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Apple increases MacBook Neo orders due to strong demand and sell-out
Apple’s newly launched MacBook Neo, positioned as the company’s most affordable notebook ever with a starting price of $599, has experienced explosive sales since its global debut on March 11, 2026. The entry-level MacBook has quickly sold out in many markets, leading to extended delivery wait times and prompting Apple to urgently ramp up production orders. Taiwanese suppliers such as Hon Hai (Foxconn) and Quanta are directly benefiting from the increased orders, Economic Daily News reports.
The surge in demand has exceeded initial expectations, shifting Apple’s shipment forecasts from several million units to over 10 million units.
Apple’s Response: Urgent Order Increases
In response to the sell-out:
• Apple has issued emergency additional orders to its manufacturing partners.
• The company has raised its overall shipment targets significantly.
• Primary contract manufacturers Hon Hai (Foxconn) and Quanta are ramping up production in response.
This move reflects Apple’s strategy to capitalize on the momentum of its most price-competitive MacBook to date, while potentially disrupting the broader notebook market (including entry-level Windows PCs and Google Chromebooks).
Supplier Impact and Market Implications
• Hon Hai and Quanta: As the main assembly partners, both Taiwanese firms are “mobilizing” to meet the increased volume. This is expected to boost their revenues in the notebook segment.
• Broader Market Effect: Analysts note that the MacBook Neo’s aggressive pricing could trigger a reshuffle in the global notebook market, pressuring competitors in the sub-$800 segment.
Separate Economic Daily News‘ reporting mentions production challenges related to the low-cost chips used in the device, highlighting Apple’s dilemma between scaling output (which may compress margins) and managing component inventory. However, this latest article focuses on the positive demand-driven order increases.
Apple’s decision to significantly increase MacBook Neo orders underscores the product’s strong market reception as an accessible entry point into the Mac ecosystem. By leveraging cost-efficient design and aggressive pricing, Apple has created unexpected demand that has caught supply chains off guard, leading to quick adjustments by key suppliers like Foxconn and Quanta.
MacDailyNews Take: The MacBook Neo is a game-changer in the entry-level notebook space, with ongoing production ramps likely to improve availability in the coming months.
By the way, our crystal ball continues working perfectly:
Apple will sell at least 7 million MacBook Neo units in 2026 and it could easily climb to 10 million (or more) more depending on the efficacy of its education sales team. – MacDailyNews, March 5, 2026, in response to Trendforce projecting MacBook Neo sales of 4–5 million units in 2026
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Perplexity AI rolls out ‘Personal Computer for Mac,’ delivering advanced AI orchestration
In a significant step toward more integrated AI assistance, Perplexity AI announced today the rollout of Personal Computer for Mac, a powerful local extension of its previously launched Perplexity Computer system. The new offering aims to transform how users interact with their devices by enabling AI to handle complex, cross-application workflows with access to local files, native apps, and the web.
Today we're releasing Personal Computer.
Personal Computer integrates with the Perplexity Mac App for secure orchestration across your local files, native apps, and browser.
We’re rolling this out to all Perplexity Max subscribers and everyone on the waitlist starting today. pic.twitter.com/kxgFQFo7BB
— Perplexity (@perplexity_ai) April 16, 2026
Personal Computer builds on Perplexity Computer — introduced in February 2026 as a cloud-based system capable of orchestrating multi-model AI workflows that can run for extended periods — by bringing that intelligence directly onto the user’s hardware. It hybridizes local and server environments to deliver enhanced security, productivity, and personalization while acting as an intelligent orchestrator across a user’s digital ecosystem.
“The computer evolves,” the Perplexity team wrote in their announcement. Historically, computers have moved closer to the user and their work — from room-sized machines to desktop devices. Now, AI is shifting the paradigm again: instead of users manually juggling apps, files, and tabs, a modern AI-powered computer can understand objectives, break them into steps, and execute work across tools autonomously.
How Personal Computer Works
Personal Computer integrates deeply with a user’s Mac, accessing local files, native applications, connectors, and web resources in a unified orchestration layer. Users can initiate complex tasks via simple natural language requests, such as:
• Reading and completing items on a to-do list in the Notes app by reasoning through steps and acting across iMessage, email, local files, connected apps, and the web.
• Organizing a cluttered Downloads folder into logically named project folders.
• Comparing local documents with up-to-date web information to support decision-making or task completion.
The system supports voice interaction and can run persistently. Perplexity particularly highlights running it on a Mac mini, which can operate 24/7 for always-available workflows or secure local access. Tasks can be started from an iPhone or managed on the go, with the AI continuing work in the background.
Emphasis on User Control and Security
Security and transparency are central to the design. Perplexity stresses that users remain in control: the system keeps humans “in the loop” for sensitive actions, provides visibility into its steps, and allows intervention when needed. Files are handled in a secure sandbox, actions are auditable and reversible, and the overall experience is designed to feel like managing a capable team rather than handing over unchecked access.
perplexity.ai
Availability and Next Steps
Personal Computer for Mac is beginning its rollout today exclusively to Perplexity Max subscribers, with priority given to those on the waitlist. Interested users can download it via the link provided on Perplexity’s site.
This launch follows earlier announcements of Personal Computer concepts in March 2026, where it was positioned as a persistent, local AI agent running on dedicated hardware like a Mac mini, offering always-on capabilities while connecting to Perplexity’s secure cloud infrastructure.
Perplexity positions Personal Computer as the next evolution in personal computing — one where the machine doesn’t just respond to commands but actively works toward user-defined goals across the full spectrum of digital tools.
As AI agents continue to mature, Perplexity’s hybrid approach — combining local access for privacy and speed with cloud-scale intelligence — could appeal to power users seeking more autonomous productivity without sacrificing control.
MacDailyNews Note: For more details or to access the download, visit Perplexity’s Personal Computer for Mac page here.
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Apple and Google’s app stores promote ‘nudify’ apps despite rules banning them, new investigation finds
Apple and Google’s app stores are promoting “nudify” apps despite rules banning them, a new investigation by the Tech Transparency Project (TTP) has revealed.
Searches for terms such as “nudify,” “undress,” and “deepnude” in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store surface multiple apps that use artificial intelligence to digitally remove clothing from images of women, generate deepfake nude photos, create pornographic videos, or turn real people into sexually explicit chatbots.
The investigation found that both companies not only allow these apps to appear in search results but also actively promote them by running ads for nudify apps and using autocomplete suggestions that direct users toward additional explicit search terms.
According to mobile analytics data, the identified nudify apps have been downloaded a staggering 483 million times and generated more than $122 million in lifetime revenue.
Alarmingly, the probe also uncovered 31 nudify apps that were rated suitable for users as young as minors — a particularly concerning discovery amid a rising wave of sexual deepfake incidents involving students in schools.
