Apple Acquires Final Cut Pro Plugin Company MotionVFX

Apple Acquires Final Cut Pro Plugin Company MotionVFX

Apple today acquired the major Final Cut Pro plugin company MotionVFX. MotionVFX is a Polish company founded by Szymon Masiak in 2009. It creates high-quality plugins, transitions, templates, and visual effects (VFX) for video editors. The company specializes in tools for Final Cut Pro, DaVinci Resolve, and Apple Motion, such as mFilmLook, mO2, and the Design Studio extension. From MotionVFX's website today: We are extremely excited to share that MotionVFX is joining the Apple team to continue to empower creators and editors to do their best work. For over 15 years, we've been on a mission to create world-class, visually inspiring content and effects for video editors. From the very beginning, we’ve been all about quality, ease of use, and great design. These are also the values that we admire most in Apple’s products, and we’re thrilled to be able to embrace them together. We'd like to take this opportunity to thank all our amazing customers and supporters who have been with us through all these years. You inspired us, you challenged us, and you helped our products become what they are today. We are incredibly grateful to be part of this amazing community and excited to continue our work to serve you. This is the beginning of something truly wonderful! MotionVFX's 70 employees today joined Apple as part of the acquisition. The company was already a worldwide partner of Apple. More to follow... This article, " Apple Acquires Final Cut Pro Plugin Company MotionVFX " first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums

As AI models commodify, Apple's plans to spend just $14B on 2026 capex, far below hyperscalers' combined $650B, or 90%+ of their cash flow, may be a genius move (Horace Dediu/Asymco)

As AI models commodify, Apple's plans to spend just $14B on 2026 capex, far below hyperscalers' combined $650B, or 90%+ of their cash flow, may be a genius move (Horace Dediu/Asymco)

Horace Dediu / Asymco : As AI models commodify, Apple's plans to spend just $14B on 2026 capex, far below hyperscalers' combined $650B, or 90%+ of their cash flow, may be a genius move —  The 3rd? most valuable company on Earth watched as its rivals lit $650 billion on fire and did nothing.

Apple's M4 iPad Air Drops to New Low Prices on Amazon, Get Up to $100 Off

Apple's M4 iPad Air Drops to New Low Prices on Amazon, Get Up to $100 Off

Last week, Amazon introduced discounts on the brand new M4 iPad Air , and you can still get up to $100 off these brand new models today. Additionally, Amazon has deepened the discounts on a few of these models, and all remain in stock with free delivery around March 21. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running. Specifically, Amazon has up to $80 off the 11-inch M4 iPad Air and up to $100 off the 13-inch M4 iPad Air. All of these discounts have been automatically applied and do not require a coupon code or a Prime membership. $40 OFF 11-inch M4 iPad Air for $559.00 $52 OFF 13-inch M4 iPad Air for $747.00 The new iPad Air features the M4 chip, C1X modem, and N1 networking chip, which brings support for Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6. In terms of design, the 2026 models are identical to the 2025 iPad Air tablets, with an edge-to-edge display, slim bezels, and aluminum chassis. 11-inch M4 iPad Air 128GB Wi-Fi - $559.00 ($40 off) 256GB Wi-Fi - $649.00 ($50 off) 512GB Wi-Fi - $839.00 ($60 off) 1TB Wi-Fi - $1,019.00 ($80 off) 13-inch M4 iPad Air 128GB Wi-Fi - $747.00 ($52 off) 256GB Wi-Fi - $839.00 ($60 off) 512GB Wi-Fi - $1,017.34 ($82 off) 1TB Wi-Fi - $1,199.00 ($100 off) If you're on the hunt for more discounts, be sure to visit our Apple Deals roundup where we recap the best Apple-related bargains of the past week. Deals Newsletter Interested in hearing more about the best deals you can find in 2026? Sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we'll keep you updated so you don't miss the biggest deals of the season! Related Roundup: Apple Deals This article, " Apple's M4 iPad Air Drops to New Low Prices on Amazon, Get Up to $100 Off " first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums

