Accessory maker Spigen this week expanded its lineup of case options that are designed to look like vintage Apple Macs. The clever new Classic LS AirPods Pro 3 Case resembles a the iconic Apple Macintosh mouse, so it goes well with Spigen's Mac-style iPhone cases.
Priced at $25 from Amazon, the case features the stone color that was used for the Classic Macintosh, along with a gray mouse button. The mouse button is actually a lock that secures the two halves of the AirPods case together when it's closed.
Spigen says that the lock clip buttons are meant to mirror the tactile feel and iconic look of the classic Macintosh mouse. There's a dual material design that includes a polycarbonate interior and a TPU exterior to protect the AirPods, and Spigen added a lanyard to make the accessory easy to carry.
To get to the AirPods Pro 3, you can push on the button to cause the top of the case to swing open. The AirPods are able to wirelessly charge while the case is on, and it has a cutout for a wired USB-C connection. The LED that's on the AirPods case is able to shine through the mouse cover, and it looks like the power light from the original Macintosh mouse.
Spigen also introduced the Classic LS MagFit Card Holder, which joins the Classic LS iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max cases that Spigen released in January 2026. The $30 Classic LS Card Holder was inspired by the Macintosh 128K, featuring a floppy disk-style accent, vintage keyboard details with a "Hello" engraving, and an Apple-like Spigen logo.
According to Spigen, the Card Holder has a strong magnet that ensures a secure attachment to MagSafe-compatible devices and cases. It is able to hold up to three cards, with an open cutout design at the bottom to push them out for easy access. The Card Holder is compatible with all MagSafe iPhones, including the iPhone 12 and later.
Spigen's classic Mac series also includes a lanyard and a set of cases for the iPhone 17 Pro models, with info available on the Spigen website.
Apple has released what they are calling a “Security Improvement” as a software update for macOS Tahoe 26.3.1, iOS 26.3.1, and iPadOS 26.3.1. The update, err, improvement, is being labeled as macOS Tahoe 26.3.1 (a), macOS 26.3.2 (a), iOS 26.3.1 (a), and iPadOS 26.3.1 (a), and though it installs just like a software update, you ... Read More
Brian Lynch, the senior director on Apple's home hardware engineering team, is leaving Apple for smart ring company Oura, reports Bloomberg. Lynch accepted a role as Oura's senior vice president of hardware engineering.
Oura has poached several employees from Apple over the last few years. Lynch's departure is apparently causing "fresh upheaval" on Apple's home products team as it is aiming to debut new home devices. Apple is rumored to be working on a smart home hub, but its launch has been pushed back due o Siri development delays.
The hub launch is now planned for September 2026, with other devices like a home security and automation sensor and a more advanced tabletop robot in development for 2027. Apple also has plans for smart glasses, a wearable AI pendant or pin, and AirPods with cameras.
Lynch worked at Apple for over 20 years, and prior to overseeing smart home devices, he was on Apple's now-shuttered car development team. Lynch worked under Matt Costello, who also oversees audio engineering and Beats devices. Costello reports to John Ternus, Apple's hardware engineering chief.
As Apple gears up to connect with developers at the 2026 Worldwide Developers Conference in June, it has created new Apple Developer accounts on two new social networks. Apple Developer can be found on bilibili in China and LinkedIn.
Apple says that its developer accounts will provide the latest news, announcements, videos, and events for the Worldwide Developers Conference, as well as any upcoming Meet with Apple activities.
Bilibili is a popular Chinese video-sharing platform that's similar to YouTube, so Apple will be sharing video on the site. LinkedIn is a global site that is aimed at professional networking.
Apple this month also introduced a new Hello Apple Instagram account, which the company will use to share news, stories, product marketing, and more to highlight how Apple products inspire creativity to help make a difference in everyday lives.
Repair site iFixit today took apart the iPhone 17e, which is the new low-cost iPhone that Apple launched last Wednesday. The iPhone 17e is almost identical to the iPhone 16e in design, but it does include a MagSafe back panel that supports MagSafe and faster Qi charging than the iPhone 16e.
When disassembling the iPhone 17e, iFixit found that the MagSafe panel for the device is the same size as the panel for the 16e, and the two are interchangeable. You can take a back panel from an iPhone 17e and put it on an iPhone 16e, adding MagSafe to an iPhone 16e.
