A new report suggests that a Meta smartwatch will launch at some point this year, but it likely won’t compete with the Apple Watch.

Based on previous comments by the company, it may serve as more of an accessory to a future Meta smart glasses product …

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A reported hardware failure affecting Apple's new in-house C1X 5G modem in the iPhone Air has surfaced online, marking the first known real-world incident involving the company's own baseband technology.


The ‌iPhone Air‌ is the first iPhone model to ship with the Apple's internally designed C1X 5G modem, replacing Qualcomm's X75 modem used across the iPhone 16 lineup. The transition to Apple-designed modems follows years of development after Apple acquired Intel's smartphone modem business in 2019 and began building its own baseband engineering teams and intellectual property portfolio with the goal of reducing reliance on Qualcomm and increasing efficiency.

A newly reported incident was first documented in a support thread on Reddit spotted by Wccftech, where the user "itstheskylion" described waking up to find the device had completely lost cellular reception. According to the user, the phone displayed no signal bars and diagnostics indicated a hardware-level cellular problem.

The device had reportedly been kept in a case since purchase and showed no signs of physical damage. The user said that multiple troubleshooting steps were attempted, including restarting the device, performing a soft reset, and resetting network settings, but none restored cellular connectivity. The user also reported using a dual-SIM configuration with two different carriers, with neither connection functioning, which suggests the issue was not related to a carrier outage or network-specific disruption.

Baseband hardware failures are uncommon in modern smartphones due to extensive factory testing and validation processes, but large-scale production inevitably includes a small percentage of defective units. Apple has historically replaced and collected devices that exhibit unusual behavior for internal analysis, particularly when new technologies are involved. At present, there is no evidence that the issue is widespread or indicative of a broader reliability concern.

As Apple prepares for the next generation of iPhones, real-world reliability data from early deployments of the C1 and C1X modems is likely to be closely monitored internally as part of the company's ongoing development work. The C1X is expected to come to the ‌iPhone‌ 17e next month, while the iPhone 18 Pro, ‌iPhone 18‌ Pro Max, and foldable ‌iPhone‌ are rumored to feature Apple's next-generation C2 modem.
This article, "Apple's C1X Modem Faces First Reported Failure in iPhone Air" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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You’ll need an Apple TV subscription if you want to watch Formula 1 at home this season in the United States. But, Apple is taking its new broadcasting rights beyond the living room. In a partnership announced today with IMAX, Apple TV will also show select races from this season live in theaters.

Five of the 2026 Grand Prix’s will be shown at IMAX screens across the country, including Silverstone, Miami, Monaco, Monza and Austin.

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When Amazon announced a wider rollout of a surveillance feature to help Ring smart doorbells locate lost dogs, it was immediately seen as a precursor to using the feature to identify people.

That the company did in fact plan to do this has now been confirmed by a leaked email which Ring has admitted is genuine …

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Apple commenter John Gruber is spitballing again. After suggesting that the special event on March 4 may be preceded by a series of new product announcements through press releases, he now has another idea.

Based on a reader drawing his attention to the timing, he suggests that another announcement could be immersive F1 viewing on Vision Pro …

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Meta is set to release its first smartwatch this year featuring health-tracking and built-in Meta AI, reports The Information.


The smartwatch, which would compete directly with Apple Watch and other brands, is the result of a revived project that Meta canceled in 2022 amid broader spending cuts at its Reality Labs hardware division.

The original project involved plans to release three different camera-equipped watch models, but it doesn't sound like they will be part of the company's future product lineup. The new watch is code-named "Malibu 2."

The smartwatch could arrive alongside Meta's updated Ray-Ban smart glasses – which could reportedly include facial recognition – and it sounds like they will almost definitely appear before a pair of mixed reality glasses that the company has also been developing.

Internally code-named "Pheonix," the MR glasses are said to have been delayed until 2027. Meta executives are said to have grown concerned that launching too many devices in quick succession could confuse customers, hence the delay.

Last year, the Facebook parent company launched its Ray-Ban Display AR glasses, which apparently proved so popular that Meta had to delay an international rollout. Those glasses use a neural wristband for its gestural interface, so it's possible the new smartwatch could potentially take over those controls.

