This digest compiles the latest from Apple Insider.
Today’s Apple Insider Roundup
Foldable iPhone chatter starts again with new Samsung display rumor
Samsung Display could soon begin producing screens for Apple’s long-rumored foldable iPhone, with a new leak pointing to a manufacturing ramp beginning in mid-2026.
The timeline posted on Weibo by Instant Digital matches earlier analyst estimates and fits Apple’s usual production window for a fall iPhone launch. A May panel ramp would align with Apple’s typical iPhone production schedule.
Apple usually increases manufacturing during the summer ahead of its fall iPhone launch window.
Rumor Score: 🤔 Possible
MacBook Neo, iPhone 17e and special guest David Pogue on the AppleInsider Podcast
David Pogue, author of “Apple: The First 50 Years” is our special guest talking about what did and did not make it into the book, plus there are rumors of the HomeHub and real-world news of the MacBook Neo and iPhone 17e, all on the AppleInsider Podcast.
Pogue is everywhere this week, talking about his 600-page history of Apple, but now you can hear the very first interview he gave about it. Listen to the stories behind the book, but also hear just how keen he was to find out what AppleInsider thought of it. Listen to the interview here or read the lightly-edited transcript.
It’s a wide-ranging interview, but of course the book is not the only thing happening this week.
David Pogue reveals why Tim Cook wouldn't be interviewed for his book
As part of promoting his new book, “Apple: The First 50 Years,” author David Pogue spoke to the AppleInsider Podcast about writing it and just what Apple itself would and would not do to help.
David Pogue joined William Gallagher for an in-depth discussion of “Apple: The First 50 Years” — now available on Amazon, how it was written — and why. Hear the interview on the latest AppleInsider Podcast, or read this lightly edited transcript.
David Pogue: Guess what? You are the very first person, the very first person not involved with the book to read it and tell me what you think. So that that means the world.
Apple at 50: Mike Markkula, Apple's second CEO was as important as Steve Jobs
Neither of Apple’s first two CEOs are particularly remembered next to the likes of Steve Jobs, John Sculley, or Tim Cook, yet Mike Markkula, Apple’s second CEO, certainly should be.
Michael Scott was the first CEO of Apple, but he was hired by Mike Markkula. And then if not exactly fired, he was at least pointed toward the door by Markkula.
Without Markkula, there would quite possibly never have been an Apple. And there certainly wouldn’t be one that stood the test of time.
Grand Central Station Apple Store closes temporarily
Customers at Apple Grand Central are being directed to other stores while it’s closed for March 12 and 13. There’s no explanation, but it’s likely to be to do with Apple’s 50th anniversary celebrations.
Apple Grand Central is used to being used for promotional events — it was where the “Severance” pop-up was in January 2025. Given its size and how many people go by it in Grand Central Station, it would make sense for an anniversary event to be held there.
As yet there is no indication, though, of whether it’s an anniversary event, an unrelated promotion, or simply a refurbishment of the store. Buyers coming to the store on Thursday March 12, 2026, just saw a sign telling them it was closed.
Apple's App Store in China gets lower 25% commission to appease regulators
The controversial 30% App Store commission continues to be attacked by regulators worldwide. China is the latest region with a win, where Apple has pushed the rate down to 25%.
Chinese regulators have been back and forth with Apple in recent years over the 30% App Store commission. The latest publicly known pressure occurred after President Trump slammed the country with seemingly random and outrageous tariffs in 2025.
While nothing much else has happened in the public eye in the year since, Apple has announced a new commission rate via its developer blog. The new rates go into effect on March 15.
F1's debut race in the 2026 season beat everyone's expectations, even Apple's
Apple’s senior VP of services, Eddy Cue, is happy to share that viewership of the Australian Grand Prix was higher on Apple TV versus ESPN in 2025, but that’s as much detail as we can expect.
It’s the first race of the 2026 season, but Apple is already out celebrating the turnout with F1. The ecosystem-wide push helped Apple in other areas too, like the Sports app seeing its biggest week ever.
These revelations were shared by Services SVP Eddy Cue via Hollywood Reporter. The success can likely be attributed to Apple’s significant marketing push and the popularity of the F1 movie.
End of today’s Apple Insider roundup.