That could be good news for iPhone users who bought an iPhone 16e and don't want to upgrade just to get MagSafe. iPhone 16e customers may be able to get their hands on an iPhone 17e back panel to make a MagSafe swap, which iFixit says is a big win for repairability. There was a downside with the MagSafe swap because the iPhone 16e doesn't have the built-in software that recognizes MagSafe accessories to provide animations, and it's not yet clear if it charges at the full 15W.
"Cross-compatibility matters," said iFixit. "It makes repairs easier, parts easier to source, and upgrades cheaper."
Apple made day one manuals available for the iPhone 17e, so iFixit knew the front and back panels both come off. The battery can be swapped without having to go through the display, though there's still adhesive to deal with. The iPhone 17e continues to use adhesive for the battery that can be removed with an electrical pulse, which makes battery replacements simpler.
Aside from the MagSafe update, the other notable change in the iPhone 17e is the A19 System on Chip that replaces the A18. Apple also swapped out the C1 modem for the new, faster C1X modem, and there's more starting internal storage at 256 GB.
iFixit found that like the MagSafe module, almost all components inside the iPhone 17e and iPhone 16e were interchangeable. It's possible to take an iPhone 16e logic board and put it into an iPhone 17e chassis, with almost no issues registering parts. The TrueDepth camera for Face ID didn't work when swapped from iPhone to iPhone.
While iFixit was happy with the dual entry design and the battery adhesive that releases electrically, the site found the USB-C port was too buried behind components, which will make DIY repairs daunting for people. Apple fixed the USB-C accessibility issue in its main flagship models, but has not made the port easier to get to in the "e" models.
Despite these issues, iFixit awarded points for the parts interchangeability because there's more salvage value and more refurbishment potential. iFixit gave the iPhone 17e a provisional repairability score of 7 out of 10. That's the same score the iPhone 16e got last year, and the same score the iPhone 17 earned.
Apple replaced the $4,999+ Pro Display XDR with the better, more affordable Studio Display XDR, so we thought we'd pick one up to test out and compare to the now-discontinued Pro Display XDR.
The Studio Display XDR is the same size as the Studio Display at 27 inches, and it has the same 5K resolution. It's smaller than the 32-inch Pro Display XDR that had a 6K display, and that's probably going to be a major downside for people who prefer larger display sizes. A 32-inch display size works well for a single monitor setup, but 27 inches feels comparatively smaller and is better for multi-display setups.
Apple designed the Pro Display XDR with the same perforated, vented back panel that it used for the Mac Pro, and in comparison, the Studio Display XDR is plainer because it adopts the Studio Display look.
With those downsides out of the way, almost every other Studio Display XDR feature is an improvement over the Pro Display XDR. It uses a mini-LED panel with 2,304 local dimming zones (the Pro Display XDR was limited to 576 local dimming zones). It's brighter than the Pro Display XDR, with deeper blacks, better contrast, and improved HDR. The display is bright enough to match the mini-LED MacBook Pro, and it's really the only display that pairs well with Apple's high-end notebook.
The Studio Display XDR also supports a variable refresh rate from 47Hz to 120Hz, which Apple calls Adaptive Sync. It's not as noticeable as it is on a smaller display, but you can tell a difference when gaming, scrolling quickly, or using the Studio Display XDR next to another display that doesn't support a 120Hz refresh rate.
While the Pro Display XDR didn't come with a camera or speakers, the Studio Display XDR does. It has a 12-megapixel Center Stage camera for video calls and a six-speaker audio system that's ideal for most things you want to do on a Mac.
There are two Thunderbolt 5 ports, one upstream and one downstream, so you can daisy-chain multiple displays together. 140W passthrough charging is available, and there are also two USB-C ports for connecting peripherals.
The Pro Display XDR did not have dual Thunderbolt ports for daisy-chaining displays, so the addition of an extra Thunderbolt port adds more setup versatility.
The Studio Display XDR is a solid upgrade over most displays, and there are very few monitors on the market that can match what Apple is offering. Given the $3,299 price point and the focus on professional use, the Studio Display XDR isn't for the average Mac user. The standard Studio Display is better suited to more casual use, and most people can even get away with a cheaper 4K display from a third-party manufacturer.
