Apple News 3d Briefing
×Product Launches
Apple 9to5mac.com kicked off March with announcements for the iPhone 17e and M4 iPad Air. The iPhone 17e 9to5mac.com brings increased base storage and Mag Safe to Apple's value-focused smartphone, solving its predecessor's biggest problem. Meanwhile, the new iPad Air 9to5mac.com features an M4 chip but with performance differences from the iPad Pro version, as it only has three performance cores rather than the full configuration. Users can download Apple's new iPhone 17e wallpaper without purchasing the device, making it accessible to existing iPhone owners 9to5mac.com.
Software Updates
Apple continues to refine its operating systems with the third beta versions of iOS 26.4 9to5mac.com, which includes AI-powered Apple Music updates, alongside watch OS 26.4 macrumors.com, tv OS 26.4, and vision OS 26.4. However, iOS 26 introduces changes to the Always On Display functionality that users may find unfavorable 9to5mac.com. For those not satisfied with mac OS, options exist to block alerts or downgrade the operating system 9to5mac.com.
Deals & Accessories
Shoppers can find significant discounts on Apple products this week, with AirPods 4 macrumors.com with Active Noise Cancellation available for $119, representing 35% off their regular price 9to5mac.com. The Apple Watch Series 11 macrumors.com is also seeing substantial reductions, with aluminum models priced at $299 on Amazon. Additionally, iPad Mini 7 macrumors.com models are available starting at $399 with $100 off. Apple has also released new colors for iPhone cases, Apple Watch bands, and the Crossbody Strap macrumors.com.
Future Products
Apple is reportedly developing a large foldable iPad that could arrive by 2029 macrumors.com, while an OLED MacBook Air is expected in 2028 macrumors.com. The upcoming iPad Pro appleinsider.com will reportedly feature a vapor chamber cooling system, though this may not arrive until early 2027 rather than the initially rumored timeline. Apple Stores are also preparing for a significant number of physical product launches during its early March event, with a new MacBook getting its own dedicated table space appleinsider.com.
Corporate & Retail Developments
Apple TV has canceled the critically acclaimed comedy Palm Royale 9to5mac.com after two seasons, disappointing fans of the series. In retail news, Apple has temporarily closed all five of its retail stores in the United Arab Emirates, including three locations in Abu Dhabi and two in Dubai macrumors.com. Meanwhile, Apple has advised retail store employees to expect a "major rush" of customers this week macrumors.com, suggesting strong interest in the newly announced products.
AI & App Store
In the artificial intelligence space, Anthropic macrumors.com has introduced a free memory import tool to lure customers from Chat GPT and Gemini, allowing users to transfer conversations and memories between platforms. This effort appears to be paying off, as Claude 9to5mac.com has jumped to the #1 position on the US App Store's Top Downloaded charts from 42nd place just days earlier. Apple is also reportedly exploring the use of Google's Gemini technology to power a future version of Siri macrumors.com, potentially running on servers