In his Power On newsletter today, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said new versions of the Apple TV and HomePod mini have been "ready" since last year, but he reiterated that Apple has held off on releasing them until the more personalized version of Siri and other Apple Intelligence upgrades are released later this year.
Inventory of the Apple TV, HomePod mini, and full-sized HomePod is once again "running low" at Apple's retail stores around the world, according to Gurman, but it is unclear if this means anything since the revamped Siri has yet to debut.
Gurman previously reported that Apple was aiming to release the personalized Siri features in either iOS 26.5 or iOS 27. The first developer beta of iOS 26.5 could be available in late March or early April, so at least some of the Siri upgrades might be just a week or two away, unless they are entirely held back until iOS 27 debuts in June.
Accordingly, if the new Apple TV and HomePod mini models remain tied to the Siri upgrades arriving in iOS 26.5 or iOS 27, then Apple should announce the devices at any point between late March and the end of September this year.
Earlier rumors claimed the next Apple TV would be equipped with the A17 Pro chip, which is the oldest chip that supports Apple Intelligence. The device is also expected to feature Apple's N1 chip for Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread.
As for the HomePod mini, it is expected to use an Apple Watch's S9 chip or newer, but it is not entirely clear how that chip would be capable enough to support the revamped Siri powered by Apple Intelligence. Other rumored features include the N1 chip, improved sound quality, a newer Ultra Wideband chip, and a red color option.
The Apple TV is now almost two decades old amid rumors of the announcement of a new model.
Today marks 19 years Apple launched the original Apple TV. Apple CEO Steve Jobs unveiled the Apple TV at Macworld Expo in January 2007 alongside the original iPhone, but it didn't launch until March.
The Apple TV was initially previewed as the "iTV." The device allowed users to wirelessly stream movies, TV shows, music, and photos from their Mac or PC directly to their TV. Unlike today, there was no App Store or third-party app support, and the experience was centered almost entirely around iTunes-purchased or synced media.
The Apple TV was controlled with a simple Apple Remote and ran a Front Row-style interface designed for navigating iTunes libraries on a TV. It featured a 40GB hard drive for local content storage and supported 720p HD resolution, offering both HDMI and component video output, and was priced at $299.
Apple famously described the Apple TV as a "hobby," reflecting its niche and experimental status within the company at the time. Over subsequent years, Apple slowly repositioned the device over time from a Mac accessory to a standalone streaming device.
In 2010, it dropped the internal hard drive and shifted to a smaller, streaming-focused design. The introduction of tvOS and the App Store in 2015 marked a major turning point, enabling third-party apps and games. Apple later added 4K support in 2017 and continued to iterate with faster chips, culminating in the current model powered by the A15 Bionic chip.
Unlike the original Apple TV, which was primarily designed to stream iTunes content from a Mac or PC, the device now serves as a hub for Apple's services, with integrations for Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, Apple Fitness+, AirPlay, and HomeKit. While competitors such as Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and Google TV devices still dominate the lower end of the market, Apple has continued to position the Apple TV as a premium option with tighter ecosystem integration and more powerful hardware.
Today's Apple TV is the third-generation 4K model from November 2022. A new Apple TV is expected to be announced soon, featuring a faster chip and Apple's custom N1 wireless chip for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
The AirPods Max 2 introduce a range of improvements primarily driven by the addition of Apple's H2 chip, which replaces the H1 chip used in previous models. This new chip underpins most of the upgrades, enabling more advanced computational audio and significantly enhancing the overall listening experience.
One of the most notable improvements is Active Noise Cancellation, which Apple says is up to 1.5x more effective than before, making the headphones better suited to noisy environments such as travel. Transparency mode is also refined, with more natural-sounding ambient audio and improved clarity when hearing voices and surroundings.
