This digest compiles the latest from Apple Insider.
Today’s Apple Insider Roundup
Apple Stores close in United Arab Emirates following Iran strikes
A number of Apple Store locations in the United Arab Emirates have temporarily closed, in line with government recommendations as Middle East tensions rise.
Joint strikes on Iran by the United States and Israel has led to an escalation of tensions in the Middle East, including the death of Iranian leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Following the initial strikes and retaliation by Iran, as well as the threat of future incidents, Apple has moved to close its stores in the United Arab Emirates.
The UAE’s Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has made a recommendation to private sector companies in the country. The advisement seeks to minimize the number of workers in open areas, excluding anyone in essential roles requiring physical attendance.
iPad Pro with vapor chamber cooling will wait until early 2027
Consumers can expect a long wait for the next version of the iPad Pro, but the 2027 refresh will get vapor chamber cooling, not a major revamp in design.
While Apple is set to make a number of product announcements within days, the iPad Pro won’t be among them. Instead, you’re going to be waiting until early 2027 for the next iteration.
Writing in Bloomberg’s “Power On” newsletter on Sunday, Mark Gurman answers a query about the next iPad Pro and when it will launch. In his response, he tempers expectations of an imminent update, providing a more realistic outlook for the tablet line.
Rumor Score: 🤔 Possible
Baseus PicoGo AM52 Qi2.2 batteries review: multi-device charging & 25W MagSafe
The Baseus PicoGo line has expanded with the AM52 Qi2.2 MagSafe battery packs, which bring more features and faster speeds to the pocketable chargers. One even has a built-in cable.
I already compared the fall lineup of Baseus battery packs to Apple’s odd iPhone Air MagSafe Battery, so there’s no need for it today. The two I’m reviewing are massive 10,000 mAh batteries packed in what qualifies as a “slim” case.
The Baseus PicoGo AM52 power bank is Qi2.2 certified and MagSafe compatible. One has an integrated cable and the other doesn’t.
WWDC 2026 to introduce Core AI as replacement for Core ML
Apple is expected to push its Gemini-trained Apple Foundation Models and new chatbot-like Siri functions during WWDC, but Core ML could also see an update to Core AI to emphasize the priority shift.
Core ML is a framework that allows developers to implement machine learning technology into their apps. In recent years, its functionality has spread to generative tools and AI.
According to the Power On newsletter, Apple is going to release a Core AI framework during WWDC 2026. It is a replacement for Core ML, though both frameworks could exist in tandem for some time.
Rumor Score: 🤔 Possible
Table space: Apple retail braces for affordable MacBook push
Apple Stores are preparing for a significant number of physical product launches during its early March event, with the new MacBook getting its own table.
From Monday, Apple will be making multiple product announcements before holding a three-city “experience” event. While the actual products that will launch are not officially known, it seems Apple is expecting one to make a big impression on consumers.
Retail workers were told to prepare for a sudden influx of customers in early March due to its program of product launches this week, writes Mark Gurman in the Bloomberg “Power On” newsletter. The prelaunch planning for the week is at a similar level to an iPhone launch, meaning Apple has big expectations for its lineup.
Rumor Score: 🤯 Likely
Massive foldable iPad is in the works, but may never launch
Apple is reportedly working on a gigantic iPad Fold, but if it launches at all, it won’t be until the end of the 2020s.
Backing up some previous claims that Apple is planning a foldable iPad, and others that it has been delayed until 2029, Bloomberg’s “Power On”newsletter adds that it might never be released.
Once again repeating previous claims, the new report says that development of the iPad Fold has hit problems. Those reportedly include design issues to do with the simple practicality of how a user might type on one.
Flash deals: Samsung's S85F OLED TV plunges to $847 today only
B&H’s Samsung OLED TV Deal Zone delivers price drops of up to $902 off the 55-inch and 65-inch S85F 4K models.
Today only, shoppers can take advantage of in-cart coupon savings on Samsung’s S85F OLED televisions. Choose from the 55-inch option for $847.99 with the instant savings plus in-cart coupon, bringing the total discount to $650 off MSRP.
Save up to $902 on Samsung S85F
End of today’s Apple Insider roundup.
