such as photo IDs and video selfies, presents significant privacy threats. A centralized strategy, where tech giants oversee age verification, could simplify the process and improve user privacy.

#### Legislative Updates

At least nine U.S. states are contemplating legislation that would hold app store operators liable for age verification before granting access to age-restricted applications. This transition could encourage companies like Apple to reassess their position regarding age verification and possibly provide a more effective solution that prioritizes user privacy while ensuring the protection of children.

#### Summary

Roblox’s recent age verification requirement signifies a rising trend in the gaming sector aimed at boosting the safety of young users. While the initiative marks progress, it also underscores the necessity for a more all-encompassing approach to age verification that could ease privacy concerns and enhance user experience. As discussions about online safety advance, the involvement of major tech companies in protecting children will likely grow increasingly significant.

Weibo insider Digital Chat Station indicates that upcoming iPhones might feature multispectral camera sensors. Although this could theoretically enhance color precision and improve low-light capabilities, we shouldn’t get too excited.

The technology has already appeared in a smartphone, but the outcomes weren’t notably remarkable, and it is primarily utilized in military and industrial cameras.

Digital Chat Station merely mentioned that Apple showed interest in this technology.

Apple is also looking into “multi-spectrum,” the supply chain is currently under assessment, and testing has yet to commence.

### What is a multispectral camera?

Standard camera sensors have receptors for red, green, and blue light. By gauging the relative amounts of light received by each receptor, the camera can determine a color value for every pixel. For instance, equal signals from red and blue receptors would suggest the color purple. Highly accurate measurements enable the detection of millions of color variations.

All light captured by a conventional sensor is within the visible light spectrum. A multispectral camera, however, is capable of detecting wavelengths beyond the visible range, specifically infrared and ultraviolet.

### What’s the advantage?

Multispectral cameras are mainly utilized for military and industrial purposes, particularly in satellites and drones.

The technology was initially created for military target recognition and has since been applied in weather satellites, agricultural monitoring, and even identifying counterfeit art. In commercial settings, it serves quality control on production lines.

In theory, this technology could also be beneficial for consumer cameras. It has the capacity to enhance the precision of color perception, especially in low-light situations. The Chinese smartphone manufacturer Huawei has integrated the technology into two of its smartphone cameras, emphasizing color precision and better performance in dim lighting.

However, reviewers were not particularly impressed, and there has been no sign that the technology is poised to become mainstream in smartphone cameras as a whole.

### 9to5Mac’s Perspective

Digital Chat Station does have a reasonable track record, although not infallible. Apple shows interest in many technologies that never make it to actual products. Considering the ambiguity of the report and the limited advantages for consumer cameras, I don’t anticipate seeing this feature in an iPhone anytime soon.

**9to5Mac Daily: Your Go-To for Daily Apple News and Insights**

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**Pluribus Season 1: The Path to a Significant Title**

The inaugural season of “Pluribus” has wrapped up, and the show’s creator, Vince Gilligan, shared thoughts on the difficult endeavor of choosing a title that captures the spirit of the series. In a recent interview, Gilligan disclosed that the title “Pluribus” was not selected casually; it emerged from thorough contemplation and inventive thinking.

**The Motivation Behind the Title**

The word “pluribus” originates from the Latin phrase “e pluribus unum,” meaning “out of many, one.” This expression holds historical relevance in the United States, representing unity amid diversity. Gilligan’s selection of this title mirrors the show’s motifs and narrative, highlighting the fusion of various characters and plots into a unified whole.

**A Title Drought: The Creative Journey**

Prior to deciding on “Pluribus,” Gilligan and his crew brainstormed over 100 possible titles. In a discussion on the “Happy Sad Confused” podcast, he comically reflected on their difficulty, remarking, “We were in a title drought for over two or three years trying to figure [it] out.” Among the many options, Gilligan singled out one title as the “worst of all”: “Be Kind, Remind.” This honest disclosure emphasizes the often challenging path of creative decision-making in television production.

**The Ideal Match**

In the end, “Pluribus” surfaced as the perfect title, aligning seamlessly with the show’s premise and thematic richness. Its choice highlights the significance of a title in conveying the narrative’s essential message. As audiences contemplate the series, it becomes increasingly hard to picture it under any other name, particularly one as unusual as “Be Kind, Remind.”

**Looking Forward**

As fans look ahead to a second season, Gilligan’s experiences act as a reminder of the intricacies entailed in the creative process. The hope is that the crafting of future seasons will be more efficient, enabling the continuation of the captivating storytelling that “Pluribus” has provided.

“Pluribus” can be streamed on Apple TV, which features a subscription service with a wide array of popular shows and films.