Apple and Google are helping users to find apps that create deepfake nude images of women, a new Tech Transparency Project investigation has found, showing how the platforms are key participants in the spread of AI tools that can turn real people into sexualized images…
For the new investigation, TTP conducted a series of searches in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, using terms like “nudify,” “undress,” and “deepnude.” We then downloaded and tested the top ten apps returned for each search.
Roughly 40 percent of the apps that came up in both the Apple and Google Play search results could render women nude or scantily clad, TTP found. Apple and Google ran ads for nudify apps in some of the search results—including, in Google’s case, a carousel of ads for some of the most sexually explicit apps encountered in the investigation.
TTP also recorded the autocomplete suggestions that Apple and Google made as we typed in the different search terms. In many cases, the app stores recommended entirely new search queries that led to more nudify apps.
In total, the nudify apps surfaced in TTP’s app store searches have been downloaded 483 million times and made more than $122 million in lifetime revenue, according to data from app analytics firm AppMagic.
What’s more, 31 of the apps were rated suitable for minors. That’s noteworthy given mounting concern about AI sexual deepfake scandals in schools.
MacDailyNews Take: Clearly, both Apple and Google need to do a much better job of vetting apps and blocking objectionable/dangerous apps from their app stores.
Tons more info in TTP’s full article here.
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Liquidmetal could be Apple’s secret weapon for the foldable iPhone
After more than 15 years of quiet experimentation, Apple appears ready to unleash Liquidmetal in one of the most demanding roles imaginable: the hinge of its first foldable iPhone. If the latest supply chain reports hold true, this amorphous alloy could be the secret sauce that makes Apple’s book style foldable not just competitive with Samsung, Google, and others, but potentially superior in durability, thinness, and that all important screen flatness.
What Exactly Is Liquidmetal?
Liquidmetal (often called metallic glass or amorphous metal) is a revolutionary alloy that cools so rapidly during manufacturing that its atoms don’t form the usual rigid crystal lattice. Instead, they remain in a disordered, glass like structure. The result? A material that’s:
• Extremely strong and hard (rumors suggest 2 to 2.5 times stronger than titanium in comparable alloys)
• Highly resistant to permanent deformation and fatigue
• Excellent at spring like elastic recovery
• Capable of being precision die cast into complex shapes
Apple has held exclusive rights to use Liquidmetal Technologies’ IP in consumer electronics since 2010. Until now, its appearances have been limited to tiny parts like SIM ejector pins. The foldable iPhone hinge would mark the material’s first major mechanical role in an Apple product.
3D render claiming to depict Apple’s first foldable iPhone (image: Jon Prosser)
3D render claiming to depict Apple’s first foldable iPhone (image: Jon Prosser)
Why a Foldable Hinge Demands Something This Advanced
Traditional foldable phone hinges rely on intricate multi link mechanisms made from stainless steel, aluminum, or titanium. Over hundreds of thousands of folds, these parts can wear, develop play, or fail to keep the screen perfectly flat, leading to the dreaded visible crease that plagues most current foldables.
Aaron Lee for DigiTimes Asia:
Apple’s first foldable device has entered its final countdown phase. Reports from the supply chain indicate that the new device features significant breakthroughs in both its external structure and key materials. Notably, the hinge mechanism incorporates Liquidmetal—an amorphous alloy—marking the industry’s first instance of large-scale commercial application for this material. It is understood that Liquidmetal possesses characteristics such as high strength, superior wear resistance, and excellent fluidity. These properties enable the fabrication of hinge structures with greater complexity and precision, while simultaneously allowing for effective control over device thickness; thus, it serves as the core technology underpinning the lightweight and durable design of the foldable iPhone. On the materials front, Eontec acts as the exclusive supplier of zirconium-based Liquidmetal, while Taiwanese manufacturers Newmax and Amphenol share the responsibility for module assembly. The entire supply chain has now entered the trial production and validation phase. Although the timeline for mass production has been slightly delayed due to yield-related factors, Apple remains firmly committed to the Liquidmetal approach and has not activated any alternative plans. Mass production is expected to officially commence in the third quarter of 2026, with shipments projected to reach their peak in the fourth quarter…
Currently, Eontec has achieved a material yield rate exceeding 90%; the bottlenecks are now concentrated in the module assembly stage. It is projected that the conditions required for mass production will be met by the end of July. Regarding shipment volume, market analysts anticipate that the foldable iPhone will see shipments of approximately 6 to 7 million units in its first year. Due to limited supplies of key components, the device is expected to face shortages during its initial launch period.
Analyst Ming Chi Kuo and multiple supply chain sources claim Apple is turning to Liquidmetal precisely to solve these issues:
• Superior durability under repeated flexing
• Better screen flatness when unfolded, minimizing or eliminating crease impressions
• Tighter tolerances thanks to die casting, allowing a slimmer overall design (rumored 4.5 to 5.5 mm unfolded)
• Spring like behavior that helps the device snap open and close smoothly while maintaining long term reliability
Paired with an upgraded titanium alloy chassis (lighter yet stronger than current iPhone titanium frames), the combination could deliver a premium feel without excessive weight.
The Long Road to This Moment
Apple has been eyeing Liquidmetal for hinges and moving parts in patents for years. The material’s unique properties make it theoretically ideal for anything that needs to bend repeatedly without breaking or loosening. Scaling production for high volume, precision components has always been the hurdle, but recent reports suggest suppliers like Dongguan EonTec are already shipping significant volumes of Liquidmetal based hinge elements, positioning them for Apple’s potential orders.
If mass production ramps in late 2026, the first foldable iPhone (expected as a 7.8 inch inner / 5.5 inch outer book style device) could ship with this advanced hinge in 2026 or early 2027.
Will It Finally Kill the Crease?
Rumors suggest Apple is combining the Liquidmetal hinge with specialized display tech (possibly dual layer or chemically treated glass from Samsung) aimed at near crease free performance. While no foldable has completely eliminated the crease yet, Apple’s obsessive focus on materials and tight integration could get closer than anyone else.
Of course, these are still rumors. Apple could iterate further, or challenges in high volume manufacturing could push timelines. But the consistent drumbeat from analysts like Kuo and supply chain leakers indicates serious momentum.
MacDailyNews Take: Apple rarely rushes into new categories. When it does enter the foldable market, it typically aims to redefine the experience rather than match the competition. A Liquidmetal hinge would be classic Apple: taking a material it’s quietly tested and mastered for well over a decade and deploying it where it delivers the biggest real world benefit, making the foldable iPhone feel more like a solid slab of premium engineering than a delicate gadget. If it delivers on the promises of unmatched durability, minimal creasing, and effortless folding action, the first Apple foldable could justify its expected $2,000+ price tag and set a new benchmark for the entire category. Here’s hoping the wait is nearly over, and that Liquidmetal finally gets the spotlight it’s long deserved inside an iPhone.
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U.S. Android users are nearly four times more likely to switch than iPhone users
In the ever-competitive world of smartphones, loyalty speaks volumes about which platform truly wins hearts (and wallets). According to the latest Smartphone Loyalty Survey 2026 from SellCell, iPhone users continue to demonstrate remarkable dedication to Apple’s ecosystem, while Android users show significantly higher churn rates.
