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Doomscrolling Is No Way To Live, Says Apple CEO
Apple CEO Tim Cook has urged people to reduce their smartphone usage, stating that endless scrolling is not a fulfilling way to spend time and encouraging more engagement with the real world. Experts also highlight the insidious negative effects of excessive screen time on learning, memory, mental health, and sleep.
Apple WWDC 2026 announced for June 8-12
Apple has announced its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) will take place from June 8-12, 2026. The event is a key gathering for developers to learn about Apple's latest software and technologies.
Apple will reportedly start stuffing ads into the Maps app
Apple is reportedly planning to introduce advertisements into its Maps app on iPhones this summer, with an announcement potentially coming this month. This move, similar to implementations by Google Maps and Yelp, aims to boost Apple's services business revenue. The company already features ads on its App Store and News app.
Apple's WWDC 2026 is set for June 8-12
Apple has announced that its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) will take place from June 8-12, 2026. The event will primarily be online and free, with an in-person component for select attendees at Apple Park. Key announcements are expected to include new versions of Apple's operating systems, such as iOS 27 and macOS 27, with potential improvements to Apple Intelligence and Siri.
Samsung's Galaxy S26 will get Apple AirDrop support starting today
Samsung has announced that its Galaxy S26 Series smartphones will gain support for Apple's AirDrop file sharing technology via the Quick Share feature. This update, rolling out starting March 23, will allow Android users to send and receive files with Apple devices. Google plans to expand this compatibility to additional Android devices soon.
Apple considered buying Halide to upgrade its native Camera app
Apple explored acquiring Lux Optics, the developer of the Halide camera app, in the summer of 2025 to enhance its native camera application. The deal ultimately fell through, but Lux Optics co-founders Ben Sandofsky and Sebastiaan de With decided against the acquisition to focus on future updates for Halide. De With later joined Apple's design team.
Engadget review recap: Lots of Apple devices, Galaxy S26, Dell XPS 16 and more
This review recap covers several new devices, including Apple's MacBook Neo and iPhone 17e, both priced at $599, and updated iPads and MacBooks with new M-series chips. It also features reviews of the Samsung Galaxy S26, Dell XPS 16, a Soundcore projector, Nothing Phone 4a Pro, and a Belkin charging case.
Nintendo is reportedly making a Switch 2 with a user-replaceable battery for the EU
Nintendo is reportedly developing a version of the Nintendo Switch 2 for the European Union that features a user-replaceable battery to comply with new EU "right-to-repair" regulations. This policy, which also affects the Joy-Con controllers, mandates easier battery replacement for portable electronics by 2027. While initially exclusive to the EU, similar policies in other regions could lead to wider adoption of this design change.
Amazon is reportedly working on a new phone built around Alexa
Amazon is reportedly developing a new smartphone, codenamed "Transformer," with a strong focus on its Alexa AI assistant. The device aims to simplify purchasing and media consumption through Amazon services and may bypass traditional app stores. The project is led by J Allard, former Xbox co-founder, and could result in both a traditional smartphone and a minimalist "dumbphone" model.
Google is reportedly testing a Gemini app for Mac
Google is reportedly testing a version of its Gemini AI assistant for macOS, which would bring it into direct competition with standalone Mac apps from OpenAI's ChatGPT and Anthropic's Claude. The app is expected to offer similar features to the web version, with a potential differentiator being 'Desktop Intelligence' that allows Gemini to access on-screen context and information from other apps.
A new iPhone hacking tool puts some iOS 18 users at risk
A new fileless hacking technique called DarkSword poses a risk to iPhone users running specific versions of iOS 18 by exploiting malicious web pages to steal sensitive data and cryptocurrency. While Apple has released patches for the vulnerabilities in subsequent iOS updates, a portion of users may still be at risk if they have not updated their devices.
A new iPhone hacking tool puts anyone still on iOS 18 at risk
A new fileless hacking technique called DarkSword exploits vulnerabilities in iOS 18 versions, potentially affecting a quarter of iPhone users. The hack steals sensitive data, including cryptocurrency, and deletes itself without leaving a trace. Apple has released patches in later iOS versions, but users on iOS 18 are advised to update immediately.
Apple Studio Display XDR review: Expensive, but there’s no monitor like it
The Apple Studio Display XDR is a high-end 27-inch 5K monitor praised for its exceptional brightness, color accuracy, and Mini LED technology, making it ideal for creative professionals. Despite its high price, it offers superior image quality and features like a built-in webcam and speakers, outperforming many competitors and even serving well for gaming.
Evening Legal Briefs
Arizona has filed criminal charges against Kalshi, a prediction market platform. Separately, a judge ruled that Apple can delist applications with or without cause, representing a loss for app developers.
Apple releases its first Background Security Improvement for macOS, iOS and iPadOS
Apple has released its first "Background Security Improvement" for iOS, iPadOS, and macOS, offering smaller, ongoing security patches for components like Safari and WebKit between major software updates. These updates are designed to download in the background and require a quick restart to apply, aiming for a faster process than standard software updates.
Fortnite will return to Google's Play Store globally on March 19
Fortnite will be available globally on Google's Play Store starting March 19, coinciding with the launch of a new season. This marks the resolution of a long-standing dispute between Epic Games and Google, which led to Fortnite's removal in 2020. Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney confirmed the return following a settlement and Google's adjustment of its in-app payment cut.
Apple and Nike team up for a new Powerbeats Pro 2 colorway
Apple and Nike have collaborated to release a new "Volt" colorway for the Powerbeats Pro 2 earphones, dubbed the Nike Special Edition. This limited-edition variant features shared branding and the same core features as the standard model, including heart-rate tracking and active noise cancellation. The earphones are available for $250 on Apple's and Nike's websites starting March 20.
How to make your smartphone last longer
This guide provides methods to extend the lifespan of smartphones, reducing electronic waste and saving money. Tips include using protective cases, proper battery care to mitigate degradation, cleaning phone storage, and understanding software update commitments from manufacturers like Google, Samsung, and Apple. The article also touches on the growing right-to-repair movement and the availability of repair services and parts.
The Morning After: Apple's surprise AirPods Max refresh
Apple has released an updated version of its AirPods Max headphones, featuring an H2 chip for improved noise cancellation and support for Adaptive Audio and Live Translation. The new AirPods Max retain their original design and $549 price point, with pre-orders starting March 25 and shipping in early April. The article also touches on other tech news including Samsung's discontinuation of the Galaxy Z TriFold, NVIDIA's collaboration on robotaxis, a review of the Samsung Galaxy S26, a reboot of Firefly as an animated series, NVIDIA's DLSS 5 claims, and a lawsuit against xAI's Grok AI for allegedly generating child sexual abuse material.
Apple acquires popular video editing software company MotionVFX
Apple has acquired MotionVFX, a company known for providing plugins, templates, and visual effects for video editing software. The acquisition is expected to lead to improvements and native integration within Apple's own video editing applications like Final Cut Pro and Apple Motion. Details regarding the acquisition price and the future of MotionVFX's support for competing products remain undisclosed.