Apple today introduced new 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Air models with the M3 chip, along with an updated Magic Keyboard for the device.
With the M3 chip, the new iPad Air should offer up to 20% faster performance compared to the previous-generation model with the M2 chip, which was released in May 2024. In addition, the M3 chip brings hardware-accelerated ray tracing to the iPad Air for the first time, providing improved graphics rendering in games.
The new Magic Keyboard for the iPad Air features a larger trackpad, and function keys for easy access to features like display brightness and volume controls. The new Magic Keyboard attaches to the iPad Air magnetically, and the Smart Connector immediately connects power and data without the need for Bluetooth. The keyboard is also equipped with a USB-C port in its hinge for pass-through charging of other accessories.
We have yet to discover any other changes for the new iPad Air beyond the M3 chip and the updated Magic Keyboard. The new 11-inch and 13-inch models continue to have a 12-megapixel Center Stage front camera, 12-megapixel Wide rear camera, Touch ID power button, USB-C port with up to 10 Gbps data transfer speeds, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.3.
Storage capacities continue to range between 128GB and 1TB, and battery life is unchanged compared to the previous model.
Apple Intelligence is available on any iPad Air model with the M1 chip or newer.
The new iPad Air can be pre-ordered starting today, and it will launch on March 12. In the U.S., the 11-inch model continues to start at $599, and the 13-inch model continues to start at $799. The device remains available in the same Space Gray, Starlight, Blue, and Purple color options that were offered for the previous model.
The new Magic Keyboard comes in white. In the U.S., it is priced at $269 for the 11-inch iPad Air, and at $319 for the 13-inch iPad Air.
Apple CEO Tim Cook teased a new product announcement this week, sharing a short video that says "there's something in the Air." Based on the "Air" wording and the timing of the launch, it sounds like we're going to get new M4 MacBook Air models.
Design
Apple will continue to offer the MacBook Air in two sizes, including 13 inches and 15 inches. We are not expecting notable design updates, and there have been no rumors of a new look.
The upcoming M4 MacBook Air models will likely look identical to the current models, as Apple does not refresh the design of the machines super often. The last MacBook Air design refresh came in 2022, so it's only been three years.
Display
Apple uses mini-LED display technology for the MacBook Pro, but that's likely to stay a premium feature. We're expecting the MacBook Air to continue to use the same Liquid Retina Display technology (aka LED) as the current model.
With the recent MacBook Pro refresh, Apple added a nano-texture matte display upgrade option. It's possible we could see the same option offered for the MacBook Air, but it's no guarantee because that also might remain a premium option.
M4 Chip
We've already seen the M4 chip in multiple products, including the MacBook Pro, iMac, iPad Pro, and Mac mini, so it won't be a surprise when it's added to the MacBook Air.
The M4 chip has up to a 10-core CPU and a 10-core GPU, along with a 16-core Neural Engine. It's built on TSMC's upgraded 3-nanometer process, and was designed with Apple Intelligence in mind. The M4 will outperform the M3 chip, but it won't be a shocking upgrade. We can expect modest improvements in CPU and GPU, with improvements up to 25 percent.
RAM
The MacBook Air's RAM now starts at 16GB instead of 8GB, a change that Apple made last year. We aren't expecting any changes here, and the new MacBook Air machines will also start with 16GB RAM.
Battery Life
With the efficiency improvements brought by the M4 chip, the MacBook Air could see battery life gains. The 14-inch M4 MacBook Pro, for example, lasts for up to 24 hours when streaming video or 16 hours when browsing the web.
FaceTime Camera
Apple updated the MacBook Pro with a 12-megapixel front-facing camera, and it's possible we'll get the same update with the MacBook Air. The camera supports Center Stage, a feature for FaceTime and other video apps that is designed to keep you centered in a video chat even as you move around the room.
The camera will also likely support Desk View, which provides an overhead view of your desk so you can do demonstrations.
Thunderbolt Ports
Current MacBook Air models have two Thunderbolt 3 ports, but the next-generation models could get three Thunderbolt 4 ports, which would be an upgrade for both speed and connectivity.