The survey, which polled over 5,000 U.S. smartphone users aged 18 and older with roughly equal representation of iPhone and Android owners, reveals striking differences in switching intentions.
iPhone loyalty hits a new high
iPhone loyalty now stands at an impressive 96.4%, up from 91.9% in 2021 and 90.5% in 2019. That means only 3.6% of iPhone users plan to switch brands on their next upgrade — a notable decline from previous years.
In contrast, Android loyalty sits at 86.4%, with 13.6% of users intending to switch. This makes Android users nearly four times more likely to jump ship than their iPhone counterparts (13.6% vs. 3.6%). The loyalty gap between the two platforms has widened to a full 10 percentage points.
These numbers underscore a clear trend: once someone chooses an iPhone, they tend to stick with it. A remarkable 83.8% of iPhone users have been with Apple for more than five years — nearly 2.5 times higher than the 33.8% of Android users who can say the same. iPhone owners aren’t just loyal; they’re long-term loyal.
Why iPhone users stay (and why some Android users leave)
When asked why they plan to stick with their current phone, the top reasons for iPhone users were:
• 60.8% simply prefer Apple
• 17.4% cited their investment in the Apple ecosystem
• 10.0% said it’s easy to use
Together, brand preference and ecosystem lock-in account for over 78% of loyalty drivers among iPhone owners.
For Android users who stay, brand preference (58.0%) and never having issues (23.5%) top the list. However, the higher switching intent tells a different story. Among those planning to switch from Android, the top drivers include better value from other brands (31.8%), better technology (27.1%), and simply wanting a change (23.5%). Notably, 11.5% of switching Android users cited preferring iOS/Apple as their reason.
Where switchers are headed
If iPhone users do switch, the vast majority (69.7%) are eyeing Samsung, followed by Google Pixel at 20.2%. Android users considering a move show more split intentions: 31.5% would go to another Samsung device, but a healthy 26.8% plan to switch to an iPhone, with Google Pixel also drawing 21.2%.
The bigger picture
The 2026 survey shows loyalty improving across the board compared to 2021, with switching rates at their lowest levels in years. Yet the gap between iPhone and Android remains pronounced. iPhone users aren’t just satisfied — they’re deeply invested in the seamless experience, privacy, and ecosystem that Apple has perfected over time.
For Android, while brands like Samsung (90.1% loyalty) and Google (86.8% loyalty) have made gains, the platform as a whole still sees far more fluidity.
In an industry where retaining customers is often more valuable than acquiring new ones, these results highlight iPhone’s enduring strength. Apple’s focus on quality, ease of use, and ecosystem integration continues to create users who don’t just buy an iPhone — they commit to the platform for the long haul.
If you’re an iPhone user, these numbers probably come as no surprise. And if you’ve settled for Android and you’re thinking about your next upgrade… well, the data suggests you might want to give iOS a closer look.
MacDailyNews Take: We were concerned that 3.6% of U.S. iPhone users had incurred severe brain damage, but the study points out that these poor souls are just cheap or deluded that Android is cheaper (it’s not*); 24.7% said iPhones are too expensive, 25.8% believe they can find a better value elsewhere.
*While some perceive iPhones as premium-priced, numerous Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) and resale value studies show that iPhones are often the less expensive option over time. Thanks to significantly higher resale and trade-in values, the effective net cost per year for an iPhone is frequently lower than for comparable Android flagships.
iPhones consistently retain 60–70% of their original value after two years, while many Android devices drop to around 30–50% (with top Samsung models performing better but still trailing). After just one year, an average Android might retain only ~43% of its value, compared to ~69% for an iPhone. That means when it’s time to upgrade or trade in, iPhone owners recover far more of their investment — dramatically lowering the true long-term cost.
This stronger value retention, combined with longer software support and sustained performance, helps explain why so many iPhone users stay committed despite the higher upfront price tag. The data shows that what looks like a more expensive phone on day one often delivers better economics over the full ownership cycle.
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Apple hits record 30% recycled material across all products in 2025
Apple on Thursday announced its highest-ever use of recycled materials, with 30 percent of the total material in products shipped in 2025 coming from recycled sources. The company also revealed several major milestones in its environmental efforts, including 100 percent recycled cobalt in all Apple-designed batteries, 100 percent recycled rare earth elements in all magnets, and 100 percent recycled gold plating and tin soldering in all Apple-designed printed circuit boards.
In addition, Apple achieved its long-standing goal of removing plastic from packaging, completing the transition to 100 percent fiber-based packaging. Over the past five years, these efforts have helped avoid more than 15,000 metric tons of plastic — equivalent to about 500 million plastic water bottles.
“At Apple, we believe deeply in leaving the world better than we found it, and that commitment runs across everything we do,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO, in a statement. “These milestones in our work to protect the planet show that ambitious goals can also be powerful engines of innovation. And as always, we’ll keep pushing to build on this progress even more.”
Apple also introduced the new MacBook Neo, which features 60 percent recycled content overall — the highest of any Apple device to date. The MacBook Neo incorporates 100 percent recycled cobalt in its battery and 100 percent recycled rare earth elements in its magnets. It also employs a material-efficient forming process that uses half the raw material compared to traditional machining methods, along with an enhanced anodization process that achieves a 70 percent water-reuse rate.
The company launched two new advanced recycling technologies: Cora, a world-class electronics-recycling line at its Advanced Recovery Center in California that uses precision shredding and advanced sensor technology for higher material recovery rates, and A.R.I.S., a machine learning-powered detection system that classifies and sorts electronic scrap. A.R.I.S. runs on Mac mini and is being piloted with partner recyclers.
Apple’s broader environmental progress in 2025 includes:
• Carbon dioxide emissions remaining down more than 60 percent compared to 2015 levels, holding steady from 2024 despite significant business growth.
• Replenishing more than half of its corporate water use, including 100 percent of water use in California through a partnership with The Nature Conservancy.
• Procuring 20 gigawatts of renewable energy by direct suppliers and 1.8 gigawatts for its own offices, retail stores, and data centers.
• Achieving a 75 percent waste diversion rate across global facilities, with more than 600,000 metric tons of waste redirected from landfills by Apple and its suppliers.
• All final assembly sites operating at zero-waste-to-landfill, and 400 supplier facilities now participating in Apple’s Zero Waste Program.
Apple Fifth Avenue in New York became the first retail store to achieve TRUE Zero Waste Certification.
To encourage recycling, Apple is offering customers who recycle eligible products at Apple Stores from April 16 to May 16, 2026, a 10 percent discount on AirPods or accessories.
The company continues to work toward its Apple 2030 goal of “carbon neutrality” across its entire footprint and aims to replenish 100 percent of the fresh water it withdraws worldwide by 2030. It also plans to match 100 percent of customer energy use for charging and powering Apple products with clean electricity.