Meanwhile, Bloomberg recently reported that Apple is developing rival smart glasses, an AI pin, and AirPods with cameras, all of which will connect to the iPhone and will interface with the smarter version of Siri that's in the works.

Apple is targeting a 2027 launch for the glasses, and the AI pin could arrive in the same year, if development continues. The new AirPods could arrive as soon as this year.
This article, "Report: Meta Revives Smartwatch Plans to Take On Apple Watch" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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An unsecured database that likely contains tens of millions of unique Social Security numbers, alongside email addresses and passwords, has been discovered by security researchers.

While the database appears to have been collated from a number of separate data breaches over approximately a decade, the researchers explain why even very old personal data remains a live threat …

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Apple's upcoming March 4 media event could include a demo of immersive Formula 1 content on Apple Vision Pro, Daring Fireball's John Gruber has suggested.


The timing appears to be what's sparked the idea. The 2026 F1 season kicks off in Australia on March 8, just four days after the "Apple Experience" set to be held in New York, London, and Shanghai.

Apple became the exclusive U.S. broadcast partner for Formula 1 last October, and the company has already been experimenting with live immersive sports on Vision Pro with a limited slate of Los Angeles Lakers games this season. If Apple has plans to stream F1 races live on Vision Pro with some level of immersion, March 4 would likely be a great opportunity to show it off to the press.

To be clear, there are no little birdies tweeting into Gruber's ear on this one – he's quick to acknowledge this is pure speculation shared with him by a reader. "Could just be a total coincidence that the Formula 1 season is starting the weekend after this event," he says. "But it seems worth noting."

Apple has said that further details on production and "new ways to enjoy F1 content" across its products will be shared in the coming months. March 4 could fit that timeline nicely, or it could of course be nothing at all.

Apple is widely expected to unveil several new products in the near future, including the iPhone 17e, MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, an eighth-generation iPad Air, and a 12th-generation iPad. A refreshed Studio Display and an all-new low-cost MacBook powered by the A18 chip are also possible, alongside updates to the Apple TV and HomePod mini.

The "Apple Experience" could include announcements for some of these products, alongside hands-on opportunities for media with the new devices around the world. The event is set to begin at 9:00 a.m. ET on March 4, 2026.
This article, "Could Apple Demo Immersive F1 on Vision Pro at Its March 4 Event?" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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After soft-launching in December, Snapseed for iOS is now officially rolling out its new camera that makes the app more than just an image editor.

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AirPods Pro 3 launched just a few months ago, but rumors indicate there’s a second model coming this year with one key upgrade: IR cameras. Here are the details.

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Sponsored by Stuff: Stuff helps you get everything out of your head and into a simple, elegant system—closing open loops and reducing mental stress. Use code 9TO5 at checkout for 50% off your first year.

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Apple is holding a special event for press on Wednesday, March 4 in three locations around the world, and rumors indicate there are lots of new products that could launch. Here’s everything to expect, including hardware launches, format, and more.

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I’ve used Apple’s Mail app for years across my iPhone, iPad, and Mac, but the recently added inbox categories were a mixed bag for me until I started regularly using one hidden feature.

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Earlier this month, Bloomberg reported that Apple was preparing to update CarPlay with support for voice-based interactions in AI apps like OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini. As of this week’s release of iOS 26.4 beta 1, that support has officially arrived.

Here’s how it works.

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With iOS 26.4, CarPlay users will be able to use third-party chatbots with ‌CarPlay‌. AI services like Claude, Gemini, and ChatGPT will be accessible through the ‌CarPlay‌ system for the first time.


Apple's ‌CarPlay‌ Developer Guide [PDF] lists voice-based conversational apps as a supported app type starting with iOS 26.4. Apple is implementing a new voice control screen that will let apps provide visual feedback for voice-based conversational apps.

AI apps that integrate ‌CarPlay‌ will need to add support for the voice control screen while voice-based services are active. There is a specific entitlement for voice-based conversational apps, and companies that make chatbots will need to update their apps to add ‌CarPlay‌ support.