The new MacBook Pro models support up to two external displays when the device's lid is open, and the MacBook Air should have the same specifications.
Pricing
The M3 MacBook Air is priced starting at $1,099, and there are no pricing changes rumored.
M2 MacBook Air Discontinuation
Apple still sells a MacBook Air with an M2 chip, and it's priced starting at $999. It's possible the M2 MacBook Air will get discontinued with an M3 MacBook Air taking its place, though Apple could opt to keep the M2 model around if upgrading to M3 chips would make the machine too expensive.
Other "Air" Products?
It's the M4 MacBook Air that's ready to launch imminently, but Apple could also surprise us. There are, after all, multiple Apple products with "Air" in the name, some of which are due for an update.
The iPad Air is set to be updated this spring, for example, and the AirTags are going to get a refresh at some point in 2025.
Apple's Announcement
Apple doesn't seem to be planning for a spring event this year, and the iPhone 16e was announced via press release and accompanying videos. We're expecting the same release procedure for the MacBook Air, with the device set to come out as soon as tomorrow.
iFixit today shared one of its traditional teardown videos, taking apart the new iPhone 16e to take a closer look at the internal components.
The iPhone 16e has the same quick release battery adhesive as the other iPhone 16 models, with the battery adhesive able to be released using a low-voltage electrical charge.
An earlier teardown revealed a 15.55 Wh battery inside the iPhone 16e, which is bigger than the 13.83 Wh battery. iFixit says that Apple was able to place a larger battery in the iPhone 16e because there is additional space that's available thanks to the single-lens rear-camera.
iFixit's teardown gives us our closest look yet at Apple's new C1 modem. It's on the underside of the RF board, and has the same package structure as the Qualcomm X71M modem, with a 4nm modem and DRAM. The 7nm transceivers are not located in the same package as the modem.
iFixit was not impressed with some of the design decisions that Apple made, due to the repair difficulty. To get to the USB-C port, for example, all of the internal components of the device need to be removed. Still, iFixit said that the iPhone 16e makes some progress toward repairability thanks to the rollback of parts pairing in iOS and small changes like a metal bracket that protects a flex cable from being sliced when opening up the device.
Apple released iOS 18.4 beta 2 today, and it has even more new features than the first beta of iOS 18.4. There are updated emoji characters, a new app, and a bunch of other, smaller additions.
New Emoji
There are new emoji characters in iOS 18.4, including bags under eyes, fingerprint, leafless tree, root vegetable, harp, shovel, and splatter.
Prioritize Notifications
In beta 1, Apple added a Prioritize Notifications feature. In beta 2, Priority Notifications can be set up on a per-app basis, and it is no longer an all on or all off setting. Priority Notifications are highlighted in a separate section on the Lock Screen, so you see them first.
Apple uses Apple Intelligence to determine which notifications are important and should be shown with the priority label, but you can still swipe up to see all of your notifications in Notification Center.
Vision Pro App
If you have a Vision Pro headset, you'll see a Vision Pro app on your iPhone after installing iOS 18.4. The Vision Pro app helps you discover and download content on the Vision Pro.
There are dedicated sections for Immersive Video, 3D movies, and more, with options to download apps directly to the Vision Pro without having to use the headset.
Apple also added a dedicated My Vision Pro section with a user guide and tips for using the device.
Control Center Apple Intelligence Section
In the Control Center, there's now an Apple Intelligence section. It includes the Type to Siri option that was in the now-removed Siri section, along with new options for activating Siri and using Visual Intelligence.
Visual Intelligence Action Button
Apple added a new Action Button option that activates Visual Intelligence, and it can be used as an alternative to the Camera Control button for Visual Intelligence on the iPhone 16 models.
Visual Intelligence for iPhone 15 Pro Models
Visual Intelligence is now available on the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, marking the first time that Apple has made the feature available on an iPhone that's not an iPhone 16.
Since the iPhone 15 Pro models do not have a Camera Control button, Visual Intelligence can be activated via the Control Center or with the Action Button.
Pause App Store Downloads
When you download an app from the App Store, you can now pause the download right from the update list in the App Store rather than having to do it from the Home Screen icon for the app. Before now, you could only stop and restart an installation entirely from the App Store, with no option for stopping it entirely.
