Apple today sent out emails highlighting a new U.S. Apple Pay promotion, which will see Panera Bread offering four months of unlimited free coffee to those who sign up for a MyPanera+ Coffee subscription and use Apple Pay to check out.
New subscribers who sign up for a MyPanera+ subscription by January 27, 2021 can get the first four months free. After that, the subscription is priced at $8.99 per month. Using Apple Pay for the subscription is a requirement.
MyPanera+ subscribers who swap their payment method to Apple Pay are eligible to get a free cookie. The MyPanera+ program offers unlimited premium coffee (up to every two hours) in any size. Hot tea and iced coffee are included, as are unlimited refills, but espresso, iced cold brew coffee, iced tea, and cappuccino are excluded.
Panera Bread is also an Apple Card partner that offers three percent Daily Cash back on Apple Card purchases made at Panera Bread locations.
Tuesday February 3, 2026 7:47 am PST by Joe Rossignol
While the iOS 26.3 Release Candidate is now available ahead of a public release, the first iOS 26.4 beta is likely still at least a week away. Following beta testing, iOS 26.4 will likely be released to the general public in March or April.
Below, we have recapped known or rumored iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 features so far.
iOS 26.3
iPhone to Android Transfer Tool
iOS 26.3 makes it easier...
Tuesday February 3, 2026 12:45 pm PST by Joe Rossignol
Apple recently acquired Israeli startup Q.ai for close to $2 billion, according to Financial Times sources. That would make this Apple's second-biggest acquisition ever, after it paid $3 billion for the popular headphone maker Beats in 2014.
This is also the largest known Apple acquisition since the company purchased Intel's smartphone modem business and patents for $1 billion in 2019....
Thursday February 5, 2026 12:54 pm PST by Joe Rossignol
Apple turns 50 this year, and its CEO Tim Cook has promised to celebrate the milestone. The big day falls on April 1, 2026.
"I've been unusually reflective lately about Apple because we have been working on what do we do to mark this moment," Cook told employees today, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. "When you really stop and pause and think about the last 50 years, it makes your heart ...
Wednesday February 4, 2026 12:29 pm PST by Joe Rossignol
Apple on Tuesday previewed 12 new shows and films that will be premiering on the Apple TV streaming service throughout 2026.
The new series:
Imperfect Women — March 18, 2026
Margo's Got Money Troubles — April 15, 2026
Widow's Bay — April 29, 2026
Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed — May 20, 2026
Cape Fear — June 5, 2026
Lucky — July 15, 2026
The new films:
Eternity — ...
Wednesday February 4, 2026 7:44 am PST by Joe Rossignol
Apple today began selling certified refurbished iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max models on its online store in the U.S., with prices discounted by 12% to 22% compared to Apple's current or former pricing for the devices.
Here were Apple's starting prices when the devices launched in September 2024:
iPhone 16: $799
iPhone 16 Plus: $899
iPhone 16 Pro:...
First of all, you can get 3 months of free Panera+ without Apple Pay, so this promo is not that great.
I have espresso machine at home, so I would normally poo-poo their coffee. But I found their coffee to be pretty decent and $8.99/month is a great deal (normally costs more than $2) if you live near Panera.
Panera is owned by the same company that owns Peet's Coffee, and while Panera isn't at Peet's level, I find it to be better than Starbuck's. Yes, I realize most coffee snobs would rightly poo-poo Peet's and Starbucks. But just putting things into context.
I would prefer pastry subscription as my kids are addicted to their cinnamon crunch bagels.
Panera is owned by the same company that owns Peet's Coffee, and while Panera isn't at Peet's level, I find it to be better than Starbuck's.
You brought back a sad memory for me.
Back before COVID-19, my daily train commute to work would take me past Specialty's Bakery in Seattle, which served Peet's coffee (I love Major Dickason's) and made amazing pastries and quiches - a great place to pick up breakfast. Unfortunately Specialty's went under - permanently - around May 1 due to the effects of the pandemic (both the enforced shut-down and the overall drop in commuter business).