The H2 chip also facilitates a suite of new adaptive listening features. Adaptive Audio dynamically adjusts the balance between noise cancellation and environmental sound depending on your surroundings, while Conversation Awareness automatically lowers playback and enhances nearby voices when you begin speaking. Personalized Volume builds on this by learning your listening preferences over time and adjusting volume levels accordingly. In addition, Voice Isolation has been improved, helping to prioritize your voice during calls and reduce background noise more effectively.
Audio quality is enhanced with a new high dynamic range amplifier and updated signal processing. These changes should result in more consistent bass, clearer midrange, more natural vocals, and improved separation of instruments. Spatial Audio has also been refined, offering more accurate sound placement and a more coherent soundstage.
Wireless performance sees an upgrade with support for Bluetooth 5.3, which reduces latency compared to the previous generation. Alongside audio improvements, several new features have been added, including Live Translation powered by Apple Intelligence, the ability to use the Digital Crown as a camera remote for taking photos or controlling video recording, and expanded Siri interactions, including hands-free activation without "Hey Siri" and gesture-based responses.
Despite these updates, several core aspects remain unchanged. The design, materials, and overall form factor are identical to earlier versions, battery life remains at up to 20 hours with noise cancellation enabled, and the headphones continue to use the same Smart Case. Pricing is also unchanged at $549.
AirPods Max 2 will be available to order on Apple.com and in the Apple Store app starting Wednesday, March 25 in the U.S. and more than 30 other countries, and they launch on an unspecified day in early April. The MacRumors Show has its own YouTube channel, so make sure you're subscribed to keep up with new episodes and clips.
If you haven't already listened to the previous episode of The MacRumors Show, catch up to hear our discussion about Apple's concentrated week of announcements that saw the introduction of 10 new products.
The MacRumors Show is on X @MacRumorsShow, so be sure to give us a follow to keep up with the podcast. You can also email us at podcast@macrumors.com or head over to The MacRumors Show forum thread. Remember to rate and review the podcast, and let us know what subjects and guests you would like to see in the future.
Both the MacBook Air and entry-level MacBook Pro now feature the M5 chip, so how do the latest models compare?
While the 13-inch MacBook Air starts at $1,099 and the 15-inch model at $1,299, moving to the 14-inch MacBook Pro requires spending at least $300 more. For some buyers, the extra cost is unnecessary; for others, the Pro's ability to sustain performance, along with its more advanced display and expanded I/O, meaningfully change the experience in ways the Air cannot match even with higher configurations.
With the introduction of the MacBook Neo as a new entry-level option, the Mac lineup now spans three distinct tiers. As a result, the MacBook Air no longer represents the default choice for most buyers, but instead occupies a middle position between affordability and performance. If you've already ruled out the MacBook Neo, this guide helps to answer the question of how to decide which of Apple's other two popular laptops is best for you. The key differences are as follows:
Silver, Sky Blue, Starlight, or Midnight color options
Silver or Space Black color options
13-Inch: Starts at $1,099
15-Inch: Starts at $1,299
Starts at $1,599
Dimensions are also a key area of difference between the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro. The MacBook Pro is noticeably thicker and heavier than both MacBook Air models:
MacBook Air (13-Inch)
MacBook Air (15-Inch)
MacBook Pro (14-Inch)
Height
0.44 inches (1.13 cm)
0.45 inch (1.15 cm)
0.61 inches (1.55 cm)
Width
11.97 inches (30.41 cm)
13.40 inches (34.04 cm)
12.31 inches (31.26 cm)
Depth
8.46 inches (21.5 cm)
9.35 inches (23.76 cm)
8.71 inches (22.12 cm)
Weight
2.7 pounds (1.24 kg)
3.3 pounds (1.51 kg)
3.4 pounds (1.55 kg)
Taken as a whole, the MacBook Air now occupies a more clearly defined middle position in Apple's laptop lineup. With the introduction of the MacBook Neo as a lower-cost entry point, the Air no longer represents the default choice for most buyers, but instead serves those who want a meaningful step up in performance, features, and long-term usability without moving into the MacBook Pro tier.