Pausing and resuming works for both new downloads and app updates.
Shortcuts Actions
There are multiple new actions for Apple apps in the Shortcuts app, most of which are for changing app settings.
In Maps, for example, there are actions for things like avoid busy roads, avoid tolls, volume level, directions on radio, and more. In Safari, you can use AutoFill information, toggle on pop-up blocking, close tabs, change search engine, and change the tab bar configuration, among other options.
There are Settings actions for Maps, Safari, Reminders, Calendar, Apple TV, Books, Notes, Voice Memos, and Weather.
Photos
The Recently Deleted section of the Photos app now has one-tap options to delete all photos and to recover all photos.
Wallet
In the Wallet app, there is a new menu that includes Orders, Settings, and Subscriptions and Payments. It can be accessed by tapping on the three dots in the upper right corner, which used to be just for package tracking.
Apple Maps EV Updates
Based on code in iOS 18.4, it looks like Apple plans to add support for using the North American Charging System (NACS) with the Apple Maps EV routing option. Apple Maps EV routing is only supported by a couple of Ford models and the Porsche Taycan, so it's limited.
On those vehicles, there should soon be an option to route to NACS chargers in addition to CCS charging stations. Tesla Superchargers are NACS chargers, for example, but right now the Apple Maps EV feature does not support them.
iPhone 16e Support
iPhone 16e users can download and install the iOS 18.4 beta starting with beta 2, as Apple has added iPhone 16e support.
iPhone 12 Support
With iOS 18.4 beta 1, the update was bricking some iPhone 12 models, so Apple pulled it. That prevented anyone with an iPhone 12 from installing the beta. With beta 2, Apple has fixed the issue, so iOS 18.4 is once again available on the iPhone 12.
There is also now an iPadOS 18.4 beta 2 update available for iPads that had the same issue, including the eighth-generation iPad, fourth-generation iPad Air, and all M2 iPad Air models.
Release Date
iOS 18.4 will be released to the public in early April.
Belkin today announced the launch of a range of new products, including updated power banks, over-ear headphones, and a GaN Dock, which is its most interesting new device.
The Belkin 11-in-1 Pro GaN Dock has a built-in power brick inside, so there is no bulky extra power supply that you have to deal with. You'll need to plug it in, but there's just one cable from the outlet to the dock, and then another for the dock to your computer.
The Pro GaN Dock offers up to 150W of charging, though only 96W is available from one of the single ports, with the rest of the power distributed to other ports for charging accessories. 96W is enough for even the 16-inch MacBook Pro, but it doesn't support the fastest charging speeds for the machine.
There are a total of 11 ports, including a 10Gb/s USB-A port, two 10Gb/s USB-C ports, a 5Gb/s USB-C port, a PD 96W USB-C port, a 3.5mm audio in/out port, an SD card slot, a micro SD card slot, two HDMI 2.0 ports, and a gigabit ethernet port.
The dock supports up to three external displays at 4K 60Hz, or one display at 4K 120Hz or 8K 30Hz. There are two ports that support 7.5W charging, one port that supports 20W charging, and one port that supports 15W charging, so you can charge iPhones, iPads, and other accessories.
The dock is priced at $200, and it is available now from the Belkin website.
Belkin also announced new 10K and 20K Power Banks with a display and an included USB-C cable, along with 10K and 20K Power Banks that have integrated cables. Pricing on the power banks starts at $30, with more information available in Belkin's announcement.
The second iOS 18.4 beta that Apple released today adds new Apple Intelligence features to Control Center, providing some quick access options to select Apple Intelligence features.
There are dedicated Control Center buttons for activating Siri so you can speak to the personal assistant and activating Visual Intelligence, with these features joining the prior option for activating Type to Siri. Note that Type to Siri has been moved to the Apple Intelligence section instead of the Siri section.
The features are available on all iPhones that support Apple Intelligence, including the iPhone 15 Pro models and all iPhone 16 models. Visual Intelligence is new to the iPhone 15 Pro, and on the iPhone 16 models, the Control Center option for activating it is new.