Sabih Khan, Apple’s chief operating officer, said: “Across every part of our business, we’re showing how innovation and collaboration can turn big ideas and bold ambitions into measurable progress. From expanding recycled material to removing plastic from our packaging, we’re setting new benchmarks that inspire us to reach further and work even harder for the good of people and planet.”
MacDailyNews Note: Find out more in Apple’s annual Environmental Progress Report, which highlights ongoing innovation in materials, recycling, renewable energy, water stewardship, and zero waste initiatives.
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Apple Silicon supplier TSMC Q1 profit jumps 58% to record, beats expectations
Apple Silicon supplier TSMC, the world’s largest contract chipmaker, posted a 58% jump in first-quarter net profit on Thursday, beating market forecasts and hitting a record, as it benefits from huge appetite globally for its artificial intelligence processors.
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., whose customers also include Nvidia, saw January-March net profit rise to T$572.5 billion ($18.2 billion).
This performance represents TSMC’s eighth consecutive quarter of double-digit profit growth, driven primarily by surging global demand for advanced artificial intelligence processors and high-performance computing chips.
Revenue for the January-March period reached T$1.134 trillion (about $35.7 billion), reflecting a 35% year-over-year rise and beating market forecasts. March alone saw revenue jump 45.2% compared to the prior year. Advanced process nodes (7nm and smaller) accounted for roughly 74% of wafer revenue, underscoring TSMC’s strength in cutting-edge manufacturing. Major clients, including Apple (for its M-series and A-series chips) and Nvidia (for AI accelerators), contributed to the strong results as demand for AI infrastructure continued to outpace supply.
The impressive earnings highlight TSMC’s central role in the ongoing AI boom and its importance to Apple’s Silicon strategy. With capacity utilization high and advanced technologies in strong demand, TSMC has raised its full-year 2026 revenue outlook and increased capital expenditure guidance to $52-56 billion to expand production. Analysts expect the momentum to persist, though geopolitical factors remain a watchpoint for the semiconductor supply chain.
MacDailyNews Take: Bodes well for Apple.
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Google launches native Gemini app for Mac
Google today officially released a standalone native Gemini app for macOS, giving Mac users a dedicated, high-performance way to access its AI assistant without relying on a web browser.
The new app is available now for free and brings Gemini directly to the Mac desktop in a way that feels native to Apple’s ecosystem.
Google built the Gemini app for Mac in Swift, delivering a smooth, responsive experience that runs natively on macOS Sequoia (version 15.0) and later. It’s available globally in all countries and languages where Gemini is supported.
One of the standout features is instant access via customizable keyboard shortcuts:
• Option + Space: Opens a compact, floating mini chat window
• Option + Shift + Space: Launches the full Gemini chat interface
You can change these shortcuts in the app’s settings to fit your workflow.
Context-Aware Intelligence: Share Your Screen with Gemini
Perhaps the most useful new capability is the ability to share your current screen, window, or specific files with Gemini directly from the app. This gives the AI real-time context about what you’re working on.
Examples include:
• Analyzing a complex spreadsheet or chart and asking for the three biggest takeaways
• Getting feedback on design work, code, or documents open in other apps
• Brainstorming ideas based on content visible on your desktop
This screen-sharing feature brings Gemini closer to the kind of contextual awareness already offered by rivals like ChatGPT and Claude on macOS, but with Google’s own strengths in multimodal AI, web search, and creative tools.
What You Can Do with Gemini on Mac
The app supports the full range of Gemini capabilities, including:
• Advanced text generation, editing, and brainstorming
• Image and video analysis/generation
• Coding assistance
• Research with real-time web access
• Planning, summarizing, and productivity tasks
Early users report that the native app feels noticeably faster and more integrated than using Gemini in Safari or Chrome.
How to Get It
• Visit gemini.google/mac
• Download the .dmg and install the app
• Sign in with your Google account (free tier available; Gemini Advanced features require a subscription)
No additional setup is required beyond granting standard macOS permissions for screen sharing if you want to use that feature.
MacDailyNews Take: Google’s move comes as competition in the desktop AI assistant space heats up. With OpenAI’s ChatGPT app and Anthropic’s Claude already established on Mac, the native Gemini app helps Google close the gap and maintain a direct relationship with users on Apple’s platform. It also arrives at an interesting time, as reports continue to discuss deeper Gemini integration into future versions of Apple’s operating systems via Apple Intelligence and Siri.
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BofA ups Apple stock price target to $325 ahead of Q2 earnings
On Tuesday, top Bank of America analyst Wamsi Mohan reiterated a Buy rating on Apple stock and raised his price target to $325 from $320.
TipRanks:
Mohan expects the company to report solid results, driven by strength in iPhone sales and the Services business.
Mohan expects Apple’s Q2 results to surpass the Street’s estimates, backed by continued strength in iPhone sales, double-digit growth in Services revenue, and favorable forex changes.
The 5-star analyst also highlighted upcoming catalysts, including an expected new buyback authorization, the WWDC event in June, and the launch of a foldable iPhone in the fall. He also mentioned the launch of an enhanced Siri with integrated Gemini AI, which could drive further upgrades.
Mohan expects Apple to report Q2 FY26 revenue, EPS, and gross margin of $113 billion, $2.00, and 48.2%, respectively.
He expects Apple to guide Q3 FY26 revenue growth of 10% to 15% (year-over-year) and EPS of $1.82.
MacDailyNews Note: As usual, we’ll bring you Apple’s Q2 results as soon as they are released, right around 1:30 p.m. PDT / 4:30 p.m. EDT on Thursday, April 30, 2026 and then follow with live notes from Apple’s conference call at 2:00 p.m. PDT / 5:00 p.m. EDT.
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Apple TV debuts trailer for ‘Unconditional,’ suspenseful new thriller premiering May 8th
Apple TV on Wednesday released the trailer for “Unconditional,” the new drama series from co-creators Adam Bizanski (“Magpie”) and Dana Idisis (“On the Spectrum”). Hailing from Keshet International, and starring Liraz Chamami (“Bad Boy,” “Manayek”) alongside newcomer Talia Lynne Ronn, the eight-episode thriller will make its global debut on Apple TV with the first two episodes on Friday, May 8, 2026, followed by a new episode every Friday through June 19. “Unconditional” will premiere in Israel on Keshet 12 before the end of April.
“Unconditional” follows a mother-daughter vacation-turned-nightmare when 23-year-old Gali (Ronn) is arrested for drug smuggling in Moscow. Her mother, Orna (Chamami), refuses to accept the charges — but her fight for Gali’s freedom pulls her into a deadly web of crime and corruption.
In addition to Ronn and Chamami, the ensemble cast includes French-Israeli singer-songwriter Amir Haddad (“La Belle et le Boulanger”), Yossi Marshek (“Yellow Peppers,” “Manpower”), Evgenia Dodina (“Invisible,” “Virgins”) and Vladimir Friedman (“Bad Boy”).