The MacBook Air offers excellent performance with the M5 chip, capable memory and storage options, a good all-round display, and key features like a backlit keyboard, 18 hours of battery life, and a 12MP Center Stage camera. For everyday tasks, performance remains effectively indistinguishable from more expensive models, but the Air is far less likely to feel constrained after several years of use compared to the MacBook Neo. Its thinner chassis, lower weight, silent fanless design, and broader range of color options also remain important advantages.
By contrast, the 14-inch MacBook Pro is differentiated less by baseline performance and more by its ability to sustain it, as well as by a collection of hardware features that materially change the experience. Active cooling allows the M5 chip to operate at higher levels for prolonged periods, avoiding the thermal limitations inherent to the Air's passive design. This becomes noticeable in extended workloads such as video editing, 3D rendering, compiling large codebases, or running intensive AI-driven tasks. If your workload regularly involves sustained performance, such as long video exports, large code builds, or intensive multitasking, the MacBook Air's fanless design may become a limiting factor.
Alongside this, MacBook Pro's mini-LED Liquid Retina XDR display with ProMotion offers substantially higher brightness, contrast, and motion fluidity, while the inclusion of HDMI, SDXC, and an additional Thunderbolt port expands its versatility in professional environments. It also delivers consistently better speakers, higher-quality microphones, and longer battery life. For users planning to keep their machine for several years, this sustained performance headroom and broader feature set can make the MacBook Pro a more resilient long-term investment.
The most consequential trade-off emerges at the upper end of the MacBook Air's pricing. At $1,299, the 15-inch MacBook Air sits close enough to the 14-inch MacBook Pro's $1,599 starting price that the decision becomes less about affordability and more about priorities. For an additional $300, the Pro offers a significantly more advanced display, active cooling for sustained performance, longer battery life, additional I/O, and overall greater versatility. Once you are already considering spending over $1,000 on a laptop, these advantages become disproportionately impactful, particularly for users intending to keep their machine for several years.
As a result, the MacBook Air is best understood as the balanced option within the lineup: Meaningfully more capable and longer-lasting than the MacBook Neo, but somewhat constrained compared to the MacBook Pro. The right choice depends less on basic specifications and more on where your needs sit across three distinct tiers, with basic computing at the low end, sustained performance and advanced features at the high end, and the MacBook Air positioned squarely between them.
In the video below, ChargerLAB shows that the MacBook Neo reaches a peak charging speed of 18W with the included 20W charger, but this rises to 30W with Apple's 35W adapter, which is available in two sizes for $59 on Apple's online store.
ChargerLAB did not show exactly how much time you can save by using the 35W charger over the 20W charger, but it is probably up to 20-30 minutes for a full charge.
Of course, a variety of 30W-and-higher chargers sold by Apple and other companies can charge the MacBook Neo at peak speeds of 28W to 30W, so look beyond Apple if you want to save money. If you stick with Apple, just know this: its 35W adapter is faster than the included 20W adapter, but its expensive 96W and 140W chargers do not charge the MacBook Neo any faster than the 35W adapter despite costing more.
Apple's CEO Tim Cook today said the Mac just had its "best launch week ever for first-time Mac customers," which suggests that the new MacBook Neo has been a hit with customers buying their first laptops or switching from Windows.
Apple released the MacBook Neo last Wednesday, March 11. In the U.S., pricing starts at just $599 for the general public and an even lower $499 for college students. The laptop is powered by a version of the iPhone 16 Pro's A18 Pro chip, and it is available in colorful finishes like Citrus, Blush, and Indigo, alongside traditional Silver.
Apple also released MacBook Air models with the M5 chip and MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips last week, so it was a big week for new Macs, but the affordable MacBook Neo is likely driving the record number of first-time Mac buyers.
