In this packed issue, Adam Engst explores Apple’s latest gadgets, including the iPhone 17 lineup and the sleek iPhone Air, focusing on some under-the-radar aspects of this new model. Additionally, he looks at the new AirPods Pro 3, which offer twice the noise cancellation, and the three new Apple Watches that boast expanded health features, plus satellite connectivity in the Apple Watch Ultra 3. Speaking of which, Apple has extended free access to all its satellite features for at least another year. Adam also offers advice on when to upgrade to the just-released macOS 26 Tahoe, iOS 26, iPadOS 26, watchOS 26, visionOS 26, and tvOS 26. Finally, we link to BasicAppleGuy’s history of macOS icons and point to Apple’s explanation of its new Memory Integrity Enforcement technology in the A19 and A19 Pro chips. Notable Mac app releases this week include Acorn 8.2, Agenda 21, BBEdit 15.5.3, Bookends 15.2, BusyCal 2025.3.2 and BusyContacts 2025.3.2, Default Folder X 6.2, DEVONthink 4.1, GraphicConverter 12.4.2, and Little Snitch 6.3.
Apple has quietly extended free satellite features for iPhone 14 and 15 users for another year, suggesting that the company continues to view satellite connectivity as an ecosystem enhancement rather than a revenue source.
Apple has released the first versions of its 2026 operating systems—macOS 26 Tahoe, iOS 26, iPadOS 26, watchOS 26, visionOS 26, tvOS 26, and HomePod Software 26. You might want to upgrade right away, but Adam Engst advises most people to wait at least a little while. Or even longer for macOS.
Apple’s latest AirPods Pro 3 expand the boundaries of what wireless earbuds can do, adding significantly improved noise cancellation, heart rate tracking, and real-time language translation.
The latest Apple Watch lineup arrives with updates across all three models. The Apple Watch Series 11 and Apple Watch Ultra 3 gain health monitoring improvements, the Ultra 3 adds satellite connectivity, and the Apple Watch SE 3 inherits several premium features while maintaining its more affordable price point.
Apple’s latest iPhones combine an innovative ultra-thin design in the iPhone Air with significant camera improvements and 256 GB base storage across all models.
While Apple’s iPhone Air announcement focused on its svelte design, several significant details flew under the radar. Adam Engst looks into the features and compromises that weren’t center stage during the announcement.
Watchlist
Image editor adds a pop-up that allows you to view differences and split screen between images. ($29.99 new, free update, 86.3 MB, macOS 14+)
Brings an updated Liquid Glass design and the new Ask Agenda AI assistant to the date-focused note-taking app. (Free or $34.99 annual subscription for Premium features, free update, 64.2 MB, macOS 10.14+)
Maintenance release with fixes for reported issues. ($59.99 new, free update, 28.3 MB, macOS 12+)
Introduces a new "native" scanning option for importing Microsoft Word documents. ($74.99 new, free update, 138.9 MB, macOS 10.13+)
Updates the calendar and contact apps with support for macOS 26 Tahoe and user interface improvements. ($49.99 new for each, free update, various sizes, macOS 11.5+)
Brings support for macOS 26 Tahoe and a bug workaround for Adobe Creative Cloud 2025 apps. ($39.95 new, free update, 27.5 MB, macOS 10.13+)
Brings new AI-related features to DEVONthink Pro, as well as improvements and bug fixes for all editions. ($99 new, free update, 83.4 MB, macOS 13+)
Updates the Swiss Army knife of graphics programs with added features, improvements, and bug fixes. ($39.95 new, free update, 270.5 MB, macOS 10.13+)
Adds support for macOS 26 Tahoe to the network traffic management utility. ($59 new, free update, 36.7 MB, macOS 14+)
