Apple News 24-Hour Briefing
×Last updated: March 16, 2026, 4:30 PM ET
Hardware & Product Updates
Anticipation builds for Apple's first foldable iPhone expected to launch this fall, while the hardware ecosystem sees mixed updates across the lineup. In the notebook space, reports suggest the M6 MacBook Pro will support touch later this year, though the current MacBook Air refresh is not slated to receive the feature. Conversely, a specific thermal pad modification can reportedly boost sustained clock speeds on the MacBook Neo under heavy stress, although this aftermarket tuning is cautioned against for general users. Furthermore, the original 2012 iPhone 5 is now officially obsolete, joining Apple's list of unsupported devices, marking the end of service eligibility for the company's first Lightning-equipped phone.
The audio division saw a refresh with the AirPods Max 2 announcement, which retains the previous generation's overall physical design but integrates the H2 chip, delivering enhanced Active Noise Cancellation and Adaptive Audio features. A key update to the new over-ear cans is a new function for the Digital Crown, though the precise capability is not detailed in all reports. Meanwhile, deep discounts are appearing across the current audio lineup, with the AirPods Pro 3 dropping to $209.99 on Amazon this week, placing them near holiday pricing levels, while the older Air Pods Pro 3 are advertised for $210 in broader deals coverage that also noted price cuts on M5 MacBook Pros and titanium Apple Watches.
Software & Services
Controversy continues surrounding the adoption of 'Liquid Glass' technology, with discussions centering on potential mitigations Apple may introduce in iOS 27. Some speculation suggests a dedicated slider for the feature might be included in the upcoming operating system update, prompting internal debate following the hiring of a new Human Interface Design VP. Separately, Apple is deepening its integration within the automotive sector; Ford Mustang Mach-E owners using Car Play will benefit from enhanced EV Routing in Apple Maps, which now automatically inserts necessary battery preconditioning stops into trip planning.
Corporate Strategy & Acquisitions
In a move signaling potential expansion for professional creative tools, Apple acquired MotionVFX, a Polish firm specializing in plugins, transitions, and visual effects for Final Cut Pro. This acquisition strongly hints at the possibility of bringing more advanced video editing capabilities, currently standard on the Mac version of the application, to the iPad version of Final Cut Pro. On the entertainment front, Apple's original feature film, "F1: The Movie" secured a major win by taking home the Oscar for Best Sound at the recent Academy Awards ceremony.
Deals, Partnerships, and Legacy
Retailers are pushing aggressive March markdowns across Apple’s tablet line, with Amazon offering the iPad 11 for as low as $299, representing discounts up to $300 on various models. In non-product news, Apple has established a new partnership, becoming the Official Performance Technology Product Partner for the TCS London Marathon, using the collaboration to promote health goals. Separately, historical context was revisited as Apple co-founder Ronald Wayne stated that the long-held narrative regarding him selling his initial 10% stake for just $800 on the company's 50th anniversary is factually incorrect. Finally, consumers continue to face seasonal security threats, as reports indicate that scammers are specifically targeting retirees during tax season by exploiting expectations of refunds.