If you want a MacBook Neo, you may have to wait. In the U.S., MacBook Neo orders placed through Apple's online store today are estimated to be delivered between April 6 and April 13. However, it may be possible to find a MacBook Neo sooner at one of Apple's retail stores, or through authorized resellers such as Amazon and Walmart.
Mac just had its best launch week ever for first-time Mac customers. We love seeing the enthusiasm!
Making project collaboration possible wherever work happens has always been an important goal for OpenProject. Many teams do not work exclusively at their desks. They need to work on construction sites, in meetings, traveling, or simply away from their primary workstation.
With the OpenProject Mobile app, we aim to support these scenarios by enabling teams to stay connected to their projects directly from their mobile devices.
The mobile app is currently available as a beta version and continues to evolve as we refine the experience and expand its capabilities. While it already supports many important workflows for working on the go, it is still a work in progress. Our product team is continuously improving features, usability, and performance based on feedback from the OpenProject Community.
Recent improvements also ensure that the app works smoothly on tablets, offering a more flexible way to interact with OpenProject across different device types.
In this article, we want to share where the mobile app stands today and what you can already do with it.
Supporting project work on the go
The OpenProject Mobile app is designed as a companion to the web experience. Instead of replicating the full desktop interface, the mobile app focuses on the most important interactions users need while away from their desks.
With the mobile app, you can:
Browse projects and work packages
Update details such as status, priority, or assignee
Write comments and collaborate with team members
Track and log work time
Have a centralised and personal dashboard
Receive and react to notifications about comments, mentions, and work package changes
These capabilities allow teams to quickly respond to changes, update tasks, and keep collaboration moving, even when they are not using their primary workstation.
Manage work packages directly from your phone
Work packages are at the center of collaboration in OpenProject, and the mobile app makes them easily accessible while on the move. Within the app, you can view and update work packages across projects and interact with tasks just as you would expect in day-to-day project work.
Users can:
Change attributes such as status, assignee, or priority
Comment on work packages and mention colleagues
Upload attachments directly from their device
Manage watchers and task relations
Work packages index page in the OpenProject mobile app
Work package details on the overview tab in the OpenProject mobile app
Designed for mobile workflows
Mobile devices come with their own strengths, and the OpenProject Mobile app takes advantage of them to support quick and simple interactions. Some features are specifically optimized for mobile usage, including:
Quick work package creation through a simplified interface
Direct photo and video capture and uploads from the device camera
Touch-friendly navigation optimized for smaller screens
Local notifications to stay informed about project updates
Focus-mode timers to track time spent on tasks
Overview of projects and tasks
The mobile app also provides an easy way to explore projects and stay informed about ongoing work.
Users can browse projects, portfolios, and programs, view project details, and navigate to related work packages. Together with the personal home screen and notification center, this gives users a quick overview of work packages and updates that require their attention.
Expanding the experience across devices
While the mobile app was initially designed for smartphones, many users rely on tablets for meetings, workshops, or on-site work.
Recent improvements ensure that the app adapts well to tablet devices, offering a more comfortable layout and better use of larger screens. This allows teams to review work packages and projects in split screens and collaborate more easily during discussions or presentations.
As development continues, improving the multi-device experience remains an important focus area.
A growing part of the OpenProject ecosystem
The OpenProject Mobile app is available for iOS and Android and connects directly to your OpenProject instance. As a beta product, it continues to evolve alongside the rest of the platform.
Our team is currently working on further improvements such as:
Real-time push notifications
Deep linking to work packages and projects
Additional collaboration capabilities
New modules of the app, like meetings or wikis, coming to mobile
Continuous usability and performance improvements
Each iteration brings the mobile experience closer to the flexibility teams expect when managing projects across different environments.
Try it and share your feedback
Because the mobile app is still in beta, feedback from the OpenProject Community plays an important role in shaping its future.
If you are already using OpenProject, we encourage you to try the mobile app and explore how it supports your workflows on the go. Your feedback helps us identify improvements, prioritize new features, and continue refining the experience.
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.
