In this week’s top stories: Rumors suggest a cheaper HomePod and MacBook Air, new iPads at WWDC, and a notch-free iPhone in 2019. Furthermore, new healthcare perks for Apple Watch wearers, iPhone 6s battery testing, and more. Read on for all of this week’s top stories…
This week was dominated by rumors of future Apple product releases. KGI led the way by suggesting that Apple will release a more affordable MacBook Air during the second quarter of this year. While details are sparse, the MacBook Air remains a popular choice among college students and other budget-focused users.
Elsewhere, a Korean report claimed that Apple will release a notch-free iPhone in 2019. The piece explained that Apple is planning a “full-screen that is more complete in its new iPhones “and is in “discussions with relevant companies” about the idea.
As for the iPad, Barron’s reported this week, citing a Rosenblatt Securities analyst, that Apple will introduce new iPad Pros at WWDC with Face ID. The devices are also expected to ditch the Home button in favor of smaller bezels, while an updated Apple Pencil is also possible.
Also this week, a survey offered up suggestions as to some fo the top reasons why iPhone users did not upgrade to the iPhone 8 or iPhone X this year, with price and screen size leading the way.
UnitedHealthcare announced a new initiative this week that uses Apple Watch as an incentive to keep customers heathy:
UnitedHealthcare is the latest insurance firm to look to Apple Watch as an incentive to keep its customers healthy. The provider will not only offer the option to earn an Apple Watch for essentially free, but it will allow users to earn up to $1,000 toward medical bills after the cost of the wearable.
These and the rest of this week’s top stories below…
iOS | macOS | tvOS | watchOS
- Apple releases iOS 11.3 beta 4 for iPhone and iPad
- From iOS 12 to watchOS 5: All the new Apple software we expect this year
- iOS 12 concept imagines redesigned Music app with Dark Mode & the return of Cover Flow
- Concept: Imagining a more friendly and motivational Health app
- New iOS 12 concept offers up refreshed Lock screen, App Bar, Guest Mode, Face ID tricks, and more
- How to protect your iPhone data with privacy controls built in to iOS 11
- iOS Tip: How to quickly track flights on iPhone and iPad
iPad, Mac, & Apple Watch |
- UnitedHealthcare promoting healthy living with nearly free Apple Watch Series 3
- KGI: Apple to release more affordable 13-inch MacBook Air in Q2, HomePod demand ‘mediocre’ so far
- Here’s how the iPhone 6s performs before and after a battery replacement [Video]
- Rumors: Cheaper HomePod and MacBook Air coming this year, Face ID iPad Pro slated for WWDC
iPhone |
- New survey shows the top reasons people didn’t upgrade to the iPhone 8 or iPhone X
- Here’s how the iPhone 6s performs before and after a battery replacement [Video]
- Korean report claims Apple will drop the iPhone X notch in 2019 iPhones
- PSA: Don’t let your kids play with your locked iPhone — or risk being locked out for 47 years
- Has Face ID on the iPhone X improved over time for you? [Poll]
HomePod & HomeKit |
- Win an Apple HomePod + $500 gift cards from Caseco & 9to5Mac [Giveaway]
- Review: HomePod today, tomorrow, and beyond may not be the same smart speaker
- Rumors: Cheaper HomePod and MacBook Air coming this year, Face ID iPad Pro slated for WWDC
Apps |
- MoviePass CEO claims $10/month movie ticket service tracks where you go after the theater
- Alexa spontaneously laughing at customers, Amazon hopes there’s a fix
- Fortnite Battle Royale coming to iOS with cross play support & more, sign-ups begin next week
Music |
- Apple reportedly killing iTunes LP format this month, but digital music sales are safe for now
- Apple Music sponsors free Anderson .Paak concert, presented by Dr. Dre
- Six month Apple Music trials to be bundled with some new CarPlay vehicles
Commentary |
- Comment: A more affordable MacBook Air would be the new iBook
- Opinion: Giving AirPods the praise they deserve and why I won’t upgrade to version 2
AAPL Company |
- Humor: Redditor discovers original iPhone X ad predicted the Apple Park glass pane problem
- Guns N’ Roses frontman Axl Rose calls Tim Cook ‘the Donald Trump of the music industry’
- After Apple Park, here’s a possible shortlist for the location of Apple’s next US campus
- Apple reseller forced to call off clearance sale after thousands queue up for ten $50 iPhones
Subscribe to 9to5Mac’s YouTube channel for more videos.
This week’s top video |
- Review: HomePod one month later, and why the future looks so bright [Video]
- YouTube Giveaway: Spring cleaning 2018 edition — featuring LaMetric Time, Akitio Thunder 3 Quad Mini, Samsung Gear 360, more [Video]
- Hands-on: Olloclip Filmer’s Kit provides valuable tools for iPhone photo and video enthusiasts
Happy Hour Podcast #162 |
This week Benjamin and Zac discuss features previewed in iOS 11.3 that have been reverted, new CarPlay promotions with Apple Music, iTunes LP going away and what Apple Music Connect could be, and the latest spring hardware refresh rumors.
9to5Mac Happy Hour is available on iTunes and Apple’s Podcasts app, Stitcher, TuneIn, Google Play Music, or through our dedicated RSS feed for Overcast and other podcast players.
9to5Mac Daily |
Welcome to 9to5Mac Daily, a podcast bringing you the latest in Apple news and top 9to5Mac stories every Monday through Friday. 9to5Mac Daily is available on iTunes and Apple’s Podcasts app, Stitcher, TuneIn, Google Play, or through our dedicated RSS feed for Overcast and other podcast players.
- 040: MacBook Air rumors, iBooks return, MoviePass concern | 9to5Mac Daily
- 9to5Mac Daily 041 | March 6, 2018
- 9to5Mac Daily 042 | March 7, 2018
- 9to5Mac Daily 043 | March 8, 2018
- 9to5Mac Daily 044 | March 9, 2018
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