Apple News 3d Briefing
×Apple's Product Pipeline
Apple macrumors.com is still developing a large foldable iPad despite hitting several technical hurdles along the way, reports Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. The company will update the MacBook Air with an OLED display for its 2028 model, while the iPad Pro will add a vapor chamber cooling system as soon as next year. Consumers can expect a long wait for the next version of the iPad Pro, but the 2027 refresh will get vapor chamber cooling, not a major revamp in design.
Retail & Market Activity
Apple macrumors.com has advised its retail store employees to expect a "major rush" of customers this week, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. Meanwhile, the company has temporarily closed all five of its retail stores in the United Arab Emirates, including three locations in Abu Dhabi and two in Dubai. Amazon today has brought back a few $100 discounts on the iPad Mini, starting at $399.
Software & Services Updates
Apple appleinsider.com is expected to push its Gemini-trained Apple Foundation Models and new chatbot-like Siri functions during WWDC, but Core ML could also see an update. The company's Reminders app recently got my favorite new feature in a long time: 'Urgent' reminders. Apple's Wallet app received a variety of great features in iOS, but one of my favorites is a convenient new way to manage credit cards.
Competitor Landscape
ChatGPT 9to5mac.com user base surges 350% in 18 months as it nears 1 billion weekly active users. OpenAI is well on its way to reporting 1 billion weekly active Chat GPT users, claiming 900 million weekly active users, a 350% increase since just 18 months ago. AI chatbots currently take up the top three spots on the US App Store's Top Downloaded charts, with Anthropic's Claude taking the first-place position right now.
Accessory & Ecosystem News
Accessories maker ESR recently launched a new lineup of iPad accessories that aim to expand the usefulness of iPad for casual users. The Baseus Pico Go line has expanded with the AM52 Qi2.2 Mag Safe battery packs, which bring more features and faster speeds to the pocketable chargers. The Baseus Pico Go AM52 Qi2.2 batteries review highlights multi-device charging and 25W Mag Safe capabilities.
Entertainment & Content
Apple macrumors.com is working with German confectionary brand Ritter Sport to offer a unique Apple Music promotion. The collaboration, branded as "Limited Edition Ritter Sport x Apple Music," will feature special packaging with Apple Music branding. Apple TV's second-largest market is Brazil, says Eddy Cue, revealing that Brazil is Apple TV's second-largest market by subscriber count and its fastest-growing.
Developer & Platform News
Apple macrumors.com launched the iPhone 16e one year ago today, a new entry-level model that brought Apple Intelligence to a more affordable price point. The company says UK age verification message in iOS 26.4 beta 2 was a bug, after some users in the UK began seeing an age verification prompt after installing the beta. Apple is expected to introduce Core AI as replacement for Core ML during WWDC 2026.
Vision Pro & Spatial Computing
Apple 9to5mac.com has released the third episode of Elevated, its original Immersive Video series for Apple Vision Pro that started in 2024. The latest entry offers viewers an otherwise impossible view of Switzerland's Lauterbrunnen Valley, continuing the company's slow drip of Vision Pro immersive videos. The global RAM and SSD shortage crisis continues to impact Apple's production capabilities, with manufacturers paying twice as much for RAM and flash storage as they did in 2025.
Mac & Computing
Apple appleinsider.com currently offers a 15-inch MacBook Air equipped with the M4 chip that has dropped to $1,049 as Amazon competes for your business this weekend. Rumors indicate Apple has two new Studio Display models in the works, launching as soon as next week, with code fragments found in the latest iOS 24.6 beta suggesting premium upgrades including higher-end ports and speakers.