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 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.
Apple today launched its atrial fibrillation history feature for Apple Watch in mainland China.
Since 2022, Apple Watch in the U.S. has supported AFib History, which allows users diagnosed with atrial fibrillation to view an estimate of how frequently their heart is in this type of irregular rhythm.
The feature analyzes pulse rate data collected by a photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor to identify episodes consistent with AFib and provides the user with a retrospective estimate of AFib burden (a measure of the amount of time spent in AFib during past Apple Watch wear). Apple says the feature is intended for individuals aged 22 years or older who have been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation by a physician.
Capabilities like ECG and AFib tracking are typically classified as medical or quasi-medical functions, requiring approval from China's National Medical Products Administration (NMPA), hence the delayed launch.
ECG, Irregular Heart Rhythm Notifications, and AFib History are features that can be used by Apple Watch owners in over 150 countries worldwide. Apple maintains a dedicated list of Apple Watch feature availability on its website.
We’re excited to announce the release of OpenProject integration app versions 3.0.0 and 2.11.2 for Nextcloud! ✨
What’s new
This release focuses on improving compatibility with newer Nextcloud versions, enhancing reliability, and smoothing out the overall collaboration experience.
Support for Nextcloud 33
Version 3.0.0 introduces support for Nextcloud 33, including necessary adjustments to breaking changes in the Files frontend API.
Note
This is a breaking change update. Please ensure compatibility before upgrading.
Improvements
Added debug logging for OpenProject API requests to simplify troubleshooting
Bug fixes
Fixed handling of projects with unknown parent projects
Ensured HTTPS is enforced for Nextcloud base URLs in OpenProject API requests
Resolved broken guest access to Talk rooms for Nextcloud 32 and above
Update recommendation
We recommend updating via the Nextcloud App Store to take advantage of the latest fixes and improvements.
Thank you
A big thank you to the Nextcloud team for the continued collaboration and partnership! 🚀
Apple refreshed the AirPods Max today, and the main new addition is an H2 chip that replaces the H1 chip. The H2 chip has previously been used in the AirPods 4 and the AirPods Pro 2 and later, but it's new to the AirPods Max. It brings multiple audio improvements alongside an updated high dynamic range amplifier.
We've listed all of the audio features that are new to the AirPods Max according to Apple.
Active Noise Cancellation - The AirPods Max 2 have up to 1.5x more active noise cancellation because of the more powerful H2 chip and a new computational audio algorithm that detects and counters external sound.
Adaptive Audio - The AirPods Max support Adaptive Audio, adjusting the level of ANC based on your environment.
Transparency - Apple says it is using a new digital signal processing algorithm built for the H2 and the AirPods Max microphone array to make Transparency sound more natural. Your own voice will sound more realistic, and so will other sounds. Transparency lets you hear what's going on around you, with environmental noise filtered through the AirPods Max microphones.
Loud Sound Reduction - Adaptive Audio includes Loud Sound Reduction and the AirPods Max will automatically reduce loud environmental sounds like lawn mowers or construction equipment.
Personalized Volume - Another Adaptive Audio feature, Personalized Volume learns your volume preferences across different environments over time and automatically adjusts.
Conversation Awareness - When you start to talk, Conversation Awareness kicks on and lowers the volume of what you're listening to while amplifying voices so you can hear a response. When you're done talking, the sound returns to its previous volume.
High-fidelity audio improvements - Apple says the H2 chip and a new high dynamic range amplifier provide more headroom for the driver, resulting in richer bass, more natural vocals, and improved localization of instruments. Users can expect more accurate and consistent bass along with more natural sounding mids and highs.
Adaptive EQ - Apple retuned Adaptive EQ for the H2 chip, and the feature now extends to higher frequencies. Adaptive EQ uses inward-facing microphones to sample what you're hearing, adjusting playback in real-time. According to Apple, users will get a more consistent listening experience across different fits, movements, and ear geometry.
Voice Isolation - Voice Isolation isolates your voice in noisy environments so people can hear you when you're on a call. Voice Isolation also lets creators capture high-quality vocals.
Reduced wireless audio latency - Apple says latency is lower with the H2 chip in the AirPods Max 2. The AirPods Max support Bluetooth 5.3, up from Bluetooth 5.0 in the prior model.
There are other features enabled by the H2 chip that aren't tied directly to audio, like Live Translation, camera remote functionality, and the option to activate Siri without using "Hey." The AirPods Max 2 also still have all of the other features from the original AirPods Max, like personalized spatial audio, quick pairing, device switching, and more.
Apple did not make other design changes to the AirPods Max, and the overall fit and look have not been updated. Compared to the AirPods Pro 3, the main AirPods Max benefit is lossless audio. With a wired USB-C connection to a device, the AirPods Max offer 24-bit 48kHz lossless audio, which the AirPods Pro can't match.
The AirPods Max are priced at $549, and Apple plans to accept pre-orders on Wednesday, March 25. A launch will follow in early April, but Apple hasn't provided a specific date yet.
Apple has now announced the AirPods Max 2, bringing the first major hardware upgrade to Apple's over-ear headphones since their debut. So how does the new model compare with both earlier versions of AirPods Max?
In late 2020, Apple announced the AirPods Max, a whole new AirPods variant with an over-ear design. In September 2024, the company refreshed the AirPods Max's selection of color options and swapped the Lightning port for USB-C, enabling 24-bit, 48 kHz lossless audio over a wired connection.
Now, with the arrival of the AirPods Max 2, Apple has introduced a far more substantial upgrade than the 2024 refresh. The new model adds the H2 chip, more powerful Active Noise Cancellation, improved Transparency Mode, Adaptive Audio features such as Conversation Awareness and Personalized Volume, updated Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity with reduced latency, and enhancements to Spatial Audio and sound quality.
Following the announcement, the full range of differences between the original Lightning model, the USB-C refresh, and AirPods Max 2 are outlined below:
AirPods Max
(2020, Lightning)
AirPods Max
(2024, USB-C)
AirPods Max 2
(2026)
H1 chip
H1 chip
H2 chip
Active Noise Cancellation
Active Noise Cancellation
Improved Active Noise Cancellation (1.5x stronger)
Siri Interactions (privately respond to Siri announcements by simply nodding their head yes or gently shaking their head no)
Custom high dynamic range amplifier
New digital signal processing algorithm
Spatial Audio
Spatial Audio
Improved Spatial Audio (improved localization of instruments, more accurate and consistent bass response, and more natural-sounding mids and highs)
Lossless Personalized Spatial Audio via USB-C to USB-C cable
Lossless Personalized Spatial Audio via USB-C to USB-C cable
Enhanced audio via Lightning to 3.5mm audio cable
"24-bit, 48 kHz lossless audio" via USB-C to USB-C cable
"24-bit, 48 kHz lossless audio" via USB-C to USB-C cable
Audio recording
Audio recording
"Studio-quality" audio recording
Create and mix audio in Personalized Spatial Audio with head tracking via USB-C to USB-C cable
Create and mix audio in Personalized Spatial Audio with head tracking via USB-C to USB-C cable
Bluetooth 5.0
Bluetooth 5.0
Bluetooth 5.3
Reduced wireless audio latency
Reduced latency audio via Lightning to 3.5mm audio cable
"Ultra-low" latency audio via USB-C to USB-C cable or USB-C to 3.5mm audio cable
"Ultra-low" latency audio via USB-C to USB-C cable or USB-C to 3.5mm audio cable
Lightning port
USB-C port
USB-C port
Available in Silver, Space Gray, Sky Blue, Pink, and Green
Available in Starlight, Midnight, Blue, Purple, and Orange
Available in Starlight, Midnight, Blue, Purple, and Orange
Released December 2020
Released September 2024
Release in April 2026
Now discontinued
Now discontinued
$549
The original AirPods Max with Lightning are becoming increasingly difficult to find as remaining inventory has gradually dried up over the past two years. While some third-party retailers may still have limited stock or refurbished units available, the model is no longer widely sold. For buyers who can still locate a pair at a substantial discount, the Lightning version can remain an appealing option. It offers the same distinctive design, premium build quality, Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency mode, and Spatial Audio support that defined the product when it launched in 2020. If you primarily use AirPods Max wirelessly for casual listenin, have no interest in the newer software capabilities, or have other Lightning devices, the original model still delivers a good core experience.
