March is shaping up to be a busy month for Apple enthusiasts. From potential hardware upgrades to software betas and exciting new content on Apple TV+, there's plenty to keep an eye on. However, rumors suggest that a significant Siri overhaul might be further down the line than initially expected.
Hardware Updates on the Horizon
Apple is rumored to be gearing up for some exciting hardware releases this month. The most anticipated is the update to the MacBook Air, expected to feature the powerful M4 processor. Tim Cook himself teased the launch of a new Apple product with the tagline "There's Something in the Air," echoing the original MacBook Air unveiling. Leaked benchmarks suggest the new MacBook Air will perform on par with the M4 iPad Pro.
Beyond the MacBook Air, updates to the iPad Air and the 11th-generation iPad are also possibilities. An upgraded iPad Air with an M4 processor would make sense, following the M2 iPad Air release last May. The 11th-gen iPad is expected to be a minor refresh with mostly internal upgrades, potentially including Apple Intelligence support. It's rumored to have a release as early as March.
Software Updates and Siri's Future
On the software front, Apple is currently in the second round of developer betas for iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, macOS 15.4, tvOS 18.4, watchOS 11.4, and visionOS 2.4. These betas are expected to bring significant new capabilities and expand Apple Intelligence to new markets and languages. The public release of these updates is anticipated in April.
However, the highly anticipated Siri update might be delayed. While initially expected to arrive with the x.4 releases, it has been absent from the first betas. Rumors now suggest it could be pushed back to the 18.5/15.5 updates, potentially arriving in May. Even a more comprehensive overhaul may not be seen until iOS 20, pushing its release to 2027. This delay could be due to the complexities of integrating advanced AI capabilities into Siri's functionality.
Apple TV+ and Apple Arcade: Entertainment Galore
Apple TV+ is set to deliver a host of new content this month. Here are a few highlights:
- Dope Thief (March 14): A series based on Dennis Tafoya’s book, following Philly friends who pose as DEA agents.
- BE@RBRICK (March 21): An animated children’s musical comedy about toy figurines forming a band.
- Severance (March 21): The finale to the popular second season.
- Side Quest (March 26): An expansion of the "Mythic Quest" universe.
- The Studio (March 26): A series about the struggles of making great films.
Apple Arcade is also adding new games. On March 6th, players can enjoy "Crazy Eights: Card Games+" and "Piano Tiles 2+."
While we anticipate these updates, some users are experiencing limitations on Apple devices. For example, the inability to take screenshots of frames from DRM-protected video is a persistent issue. These restrictions, imposed by digital rights management, impact the usability of Apple devices.
Overall, March promises a mix of hardware refreshes, software updates, and entertainment offerings from Apple. While the potential delay of the Siri overhaul might be disappointing for some, there's still plenty to look forward to this month.