Apple today released the first Background Security Improvement (BSI) update, replacing the rapid security updates that it used to seed out a few years ago. The first BSI updates address a WebKit vulnerability that could allow maliciously crafted web content to bypass Same Origin Policy. There's a macOS Tahoe 26.3.1, iOS 26.3.1, and iPadOS 26.3.1 BSI update, as well as a macOS Tahoe 26.3.2 BSI update exclusive to the MacBook Neo.
Apple says that the vulnerability was addressed with improved input validation.
Background Security Improvements were added with iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and macOS Tahoe, and Apple tested them in iOS 26.3, iPadOS 26.3, and macOS Tahoe 26.3 before today's official release.
The updates are meant to provide additional security protections between software updates for Safari, WebKit, and other system libraries. Background Security Improvements can be installed in the Privacy and Security section of the Settings app. Scroll down, and then select the Install option to install the update. If Automatically Install is toggled on, BSIs will be automatically installed when they come out.
Users who opt not to install Background Security Improvements will receive the fixes in a subsequent standard software update.
Apple warns that Background Security Updates can result in "rare instances of compatibility issues." Should that occur, the updates may be temporarily removed and enhanced in another software update.
Cook said the idea that he wants to step back at Apple is merely "a rumor."
Cook did not explicitly confirm or deny that he will be stepping down as CEO any time soon, but he said "I can't imagine life without Apple."
The full interview clip is available on YouTube below.
Last year, the Financial Times reported that Apple was preparing for Cook to step down as soon as early 2026, but it is already mid-March, so that timeframe has either already passed or is nearing its expiry date depending on who you ask.
Cook has been Apple's CEO since August 2011, and he turned 65 last year.
Whenever he steps down, Cook could always become the executive chairman of Apple's board of directors, so he may play a key role in the company for years to come.
Google is bringing Personal Intelligence to all Google Gemini users starting today, after testing the feature with its paid plans. Personal Intelligence allows Gemini AI to provide personalized responses based on information pulled from connected Google apps like Gmail, Google Photos, YouTube, and more.
Personal Intelligence is expanding in the U.S. across AI Mode in Search, the Gemini app, and Gemini in Chrome.
Gemini is able to draw on the information that it knows about you from your Google accounts, from emails you sent, items you purchased, and what you've searched for. Google says that it is designed to help you "find exactly what you need without having to give all the context."
Google provides several examples of how Gemini's Personal Intelligence can be helpful:
Custom shopping recommendations - Gemini can offer custom recommendations based on past purchases. If you want to find a bag to go with new shoes for example, Gemini can narrow the search to matching products.
Tech help - Google says users can get troubleshooting help for a product like a refrigerator without knowing the model, because the information can be pulled from a purchase receipt.
Making plans - When you're traveling and need to grab a bite to eat at an airport, Gemini can make suggestions based on the types of food that you like. You can also get recommendations on places to eat and visit when traveling based on your interests and past favorites.
Users can choose to connect apps like Gmail and Google Photos to Gemini for personalization, or can opt out, and the feature is off by default. Google says that Gemini and AI Mode do not train directly on a Gmail inbox or Photos library, but prompts in Gemini and the model's responses can be used for training purposes.
Personal Intelligence is already available in the U.S. for AI Mode in Search, and it is rolling out in the Gemini app and Gemini in Chrome for free users. Google says that connected experiences are designed for personal Google accounts and not for Workspace business, enterprise, or education users.
Gemini's personalization features could compete directly with the Siri personalization that Apple plans to bring to Siri later this year, as connecting Gmail and other apps to Gemini mirrors some of the functionality that Apple is introducing for Siri. Siri will be able to read emails, messages, files, photos, and more, learning information about the user to complete tasks and keep track of files.
The new Siri features have been delayed several times, and at this point, we may not be getting the updated version of Siri until closer to the end of the year.
Smart home accessory company Aqara today announced its new HomeKit and Matter-compatible Camera Hub G350.
Billed as the first Matter-certified camera for multi-platform homes, the G350 is a 4K indoor camera with a dual-lens system, combining a 4K wide-angle lens and a 2.5K telephoto lens that enables up to a 9x hybrid zoom.
It features a motorized pan-tilt mechanism and can rotate 360 degrees, allowing its automatic tracking to follow people and pets, wherever they roam. It additionally includes 940mm invisible infrared LEDs for clear night vision with no conspicuous red glow.