‌CarPlay‌ has long supported third-party apps, but Apple limits the kinds of apps that are available to ensure drivers aren't distracted while in their vehicles. Companies like Anthropic, OpenAI, and Google were not able to create ‌CarPlay‌ apps before now, limiting ‌CarPlay‌ users to Siri voice controls while in the vehicle.

The new integration will let ‌CarPlay‌ users access voice-based apps like ChatGPT to ask questions hands-free, but the apps will not be able to control vehicle or iPhone functions. There also won't be a wake word option to activate a third-party app, so users will still need to open the app to use the chatbot. After an app is launched, the customizable voice control screen will give users vehicle-optimized chatbot experiences.

iOS 26.4 is in beta right now, and it is expected to see a release this spring.
This article, "iOS 26.4 Brings CarPlay Support for ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Last week, we started tracking a big Samsung sale on Amazon, including the return of the all-time low price on the newest Smart Monitor. This week, Samsung has expanded this sale to include even more monitors at all-time low prices, and it still includes the 32-inch Smart Monitor M9 for $1,299.99, down from $1,599.99.

Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.

This model of the Smart Monitor launched last summer, and today's sale is a match of the best price we've ever tracked, which is typically at Samsung.com. Today is one of the few times we've seen this low price on Amazon, and it has an estimated delivery date between February 20 and February 23.



Another new and notable Samsung monitor discount on Amazon is the 27-inch Odyssey 3D G90XF, which is available for $849.99, down from $1,999.99. This is a massive 58 percent discount on the monitor, hitting a new all-time low price on Amazon.



In addition to the Smart Monitor M9 sale, Amazon is offering extra savings if you purchase multiple select Samsung products this week. Purchasing two products from this landing page will get you an additional $100 off, three will get you $300 off, four will get you $400 off, and five will get you $500 off your total.

This list includes monitors, TVs, soundbars, and even cordless vacuums. We've gathered a few of the highlights in this sale below, but be sure to check out the full list on Amazon before the sale ends. Shoppers should note that Amazon has discounts on many of these products without the need of the bundle offers, but if you're interested in more than one you can get some extra savings by clicking the on-page coupons.

• 43-inch Odyssey Neo G7 Gaming Monitor - $579.99, down from $999.99


• 27-inch Odyssey G61SD Gaming Monitor - $649.99, down from $799.99


• 49-inch Odyssey G95C Curved Gaming Monitor - $749.99, down from $999.99


• 49-inch Odyssey G91SD Curved Gaming Monitor - $799.99, down from $1,299.99


• 27-inch Odyssey 3D G90XF Monitor - $849.99, down from $1,999.99


• 32-inch Odyssey G81SF Gaming Monitor - $849.99, down from $1,299.99


• Bespoke AI Jet Ultra Cordless Stick Vacuum - $867.99, down from $1,099.00


• 49-inch Odyssey G95SD Curved Gaming Monitor - $1,197.99, down from $1,899.99


• 57-inch Odyssey Neo G95NC Curved Gaming Monitor - $1,499.99, down from $2,299.99


• 77-inch OLED 4K Smart TV - $2,197.99, down from $2,497.99

If you're on the hunt for more discounts, be sure to visit our Apple Deals roundup where we recap the best Apple-related bargains of the past week.

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This article, "Samsung Expands Monitor Sale With Up to 58% Off on Amazon" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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For years now, the best Mac for most people has been the MacBook Air. But that may be about to change, with a revival of the suffix-free ‘MacBook’ coming soon.

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Torn between reading an ebook and listening to the narrated version? Amazon’s Audible is introducing a clever solution that it calls immersion reading.

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Back at WWDC 2025, Apple revealed that it was planning to allow CarPlay users to watch video via AirPlay in their vehicles while they are not driving, and the first beta of iOS 26.4 suggests the feature may be nearing availability.


There are several new references to CarPlay video streaming functionality within the iOS 26.4 beta's source code. The feature is not yet visible to users, but software developer Thomas Dye managed to get it working to some extent in Xcode's CarPlay simulator on the Mac, and he showed it off in a recent YouTube video (via 9to5Mac).