What Hasn't Changed With AirPods Max 2

What Hasn't Changed With AirPods Max 2

The AirPods Max 2 feature the H2 chip, improved Active Noise Cancellation, and Adaptive Audio capabilities, but the design and much of the hardware remains unchanged. Most notably, the overall industrial design is identical. ‌AirPods Max‌ 2 retain the same aluminum ear cups, stainless steel headband frame, telescoping arms, and knit mesh canopy introduced with the original model. The dimensions, weight, and overall construction appear to be unchanged, meaning the headphones look and feel the same as previous versions. The knit mesh canopy is also the same despite criticism over time that the fabric can stretch or lose tension with prolonged use. The Smart Case has also not been updated and the device still uses the same case introduced in 2020, which covers the ear cups while leaving the headband exposed and places the headphones into an ultra-low-power state when stored inside. The Smart Case drew criticism when ‌AirPods Max‌ first launched, with many reviewers pointing to its unusual appearance and the limited protection it offers compared to traditional headphone cases. Some users also reported that the material damaged easily and creased over time. Because ‌AirPods Max‌ lack a dedicated power button, placing the headphones in the Smart Case is effectively the only reliable way to force them into their lowest-power standby mode. Without the case, the headphones can remain active for extended periods. Despite these criticisms, Apple has not redesigned or replaced the Smart Case. The acoustic hardware also appears to be essentially the same across generations. The ‌AirPods Max‌ 2 continue to use Apple's custom 40mm dynamic drivers and the same basic acoustic architecture introduced with the original model. However, they add a new custom high dynamic range amplifier and updated digital signal processing, meaning sound improvements are likely driven more by amplification and processing changes than by redesigned drivers. Color options have also remained consistent across the last two versions of the headphones. The 2024 USB-C refresh introduced Starlight, Midnight, Blue, Purple, and Orange, and those same finishes carry over to the ‌AirPods Max‌ 2. These replaced the original lineup of Silver, Space Gray, Sky Blue, Pink, and Green. Battery life is also unchanged. ‌AirPods Max‌ continue to offer around 20 hours of listening time with Active Noise Cancellation and Spatial Audio enabled, matching Apple's original estimate. Related Roundup: AirPods Max Buyer's Guide: AirPods Max (Buy Now) Related Forum: AirPods This article, " What Hasn't Changed With AirPods Max 2 " first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums

AirPods Max 1 vs. AirPods Max 2 Buyer's Guide: 25+ Differences Compared

AirPods Max 1 vs. AirPods Max 2 Buyer's Guide: 25+ Differences Compared

Apple has now announced the AirPods Max 2, bringing the first major hardware upgrade to Apple's over-ear headphones since their debut. So how does the new model compare with both earlier versions of ‌‌AirPods Max‌‌? In late 2020, Apple announced the ‌AirPods Max‌, a whole new AirPods variant with an over-ear design. In September 2024, the company refreshed the ‌AirPods Max‌'s selection of color options and swapped the Lightning port for USB-C, enabling 24-bit, 48 kHz lossless audio over a wired connection. Now, with the arrival of the ‌AirPods Max‌ 2, Apple has introduced a far more substantial upgrade than the 2024 refresh. The new model adds the H2 chip, more powerful Active Noise Cancellation, improved Transparency Mode, Adaptive Audio features such as Conversation Awareness and Personalized Volume, updated Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity with reduced latency, and enhancements to Spatial Audio and sound quality. Following the announcement, the full range of differences between the original Lightning model, the USB-C refresh, and ‌AirPods Max‌ 2 are outlined below: ‌AirPods Max‌ (2020, Lightning) ‌AirPods Max‌ (2024, USB-C) ‌AirPods Max‌ 2 (2026) H1 chip H1 chip H2 chip Active Noise Cancellation Active Noise Cancellation Improved Active Noise Cancellation (1.5x stronger) Transparency Mode Transparency Mode Improved Transparency Mode Adaptive Audio Conversation Awareness Voice Isolation Personalized Volume Loud Sound Reduction Camera Remote Live Translation "Hey Siri " commands "Hey ‌Siri‌" commands "Hey ‌Siri‌" and "‌Siri‌" commands ‌Siri‌ Interactions (privately respond to ‌Siri‌ announcements by simply nodding their head yes or gently shaking their head no) Custom high dynamic range amplifier New digital signal processing algorithm Spatial Audio Spatial Audio Improved Spatial Audio (improved localization of instruments, more accurate and consistent bass response, and more natural-sounding mids and highs) Lossless Personalized Spatial Audio via USB-C to USB-C cable Lossless Personalized Spatial Audio via USB-C to USB-C cable Enhanced audio via Lightning to 3.5mm audio cable "24-bit, 48 kHz lossless audio" via USB-C to USB-C cable "24-bit, 48 kHz lossless audio" via USB-C to USB-C cable Audio recording Audio recording "Studio-quality" audio recording Create and mix audio in Personalized Spatial Audio with head tracking via USB-C to USB-C cable Create and mix audio in Personalized Spatial Audio with head tracking via USB-C to USB-C cable Bluetooth 5.0 Bluetooth 5.0 Bluetooth 5.3 Reduced wireless audio latency Reduced latency audio via Lightning to 3.5mm audio cable "Ultra-low" latency audio via USB-C to USB-C cable or USB-C to 3.5mm audio cable "Ultra-low" latency audio via USB-C to USB-C cable or USB-C to 3.5mm audio cable Lightning port USB-C port USB-C port Available in Silver, Space Gray, Sky Blue, Pink, and Green Available in Starlight, Midnight, Blue, Purple, and Orange Available in Starlight, Midnight, Blue, Purple, and Orange Released December 2020 Released September 2024 Release in April 2026 Now discontinued Now discontinued $549 The original ‌AirPods Max‌ with Lightning are becoming increasingly difficult to find as remaining inventory has gradually dried up over the past two years. While some third-party retailers may still have limited stock or refurbished units available, the model is no longer widely sold. For buyers who can still locate a pair at a substantial discount, the Lightning version can remain an appealing option. It offers the same distinctive design, premium build quality, Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency mode, and Spatial Audio support that defined the product when it launched in 2020. If you primarily use ‌AirPods Max‌ wirelessly for casual listenin, have no interest in the newer software capabilities, or have other Lightning devices, the original model still delivers a good core experience. The ‌AirPods Max‌ with USB-C, introduced in 2024, remain widely available and until today represented Apple's current version of the headphones. Aside from the switch from Lightning to USB-C and a new set of color options, the hardware is largely identical to the original model. A firmware update alongside iOS 18.4 restored wired audio input and enabled 24-bit, 48 kHz lossless audio over a USB-C connection when used with a USB-C to USB-C cable. This gives the USB-C model a clear advantage over the Lightning version for users who want the best possible wired audio quality. It also enables creator-focused capabilities such as Lossless Personalized Spatial Audio and the ability to create or mix content in Spatial Audio with head tracking. For most users listening wirelessly, however, the overall experience remains very similar to the original model. The newly announced ‌AirPods Max‌ 2 represent the first meaningful upgrade to the product since its debut. The new model introduces Apple's H2 chip, enabling significantly improved Active Noise Cancellation, enhanced Transparency Mode, and Adaptive Audio features such as Conversation Awareness, Personalized Volume, and Voice Isolation. Apple has also improved Spatial Audio performance and added Bluetooth 5.3 with reduced wireless latency. Together, these upgrades bring the over-ear AirPods much closer to the capabilities offered by Apple's latest in-ear AirPods models. For buyers deciding between generations, the choice largely comes down to how important the new features are. The original ‌AirPods Max‌ still deliver the premium design, sound quality, and wireless listening experience that made them popular. However, for those who want stronger noise cancellation, new features like Live Translation, and the most future-proof option, ‌AirPods Max‌ 2 are clearly the model to choose. Existing owners of the original ‌AirPods Max‌ may want to weigh the benefits of the H2 chip, improved Active Noise Cancellation, Adaptive Audio features such as Conversation Awareness and Personalized Volume, and reduced wireless latency. Users with the Lightning version may be more inclined to upgrade given their device's age, while those with the newer USB-C variant may find the improvements less essential if they are satisfied with the current feature set. For frequent travelers, people who regularly listen in noisy environments, or anyone who simply wants the most advanced version of Apple's over-ear headphones, the upgrade may still be worthwhile. AirPods frequently see hefty discounts on Amazon and other third-party retailers, so stepping up to the ‌AirPods Max‌ 2 may be more worth it if you can take advantage of one of those deals. The ‌AirPods Max‌ often see solid discounts, so it is always worth seeking the best price using our Deals roundup . Related Roundup: AirPods Max Buyer's Guide: AirPods Max (Buy Now) Related Forum: AirPods This article, " AirPods Max 1 vs. AirPods Max 2 Buyer's Guide: 25+ Differences Compared " first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums

