We heard some last-minute rumblings that an Apple product launch is perhaps coming this week, and certainly it did with the debut of latest MacBook Air fashions based mostly on Apple’s M3 chip.
Alongside the brand new MacBook Air, we acquired the standard spring refresh with new Apple Watch band and iPhone case colours, whereas this week additionally noticed the discharge of iOS 17.4 and associated working system updates, so learn on under for particulars on these tales and extra!
Apple Broadcasts New MacBook Air Fashions With M3 Chip
Apple this week updated the 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air with several new features, together with the M3 chip for quicker efficiency, Wi-Fi 6E help, expanded exterior show help, an anti-fingerprint seal on the Midnight end, and microphone enhancements.
The brand new MacBook Air fashions grew to become obtainable to order instantly after the announcement on Monday, with a launch following on Friday, March 8. Apple has discontinued the 13-inch MacBook Air with the M1 chip and the 15-inch MacBook Air with the M2 chip as a part of this refresh, whereas the 13-inch MacBook Air with the M2 chip now begins at $999 within the U.S.
The primary reviews and unboxing videos for the new MacBook Air had been revealed simply forward of the launch, and we have gone hands-on with the machine ourselves for some early impressions.
14-Inch MacBook Professional With M3 Chip to Get Multi-Show Assist With Software program Replace
The brand new MacBook Air fashions support two external displays when the laptop’s lid is closed. Earlier fashions had been formally restricted to 1 exterior show, though DisplayLink adapters permit for extra.
Apple has confirmed that the 14-inch MacBook Professional with the M3 chip will also gain support for up to two external displays with a software update. As with the MacBook Air, the laptop computer’s lid will have to be closed to make use of a second show.
Apple Releases iOS 17.4 With EU App Modifications, New Emoji, Podcast Transcripts, and Extra
Apple this week released iOS 17.4 for the iPhone following over a month of beta testing.
iOS 17.4 embrace main App Retailer, Safari, and Apple Pay modifications within the EU, because of the Digital Markets Act. Other key new features embrace Apple Podcasts transcripts, an iMessage safety improve, new emoji, and Apple Money digital card numbers. The replace additionally additional prepares for the launch of next-generation CarPlay this 12 months.
Later within the week, Apple launched macOS Sonoma 14.4, watchOS 10.4, tvOS 17.4, HomePod software program 17.4, and visionOS 1.1.
Apple Refreshes iPhone Case and Apple Watch Band Colours
Because it does on a seasonal foundation, Apple this week updated some of the colors available for select iPhone cases and Apple Watch bands.
For instance, Apple’s Silicone Case with MagSafe for ‌iPhone‌ is now obtainable in new Soft Mint, Sunshine, Light Blue, and Pink coloration choices.
Apple has but to announce a brand new coloration choice for the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus, and it is unclear if it has any plans to.
EU Fines Apple $2 Billion for Anti-Aggressive Conduct Towards Spotify
The European Fee this week levied a significant fine of nearly $2 billion against Apple because of alleged anti-competitive habits in direction of Spotify.
In response, Apple said EU officers did not “uncover any credible proof of client hurt,” and stated its choice “ignores the realities of a market that’s thriving, aggressive, and rising quick.”
Spotify said the choice “marks an essential second within the battle for a extra open web for shoppers.”
Apple to Let EU iPhone Customers Delete Safari and Extra Simply Transition to Android
Apple already launched a number of modifications to the App Retailer and extra on iOS 17.4 within the EU, in response to the Digital Markets Act.
Now, Apple has shared extra plans. For instance, the corporate will allow iPhone users in the EU to delete the Safari app and to more easily transition from an iPhone to an Android smartphone. Extra particular particulars about these plans shall be launched at a later time.
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