Benjamin and Chance are back, with a news-packed episode just before an exciting week of Apple hardware launches. But first, iOS 26.4 beta is here, a deep red color is rumored for the iPhone 18 Pro, and Bloomberg details some of the software affordances coming to macOS to support the touch screen MacBook Pro. Also, Samsung surprises with a clever dynamic privacy display on their new flagship phones.

And in Happy Hour Plus, the creators of Dark Sky have left Apple to form a new weather app for enthusiasts, Acme Weather. Subscribe at 9to5mac.com/join. 

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For the first time since 2022, Apple posted year-over-year growth in Apple Watch shipments in 2025, according to new data from Counterpoint Research. Here are the details.

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Apple will launch its newest MacBook Pro next week with M5, and there’s another distinct model coming later this year with M6. Here’s what to expect from Apple’s two unique MacBook Pro launches this year.

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The Formula 1 season kicks off next weekend, and it marks the start of Apple’s exclusive broadcast partnership in the United States. The core of the deal is that all races will stream live (and on-demand) on Apple TV, but the company is going all out to increase the exposure of F1 across all of its platforms.

Here’s what you can expect to see when the first race broadcasts start on Apple TV app, Apple Music, and more.

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I have been a hardcore iPad user for almost a decade now. I have used it as my main computer and dealt with all the ups and downs. But one of the biggest misconceptions about the iPad is that it is trying to compete with the MacBook when, in reality, they were built to work in tandem. It is not until you have them side by side that you start to see the magic and power that is the Apple walled garden. Features like Universal Control, Sidecar, Handoff, and continuity tools create “aha” moments that genuinely change how you work. So I wanted to put a list together of some of those amazing magic ecosystem moments that iPadOS and MacOS give you together.

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Xcode 26.3 can now leverage tools such as Anthropic’s Claude Agent and OpenAI’s Codex to speed up all aspects of app development. Here are the details.

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After several weeks of testing, Apple today released Xcode 26.3, an update that allows developers to use tools like Anthropic's Claude Agent and OpenAI's Codex for app creation directly in Xcode.


With support for agentic coding, Xcode can complete more complex app development tasks autonomously. Apple worked with Anthropic and OpenAI to configure their agents for use in Xcode and to ensure that AI models can access a full range of Xcode features.

Agents are able to create new files, examine code structure of a project, build a project directly and run tests, take image snapshots to check their work, and access Apple's full, up-to-date developer documentation.

Along with OpenAI and Anthropic models, Xcode 26.3 is compatible with any agent or tool that uses the open standard Model Context Protocol.

Xcode 26.3 is available for download today from Apple's developer website.
This article, "Apple Releases Xcode 26.3 With Support for AI Agents From Anthropic and OpenAI" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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The iPhone and iPad can be used with NATO restricted level classified information after meeting NATO's information assurance requirements, Apple said today. No special software or settings are required.


Apple's devices are the first and only consumer mobile products that have reached this government certification level after security testing and evaluation by the German government. iPhones and iPads running iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 are now certified for use with classified data in all NATO nations.

In an announcement of the security clearance, Apple touted its security features.

Apple designs security into all of its products from the start, ensuring the most sophisticated protections are built in across hardware, software, and Apple silicon. This unique approach allows Apple users to benefit from industry-leading security protections such as best-in-class encryption, biometric authentication with Face ID, and groundbreaking features like Memory Integrity Enforcement. These same protections are now recognized as meeting stringent government and international security requirements, even for restricted data.

Apple's vice president of security Ivan Krstić said the achievement reflects Apple's commitment to security.

This achievement recognizes that Apple has transformed how security is traditionally delivered. Prior to iPhone, secure devices were only available to sophisticated government and enterprise organizations after a massive investment in bespoke security solutions. Instead, Apple has built the most secure devices in the world for all its users, and those same protections are now uniquely certified under assurance requirements for NATO nations -- unlike any other device in the industry.

Apple's ‌iOS 26‌ and ‌iPadOS 26‌ updates are listed on the NATO Information Assurance Product Catalogue, which says Apple devices are able to provide secure access to Mail, Calendar, and Contacts with built-in apps.
This article, "iPhone and iPad Are First Consumer Devices Cleared for NATO Classified Data" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Today, Apple announced that the iPhone and iPad have become the first consumer devices approved for use on classified NATO networks. This means an off-the-shelf iPhone running iOS 26 can access restricted NATO data without requiring any specialized security software or custom hardware modifications.