The AirPods Max with USB-C, introduced in 2024, remain widely available and until today represented Apple's current version of the headphones. Aside from the switch from Lightning to USB-C and a new set of color options, the hardware is largely identical to the original model. A firmware update alongside iOS 18.4 restored wired audio input and enabled 24-bit, 48 kHz lossless audio over a USB-C connection when used with a USB-C to USB-C cable. This gives the USB-C model a clear advantage over the Lightning version for users who want the best possible wired audio quality. It also enables creator-focused capabilities such as Lossless Personalized Spatial Audio and the ability to create or mix content in Spatial Audio with head tracking. For most users listening wirelessly, however, the overall experience remains very similar to the original model.
The newly announced AirPods Max 2 represent the first meaningful upgrade to the product since its debut. The new model introduces Apple's H2 chip, enabling significantly improved Active Noise Cancellation, enhanced Transparency Mode, and Adaptive Audio features such as Conversation Awareness, Personalized Volume, and Voice Isolation. Apple has also improved Spatial Audio performance and added Bluetooth 5.3 with reduced wireless latency. Together, these upgrades bring the over-ear AirPods much closer to the capabilities offered by Apple's latest in-ear AirPods models.
For buyers deciding between generations, the choice largely comes down to how important the new features are. The original AirPods Max still deliver the premium design, sound quality, and wireless listening experience that made them popular. However, for those who want stronger noise cancellation, new features like Live Translation, and the most future-proof option, AirPods Max 2 are clearly the model to choose.
Existing owners of the original AirPods Max may want to weigh the benefits of the H2 chip, improved Active Noise Cancellation, Adaptive Audio features such as Conversation Awareness and Personalized Volume, and reduced wireless latency. Users with the Lightning version may be more inclined to upgrade given their device's age, while those with the newer USB-C variant may find the improvements less essential if they are satisfied with the current feature set. For frequent travelers, people who regularly listen in noisy environments, or anyone who simply wants the most advanced version of Apple's over-ear headphones, the upgrade may still be worthwhile.
AirPods frequently see hefty discounts on Amazon and other third-party retailers, so stepping up to the AirPods Max 2 may be more worth it if you can take advantage of one of those deals. The AirPods Max often see solid discounts, so it is always worth seeking the best price using our Deals roundup.
Apple today introduced the second-generation version of its over-ear AirPods Max headphones, and some of the software requirements in the fine print give us some insight into when Apple's iOS 26.4 update will be released to the public.
To use several of the added features like Live Translation, the AirPods Max 2 will need to be paired with an iPhone running iOS 26.4, an iPad running iPadOS 26.4, or a Mac running macOS Tahoe 26.4.
The AirPods are set to launch in early April, which means iOS 26.4 and its sister updates will need to launch during the same time frame. iOS 26.4 will be here by the first week of April, and it could even launch before the end of March.
We're at the fourth beta now, so the release candidate version could come at any time. The release candidate likely includes AirPods Max 2 mentions in the code, so Apple was probably holding back on providing it to developers and public beta testers until the AirPods Max 2 were announced.
Apple plans to begin accepting preorders for the AirPods Max 2 on Wednesday, March 25. There is no more specific launch date than "early April," which suggests the first week and a half of the month.