The G350 can also detect faces, pets, and six specific sounds like a baby crying, someone coughing, or a dog barking, while two-way audio and a live view can be accessed via Apple's HomeKit, Samsung SmartThings, Alexa, and Google Home.
A microSD slot provides support for up to 512GB of 24/7 local recording, or users can optionally leverage Aqara's encrypted cloud storage, with Apple HomeKit Secure Video (via an iCloud+ plan) also supported, albeit with a 1080p resolution limit.
The G350 also functions as a Zigbee hub, Thread Border Router, and Matter Controller within the Aqara Home app, allowing Aqara Zigbee accessories and third-party Matter devices to be managed as a single interoperable system.
The Aqara Camera Hub G350 is available internationally from Amazon.
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.
After hosting a surprise Alicia Keys concert at its Grand Central store in New York last week, Apple is turning to Asia for more 50th-anniversary celebrations. So far, it has been discovered that there will be events held in China and South Korea.
Apple's retail store at Taikoo Li in Chengdu, China is temporarily closed this Wednesday, March 18, according to the store's page. While nothing has been officially announced by Apple, photos shared on social media suggest that the company is preparing to host a music or dance performance on the plaza in front of the store.
On the same day, Apple is hosting a special Today at Apple session featuring South Korean boy band CORTIS at its Myeongdong store in Seoul, South Korea. The session will be held from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. local time, and it is already full.
Apple says the session is part of its 50th-anniversary celebrations.
Here is a translated description of the session: "Celebrate the 50th anniversary of Thinking Different by experiencing a special talk with CORTIS live at Apple Myeongdong. From behind-the-scenes stories of their debut album to their unique artistic vision that expands the boundaries of K-pop, you can hear about the creative process of using Apple products to record ideas and develop them into music and visuals."
The gatherings will showcase how Apple products contribute to creativity and inspiration.
"Thinking different has always been at the heart of Apple," said Apple's CEO Tim Cook, in a press release about the company's 50th anniversary last week. "It's what has driven us to create products that empower people to express themselves, to connect, and to create something wonderful. As we celebrate 50 years, we are deeply grateful to everyone who has been part of this journey and who continues to inspire what comes next."
Using multiple displays with a Mac is a very common setup, whether that’s using a larger external monitor with a laptop, or running a multi-display desktop setup. It’s well known that large screens and external displays can really boost some peoples productivity, and one way to further improve your multi-screen Mac setup is by choosing ... Read More
Amazon this week is taking $50 off Wi-Fi models of Apple's 11th generation iPad, as well as $100 off the iPad mini 7. Prices start at $299.00 for the 128GB Wi-Fi iPad, down from $349.00, which is a solid second-best price on this model.
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.
iPad
Additionally, Amazon has the 256GB Wi-Fi iPad for $399.00 ($50 off) and the 512GB Wi-Fi iPad for $599.00 ($50 off). Free delivery estimates are placed around February 16 for most of these iPad models, but Prime members should be able to get same-day delivery in many locations.
We saw a few of these iPad models around $20 cheaper over the holiday season last year, but those all-time low prices never reappeared. As of now, Amazon's discounts are the best prices we've tracked so far in 2026.
iPad mini
There are also quite a few $100 discounts on the iPad mini 7 this week on Amazon, starting at $399.00 for the 128GB Wi-Fi tablet, down from $499.00. It's been a few weeks since we last tracked prices this low on the iPad mini 7.
You can also get the 256GB Wi-Fi iPad mini 7 for $499.00 and the 512GB Wi-Fi iPad mini 7 for $699.00, both $100 discounts and available in multiple colors. These sales are all solid second-best prices on the iPad mini 7.
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.
Deals Newsletter
Interested in hearing more about the best deals you can find in 2026? Sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we'll keep you updated so you don't miss the biggest deals of the season!
Apple is expanding its partnership with the Save The Music Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting music education in U.S. public schools. The organization donates musical instruments and technology to schools and much more.
"We're thrilled to be expanding our partnership with Save the Music, bringing music education to even more schools across the country," said Apple CEO Tim Cook.
Apple's expanded partnership will help to bring music programming to nearly 50 more schools.
Cook visited the Wadleigh Secondary School for the Performing and Visual Arts in New York City to listen to music created by students there. In a short video, the students can be seen using Apple products like the iPad, Apple Pencil, and AirPods Max.
Incredible to hear music created by students at Wadleigh Secondary School for the Performing & Visual Arts in Harlem with Maggie Rogers!