On an iPhone connected to CarPlay, it appears that videos in any AirPlay-supported app can be played on the car's display. In the Dynamic Island, there is a button that allows you to show the video on the iPhone instead, when you want to.

The demo also reveals that an Apple TV app will be available on CarPlay, allowing you to access shows and movies from the Apple TV streaming service and your own library. There is also a tab for accessing MLS Season Pass. However, it is not entirely clear if the Apple TV app will actually be this fully featured on the real version of CarPlay.

The simulator provides an early albeit fairly clunky look at CarPlay's video streaming in action. The feature will likely be available by time iOS 26.4 is released to the general public in late March or early April, but there is a chance it will get held back until iOS 26.5 or later if Apple needs more time to wrap up development.

Apple's website indicates that automakers will need to implement support for the CarPlay video functionality, due to the safety requirement that the vehicle be parked, so it may take some time for the feature to widely roll out.

Related Reading: iOS 26.4 Adds These 12 New Features to Your iPhone
This article, "iOS 26.4's New CarPlay Video Feature Shown in Action" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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New trade-in data indicates that Apple's iPhone 17 Pro Max has rapidly become the single most traded-in smartphone.


According to a new report from SellCell, Apple's latest flagship iPhone has quickly risen to the top of the independent trade-in market, accounting for 11.5% of all devices appearing in the top-20 trade-in rankings just months after release. The analysis is based on SellCell internal trade-in data and secondary market pricing trends gathered from 40 independent ‌iPhone‌ buyers.

The ‌iPhone 17 Pro‌ Max's share of the top-20 trade-in rankings increased from about 5.1% in late November to 11.5% by early February, more than doubling in approximately 12 weeks. 86% of traded-in units were categorized as being in mint or good condition, suggesting many owners are selling soon after purchase.

The ‌iPhone‌ 15 Pro Max and ‌iPhone‌ 14 Pro Max remain prominent, each accounting for approximately 7.3% of trade-ins, and the iPhone 16 Pro Max and ‌iPhone‌ 13 sit at 7.2% of trade-ins each. The top-20 devices collectively represent around 47% of all trade-in activity.

Trade-in rankings typically reflect a wide mix of devices at different points in their lifecycle, with older models often dominating resale volume due to large installed bases and the natural upgrade cycle. The ‌iPhone 17 Pro‌ Max's rapid rise is therefore notable because the device only entered the market relatively recently yet has already become the most frequently traded-in model across the tracked channels.

The ‌iPhone 17 Pro‌ Max has apparently lost approximately 25.4% of its value since launch when measuring average resale prices for mint-condition devices over a 145-day period. Over an equivalent timeframe, the ‌iPhone 16‌ Pro Max lost roughly 32.5% of its value. This represents more than 7% lower depreciation for the newer model and translates to as much as $95 in additional retained value compared with the previous generation over the same period.

SellCell attributes early trade-ins primarily to strong resale pricing. Average resale values for mint-condition ‌iPhone 17 Pro‌ Max devices currently sit around $967.50. Premium smartphones can function as short-term assets that owners may sell to release cash when needed, so the ‌iPhone 17 Pro‌ Max's rise to the top of trade-ins likely reflects broader economic conditions.
This article, "iPhone 17 Pro Max Curiously Becomes Most Traded-In Smartphone" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Today’s 9to5Toys Lunch Break is now ready to go, starting off with new Amazon all-time lows on the most affordable M5 iPad Pro models – you will now find nearly $200 off the most attainable 11-inch configurations. Alongside a chance to score the latest Apple Watch Ultra 3 at $155 off, we also spotted new Amazon all-time low pricing on the Neon Green Ocean Band and the blue Apple Trail Loop at up to 41% off, joined by ongoing $300 price drops on 32GB M5 MacBook Pro models. Scope it all out down below. 

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Apple TV just released the trailer for Imperfect Women, a new psychological thriller series revolving around the fallout from a shocking crime.

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In new SEC disclosures filed this week, Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway revealed that it has once again trimmed its stake in Apple. At the same time, the firm disclosed a new $350 million investment in the New York Times.

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iOS 26.4 is packed with new features and changes, including five updates for the Music app. Here’s everything new for Apple Music in iOS 26.4.

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