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iOS 26.4 is currently available in beta, and packed with a lot of new features. Here’s everything new coming to six iPhone apps in iOS 26.4.

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Today’s 9to5Toys Lunch Break is ready to roll starting with a chance to land an unlocked 1TB iPhone 16 Pro Max courtesy of Amazon at $650 off the price of the comparable iPhone 17 Pro Max (and $320 under Apple refurb store). We also have all AirPods Max (USB-C) colors at $100 off, a chance to score a 24GB M4 Pro MacBook Pro at $440 off the list price, a sizable 57% price drop on ZAGG’s Pro Keys 2 for M4/M5 iPad Pro at $65, the best price of the year on Apple’s Neon Ocean Band with Black Titanium finish, and much more below. 

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Ahead of the first F1 Grand Prix next week, Apple has announced a new partnership with Netflix in the US. Through this deal, Apple will make the entire new season (season eight) of Formula 1: Drive to Survive available on Apple TV.

Additionally, Apple says the F1 Canadian Grand Prix will stream on both Apple TV and Netflix as part of this deal in May.

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Ever wish you could rearrange or delete apps from CarPlay? It turns out you can, although it works differently than rearranging your iPhone Home screen. The trick is in the Settings app on iPhone. Just don’t try to do this while driving. You don’t even need to be connected to CarPlay for it to work.

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Apple's imminent series of announcements will focus on chip updates, rather than redesigned devices, according to a known leaker.


In a new post, the Weibo leaker known as "Fixed Focus Digital" said Apple's scheduled announcements for next week focus on refreshed devices with basic generational chip upgrades, rather than more fundamental redesigns.

Earlier this month, Apple invited the media to an "Apple Experience" in New York, London, and Shanghai on Wednesday, March 4 at 9 a.m. Eastern Time. Today, Apple CEO Tim Cook teased "a big week ahead," with announcements starting Monday.

Successors to the iPhone 16e, entry-level iPad, iPad Air, M4 MacBook Air, M4 Pro and M4 Max MacBook Pro, Apple TV, and HomePod are all rumored to arrive soon, offering little more than chip refreshes. The most significant new device in the immediate pipeline is the low-cost MacBook, which is set to feature an iPhone's A-series chip. Little is known about what the machine will look like beyond offering a 12.9-inch LCD display and a selection of fun color options, and there's a high chance it will re-use components from existing devices.

Apple devices with major new designs are still expected to arrive this year, such as the first foldable ‌iPhone‌, a smart home hub product, and the M6-series ‌MacBook Pro‌, but largely not until the second-half of the year.
This article, "Upcoming Apple Announcements Likely to Focus on Chip Refreshes" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple TV’s space drama For All Mankind returns next month, but the streamer just revealed that its spinoff—Star City—will premiere soon too. Here are the details.

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Samsung this week debuted pre-orders for its newest line of Galaxy products, including the S26 smartphones and Galaxy Buds4. You can find a few early launch discounts on some of these products, plus discounts on Samsung's most popular monitors and TVs, with notable markdowns on products like The Frame TVs.

Galaxy Products

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.

You can get up to $500 instant trade-in credit when pre-ordering the Galaxy S26, up to $700 credit for the Galaxy S26+, and up to $900 credit for the Galaxy S26 Ultra. If not trading in an older device, Samsung is still offering $150 in Samsung credit when pre-ordering each smartphone.

• Galaxy S26 - Up to $500 trade-in credit


• Galaxy S26+ - Up to $700 trade-in credit


• Galaxy S26 Ultra - Up to $900 trade-in credit


• Galaxy Buds4 - Save 30% on select cases when pre-ordering


• Galaxy Buds4 Pro - Save 30% on select cases when pre-ordering


• Galaxy XR - Save up to $1,140 with the Explorer Pack

TVs

In regards to TVs, there are quite a few models of The Frame TV on sale, including all-time low prices on The Frame models from 2025. You can get the 2025 65-inch The Frame TV for $1,199.99 ($600 off), as well as the 75-inch Frame Pro for $1,999.99 ($1,200 off), a match of the all-time low price.