Prior to now, activating Visual Intelligence could only be done with a long press on the Camera Control button. There's also now a new Action Button option that can be used for Visual Control on the iPhone 16 models and the iPhone 15 Pro models.
In the second iOS 18.4 beta that Apple released today, there are a selection of new emoji characters, including bags under eyes, fingerprint, leafless tree, root vegetable, harp, shovel, and splatter.
The emojis are part of the Unicode 16 Standard that was released in September 2024.
It often takes Apple several months to create artwork for new emoji characters that are approved, so it is no surprise that we're not seeing the September 2024 emoji until now.
Apple last added new emoji with the iOS 17.4 update that came out in March 2024, introducing lime, an edible brown mushroom, a phoenix, a broken chain, shaking head vertically (as in a "yes" nod), and shaking head horizontally (a "no" head shake).
Next year, we'll get the Unicode 17 emoji, and those characters include hairy creature (like Bigfoot), distorted face, fight cloud, apple core, orca, trombone, landslide, and treasure chest.
With the visionOS 2.4 update, Apple is making some major enhancements to the Vision Pro, and that includes a new Spatial Gallery app that's available in the beta as of today.
The Spatial Gallery houses spatial photos, spatial videos, and panoramas from artists, filmmakers, and photographers.
Apple is offering a range of content featuring sports, culture, arts, lifestyle, nature, travel, and entertainment, with plans to continue offering additional content in the future. Apple says it plans to provide visual content from top artists, visionary creators, and global brands.
Right now, the Spatial Gallery has options like sea life off of the coast of Southern California, a skydiving video from Red Bull Air Force, videos from ice climbing in Alberta, Canada, and a behind the scenes video from Severance. There are also a number of shot on iPhone spatial images to view.
The Spatial Gallery is available now for Vision Pro owners who have upgraded to the visionOS 2.4 beta.
visionOS 2.4 is set to see a public launch in April, and it will also bring new Apple Intelligence features.
Apple today released a new Vision Pro app for the iPhone, which is installed automatically for Vision Pro owners who upgrade to iOS 18.4 beta 2, the latest beta that also came out for developers this morning.
The app was announced two weeks ago, and it is designed to make it easier to find and download content to the Vision Pro when the headset is not in use.
There is a "My Vision Pro" section that has information like serial number and visionOS version, along with a user guide and tips for using the Vision Pro.
The app is straightforward and the main section is a "This Week" experience where you can scroll through different content options for the Vision Pro. There are dedicated sections for Apple Immersive content, new apps and games for the week, 3D movie suggestions, and feature highlights like the Mac Virtual Display. You can download apps and games to your Vision Pro using the app, plus add movies and TV shows to your watch list.
With the second beta of iOS 18.4, Visual Intelligence is available for the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, two devices that did not previously support the feature. Until now, Visual Intelligence has been a feature limited to the iPhone 16 models, but it will now be available on all iPhones that support Apple Intelligence.
Since there is no Camera Control button on the iPhone 15 Pro Max, Visual Intelligence can be activated through the Action Button or through a Control Center option. There is a new Action Button setting for Visual Intelligence, along with new Control Center buttons for activating the feature. On all iPhone 16 models, Visual Intelligence can now be activated through the Action Button, so it is no longer limited to the Camera Control button on the iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, and 16 Pro Max.
Using Visual Intelligence through the Action Button and Control Center is functionality that Apple implemented for the iPhone 16e, which supports Visual Intelligence but also does not have a Camera Control button.
After releasing the iPhone 16e with Visual Intelligence, Apple said that it would come to the iPhone 15 Pro models as well. Visual Intelligence is a camera feature that is designed to let you learn more about the places and objects that are around you.
Visual Intelligence can use the camera to summarize text, translate, read text aloud, search Google for objects, ask ChatGPT for information about an object or a place, and more.
The iOS 18.4 beta that Apple released to developers today is available for the iPhone 12 models, which means those devices can once again be updated to iOS 18.4.
After Apple released the first betas of iOS 18.4 and iPadOS 18.4, the updates caused some iPhone 12 models and some older iPads to get stuck in a boot loop. Apple ended up pulling the iOS 18.4 and iPadOS 18.4 updates for these devices, preventing them from being updated to avoid bricking them.