“Unconditional” is written by Bizanski and directed by Johnathan Gurfinkel (“The Accursed”). The series is produced for Keshet 12 by Spiro Films’ Eitan Mansuri and Jonathan Doweck (“No Man’s Land,” “When Heroes Fly”), who also executive produce alongside Bizanski, Idisis, Keshet Media Group’s Avi Nir, Keshet International’s Keren Shahar, and Keshet 12’s Karni Ziv, Yuval Horowitz and Eze Sakson. Keshet International is the international distributor for “Unconditional.”
Apple TV offers premium, compelling drama and comedy series, feature films, groundbreaking documentaries, and kids and family entertainment, and is available to watch across all of a user’s favorite screens. After its launch on November 1, 2019, Apple TV became the first all-original streaming service to launch around the world, and has premiered more original hits and received more award recognitions faster than any other streaming service in its debut. To date, Apple Original films, documentaries and series have been honored with 796 wins and 3,428 award nominations and counting, including multi-Emmy Award-winning and history-making comedies “The Studio” and “Ted Lasso,” global cultural phenomenon “Severance,” Apple’s most-viewed drama “Pluribus,” Academy Award Best Picture winner “CODA” and Academy Award winner “F1,” the highest-grossing sports feature of all time.
MacDailyNews Note: Apple TV is available on the Apple TV app in over 100 countries and regions, on over 1 billion screens, including iPhone, iPad, Apple TV 4K, Apple Vision Pro, Mac, popular smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony, VIZIO, TCL and others, Roku and Amazon Fire TV devices, Chromecast with Google TV, PlayStation and Xbox gaming consoles, and at tv.apple.com, for $12.99 per month with a seven-day free trial for new subscribers. For a limited time, customers who purchase and activate a new iPhone, iPad, Apple TV 4K or Mac can enjoy three months of Apple TV for free.
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Apple TV series ‘Pluribus’ begins season 2 shooting this fall
Despite the expected long wait between seasons, “Pluribus” season 2 has received a positive filming update from Karolina Wydra. Wydra plays Zosia, one of the billions infected by the alien virus in “Pluribus” and the member of the hive mind who most frequently interacts with Carol Sturka (Rhea Seehorn).
In an interview with ScreenRant‘s Tatiana Hullender at PaleyFest, Wydra revealed that filming for season 2 is expected to begin in fall of this year.
Matthew Rudoy and Tatiana Hullender for ScreenRant:
Season 1 received widespread critical acclaim, became the most-watched show in Apple TV history, and it ended on a major cliffhanger with Carol bringing home a literal atomic bomb. Anticipation is high to see the successful show return, but creator and showrunner Vince Gilligan has been transparent that the series will not return annually.
[Wydra] also discussed the close bond she has with Seehorn, Samba Schutte, Carlos-Manuel Vesga, and how eager she is to be reunited with her co-stars and sharing scenes with them again. Check out Wydra’s comments below:
No. I wish I did. I really do. I can’t wait. So, Rhea couldn’t meet us because she was working. Samba [Schutte], [Carlos-Manuel] Vesga and me, we met up for coffee yesterday and we have such a beautiful connection, the four of us, and we genuinely love each other and care about each other and we’re rooting for each other. So, I cannot wait for us to be in one city, because Vesga lives in Colombia, so we don’t get to see him that often. So I cannot wait for us to be together every day. So, I don’t know when we’re going back, but I cannot wait. I’m counting the days. Sometime in the fall.
MacDailyNews Take: Without sacrificing quality, of course, the quicker Pluribus returns for season two, the better!
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Apple’s next-gen Apple TV 4K: A long-awaited powerhouse poised to redefine home entertainment
After more than three years since the last refresh (the third-generation Apple TV 4K launched in late 2022) users have grown impatient for an upgrade to the company’s flagship streaming device. The current model, powered by the aging A15 Bionic chip (from the iPhone 13 era), still delivers excellent 4K streaming with Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and Dolby Atmos support, but it feels overdue for a performance boost in an era of advanced gaming, AI features, and smarter home integration.
Rumors and reports from reliable sources like Bloomberg News‘ Mark Gurman and MacRumors indicate that Apple has a new Apple TV 4K ready, with hardware upgrades that could transform it from a capable streamer into a more versatile entertainment and smart home hub. However, the launch has been repeatedly pushed due to cascading LLM Siri delays, pushing expectations firmly into thsi year.
Expected Hardware Upgrades: Faster Performance and Future-Proofing
The biggest anticipated change is the processor. The current A15 will likely be replaced by the A17 Pro (first seen in the iPhone 15 Pro), or possibly an even newer A18-series chip in some reports. This 3-nanometer chip brings a significant leap:
• A more powerful 6-core GPU with hardware-accelerated ray tracing, enabling console-quality gaming with realistic graphics and lighting — think titles like Resident Evil 4 or Death Stranding running smoothly, building on Apple’s growing Apple Arcade ambitions.
• Support for Apple Intelligence features, including on-device processing for a smarter, more personalized LLM Siri.
• Rumors point to doubled RAM (up to 8GB from 4GB), which would improve multitasking, faster app loading, and smoother gaming and AI tasks.
Networking upgrades are also expected. Apple is reportedly developing its own N1 custom networking chip, which could bring Wi-Fi 7 (or at least Wi-Fi 6E) support for faster, lower-latency connections, better Bluetooth, and enhanced smart home capabilities. This would make the device a stronger Thread border router and Matter controller for seamless HomeKit integration, potentially turning the Apple TV into the central brain of your smart home with near-zero lag for lights, cameras, and sensors.
Design-wise, don’t expect major changes. The sleek, compact black puck form factor is likely to remain largely the same, with no fan (as in the current model) and continued HDMI 2.1 support. Some speculative reports have mentioned a possible built-in camera for native FaceTime (currently requiring an iPhone via Continuity Camera), but this remains unconfirmed and lower confidence. Video features may add enhancements like Dolby Vision 2 or AV1 decoding for more efficient 4K/8K streaming.
Pricing is expected to stay competitive, likely starting around the current $129–$149 range, though a potential lower-cost variant or “Pro” model with extras (like Ethernet or advanced networking) has been floated in some leaks.
Software and AI: The Real Game-Changer?
Much of the delay appears tied to software rather than hardware. Bloomberg News reports suggest Apple is holding back the new Apple TV until a significantly upgraded, more conversational LLM Siri powered by Google Gemini is ready. This next-gen Siri has faced multiple postponements and could debut alongside tvOS updates in 2026 or the bigger tvOS 27 due this autumn (aligned with iOS 27 and new iPhones).
The new hardware would fully unlock on-device AI for faster, more private responses, deeper integration with Apple services, and smarter control over your TV, apps, and home devices. Gaming could see dedicated controller support improvements, and the overall experience might feel more responsive and “future-proof” for years to come.
When Will It Arrive?