• 55-inch QLED QEF1 Smart TV - $399.99, down from $599.99


• 55-inch QLED Q7F Smart TV - $399.99, down from $529.99


• 55-inch QLED Q8F Smart TV - $599.99, down from $749.99


• 75-inch Vision AI Smart TV - $699.99, down from $1,199.99


• 50-inch The Frame - $799.99, down from $1,099.99


• 75-inch Neo QLED QN70F Smart TV - $1,199.99, down from $1,599.99


• 65-inch The Frame - $1,199.99, down from $1,799.99


• 55-inch OLED S95F Smart TV - $1,999.99, down from $2,299.99
  
• 75-inch The Frame Pro - $1,999.99, down from $3,199.99


• 85-inch The Frame Pro - $3,299.99, down from $4,299.99


• 85-inch Neo QLED QN90F Smart TV - $2,499.99, down from $4,499.99

Monitors

Samsung also has a few unique monitor deals this week, offering a free copy of Resident Evil Requiem at no cost when purchasing select monitors. This includes the 27-inch Odyssey OLED G50SF Monitor for $349.99, down from $549.99, and the 49-inch Odyssey G95C Monitor for $849.99, down from $1,299.99. When you register these monitors after purchasing them, you'll get a download code for Resident Evil Requiem, which is a $70 value.

• 32-inch ViewFinity S70A UHD Monitor - $299.99, down from $459.99


• 27-inch Odyssey OLED G50SF - $349.99, down from $549.99 (with free copy of Resident Evil Requiem)


• 32-inch Smart Monitor M8 - $399.99, down from $699.99


• 49-inch Odyssey G95C - $849.99, down from $1,299.99 (with free copy of Resident Evil Requiem)


• 57-inch Odyssey Neo G9 - $1,499.99, down from $2,299.99


• 55-inch Odyssey Ark 2nd Gen - $1,699.99, down from $2,699.99

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 Introduces Pre-Order Discounts on Galaxy S26 Smartphones, Alongside TV and Monitor Deals" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple is launching new products next week, as confirmed this morning by CEO Tim Cook. iPhone 17e will be one of those launches, here are the new features to expect.

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Apple CEO Tim Cook today teased "a big week ahead," with announcements starting Monday. His post included an #AppleLaunch hashtag with a colorful Apple logo, along with a short video that ultimately shows an Apple logo on the lid of a Mac.


Apple is reportedly planning a three-day stretch of product announcements from Monday, March 2 through Wednesday, March 4, with up to five new products expected to be unveiled, including a lower-cost MacBook, an iPhone 17e, and more.

Other possible products include an iPad Air with an M4 chip, an iPad 12 with an A18 chip and Apple Intelligence support, a MacBook Air with the M5 chip, and MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips. We are also waiting for long-awaited updates to the Apple TV and HomePod mini, but it is unclear if those are coming next week.

Apple already invited selected journalists and content creators to an "Apple Experience" in New York, London, and Shanghai on Wednesday, March 4 at 9 a.m. Eastern Time. During these in-person gatherings, attendees will likely receive hands-on time with the new products that Apple unveils between Monday and Wednesday next week.


The products are expected to be announced in press releases published on the Apple Newsroom website, with no Apple Event live stream expected.

MacRumors will have in-depth coverage of Apple's announcements next week, and we will be attending the "Apple Experience" in New York.
This article, "Apple Teases 'A Big Week Ahead' With Announcements Starting Monday" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple CEO Tim Cook just confirmed that the company will announce new products starting “Monday morning.” This will be the start of a release cycle that includes a press “experience” on Wednesday. 9to5Mac’s Chance Miller will be in attendance in New York City.

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Samsung loves to launch new features before Apple, and it has partly done so with the new AI capabilities in the Galaxy S26. The latest version of Galaxy AI seeks to perform many of the same functions as Apple Intelligence.

As our sister site 9to5Google notes, however, the experience seems set to prove very underwhelming …

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Instagram has said that it will begin notifying parents if their teenage child “repeatedly” searches for content related to self-harm or suicide.

The announcement follows Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg testifying in court in response to claims that Instagram content had led to self-harm by children …

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Enterprise access control is what I would consider “legacy” technology. A lot of the systems are Windows-based and look like a fancy Access database. On top of that, you are still dealing with physical cards. It is a fragmented mess for users and an onboarding nightmare for IT departments as well. Today, the Connectivity Standards Alliance is stepping in to fix that with the official release of the Aliro 1.0 specification aiming to create a standard for how mobile devices unlock doors, badge in, etc.

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Apple almost always gets the better part of any negotiation with its suppliers, but a sketchy report claims that this wasn’t the case when it came to buying RAM from Samsung.

The report says Samsung had asked for a 100% increase in price, expecting to negotiate down to 60%, but Apple’s desperation was such that it agreed to the first demand …

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