Apple is speeding up development of three new AI-focused wearable devices, including smart glasses, as part of its push into artificial intelligence-powered hardware. The company is intensifying efforts on smart glasses, a compact AI pendant that can clip onto clothing or be worn as a necklace, and AirPods enhanced with advanced AI features, Bloomberg News‘ Mark Gurman reports Tuesday, citing sources familiar with the initiatives. Each of these products centers on a revamped LLM Siri digital assistant, which will leverage visual context from built-in cameras to perform tasks and provide more intelligent responses. :
 – about LLM Siri from our little birdies. Support MacDailyNews at no extra cost to you by using this link to shop at Amazon. The post Apple speeds work on smart glasses, AI pendant, and camera-equipped AirPods appeared first on MacDailyNews. Invite your friends and earn rewardsIf you enjoy MacDailyNews, share it with your friends and earn rewards when they subscribe.
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Tuesday, February 17, 2026
Apple speeds work on smart glasses, AI pendant, and camera-equipped AirPods
Apple’s all-new colorful $599 MacBook with 24-hour battery expected early next month
Apple is poised to launch its most affordable MacBook yet, potentially starting at just $599. This long-rumored device, aimed at students, families, and budget-conscious users, could disrupt the dominance of Chromebooks and low-end Windows craptops with its blend of Apple design, ecosystem integration, and competitive pricing. According to multiple reports, the entry-level MacBook—internally codenamed J700 — is expected to debut at an Apple event as early as March 4, 2026. This timeline aligns with Apple’s traditional spring announcements, where it often unveils updates to its iPad and Mac lines. The laptop’s launch comes at a time when rising component costs, particularly for RAM and storage, have pushed prices higher across the industry, making Apple’s ability to hit a sub-$800 price point all the more impressive. At the heart of this budget MacBook is the A18 Pro chip, the same powerful processor that debuted in the iPhone 16 Pro models. This would mark the first time Apple has used an A-series chip in a Mac, a strategic choice that allows for impressive single-core performance comparable to higher-end M3 and M4 chips, while keeping costs down. Users can expect solid capabilities from the A18 Pro for everyday tasks like web browsing, research, document editing, and light creative work, though it would likely lag in intensive multi-core operations such as video rendering. The device will most certainly support Apple Intelligence features, ensuring access to AI-driven tools without needing a premium model. The base configuration is rumored to include 8GB of unified RAM and 256GB of storage, which should suffice for basic needs but reflects the compromises made to achieve the low price. Battery life is another highlight, with estimates suggesting 24 hours or more of usage on a single charge, thanks to the efficiency of the A18 Pro silicon. On the display front, Apple is reportedly opting for a 12.9-inch LCD panel. This screen will offer sharp visuals but with reduced brightness (around 500 nits or less) and without the wide P3 color gamut, prioritizing affordability over top-tier quality. Key compromises on the display to keep costs low include: • Standard LCD technology — No mini-LED backlighting, no OLED (which is reserved for future high-end MacBook Pros), and no ProMotion adaptive refresh rate (sticking to a traditional 60Hz). • Lower brightness — Expected around 500 nits or less (compared to 500+ nits on MacBook Air with better sustained performance and anti-reflective coatings). • No wide P3 color gamut — Colors will be accurate but narrower than the vibrant, cinema-grade gamut on premium Macs, aligning more closely with entry-level iPads. • Resolution and pixel density — While exact figures aren’t confirmed in leaks, it should deliver sharp Retina-level clarity (likely in the 2560×1600 range or similar) suitable for macOS scaling, but without the extra sharpness or HDR support found on higher-tier models. The overall design is expected to maintain Apple’s premium aesthetic, featuring an aluminum chassis crafted via a new, faster manufacturing process that helps cut production costs without sacrificing durability. Adding a fun twist to the lineup, the MacBook is expected to come in vibrant colors including possibilities such as light yellow, light green, blue, and pink, alongside classic options like silver and space gray. This colorful approach echoes the playful designs of past iMacs and could appeal to younger users and schools looking for engaging tech. Ports and connectivity details remain speculative, but expectations point to limited options — possibly a couple of USB-C ports and a headphone jack — to keep the form factor slim and costs low. The laptop’s size is described as slightly under 13 inches, making it portable and ideal for on-the-go use. Industry analysts’ consensus predicts strong demand, with the device potentially accounting for up to 25% of Apple’s total Mac sales in 2026, shipping between 5.5 million and 8 million units annually. This Mac sales surge could help Apple counter the growing popularity of Chromebooks in education, where affordability and simplicity reign supreme. While these details are based on leaks and supply chain reports, Apple’s track record suggests the final product could exceed expectations. If the rumors hold true, this MacBook represents a significant shift for Apple, broadening access to the superior macOS, and potentially expanding its user base in emerging markets. MacDailyNews Take: Hopefully, well see it as soon as March 4th! Support MacDailyNews at no extra cost to you by using this link to shop at Amazon. The post Apple’s all-new colorful $599 MacBook with 24-hour battery expected early next month appeared first on MacDailyNews. Invite your friends and earn rewardsIf you enjoy MacDailyNews, share it with your friends and earn rewards when they subscribe.
