This digest compiles the latest from Apple Insider.
Today’s Apple Insider Roundup
Farewell Pro Display XDR — we barely afforded you
The new Studio Display XDR has killed off the Pro Display XDR, and at $5000 was out of most Mac users’ reach. Even after seven years without an update, it offered features its replacement does not.
When the Pro Display XDR launched back in 2019, it was the first Apple-branded monitor in three years. Then for three more years, it was the only one until the Studio Display launched in 2022.
There were strong rumors that Apple had at least been intending to release something three years later in 2025. But instead, it was four years, and the launch of two versions of the Apple Studio Display.
Apple itself has leaked a 'MacBook Neo'
For one brief, fleeting moment, something called the “MacBook Neo” appeared on Apple’s website, essentially confirming that Apple’s new affordable MacBook release is imminent.
On Tuesday, Apple’s European EU / UK Declaration of Conformity site featured a yet-unreleased Mac under the 2026 section. The computer in question was listed as the MacBook Neo, model number A3404.
It’s not entirely clear what that item refers to. While Apple removed the listing quickly, it provided no further details or images anyway.
How M5 Pro and M5 Max push MacBook Pro into high-bandwidth AI era
On Tuesday, Apple introduced M5 Pro and M5 Max, debuting a dual-die Fusion Architecture that pushes Apple Silicon further into AI-heavy professional workflows on the latest MacBook Pro. Here’s how.
The new chips combine two third-generation 3-nanometer dies into a single system on a chip, expanding CPU performance, GPU compute, and unified memory bandwidth. Preorders begin March 4, with availability starting March 11.
Apple describes the shift as more than a routine core bump, framing it as a structural change in how MacBook Pro-class silicon scales.
New M5 MacBook Air gets double the storage, Wi-Fi 7, and a higher price
For $100 more at the low-end, Apple’s most popular laptop, the MacBook Air, just got a spec bump to M5, double the starting storage and upgraded wireless connectivity.
The New MacBook Air comes in two sizes, either 13.6 inches or 15.3 inches. It boasts a Liquid Retina display, 500 nits of brightness, and support for 1 billion colors.
The biggest update, of course, is the M5 chip. The MacBook Air features a 10-core CPU and an up-to-10-core GPU, with a powerful Neural Accelerator in each core.
MacBook Pro with M5 Pro and M5 Max arrive, with few surprises
Apple’s inexorable MacBook Pro update cycle continues with the addition of AI-centric M5 Pro and M5 Max processors, Apple’s N1 chip, and a bit more.
When the M5 launched in October 2025, it was only added to the base 14-inch MacBook Pro, the iPad Pro, and Apple Vision Pro. In 2024, Apple released M4, M4 Pro, and M4 Max at once, so it was a move back to the previous longer cycle.
The M5 Pro and M5 Max arrive with more powerful specs and higher configuration options than the base M5. They’ve been included in the higher-end 14-inch MacBook Pro and 16-inch MacBook Pro.
New Studio Display XDR immediately outshines the updated Studio Display
Apple has launched two new monitors in its Studio Display range. One is a minor update, while the other is better than and replaces the Pro Display XDR.
Apple’s week of launches continues with the long-awaited update to the Studio Display, its first since the original in 2022. Alongside a new Studio Display, though, Apple has launched a Studio Display XDR which is a more substantial improvement to the range.
“Apple has led the industry in delivering the world’s most advanced displays for pros to do their life’s best work,” said John Ternus, Apple’s senior vice president of Hardware Engineering, in a statement, “and today we do that once again with the introduction of the new Studio Display family.”
What privacy? As expected, Meta Ray-Bans are a privacy disaster
Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses are a privacy nightmare, with footage of naked people, sensitive information, and violent acts captured and seen by Meta’s AI and an army of employees.
Smart glasses are a trendy item that relies on cameras to feed AI models and to answer queries. However, while this is viewed as a fun feature by many and a way to film their life in a hands-free way, it’s still a massive privacy issue if not used correctly.
An investigation by Svenska Dagbladet on February 27 looked into the workings of the Meta Ray-Ban partnership and its AI glasses. It found that the footage is collected and seen by many eyes, including human trainers of AI.
'Palm Royale' cancelled after two seasons on Apple TV
Apple TV has reported cancelled its 1960s high society comedy drama “Palm Royale,” starring Kristen Wiig.
First announced as part of Apple TV’s production slate in 2024, “Palm Royale” went on to be nominated 35 times across awards such as the the Emmys and Critics’ Choice, ultimately winning eight.
Those winning awards, though, were across the craft and technical categories, rather than any for writing, acting, or directing. Star Kristen Wiig was nominated in the 2026 Actor Awards (formerly the SAG Awards), but lost out to the late Catherine O’Hara for Apple TV show “The Studio.”
Gamakay TK75HE V2 review: Gamer-focused specs, Windows layout, & very plastic
The Gamakay TK75HE V2 mechanical keyboard is very much a gamer’s keyboard with the RGB elements and lack of Mac keys, but it is fairly quiet compared to other options.
I’ve tested a lot of mechanical keyboards over my years at AppleInsider, and I’ve never encountered one that just felt so Windows coded. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but it leaves its mark from the moment you unbox it.
What struck me right away was the passthrough keycaps that let the RGB shine through. I wish more keyboard companies offered keys like this, but to my dismay, there were a few things missing in the box.
AI apps without age checks may soon be removed from the App Store in Australia
Australia could soon force the Apple App Store to remove AI apps that let users access adult or violent content without age verification.
Though Apple has already complied with Australia’s social media ban for teens by updating the App Store’s age-assurance tools, the iPhone maker might soon need to take further action.
To be more specific, app marketplaces will likely be required to block AI apps that have not implemented age-checking measures. Regulators in Australia are targeting artificial intelligence apps that let users under 18 access adult content, extreme violence, self-harm, and eating disorder content.
End of today’s Apple Insider roundup.