The error has presumably been fixed, because the second betas of iOS 18.4 and iPadOS 18.4 are available for affected devices. These devices were impacted:
This issue affected the watchOS 11.4 update for the Apple Watch Series 6 too, so Apple also pulled the watchOS 11.4 update for the Series 6. The second beta of watchOS 11.4 addresses the issue too.
The second iOS 18.4 beta also comes after the release of the iPhone 16e, so new iPhone 16e owners can upgrade to Apple's beta software. The initial iOS 18.4 beta could not be downloaded on the iPhone 16e.
Apple today provided developers with the second beta of an upcoming macOS Sequoia 15.4 update for testing purposes. The new beta is available two weeks after Apple released the first beta.
Registered developers can opt-in to the macOS Sequoia beta through the Software Update section of the System Settings app. An Apple ID associated with an Apple Developer account is required to get the beta.
macOS Sequoia 15.4 brings Mail Categorization to the Mac for the first time, reorganizing the Mail app into dedicated categories like transactions, updates, promotions, and primary, a category that surfaces the most important emails first.
For Apple News+ subscribers, there is a dedicated News+ Food section with recipes, articles about restaurants, and other related content. There's a new Sketch style in Image Playground, the option to create Memory Movies in the Photos app, and Apple Intelligence is expanding to new languages.
Apple plans to release macOS Sequoia 15.4 in early April.
Apple today seeded the second betas of upcoming iOS 18.4 and iPadOS 18.4 updates to developers for testing purposes, with the software coming two weeks after Apple released the first betas.
iOS 18.4 and iPadOS 18.4 can be downloaded from the Settings app on a compatible device by going to General > Software Update.
With iOS 18.4, Apple is adding the Priority Notifications Apple Intelligence feature, which is designed to determine which of your notifications are the most important, highlighting them in an easy-to-see dedicated section on the Lock Screen.
The update includes a new Apple News+ Food section for Apple News+ subscribers, plus it adds the Sketch style to Image Playground so you can generate images that look hand drawn. Apple Intelligence is also available in more languages, including French, German, Italian, Portuguese (Brazil), Spanish, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese (simplified), along with localized English for Singapore and India.
A future update is set to bring a dedicated Vision Pro app that will accompany the headset, allowing users to find and download content, manage the headset, control guest experiences, and more.
Mail Categorization has expanded to the iPad, and there's a new Ambient Music feature for playing relaxing music from Control Center. There are a number of other smaller features too, with details available in our iOS 18.4 features guide.
Apple plans to release iOS 18.4 and iPadOS 18.4 in early April.
Apple today provided developers with the second betas of upcoming visionOS 2.4, tvOS 18.4, and watchOS 11.4 updates for testing purposes. The software is available two weeks after Apple seeded the first betas.
The betas are available to registered developers, and can be downloaded from the Settings app on each device.
Of the three new software betas, the visionOS 2.4 update is the most notable because it brings Apple Intelligence to the Vision Pro for the first time. Apple Intelligence features available in visionOS include Writing Tools, Genmoji, Memory Movie, Image Playground, Priority Notifications, and ChatGPT integration.
The update will include a dedicated Spatial Gallery app, which will offer a curated selection of spatial videos, photos, and panoramas from artists, filmmakers, and photographers. Apple is also bringing a Vision Pro app to the iPhone for Vision Pro management, and it will let users find and download apps, add content to a watch list, and more.
With visionOS 2.4 and iOS 18.4, an iPhone can be used to set up Guest Mode on the Vision Pro, making it much easier to let people try out the headset. When a guest puts on the Vision Pro, a prompt appears on the iPhone, and the Vision Pro owner is able to choose what apps the guest can use and can see what the guest is doing via AirPlay.
Apple plans to release visionOS 2.4, tvOS 18.4, and watchOS 11.4 in early April.