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Danaher to acquire pulse oximeter maker Masimo in $9.9 billion deal; could help Apple in ongoing patent battles
In a blockbuster deal announced on February 17, 2026, industrial conglomerate Danaher Corp has agreed to acquire medical technology firm Masimo Corp for $9.9 billion, including debt. The transaction, which values Masimo at $180 per share — a hefty 38.3% premium over its recent closing price — could have far-reaching implications beyond the diagnostics sector, particularly for Apple, which has been locked in a protracted legal feud with Masimo over pulse oximetry patents. Masimo, known for its innovative pulse oximeters that measure blood oxygen levels non-invasively, has been a thorn in Apple’s side since 2020. The Irvine, California-based company accused Apple of infringing on its patents related to health monitoring technology integrated into the Apple Watch. This dispute escalated to the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC), which in late 2023 ruled in Masimo’s favor, leading to a temporary import ban on certain Apple Watch models equipped with blood oxygen sensors. Apple was forced to disable the feature in new U.S. sales to comply, while appealing the decision and exploring workarounds. The legal wrangling has cost Apple millions in legal fees and disrupted its wearable strategy, with ongoing appeals and countersuits adding uncertainty to one of its fastest-growing product lines. Enter Danaher, a Washington, D.C.-based powerhouse with a market cap exceeding $150 billion, far dwarfing Masimo’s roughly $7 billion valuation. Danaher, which specializes in life sciences, diagnostics, and environmental technologies, views the acquisition as a strategic bolt-on to bolster its diagnostics portfolio amid broader industry headwinds like U.S. drug pricing reforms and potential tariffs. By absorbing Masimo, Danaher gains access to cutting-edge sensor technologies that could integrate with its existing tools for hospital and clinical settings. For Apple, this shift in Masimo’s ownership could prove transformative. Under Danaher’s umbrella, Masimo’s aggressive litigation stance might soften. Large conglomerates like Danaher often prioritize cross-industry partnerships and licensing deals over prolonged courtroom battles, especially when they involve non-core consumer tech applications. Analysts speculate that Danaher could negotiate a settlement or licensing agreement with Apple, allowing the Cupertino company to reinstate the blood oxygen feature without further infringement claims. This would not only resolve the ITC ban but also free up Apple’s resources to innovate in health tech, a key differentiator for the Apple Watch against competitors like Samsung and Fitbit. Moreover, Danaher’s scale and diversified operations — spanning from water purification to biotech — might de-emphasize Masimo’s consumer-facing patent enforcement, focusing instead on enterprise healthcare solutions. If the deal closes as expected later in 2026, pending regulatory approvals, it could mark the end of an era of hostility, paving the way for collaborative advancements in wearable health monitoring. While the acquisition’s primary driver is Danaher’s growth ambitions, its ripple effects on Apple’s legal landscape underscore how mergers in medtech can reshape tech rivalries. Apple shares ticked up slightly in early trading following the news, reflecting investor optimism about a potential detente. As the deal progresses, all eyes will be on whether this $9.9 billion move finally pulses new life into Apple’s smartwatch ambitions. Support MacDailyNews at no extra cost to you by using this link to shop at Amazon. The post Danaher to acquire pulse oximeter maker Masimo in $9.9 billion deal; could help Apple in ongoing patent battles appeared first on MacDailyNews. You're currently a free subscriber to MacDailyNews. For the full experience, upgrade your subscription.
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Apple speeds work on smart glasses, AI pendant, and camera-equipped AirPods
Apple is speeding up development of three new AI-focused wearable devices, including smart glasses, as part of its push into artificial inte...
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Apple, aiming push more urgently into the smart home market, is said to be nearing the launch of a new product category: a wall-mounted disp...