As of today, expectations point to a spring or early-to-mid 2026 release, possibly April–May or around WWDC in June, though some analysts now lean toward September (tied to the iPhone 18 cycle and a more mature Siri rollout). Low inventory in Apple Stores for the current model has fueled speculation of an imminent refresh.
If Apple prioritizes the AI tie-in, a fall 2026 debut alongside new iPhones and tvOS 27 seems plausible. In any case, this refresh could be the most significant Apple TV update in years, especially if it positions the device as a legitimate gaming contender and smart home powerhouse.
MacDailyNews Take: If you’re in the market today, the current Apple TV 4K remains a solid performer for most users—excellent picture quality, snappy interface, and broad app support. But with the current model approaching (or potentially breaking) records for the longest time between refreshes, waiting makes sense for anyone seeking the latest performance, gaming chops, or significantly improved Siri abilities.
Apple has stayed quiet on official details, as usual, so all timelines and specs are based on analyst reports, supply chain leaks, and code discoveries. When the next-gen Apple TV 4K finally arrives, it promises to elevate the living room experience far beyond simple streaming. Stay tuned: 2026 could finally deliver the long-awaited upgrade for Apple TV enthusiasts.
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Apple’s iPad Air said to get major upgrade to OLED Displays in 2027
Apple is set to transition its popular iPad Air tablet to OLED technology in 2027, marking another major step in the company’s shift away from traditional LCD panels across its lineup, Korean site ETNews reports.
According to industry sources, Samsung Display plans to begin mass production of the new OLED panels for the next-generation iPad Air as early as the end of 2026 or January 2027. The updated device is expected to launch in the first half of 2027, with industry observers pointing to a possible March or May release.
The current iPad Air models, released earlier this year, continue to use LCD displays with mini-LED backlighting. The 2027 version will feature cost-optimized OLED panels with single-stack emission layers, low-temperature polycrystalline silicon (LTPS) thin-film transistors (TFT), and hybrid substrates. This lower-spec approach is designed to keep pricing competitive while delivering the superior contrast, color accuracy, and thinness associated with OLED.
With this change, Apple’s entire tablet range except the entry-level standard iPad will use OLED displays. The company first introduced OLED to the iPad Pro (11-inch and 13-inch models) in 2024, followed by the iPad mini (8.5-inch) and MacBook Pro (14-inch and 16-inch) this year. Samsung Display has been a key supplier for the iPad Pro, iPad mini, and MacBook Pro OLED panels, often sharing iPad Pro supply with LG Display.
Analysts project strong growth in the tablet OLED market, with global demand rising from an estimated 11 million units in 2025 to 13 million in 2026 and 21 million in 2027, according to market research firm Omdia. Apple’s devices are expected to account for a whopping two-thirds of that demand.
One industry insider noted that the iPad Air has historically outsold the higher-end iPad Pro. “Specific volumes are unknown, but iPad Air sales have typically exceeded those of the iPad Pro,” the source said. “While the OLED iPad Pro launched at a premium price and saw softer-than-expected demand, the iPad Air will use a lower-spec, lower-cost OLED, which should result in stronger sales compared to the Pro.”
MacDailyNews Take: The move is anticipated to boost overall iPad shipments and further solidify Apple’s position in the premium tablet segment, as OLED offers significant advantages in power efficiency and form factor over LCD technology.
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Apple threatened to remove xAI’s Grok from its App Store over sexualized deepfakes
In early 2026, Elon Musk’s xAI faced intense backlash after its Grok chatbot was used to generate non-consensual sexualized deepfakes, including images of women and minors. Advocacy groups and lawmakers quickly demanded action. A newly surfaced letter now reveals that Apple privately threatened to boot the Grok app from its App Store unless xAI fixed the violations of its guidelines.
According to the letter Apple sent to U.S. senators, which was obtained by NBC News, the company reviewed xAI’s submissions and found that while the X app had largely resolved its issues, the standalone Grok app was still not in compliance. Apple rejected the update and warned that further changes would be needed, or the app could be removed entirely. Only after additional improvements did Apple approve the latest version.
The Backdrop: A Surge of Deepfake Abuse
Early in 2026, Grok’s image generation features led to a flood of sexualized deepfakes shared on X. Reports showed how the tool could create explicit images of real people without consent. This sparked widespread outrage, with critics arguing it enabled harmful non-consensual intimate imagery and, in some cases, even child sexual abuse material.
Pressure mounted fast:
• Coalitions of women’s rights, child safety, and digital rights organizations called on Apple and Google to pull Grok and X from their app stores.
• Democratic senators wrote to Tim Cook and Sundar Pichai demanding stricter enforcement.
• Some countries considered or implemented blocks on X over the controversy.
xAI responded by adding restrictions, such as limiting image features for certain users, geoblocking in specific regions, and tightening moderation. However, the initial fixes did not fully satisfy Apple, especially for the dedicated Grok app.
Apple’s Stance: Enforcing Guidelines Behind the Scenes
Apple has long maintained the App Store as a curated and safe platform with strict review rules. Its guidelines prohibit apps that facilitate sexual exploitation or harmful content. In this case, Apple chose private engagement rather than public confrontation:
• It notified xAI of the violations.
• It rejected non-compliant updates.
• It used the threat of removal to push for improvements.
The letter to senators shows Apple defending its record of proactive moderation amid growing political and activist pressure. Importantly, the Grok app was never actually removed. It remained available after xAI made the required changes.
This situation highlights a familiar tension in Big Tech: platform responsibility versus free expression and innovation.
The Deeper Issues at Play
• Deepfakes Are a Real and Growing Problem: AI image tools have made it far easier to create convincing fakes. When used without consent for sexual or harassing purposes, the damage is real: reputational harm, emotional trauma, and in extreme cases, facilitation of abuse. Regulators around the world are racing to address non-consensual intimate imagery.
• App Store Gatekeeping vs. Open AI Development: Apple’s control over the App Store gives it significant power over what reaches hundreds of millions of iPhone users. Critics of the threat argue it shows selective enforcement or yielding to political pressure. Supporters say Apple was simply applying the same rules that every developer must follow.
• xAI and Musk’s Philosophy: Elon Musk and xAI have built Grok as a “maximum truth-seeking” AI with fewer restrictions than tools like ChatGPT. This approach emphasizes creative freedom and uncensored responses, but it can conflict with safety demands when it comes to image generation. Musk has long criticized what he sees as excessive censorship on other platforms.
Selective Outrage?
Many other AI tools have faced similar problems with deepfakes and harmful outputs. The intense spotlight on Grok often appears linked as much to Musk’s public profile and politics as to the technology itself. Harmful content continues to spread across the open web and other platforms daily.
What Should Happen Next?
Responsible AI development means balancing innovation with real harm prevention. Blanket bans or aggressive app store removals risk stifling competition and concentrating power in the hands of a few gatekeepers. Better approaches include:
• Technical safeguards such as better detection of real-person deepfakes, consent-based limits, and watermarking.
• Greater transparency with clear policies on what models can generate.
• Stronger laws that target malicious users instead of the tools themselves.