**Tehran: An In-Depth Look at Apple TV’s Exciting Espionage Series**

Tehran has risen as one of Apple TV’s premier thriller series, enthralling viewers with its riveting storyline and intricate characters. After a lengthy hiatus for new material, fans are eager for the forthcoming launch of Season 3, scheduled to debut on January 9, 2024, featuring a fresh addition to the cast, Hugh Laurie.

**Summary of Tehran**

Tehran is a spy thriller that centers on the life of a Mossad agent, Tamar Rabinyan, played by Niv Sultan. The series explores her perilous covert operation in Tehran, where she encounters various obstacles that jeopardize her safety and the safety of those around her. The show has garnered acclaim for its compelling narrative and top-tier production values, establishing it as a major contender in the streaming arena.

**Production and Release Setbacks**

Although the filming for Season 3 concluded in 2023, its release encountered setbacks due to geopolitical issues, notably the eruption of the Israel-Hamas conflict. While the entire season was aired in December 2024 on Israel’s Kan 11 network, Apple TV had been quiet about its worldwide streaming release until now. Anticipation has significantly escalated, particularly following the indefinite postponement of another eagerly awaited series, The Savant, headlined by Jessica Chastain.

**What to Anticipate in Season 3**

As the new season prepares to launch, audiences can expect a continuation of the high-stakes intrigue that has defined the series. The inclusion of Hugh Laurie to the cast introduces a fresh dynamic, and fans are keen to see how his character will affect the plot. The inaugural episode will be accessible on January 9, with new episodes released weekly until February 27.

**Prospects for the Series**

In thrilling news for supporters, Apple has announced that Season 4 of Tehran is already underway. Provided there are no additional delays, viewers can anticipate more exhilarating episodes in the years ahead.

**Where to View**

The first two seasons of Tehran can be streamed on Apple TV, which provides a subscription service for $12.99 per month. The platform showcases a wide range of hit series and films, including beloved favorites like Ted Lasso and Severance.

As the premiere date for Season 3 draws near, fans are left pondering how Tamar’s path will progress and what new trials she will face in the intricate realm of espionage.

**iOS 26.3 Security Update Tests New ‘Background Security Enhancements’ Framework**

As the new year progresses, Apple keeps enhancing its software portfolio, with anticipation for new betas of iOS 26.3 and iPadOS 26.3 coming soon. Recently, Apple issued a distinctive update for users on the iOS 26.3 beta, referred to as ‘iOS 26.3 (a)’. This update is not an ordinary security fix but rather a trial of a redesigned framework called ‘Background Security Enhancements’.

### What is the Background Security Enhancements Framework?

The Background Security Enhancements framework debuted with iOS 26.1, representing a substantial revision of Apple’s former security update protocol. Although this framework has been incorporated into all iPhones since iOS 26.1, Apple has not actively leveraged it until now. The latest beta update enables users to examine this new framework, aimed at bolstering the overall security of iOS devices.

### How to Access the Update

In contrast to standard updates that can be located in the Software Update section of the Settings app, this trial update is accessible under the Privacy & Security menu, specifically within the Background Security Enhancements section. Users keen on participating in this trial can easily download the update, which adheres to the typical installation procedure that iOS users recognize.

### Key Features of the Update

The release notes for the iOS 26.3 (a) update make its intention clear:

> “This Background Security Enhancement is for testing purposes only and does not include any security fixes.”

This reveals that while the update is a move toward realizing the new security framework, it does not rectify any current vulnerabilities or problems.

### Installation and Removal Process

Upon completing the installation of the update, users will observe a notable change: the option to directly remove the update from the same Settings screen where it was applied. If a user decides to uninstall the update, their iPhone will reboot, and the security update will be deleted.

### Implications for Future Updates

The rollout of this trial update implies that Apple may be strategizing to launch the Background Security Enhancements framework to all users shortly. This could usher in improved security protocols across iOS devices, reinforcing Apple’s dedication to user safety and data privacy.

In summary, while the iOS 26.3 (a) update may not offer immediate security remedies, it marks a significant advancement in testing and perfecting Apple’s new security framework. Users engaged in the beta program can anticipate playing a role in the evolution of a more secure iOS environment.

### ‘Magic Screen’ Accessory Attaches to Mac Displays and Adds Touch Functionality

Anticipation is rising for touch-capable Macs, especially with speculations of a new MacBook Pro debuting later this year. For those not inclined to purchase a new device, a promising accessory named the Intricuit Magic Screen seeks to introduce touch functionality to current MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models.