"PicoChat" brings a nostalgic experience from the Nintendo DS to Apple's iMessage (via Overkill).
iMessage already includes built-in drawing via Digital Touch, but PicoChat recreates the distinct aesthetic and interaction style of PictoChat. PictoChat was a built-in messaging application preloaded on the Nintendo DS, Nintendo DS Lite, and Nintendo DSi. It allowed users to communicate using text and drawings over a local wireless connection, functioning as a LAN-only chat service. Messages could be typed using a small on-screen keyboard or handwritten using the DS's stylus and touchscreen.
PicoChat is an iMessage app designed to replicate the iconic functionality and aesthetic of PictoChat. The app allows users to draw and handwrite messages directly within iMessage, supporting pixelated emoji, undo functionality, and the ability to save favorite drawings. Unlike the original PictoChat, which was limited to short-range wireless communication within a local network, PicoChat allows users to send drawings and messages regardless of distance due to working through iMessage.
The app's design is largely faithful to the interface of the original Nintendo DS software. Upon opening the PicoChat extension, users are presented with a minimalistic drawing space above a tiny keyboard, similar to the DS layout. The interface even includes a stylus animation when drawing.
While standalone iMessage apps are less prominent than they were following their introduction in iOS 10, Apple continues to support third-party extensions. Like other iMessage apps, PicoChat does not appear on the home screen and must be accessed within the Messages app by tapping the "+" button in a chat thread.
"Friday Night Baseball" is included with an Apple TV+ subscription, at no additional cost. In the U.S., Apple TV+ costs $9.99 per month or $99 per year, and it is also included in all Apple One subscription bundles with other Apple services.
Apple also announced a new immersive video called "VIP: Yankee Stadium" that will provide Apple Vision Pro users with "an all-access pass to one of the world's most iconic sports venues." The film will be released next month, for free, and it features broadcasting legend Joe Buck welcoming viewers to a June 2024 match between the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers. No Apple TV+ subscription is required for this.
Last, Apple said a new "Fight for Glory: 2024 World Series" docuseries is set to premiere on Apple TV+ later this month.
Samsung has kicked off a new Discover Samsung Spring Sale, which includes savings on monitors, TVs, Galaxy products, and more. This sale is set to last through March 9, with new deals appearing every day of the event.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Samsung. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
One of the best overall deals during this sale is on The Frame TVs, which are available for up to $1,300 off, depending on the size of the model you purchase. Every size is being discounted during this event, with the popular 65-inch The Frame TV available for $1,299.99, down from $1,999.99.
The best monitor deals include the popular 27-inch ViewFinity S9 5K Smart Monitor for $999.99, down from $1,599.99. At $600 off this is a solid second-best price on the 2023 display, which has a matte display, modular 4K SlimFit camera, and support for Thunderbolt 4.
When purchasing select monitors this week, Samsung is offering the 32-inch ViewFinity S7 4K Monitor for free. This includes monitors like the 34-inch Odyssey Curved Gaming Monitor for $784.99, down from $1,599.99.
Of course, there's a lot more on sale than just monitors. This sale also covers the newest Galaxy S25 smartphones, The Frame TV, and Samsung's line of home appliances, including refrigerators and washer/dryers. We've accumulated some of these deals in the lists below, but be sure to check out Samsung's website for the full sale.
Be sure to visit our full Deals Roundup to shop for even more Apple-related products and accessories.
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In the U.S., the Smart Thermostat Essential is priced at $129.99, making it Ecobee's most affordable smart thermostat.
Ecobee's smart thermostat can help you save money by intelligently optimizing your home's temperature. For example, the thermostat can reduce energy usage while you are away from home. When paired with Ecobee's SmartSensors, the thermostat can detect occupancy and optimize comfort in certain rooms throughout the home.
Ecobee claims the thermostat can pay for itself by helping you spend up to 23% less on annual heating and cooling costs.
The thermostat supports Apple's smart home platform HomeKit, and it can be controlled with Ecobee's app on the iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch. It also works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Samsung SmartThings, and more.
Compared to Ecobee's highest-end Smart Thermostat Premium, priced at $249.99 in the U.S., the lower-priced Essential model lacks features such as a built-in occupancy sensor, dual-band Wi-Fi, a built-in indoor air quality monitor, hands-free calling and intercom functionality, built-in Siri voice control, and a few other things.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Samsung. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