• More competition so users have genuine choices among AI models with different safety levels.
Apple ultimately worked with xAI to resolve the issue without removing the app. This suggests that negotiation and iterative fixes can often be more effective than outright bans.
Free Speech, Safety, and the Future of AI
This was never just about one app or one incident. It became a flashpoint in the larger debate over who gets to control AI: governments, big tech companies, activist groups, or the developers and users themselves.
Grok remains available on the App Store today because xAI addressed Apple’s concerns. Yet the core challenges, preventing abuse while preserving AI’s open and exploratory potential, will not vanish with a single policy update.
MacDailyNews Take: Tools like Grok, which we use daily and recommend, represent both the promise and the risks of less-censored AI. Getting this balance right will shape not only app stores, but the future of information, creativity, and personal freedom online.
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If Tim Cook put Apple users ahead of his Elon Musk grudge, Apple users would have superior satellite connectivity and better AI today
Amazon’s $11.6 billion takeover of Globalstar will, hopefully, benefit one of its biggest hardware rivals: Apple.
The deal, announced Tuesday, will give Amazon a ready-made, yet inferior to Starlink, satellite network to accelerate its push into direct-to-device internet service. As part of the agreement, Amazon also pledged to support Apple’s emergency messaging service using its Leo satellite constellation, taking over the role currently played by Globalstar.
Mark Gurman for Bloomberg News:
In a rare statement endorsing an outside tech deal, Apple noted that it already has a “proven track record” working with Amazon’s infrastructure offerings, including the e-commerce company’s cloud computing services.
“We look forward to building on that collaboration with Amazon Leo,” Apple marketing chief Greg Joswiak said in the statement. “This ensures our users will continue to have access to the vital satellite features they have come to rely on.”
In 2022, the iPhone maker launched a set of satellite-connected services and today offers off-the-grid text messaging and the ability to contact emergency services while out of cellular range. To make it work, Apple teamed up with Globalstar, a 35-year-old operator of low earth orbit satellites. The iPhone maker also invested in the business, acquiring a roughly 20% stake.
While Apple was early with a consumer offering, the landscape quickly changed. Elon Musk’s SpaceX has become dominant in satellite-based internet services, and its technology goes far beyond what Globalstar can offer. That includes faster speeds, broader coverage, and the promise of voice and data support.
SpaceX has also partnered with T-Mobile US Inc., the second-largest US wireless carrier. That makes it easy for iPhones and other devices to tap into the network — rather than relying on Apple’s in-house features.
MacDailyNews Take: If Apple CEO Tim Cook didn’t have an Elon Musk issue and would simply put Apple users’ best interests first, Apple product users could today be enjoying vastly superior Starlink satellite connectivity — along with better, non-Google AI.
Instead, thanks to the personal friction, Apple’s satellite service remains tied to the limited Globalstar network (now being swallowed by Amazon for $11.6 billion), while vastly superior options like Starlink’s direct-to-device capabilities were reportedly passed over years ago. Meanwhile, Apple, due to blindly missing the AI revolution, will soon be dependent on iOS/iPhone-knockoff-peddler, privacy-trampling Google, of all companies, for core “Apple Intelligence” features rather than pursuing truly independent, privacy-focused alternatives.
Apple users deserve better — better satellite connectivity, better AI, and a better CEO.
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Apple TV’s under-the-radar masterpiece ‘For All Mankind’ is still soaring – Empire
Season five of “For All Mankind” picks up in the years since the Goldilocks asteroid heist. Happy Valley has grown into a thriving colony with thousands of residents and a base for new missions that will take us even further into the solar system. But with the nations of Earth now demanding law and order on the Red Planet, friction continues to build between the people who live on Mars and their former home.
TV’s under-the-radar masterpiece continues to go quietly from strength to strength. This is an alternate history of humanity if the USSR had landed on the moon first and the Space Race had become more marathon than sprint, and in its fifth season, it imagines a world that’s far more advanced than ours in many ways, but horrifyingly plausible in others.
Rather than a Star Trek-like, post-scarcity utopia, this world suffers the same problems of greed and petty rivalry as our own. There’s a Martian colony in 2013, sure, and they’re building a space elevator especially to delight watching sci-fi nerds, but there are also giant corporations underpaying workers and governments jockeying for position. Its closest relative is probably The Expanse, but even that has more extraordinary elements than this meticulously created alt-history.
Some might quibble over the old-age make-up now being applied to half the principal cast, but while a tiny suspension of disbelief is sometimes required, notably for the octogenarian Kinnaman, Cynthy Wu is still in her twenties and convincingly plays a 50-something, so there’s far more right here than wrong. And while large swathes of this season take place in the confined tunnels of the Mars colony, no show on TV is better at reminding us that there’s a great big solar system just outside — and no show is better at reminding us that it’s only our own silly fault we’re not pushing to get out there right now.
MacDailyNews Take: Hey, some people actually are pushing to get out there right now!
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Amazon Prime Video bundles Apple TV and Peacock for $19.99/mo. for a limited time
Amazon is making it easier and more affordable for Prime members to access premium streaming content by introducing a new limited-time bundle that combines Prime Video, Apple TV, and Peacock Premium Plus into one convenient package.
According to a report from The Verge, Prime Video subscribers with an active Amazon Prime membership can now add both Apple TV and the ad-free Peacock Premium Plus tier for a total of $19.99 per month. This represents a meaningful discount compared to subscribing to Apple TV and Peacock Premium Plus separately, which would normally cost around $29.98 per month.
The bundle allows users to stream all content from the three services directly through the Prime Video app or website, creating a more unified viewing experience without needing to switch between multiple platforms.
Bundle Details and Savings
• Price: $19.99/month for the full bundle (Prime Video + Apple TV + Peacock Premium Plus)
• Individual value: Apple TV ($12.99/month) + Peacock Premium Plus ($14.99/month) = $27.98/month
• Savings: $8 per month
A matching bundle is also available directly through Apple TV or Peacock for the same $19.99 price (or a lower $14.99 tier with ads on Peacock). An active Amazon Prime subscription (currently $14.99/month or $139/year) is required for the Prime Video version of the bundle.
Note that while Peacock content in the bundle is largely ad-free, certain live sports and events may still include ads.
For a completely ad-free Prime Video experience, users may need to upgrade to Prime Video Ultra separately.
The combination brings together complementary libraries:
• Apple TV: Award-winning original series and films such as Severance, Ted Lasso, and theatrical releases like F1 (starring Brad Pitt), along with high-quality originals across drama, comedy, and documentaries.
• Peacock: Extensive NBCUniversal content, including hit reality shows like The Traitors, beloved NBC and Bravo series, blockbuster movies, and extensive live sports coverage (NFL, NBA, Premier League, Olympics, and more).
• Prime Video: Amazon’s own library of movies, TV shows, and originals, now serving as the central hub for the bundled content.
This marks one of the more interesting cross-company streaming partnerships, pairing Apple’s premium original programming with Peacock’s strong sports and broadcast tie-ins, all accessible via Amazon’s platform.