The Magic Screen is described as the first snap-on touchscreen for MacBooks, created to improve the user experience by facilitating touch interactions. It secures to the MacBook display with built-in magnets and connects via USB-C, ensuring easy and straightforward installation.

As per the promotional content, the Magic Screen enables users to “tap, swipe, and zoom with intuitive precision.” This capability is anticipated to streamline navigation through web content and enhance zooming on images. Furthermore, the accessory is supplied with its own stylus that features pressure sensitivity and stylus hover, offering a budget-friendly alternative to larger drawing tablets and iPads.

The Magic Screen is slated for a Kickstarter launch, with an initial price of $139 for backers. While the precise launch date and shipping schedule are still unknown, interested individuals can access demonstration videos on the Intricuit website to view the accessory in action.

As the desire for touch features on Mac devices grows, the Magic Screen stands as a groundbreaking solution for users wishing to improve their current MacBook experience without requiring a total hardware overhaul.

### Dell Launches the World’s First 52-Inch 6K Monitor at CES 2026

During the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2026, Dell has revealed the revolutionary UltraSharp 52 Thunderbolt Hub Monitor, asserting it as the “world’s first 52-inch 6K monitor.” This state-of-the-art display features a 52-inch ultra-wide curved screen, delivering a pixel density of 129 pixels per inch (PPI).

#### Key Features and Specifications

In a recent announcement, Dell emphasized the monitor’s remarkable specifications:

– **Display**: The monitor showcases a 51.5-inch 6K curved screen with a 21:9 aspect ratio and provides a refresh rate of 120Hz.
– **Technology**: It employs IPS Black technology, enhancing color fidelity and delivering richer blacks.
– **Eye Comfort**: The monitor is TÜV Rheinland 5-star Eye Comfort certified, emitting up to 60% less blue light than competing models. It also features an ambient light sensor that adjusts brightness for comfortable viewing during prolonged use.
– **Multitasking Capabilities**: Users can utilize Picture-by-Picture (PBP) functionality alongside Screen Partition mode and a built-in KVM switch that supports connection to up to four PCs at once.
– **Connectivity Options**: The monitor includes a Thunderbolt 4 port with a power delivery of up to 140W, two 27W USB-C ports, one 10W USB-A port, and an RJ45 port for 2.5Gbps Ethernet.

#### Target Audience

Dell crafted the UltraSharp 52 Thunderbolt Hub Monitor for professionals in need of expansive screen space without the hassle of multiple monitors. This encompasses financial traders, data scientists, engineers, and executives.

#### Pricing and Availability

The Dell UltraSharp 52 Thunderbolt Hub Monitor is available for purchase, priced at $2,899 with the stand and $2,700 without the stand.

This innovative monitor signifies a major leap in display technology, addressing the demands of high-performance users seeking improved productivity and visual fidelity.

**The Future of iPhone Cameras: A 200MP Leap by 2028**

Cameras have evolved into one of the most crucial aspects of the iPhone, and recent information points to a revolutionary advancement on the horizon. According to Morgan Stanley, Apple plans to launch a 200MP camera in its iPhone series by 2028.

### Current Camera Technology

Currently, the iPhone is equipped with 48MP cameras across all rear lenses, which feature Ultra Wide and Telephoto options. The upgrade from the previous 12MP primary camera to 48MP was a significant enhancement in image clarity and detail. However, the expected 200MP camera signifies a substantial advancement in technology.

### The 200MP Upgrade

The idea of the 200MP camera was first highlighted by Weibo insider Digital Chat Station, who revealed that Apple was developing this upgrade. While a specific timeline was not mentioned initially, the latest Morgan Stanley investor note verifies that the inaugural 200MP iPhone camera is anticipated to launch in 2028, with production likely managed by Samsung.

Despite the enthusiasm surrounding this upcoming enhancement, it seems that Apple will retain the existing 48MP configuration for its new iPhone models in 2027 and perhaps beyond. This indicates that while there will be other camera enhancements in the meantime, the significant megapixel increase will not take place until 2028.

### The Apple-Samsung Partnership

Interestingly, although Apple and Samsung are typically viewed as intense rivals in the smartphone arena, they also collaborate on various components. Samsung is foreseen to provide the new crease-free display for the iPhone Fold, illustrating the intricate relationship between the two technology leaders. This collaboration may aid in the development and integration of the groundbreaking 200MP camera technology.

### Conclusion

The possible unveiling of a 200MP camera in the iPhone is an exhilarating prospect for both photography enthusiasts and everyday users. As Apple continues to innovate and improve its camera technology, consumers can anticipate remarkable strides in mobile photography. The lingering question is: how will this advancement in megapixels influence the way we capture and share images? The answer will be revealed as we near 2028.