Apple stores in the UAE are closing, iOS 18.7.6 is being updated for older iPhones, the iPad Pro features an advanced vapor chamber cooling system, a foldable iPad is on the way, ChatGPT is getting a GPT-5.3 update, and other exciting news is coming soon…
Apple stores in the UAE are closing.
Apple closed all its stores in the UAE – three in Abu Dhabi: Yas Mall, Al Jimi Mall, and Al Maryah Island; and two in Dubai: Dubai Mall near Burj Khalifa and Mall of the Emirates. The closure was initially temporary, until at least Tuesday, March 3, but was extended to March 5 and remains closed. The closure may continue until further notice. This was in response to the UAE government's recommendations for the private sector to avoid having employees in open spaces. Apple internally cited a "security situation" as the reason, amid escalating tensions in the Middle East due to the US-Iran war.
The Mac operating system warns you about the limitations of the USB-C port in the MacBook Neo.
The new MacBook Neo has two USB-C ports, But they are not equalThe faster left port supports speeds up to 10 Gbps and allows you to connect an external display with resolutions up to 4K at 60 frames per second, while the right port, closer to the touchpad, is significantly slower (only 480 Mbps) and doesn't support external displays. Since the two ports aren't clearly marked, this might be inconvenient, but macOS will gently alert you if you accidentally connect a display to the wrong port so you can use the other one. You can pre-order now starting at $599 ($499 for college students), and it will arrive in stores on March 11.
Apple does not include a charger with new MacBooks in Britain and Europe.
All the new MacBook Neo, MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro models announced by Apple this week do not include a power adapter in the UK and other EU countries such as Germany, France, Italy, and Spain. This change began last year with the base 14-inch MacBook Pro. If you need a power adapter, you must purchase one separately, either when ordering or later. In other countries, such as the US, Apple includes one free of charge in the box (e.g., a 20W charger for the MacBook Neo or a 140W charger for the 16-inch MacBook Pro). All of these laptops come with either a USB-C or MagSafe 3 charging cable worldwide.
ChatGPT receives the GPT-5.3 rapid update
OpenAI today announced a significant update to ChatGPT called GPT-5.3 Instant, which delivers more accurate and contextually informed answers when searching the web, while reducing false positives and over-replies in the form of warnings or dramatic expressions like “stop and breathe.” This update addresses issues with the previous tone, which could have sounded awkward or condescending, and makes conversations more natural without dismissing simple questions or assuming ill intent. It also better balances web information with its own knowledge to produce higher-quality answers. The update is available now to all ChatGPT users, with updates coming soon for other versions.
Anthropic adds free memory feature and import tool
Anthropic aims to attract ChatGPT and Gemini users with a new free tool for importing memories and past conversations into the Cloud, so new users don't have to start from scratch. You can simply request a list of your memories and their context from another AI (e.g., "Export all your memories of me into a block of code") and then paste it into the Cloud box for automatic saving. Previously available only to paid subscribers since October 2025, the memory feature is now free for everyone, along with other features like compression, files, and skills. This comes after ChatGPT decided to add ads to free users while keeping the Cloud app ad-free. The feature can be activated through the Cloud settings, and the app is now the first free app available on the iOS App Store.
Apple is asking Google to run Siri on its servers.
Apple has asked Google to explore setting up servers in its data centers to run a future version of Siri powered by Gemini technology. Apple currently relies on its own private cloud computing servers for complex AI queries, but their utilization is low (only 10%), and some servers remain idle. With the launch of the new Siri this year, demand could suddenly increase. Apple has faced challenges in building its own servers due to its historical focus on consumer devices rather than the cloud, which has led to some experts leaving and reliance on third-party companies like Amazon.
Previously, Apple refused to use Google's servers due to privacy concerns, but changed its mind in 2023 after Google implemented security improvements and began using them for artificial intelligence. The problem with Apple's servers is that their chips are designed for personal devices and aren't ideal for larger models like the Gemini, and upgrading them takes longer. Therefore, Apple wants to prepare for increased use of AI on its devices via Google's servers.
Apple is developing a large-size foldable iPad, which may arrive by 2029.
Apple is continuing to develop a foldable iPad with an 18-inch screen similar to Samsung's, despite technical hurdles such as weight (3.5 pounds in current models) and the visible line on the screen. It may resemble a MacBook when closed (with an aluminum chassis and no external keyboard) and unfold to the size of a 13-inch MacBook Air, challenging the distinction between iPad and Mac. There were rumors of development being halted last year, but Apple had initially planned a 2028 release before delaying it to 2029 due to weight and screen issues. It will cost three times the price of a 13-inch iPad Pro (around $3900 if component costs don't decrease).
The next iPad Pro will use an advanced vapor cooling system in 2027.
Apple plans to add a vapor cooling system (like the one in the iPhone 17 Pro) to the ultra-thin iPad Pro in the upcoming release expected in spring 2027. The system uses a small amount of pure water to transfer heat away from the M6 chip (made with 2nm technology) and distribute it across the aluminum chassis, improving continuous performance by 40% in heavy tasks such as editing and gaming and reducing device slowdown under high pressure.
The iPhone and iPad were the first consumer devices approved for NATO's classified data.
Apple has announced that iPhones and iPads are now officially NATO-certified for handling sensitive and protected information, making them the first mainstream devices to achieve this high level of security. Thanks to the latest operating system (iOS 26), security personnel no longer need special software or complex modifications to protect their data, as tests have proven that the built-in security features, such as encryption and Face ID, are robust enough to meet stringent international standards. This achievement means that the advanced technologies you use daily on your device are the same technologies trusted by the world's leading security organizations to protect their secrets.
Leaks suggest an advanced version of AirPods powered by artificial intelligence.
Despite the launch of the AirPods Pro 3 less than six months ago, there are rumors of a new, higher-level release this year, not the fourth generation but an improved version of the third generation with an expected price of $299-$349 compared to $249 for the regular version, equipped with small infrared cameras that enable hand movement control in the air and improve sound with Vision Pro, and linking it with “Apple Intelligence” and the visual intelligence feature for visual recognition of objects around you.
This would be the first time Apple has offered two AirPods Pro models together, such as the regular AirPods 4 and the ANC, and it may be announced in September or October.
Apple releases updates 26.3.1 and 18.7.6
Apple has released update 26.3.1 for all its devices, solely to support the new Studio displays, and Apple says the update also fixes some problems.
Apple also released iOS 18.7.6 for older iPhones like the XS and XR after these phones experienced difficulty contacting emergency services in Australia. The problem arose due to changes in the Australian network, which exacerbated some previous updates. The new version aims to fix these issues and ensure users can make emergency calls safely and reliably.
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