Apple News 3d Briefing
×Product Updates & Hardware
Apple macrumors.com today updated trade-in values for select iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch models. The M4 chip used in the new iPad Air appleinsider.com does not match the iPad Pro version's performance due to core count changes. Apple's iPhone 17e 9to5mac.com brings performance boosts and Mag Safe to its value-focused smartphone, though the design remains familiar enough that existing iPhone 16e cases still fit.
Software & AI Developments
Apple macrumors.com has asked Google to investigate setting up servers in its data centers to run a future version of Siri powered by Gemini. Years of under-investment in data centers may mean that Apple appleinsider.com will increase its reliance on Google when the revamped Siri launches. Apple is expected to push its Gemini-trained Apple Foundation Models and new chatbot-like Siri appleinsider.com functions during WWDC, but Core ML could also see an update.
Retail & Market Activity
Apple macrumors.com has advised its retail store employees to expect a "major rush" of customers this week. The company has temporarily closed all five of its retail stores macrumors.com in the United Arab Emirates, including three locations in Abu Dhabi and two in Dubai. Apple Stores are preparing for a significant number of physical product launches during its early March event, with the new MacBook getting its own table.
Accessories & Ecosystem
A seasonal color refresh arrived today for a variety of Apple macrumors.com accessories, including iPhone cases, Apple Watch bands, and the Crossbody Strap. The Baseus Pico Go line has expanded with the AM52 Qi2.2 MagSafe appleinsider.com battery packs, bringing more features and faster speeds to pocketable charging solutions. Accessories maker ESR recently launched a new lineup of iPad accessories that aim to expand the usefulness of iPad for casual users.
Pricing & Deals
Amazon macrumors.com this week has all-time low prices on the Apple Watch Series. Amazon macrumors.com today has brought back a few $100 discounts on the iPad Mini, starting at $399. Amazon macrumors.com today has the Air Pods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation for $119.00. Today's 9to5Toys Lunch Break is headlined by Air Pods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation back down at one of the lowest prices: $119 shipped (35% .
Developer & Beta Programs
Apple appleinsider.com 's developer beta program has reached the third round, with fresh builds of iOS 26.4, iPad OS 26.4, watch OS 26.4, tv OS 26.4, and vision OS 26.4 testing. Apple macrumors.com today seeded the third betas of upcoming iOS 26.4 and iPad OS 26.4 updates to developers for testing purposes, with the software coming a week after Apple provided the second beta to developers. Apple 9to5mac.com has released the third iOS 26.4 beta version for iPhone, which includes a number of exciting new features and changes, including AI-powered Apple Music updates. Apple macrumors.com today provided developers with the third betas of upcoming watch OS 26.4, tv OS 26.4, and vision OS 26.4 betas for testing purposes.
Future Products & Roadmap
Apple macrumors.com is still developing a large foldable iPad, despite hitting several technical hurdles along the way, reports Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. Apple macrumors.com will update the MacBook Air with an OLED display for its 2028 model, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. Apple macrumors.com will add a vapor chamber cooling system to the iPad Pro as soon as next year, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. Consumers can expect a long wait for the next version of the iPad Pro appleinsider.com, but the 2027 refresh will get vapor chamber cooling, not a major revamp in design.
Competitive Landscape & Industry
AI chatbots currently take up the top three spots on the US App Store's Top Downloaded charts. For Anthropic 9to5mac.com 's Claude, which takes the first-place position right now, that's a jump from 42nd place just days ago. It looks like Apple 9to5mac.com isn't the only company with new products launching soon. A new Sonos Play portable Bluetooth and Air Play 2 speaker has leaked early.
Regulatory & Policy
Following last year's introduction of a ban on social media apps for teenagers, Australia 9to5mac.com is now tightening age-verification requirements for AI apps.