Apple News 3d Briefing
×Product Launches
Apple 9to5mac.com kicked off its March event week with the iPhone 17e and M4 iPad Air. The iPhone 17e brings Mag Safe and 256GB base storage to Apple's value-focused lineup. Apple 9to5mac.com announced two new products today: the iPhone 17e and an iPad Air with M4. The M4 chip used in the new iPad Air does not have the same performance as the iPad Pro version, thanks to core count changes. Apple 9to5mac.com announced the iPhone 17e today with a handful of key updates, including increased base storage. The iPhone 17e is here and it solves the iPhone 16e's biggest problem.
Software Updates
Apple macrumors.com seeded the third betas of upcoming iOS 26.4 and iPad OS 26.4 updates to developers for testing purposes. Apple 9to5mac.com released the third iOS 26.4 beta version for iPhone. iOS 26.4 includes a number of exciting new features and changes, including AI-powered Apple Music updates. Apple appleinsider.com did not include mac OS Tahoe 26.4 in the third round of developer betas. Apple macrumors.com 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. Apple 9to5mac.com quietly changed how Always On Display works in iOS 26 in a way that may not be obvious.
Retail & Accessories
Apple macrumors.com advised its retail store employees to expect a "major rush" of customers this week. Apple macrumors.com released iPhone cases, Apple Watch bands, and a crossbody strap in new colors. Apple macrumors.com updated its trade-in values for select iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch models. Apple appleinsider.com confirmed that existing iPhone 16e cases will still fit the iPhone 17e. Apple appleinsider.com retail stores are preparing for a significant number of physical product launches during its early March event.
Market & Industry
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. Apple appleinsider.com may increase its reliance on Google when the revamped Siri launches due to years of under-investment in data centers. Apple appleinsider.com is expected to push its Gemini-trained Apple Foundation Models and new chatbot-like Siri functions during WWDC. Apple macrumors.com is still developing a large foldable iPad, despite hitting several technical hurdles along the way. Apple macrumors.com will update the MacBook Air with an OLED display for its 2028 model.
App Store & Services
Apple appleinsider.com could soon force the App Store to remove AI apps that let users access adult or violent content without age verification in Australia. Apple macrumors.com is aiming to lure customers from Chat GPT and Gemini with a new memory import tool that's available to free users. Claude 9to5mac.com hit #1 on the App Store as users rally behind Anthropic's government standoff. AI chatbots currently take up the top three spots on the US App Store's Top Downloaded charts.
Regional News
Apple macrumors.com has temporarily closed all five of its retail stores in the United Arab Emirates. Apple closed three locations in Abu Dhabi and two in Dubai.
Third-Party Products
Sonos 9to5mac.com Play portable Bluetooth and Air Play 2 speaker leaks early. Baseus expanded its Pico Go line with AM52 Qi2.2 Mag Safe battery packs. ESR 9to5mac.com launched a new lineup of iPad accessories. Alogic appleinsider.com Clarity Touch 6K monitor review highlights a $2,500 display option for Mac users. Find My 9to5mac.com card tracker solves Air Tag's biggest problem with ultra-thin design.
Content & Entertainment
Apple TV 9to5mac.com canceled Palm Royale after two seasons. Apple TV 9to5mac.com has several new shows coming in March including ongoing episodes of major series like Monarch. Apple 9to5mac.com iPhone 17e is a solid upgrade but looks dated on day one.
Deals & Pricing
Amazon macrumors.com brought back $100 discounts on iPad Mini 7 starting at $399. Amazon macrumors.com has all-time low prices on the Apple Watch Series. Amazon macrumors.com has the Air Pods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation for $119.00. 9to5Toys 9to5mac.com headlined Air Pods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation back down at one of the lowest prices: $119 shipped (35% .
Competitors & Comparisons
Anthropic is aiming to lure customers from Chat GPT and Gemini with a new memory import tool. Acer appleinsider.com Predator Helios Neo 14 shows Apple's 16-inch M4 Pro MacBook Pro has never been so far behind.