We're thrilled to be expanding our partnership with Save the Music, bringing music education to even more schools across the country. pic.twitter.com/pKbTfsn1yl
Apple today shared a trailer for "Outcome," a dark comedy film starring Keanu Reeves, Jonah Hill, Cameron Diaz, David Spade, Martin Scorsese, and others. The original film will be available to stream on Apple TV starting Friday, April 10.
Keanu Reeves and Jonah Hill in "Outcome"
In the film, Keanu Reeves plays Reef Hawk, a Hollywood star who is being extorted with a video that would damage his reputation. With the support of his lifelong friends Kyle (Diaz) and Xander (Matt Bomer), and his crisis lawyer Ira (Hill), Reef tries to make amends with anyone he could have possibly wronged in hopes of identifying the blackmailer.
In the U.S., Apple TV is priced at $12.99 per month or $129 per year, with a free one-week trial available for new subscribers. Apple TV is also included in Apple One and Peacock bundles, with all of the options outlined on Apple's website.
You can stream Apple TV in the Apple TV app, which is available on the iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV 4K, Apple Vision Pro, Android, PlayStation, Xbox, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, select smart TVs, on the web at tv.apple.com, and more.
Apple's iPhone 19e could come with an LTPO OLED display that would bring 120Hz ProMotion technology to its most affordable iPhone for the first time, based on a new report out of Asia.
According to ZDNet Korea, the fourth-generation model in Apple's entry-level e-series – expected to arrive in early 2028 – could adopt a low-temperature polycrystalline oxide (LTPO) panel, making the display technically capable of dynamically adjusting its refresh rate between 1Hz and 120Hz. It's the same underlying panel technology used across the current iPhone 17 lineup and the iPhone Air.
The recently launched iPhone 17e uses a 60Hz low-temperature polycrystalline silicon (LTPS) TFT panel, and the report suggests next year's iPhone 18e will use the same technology. That's despite the fact that you can find 120Hz screens on competing Android phones at similar price points.
The shift in 2028 is said to depend in part on Apple's development of a next-generation "LTPO+" display technology, which incorporates oxide semiconductors in both switching and drive transistors, and is said to use a lot less battery power.
Apple reportedly plans to reserve LTPO+ for its higher-end models in 2028, including new versions of the iPhone Air and its upcoming foldable iPhone, which would free up standard LTPO panels for the rest of the lineup. But if the new technology isn't ready in time, it could delay the trickle-down of LPTO panels to the 19e, so nothing's for certain yet.
Apple first adopted LPTO+ (also known as LPTO3) in the Apple Watch Series 10 in 2024, with panels supplied by LG Display. This likely gave Apple the confidence to scale the technology to iPhone-sized displays, and the company has a track record of testing new display technologies in the Apple Watch before bringing them to the iPhone.
A previous report suggested Apple was considering adopting the new display architecture for at least one model in its 2027 iPhone lineup, but the ZDNet Korea report suggests Apple has moved away from the idea because the technology is not quite ready for mass production.
Samsung is set to discontinue the Galaxy Z TriFold globally after just three months on sale (via Bloomberg).
The company will start by ceasing sales of the device in Korea, where it has been on sale since December. Samsung plans to discontinue the device in the United States once it clears its inventory.
Samsung's website already lists the TriFold as "sold out," but customers are still able to buy the device at Samsung stores. It launched in the United States in January and costs $2,899.
The Galaxy Z TriFold is Samsung's first smartphone that has a larger total display area thanks to folding twice, featuring a 10-inch display when opened and a 6.5-inch cover screen when closed, with "minimized creasing." A third of the display is just 3.9mm thick when the smartphone is unfolded.
It contains a 5,600 mAh three-cell battery system with one battery behind each display panel, making it the largest battery that Samsung has used in a smartphone to date. There are three cameras on the rear of the device, including a 200-megapixel wide angle camera, a 12-megapixel ultra wide camera, and a 10-megapixel telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom. There is a 10-megapixel selfie camera on the cover screen and another on the main screen.
Samsung touted unique capabilities for the Galaxy Z TriFold, such as using three different portrait-sized apps side-by-side, watching full-screen content, vertical tablet-style reading, two differently sized hinges that work together with a dual-rail structure, and an alarm that alerts the user if it's folded incorrectly.
Login