Features that require iOS 26.4 include Live Translation, Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, "Siri" wake word support, Voice Isolation, and the new Digital Crown controls for using the AirPods Max as a camera button. Apple says the feature set will require the latest AirPods Max firmware as well as the iOS 26.4, iPadOS 26.4, and macOS Tahoe 26.4 software.
While the new AirPods Max 2 have the same overall design as the previous AirPods Max, the Digital Crown has received a small but useful upgrade.
On the AirPods Max 2, a new Camera Remote feature allows you to press the Digital Crown to take a photo and start or stop video recording while using Apple's Camera app or compatible third-party camera apps on an iPhone or iPad.
Apple says this feature requires AirPods Max 2 that are running the latest firmware and paired with iPhone and iPad models running iOS 26.4 or iPadOS 26.4 or later. Those software versions are still in beta testing, but they will be released in time for the AirPods Max 2 launch in early April, barring any unforeseen delays.
Here are all of the Digital Crown controls on AirPods Max 2:
Turn for volume control
Press once to play or pause media
Press once to answer a call or mute or unmute
Press once for camera remote
Press twice to end a call
Press twice to skip forward
Press three times to skip back
Press and hold for Siri
Other upgrades compared to the previous generation include the H2 chip, increased active noise cancellation, improved sound quality, and features such as Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, Voice Isolation, and Live Translation. In addition, AirPods Max 2 support a shorter "Siri" command alongside the longer "Hey Siri."
Read the rest of our AirPods Max 2 coverage to learn more:
AirPods Max 2 will be available to order on Apple.com and in the Apple Store app starting Wednesday, March 25, with U.S. pricing set at $549. Apple says the headphones will launch in early April, but it has yet to provide a specific release date.
Apple today acquired MotionVFX, a major developer of plugins, visual effects, and motion graphics tools for Final Cut Pro.
MotionVFX is a Polish software company founded by Szymon Masiak in 2009. It creates high-quality plugins, transitions, templates, and visual effects (VFX) for video editors, specializing in tools for Final Cut Pro, DaVinci Resolve, and Apple Motion. From MotionVFX's website today:
We are extremely excited to share that MotionVFX is joining the Apple team to continue to empower creators and editors to do their best work.
For over 15 years, we've been on a mission to create world-class, visually inspiring content and effects for video editors. From the very beginning, we’ve been all about quality, ease of use, and great design. These are also the values that we admire most in Apple’s products, and we’re thrilled to be able to embrace them together.
We'd like to take this opportunity to thank all our amazing customers and supporters who have been with us through all these years. You inspired us, you challenged us, and you helped our products become what they are today. We are incredibly grateful to be part of this amazing community and excited to continue our work to serve you.
This is the beginning of something truly wonderful!
MotionVFX has long been one of the most prominent third-party developers in the Final Cut Pro ecosystem. Its plugins are widely used by YouTubers, filmmakers, and broadcast editors looking to add high-end motion graphics and stylized visual effects without building them from scratch.
Among its most popular tools are mFilmLook, which provides cinematic color grading and film emulation effects, and mO2, a powerful plugin that enables the use of 3D models directly inside Final Cut Pro and Apple Motion. MotionVFX also offers Design Studio, a panel extension that allows users to browse and install effects and templates directly within Final Cut Pro.
MotionVFX's expertise in templates, transitions, and 3D workflows could help Apple improve Final Cut Pro's built-in graphics tools, potentially reducing reliance on third-party plugins. The acquisition will likely strengthen Apple's latest push into professional video production, especially as the company continues to bolster its new Apple Creator Studio subscription service.
MotionVFX's 70 employees today joined Apple as part of the acquisition. The company was already a worldwide partner of Apple.
MotionVFX did not indicate whether its existing products will continue to be sold independently following the acquisition. For now, the company's plugin catalog remains available through its website and the MotionVFX marketplace. This article, "Apple Acquires Final Cut Pro Plugin Company MotionVFX" first appeared on MacRumors.com
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