Apple News 8-Hour Briefing
×Last updated: March 16, 2026, 10:30 AM ET
Apple Hardware & Pricing Updates
Apple unveiled the next generation of its over-ear headphones, the Air Pods Max, which incorporate the powerful H2 chip to deliver enhanced active noise cancellation capabilities over the previous model. This launch coincides with a significant price adjustment for the current generation, as Amazon has begun offering the Air Pods Pro 3 this week at a discounted price of $209.99. Furthermore, Apple is refining its entry-level smartphone lineup with the introduction of the iPhone 17e, which replaces the 16e variant, though reviewers suggest the device remains positioned above the truly budget-conscious segment despite welcome internal improvements.
Corporate History & Software Design
In corporate news, a long-held narrative regarding Apple’s origins was challenged when co-founder Ronald Wayne disclosed that the conventional story about him selling his 10% stake for a mere $800 during the company’s 50th anniversary is factually inaccurate. Shifting focus to future software direction, reports suggest that iOS 27 may feature a new user interface element dubbed the "Liquid Glass slider," a design choice that follows internal leadership changes, including the appointment of Steve Lemay as Vice President of Human Interface Design last December after Alan Dye's exit. Separately, Apple’s original film, "F1: The Movie," secured a recent Academy Award win, taking home the trophy for Best Sound at the 98th annual ceremony.