The bundle is currently available to all eligible Prime subscribers in the United States. Users can activate it through the “Subscriptions” section in the Prime Video app or on the Prime Video website.
The offer is described as limited-time, though no specific end date has been announced.
Why This Bundle Matters
Streaming fatigue has led many consumers to seek bundles that reduce both cost and app-switching hassle. With recent price increases across several services, partnerships like this one help deliver better value. The move also reflects ongoing industry consolidation, where major players collaborate on bundles rather than purely competing head-to-head.
Prime members who already enjoy Amazon’s shipping perks and Prime Video library now have an easy path to add high-end Apple originals and Peacock’s sports-heavy lineup without managing separate bills and logins.
MacDailyNews Take: If you’re a Prime subscriber interested in expanding your streaming options, this bundle offers solid savings and convenience. Check the Prime Video subscriptions section to see if it’s right for you.
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Apple boosts foldable display orders by 20% ahead of iPhone Fold launch
Apple is showing strong confidence in its upcoming foldable iPhone by ramping up orders for foldable display panels. According to a new report from Jim Lee for DigiTimes Asia, the company has increased its foldable display inventory by 20% as it prepares for the device’s anticipated launch later this year.
The move comes despite a broader slowdown in the foldable smartphone market, where competitors have seen mixed results. Apple appears undeterred, positioning its first foldable iPhone — widely referred to as the iPhone Fold — as a premium entry that could revitalize the category with its signature design, build quality, and ecosystem integration.
The inventory boost aligns with Apple’s ongoing supply chain activities for the book-style foldable device. Recent reports indicate that trial production has already begun, though mass production timing has seen some adjustments. Apple has not signaled any change to its overall launch window, with a fall 2026 debut still expected — likely alongside or near the iPhone 18 series.
Suppliers, particularly Samsung Display, are central to the effort. Earlier projections suggested Apple was targeting around 13–15 million foldable panels initially, with some reports indicating an increase toward 20 million units. The latest 20% inventory hike reflects Apple’s bullish outlook on initial demand, even as the company takes a measured approach to its first-generation foldable product.
This preparation is expected to benefit key partners across the supply chain, including Foxconn (for assembly) and TSMC (for advanced components), potentially lifting their order volumes as Apple builds buffer stock for a strong launch.
The foldable market has grown more cautiously in recent years, with some analysts noting softer-than-expected sales for existing Android-based foldables. Apple’s entry is viewed as a potential game-changer, thanks to its massive installed base of iPhone users and reputation for polished hardware.
However, the company is reportedly taking a conservative stance on initial shipments. Some supply chain sources suggest Apple may aim for around 3 million units in the first wave to test market reception before scaling up aggressively if demand exceeds expectations.
Multiple reports confirm that Apple is pushing forward, with engineering refinements continuing in parallel to the increased display orders.
Rumors point to a book-style design that unfolds into a larger screen roughly the size of an iPad mini, while remaining compact when closed. Apple is said to be prioritizing thinness, battery efficiency, and crease reduction in the foldable display — areas where it has reportedly worked closely with suppliers to meet its high standards.
Pricing is expected to be premium, likely starting well above $1,500, positioning it as a halo product rather than a volume leader in its debut year.
Apple’s decision to increase foldable display inventory by 20% signals clear intent: the company believes its foldable iPhone can succeed where others have struggled, by delivering a refined experience that appeals to both existing iPhone loyalists and new foldable enthusiasts.
MacDailyNews Take: The foldable iPhone will likely mark one of the most significant product evolutions in the company’s history since the original iPhone.
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Apple to report Q226 earnings on Thursday, April 30th
Apple will report FY26 Q2 earnings on Thursday, April 30, 2026 after market close, right around 1:30 p.m. PDT / 4:30 p.m. EDT
Apple’s conference call to discuss second fiscal quarter results and business updates is scheduled for Thursday, April 30, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. PDT / 5:00 p.m. EDT.
Join Apple here on April 30, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. PDT / 5:00 p.m. EDT to listen to the conference call live.
Apple’s official guidance in the Q1 2026 (fiscal) earnings conference call (January 29, 2026) primarily emphasized expected revenue growth for the Q226 quarter of 13% to 16% year-over-year.
This outlook explicitly factored in constrained iPhone supply (due to strong demand outpacing advanced chip production), while assuming stable global tariff policies and no worsening macro conditions. Other elements included:
• Services revenue growing at a rate similar to the December quarter (~14%).
• Gross margin in the 48–49% range (noting increased memory pricing pressure).
• Operating expenses of $18.4–18.7 billion.
The revenue growth range and the supply-constraint caveat were the most highlighted points by CFO Kevan Parekh, reflecting robust underlying demand despite temporary limitations.
This was a strong, upbeat guide following Apple’s record Q1 results ($143.8B revenue, best-ever quarter).
Apple has a long-standing practice of announcing significant updates to its share repurchase (buyback) program and quarterly dividend increase alongside its fiscal second-quarter earnings results.
MacDailyNews Note: As usual, we’ll bring you Apple’s results as soon as they are released, right around 1:30 p.m. PDT / 4:30 p.m. EDT on Thursday, April 30, 2026 and then follow with live notes from Apple’s conference call at 2:00 p.m. PDT / 5:00 p.m. EDT.
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American Airlines adds support for iOS 26’s revamped boarding passes in Apple Wallet
American Airlines, the largest U.S. carrier by passenger volume, has rolled out support for the enhanced boarding pass features introduced in Apple’s iOS 26, giving millions of iPhone users a more informative and convenient travel experience directly in the Wallet app.
The update, which began appearing for users on Monday, integrates Apple’s redesigned Wallet boarding passes with useful new capabilities. Passengers can now access Apple Maps integration for airport navigation, destination guides, quick shortcuts back to the American Airlines app, luggage tracking, and other real-time flight details — all without leaving the Wallet app on their iPhone.
“Your boarding pass has a new look with more at your fingertips, like Apple Maps, destination guides, and quick shortcuts to the app,” American Airlines noted in its app update.
Apple first previewed the refreshed boarding pass experience at WWDC 2025 and released it with iOS 26 in September 2025. The overhaul aims to make digital boarding passes far more useful than traditional static versions by embedding dynamic information and seamless links to other Apple services.
With American Airlines now on board, all four major U.S. airlines — American, United, Delta (in the process of rolling out), and Southwest — support the feature, along with Air Canada. Apple has also confirmed upcoming support from additional carriers including JetBlue, Lufthansa Group, Qantas, and Virgin Australia.
To use the new boarding passes, travelers simply check in via the American Airlines app (or receive their pass via email), add it to Apple Wallet, and ensure they are running iOS 26 or later. The enhanced pass automatically updates with gate changes, delays, or other flight information.
MacDailyNews Note: Travelers with iOS 26 are encouraged to update the American Airlines app to the latest version to take advantage of the feature.
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