Sources: Hua Hong is readying a 7nm process at its Shanghai fab with Huawei's collaboration, which would make it China's second chipmaker at the node after SMIC (Fanny Potkin/Reuters)

Sources: Hua Hong is readying a 7nm process at its Shanghai fab with Huawei's collaboration, which would make it China's second chipmaker at the node after SMIC (Fanny Potkin/Reuters)

Fanny Potkin / Reuters : Sources: Hua Hong is readying a 7nm process at its Shanghai fab with Huawei's collaboration, which would make it China's second chipmaker at the node after SMIC —  China's Hua Hong Group has developed advanced chip manufacturing technologies that can be used to produce artificial intelligence chips …

Apple Announces AirPods Max 2

Apple Announces AirPods Max 2

Apple today unveiled AirPods Max 2, with key features including the H2 chip, Adaptive Audio, Live Translation, increased active noise cancellation, improved sound quality, and more. AirPods Max 2 will be available to order on Apple.com starting Wednesday, March 25 in Midnight, Starlight, Orange, Purple, and Blue, ahead of an early April launch. In the U.S., the AirPods Max continue to cost $549. Related Roundup: AirPods Max Buyer's Guide: AirPods Max (Buy Now) Related Forum: AirPods This article, " Apple Announces AirPods Max 2 " first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums

Sources: Alibaba may unveil a Qwen-based AI agent for enterprises as soon as this week, and plans to gradually integrate the agent into its services like Alipay (Luz Ding/Bloomberg)

Sources: Alibaba may unveil a Qwen-based AI agent for enterprises as soon as this week, and plans to gradually integrate the agent into its services like Alipay (Luz Ding/Bloomberg)

Luz Ding / Bloomberg : Sources: Alibaba may unveil a Qwen-based AI agent for enterprises as soon as this week, and plans to gradually integrate the agent into its services like Alipay —  Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. plans to release an agentic AI service for companies, banking on national enthusiasm around artificial …

AirPods Pro 3 Available for $209.99 on Amazon This Week

AirPods Pro 3 Available for $209.99 on Amazon This Week

Amazon today has the AirPods Pro 3 available for $209.99 , down from $249.00. This is only about $10 higher when compared to the Amazon all-time low price, which has been hard to come by in recent weeks. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running. This model of the AirPods Pro launched in September 2025 and has 2x better Active Noise Cancellation than the previous generation, better audio quality, a revised fit that's meant to improve comfort and stability, Live Translation for in-person conversations, and heart rate sensing for workouts. $39 OFF AirPods Pro 3 for $209.99 If you're shopping for the AirPods 4, Amazon also has a solid discount on the base model at $99.00 , down from $129.00. Keep up with all of this week's best discounts on Apple products and related accessories in our dedicated Apple Deals roundup . Deals Newsletter Interested in hearing more about the best deals you can find in 2026? Sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we'll keep you updated so you don't miss the biggest deals of the season! Related Roundup: Apple Deals This article, " AirPods Pro 3 Available for $209.99 on Amazon This Week " first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums