MacworldExpectations are high that Apple is planning a number of new product releases in the spring 2025 time frame, but will the company hold a spring event, and if it does, when will Apples spring event take place. Apple doesnt always hold a spring event, but when it does, it usually takes place in March or April. However, in 2024, when we had almost given up hope of a spring event, Apple surprised us by issuing invites to an event on May 7. In this article, we explain what you need to know about Apples spring event, including when it might be held, how to watch it, and what products you can expect to be unveiled.Will Apple hold a spring event in 2025?In the past ten years Apple has held seven spring events, with the exception of 2023, 2020 and 2017 (and there would undoubtedly have been one in 2020 if it wasnt for the pandemic). Apples spring event is one of the three or four big events in Apples yearly cycle of announcements. Theres the big iPhone/Mac software announcements at WWDC in the summer, the iPhone launch in September, sometimes we see Apple make Mac and iPad announcements in October or November, and (most years) we get some hardware reveals at a spring event in March or April. At these events Apple executives hit the stagewhether real or virtualand boast about some recent successes, before revealing what new products are about to launch. For more detail on Apples calendar of events, read When is the next Apple event?But will there be an event in spring 2025? There was no second fall event in 2024, with Apple choosing instead to issue press releases regarding M4 series of MacBooks, iMac, and Mac mini. These announcements could certainly have been made at an event if Apple had wished: the new M4 Pro and M4 Max were worthy of attention, as was the new design of the Mac mini. But Apple settled on press releases spread over a few days. Could this be the start of a trend to avoid the immediacy of an event, where smaller news gets dwarfed by the big stories, in favor of a more controlled, staggered release. Probably not, although such a release may be better suited to Macs, which dont attract the same interest as iPhones do. Its because there is possibly going to be an iPhone related release in the spring that we think that Apple may hold an event. The new iPhone SE is expected to launch in that time frame and Apple is likely to want to attract as much attention as possible for that iPhone and its support for Apple Intelligence. (Heres how to get Apple Intelligence on your iPhone if you have a compatible model.)When is the Spring Apple event 2025?We dont yet know when (or if) there will be an Apple event this spring. But we can make some educated guesses based on when the event has been held in the past, and other events happening around that time. Its typical for Apple to hold events (other than WWDC) on a Tuesday or a Wednesday. If Apple holds the event on March 11, 18 or 25 it could be selling the new products before its second quarter ends on March 30. Alternatively, If Apple waits until April we wouldnt expect the event to fall too close to the easter time frame, so April 8 or April 29 would be the most likely dates. Apple held a Spring event on the following dates:2024: Tuesday May 7: (Let Loose): 11 & 14-inch iPad Pro M4, 11 & 14-inch iPad Air M2, Apple Pencil Pro2023: no event2022, Tuesday March 8: (Peek Performance, virtual): New iPhone SE, new iPad Air, Mac Studio and Studio Display, and new iPhone color options2021, Tuesday April 20: (Spring Loaded, virtual): New iPad Pro and iMac, Apple TV 4K, AirTags, new iPhone color options and iOS 14.72020: no event2019, Monday March 25: (Its show time): Apple Card, and the News+, TV+, and Arcade subscription services2018, Tuesday March 27: (Lets take a field trip): New iPad and education announcements2017: no event2016, Monday March 21: (Let us loop you in): iPad Pro, iPhone SE, and software updates2015, Monday March 9: (Spring Forward): Apple Watch, a new MacBook, and iOS 8.22014: no event2013: no event2012, Wednesday March 7: (We have something you really have to see. And touch): 3rd-gen Apple TV and 3rd-gen iPadWhat time will Apples spring event start?You can still watch the spring 2024 event on YouTube.Apples events generally start at 10 am in local (California, PT) time, but in May 2024 the event started at 7am PT.Heres what that time translated to in various locations around the world:U.K.: 3 pm (BST)Central Europe: 4 pm (CEST)U.S.: 7 am (PT), 8 am (MT), 9 am (CT), 10 am (ET)Canada: 7 am (PT), 8 am (MT), 9 am (CT), 10 am (ET)India: 7.30 pm (IST)Singapore and China: 11 pmJapan: next day at 2 am (JST)Australia: 11 pm (AWST), 11.30 pm (ACST), midnight (AEST)New Zealand: next day at 2 am (NZST)If Apple holds the event at the usual time of 10am PT the timing will be as follows (allow for daylight saving time changes, which happen at different times around the world).U.S.: at 10 am (PST/PDT), 11 am (MST/MDT), noon (CST/CDT), 1 pm (EST/EDT)Canada: as above, and 2 pm (AST/ADT)U.K.: at 6 pm (GMT/BST)Europe: at 7pm (CET/CEST), 8 pm (EET/EEST)India: at 10.30 pm (IST)Australia: Next day at 1 am (AWST/AWDT), 2.30 am (ACST/ACDT), 3 am (AEST/AEDT)New Zealand: Next day at 5 am (NZST/NZDT)Apple events generally last between one and two hours.What will Apple announce at the spring event?Weve mentioned the iPhone SE a couple of times, but there are other Apple products due an update:M4 MacBook Air The MacBook Pro, iMac and Mac mini already have M4 chips so its time that the MacBook Air got upgraded to the M4. More here: MacBook Air M4 rumors.11th-gen iPadThe 10th-gen iPad launched back in October 2022 and is the only model that doesnt support Apple Intelligence, so an update to the same A17 Pro chip as the iPad mini seems likely. See: 11th-gen iPad rumors.iPhone SEIts expected that the new iPhone SE will support Apple Intelligence, which means we will see a processor jump that takes it beyond the iPhone 14 and 15 models still on sale. Rumor has it that this will be known as the iPhone 16 SE. Read: iPhone SE rumors.Other new productsWe could also see some updates to the Home products. There have been rumors of a faster version of the Apple TV, a HomePod with screen, or a product that combines the two products. Well probably be waiting until WWDC in June for the Mac Pro and Mac Studio updates.What is the spring event tagline and what does it mean?When Apple announces the tagline for the spring 2025 event there will be a lot of speculation as to what it might indicate about the product announcements. For the May 2024 event the tagline was Let Loose, a phrase that suggested freedom and the idea that creativity will be let loose. The image accompanying the invite was of an Apple Pencil drawing. So when a new range of iPads and a new Apple Pencil were launched it was no real surprise. Since an iPhone announcement is expected, a tagline relating to the iPhone and AI seems likely. How to watch Apples spring event liveThe best way to watch would be to get an invite to attend in person, but most of us wont be so lucky. Fortunately, Apple will also live stream the presentation so everyone can watch along.The first place to try is right at the top of this article where we will have embedded Apples YouTube stream. You can also watch on Apples events page, which will have the live stream on the night. Indeed, the main Apple.com home page usually shows the presentation while it is happening.If youve got an iPhone, an iPad, an Apple TV, or a Macassuming the device has sufficiently up-to-date softwareyou can watch the stream on the TV app. PC owners can also watch, but will need to visit Apples site as mentioned above.After the event is finished, it will also be available to rewatch in the Podcasts and TV apps, and on Apples website.Finally, Apple has for certain events in the past held broadcast events in Apple Stores, so it may be worth contacting your nearest outlet to see if they have anything planned.More information about watching the event here: How to watch Apples event.AppleWhat has Apple launched in past spring events?Heres what Apple has announced at previous spring events:2024: Tuesday May 7 2023: no event2022, Tuesday March 8: (Peek Performance, virtual): New iPhone SE, new iPad Air, Mac Studio and Studio Display, and new iPhone color options2021, Tuesday April 20: (Spring Loaded, virtual): New iPad Pro and iMac, Apple TV 4K, AirTags, new iPhone color options and iOS 14.72020: no event2019, Monday March 25: (Its show time): Apple Card, and the News+, TV+, and Arcade subscription services2018, Tuesday March 27: (Lets take a field trip): New iPad and education announcements2017: no event2016, Monday March 21: (Let us loop you in): iPad Pro, iPhone SE, and software updates2015, Monday March 9: (Spring Forward): Apple Watch, a new MacBook, and iOS 8.22014: no event2013: no event2012, Wednesday March 7: (We have something you really have to see. And touch): 3rd-gen Apple TV and 3rd-gen iPadWhat happens at an Apple event?Like most tech-company launch events, it will feature both fluff and substance. Expect some tedious bragging at the beginning; this may cover such topics as operating system adoption rates, hardware customer reviews, and eco-friendly manufacturing policies. But Apple wouldnt hold an event if there wasnt something worth hearing, and we should get into proper announcements within 10 minutes or so.Generally, you can expect multiple separate announcements at an Apple event.

Scammers are continuing to bring scam apps to the App Store, with the latest discovery being a fake port for the popular game "Baldur's Gate 3."Baldurs Gate 3 promo artwork - Image Credit: LarianThe popularity of major game releases can often lead to gamers hoping for a mobile release of the title in the future. However, this also opens the door to bad actors taking advantage of the situation.Baldur's Gate 3 is a massive AAA release, but Larian Studios has no plans to bring the role-playing blockbuster to mobile at all. However, Videogamer reports there's a scam app in the App Store that preys on the game's fans. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Rebellion's award-winning tactical shooter, "Sniper Elite 4" is now available on select iPhone, iPad, and Mac devices.Sniper Elite 4 | Image Credit: RebellionThe World War II sniper experience takes the player to 1943 Italy. Playing as Karl Fairburne, they must use an array of authentic weaponry to defeat a new Nazi threat.The game is best known for its "X-ray Kill Camera," which shows an internal view of enemies as they are hit by bullets. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

The Screen Actors Guild has announced its award nominations for 2025, with Apple TV+ getting all of its nods for the thriller "Slow Horses," and the comedy "Shrinking."Gary Oldman in "Slow Horses" image credit: Apple TV+In 2024, Apple TV+ scored 11 SAG-AFTRA nominations, led chiefly by "Ted Lasso." For the new 31st Screen Actors Guild Awards, it's received four nominations, all for just two shows.Gary Oldman is nominated as Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series for his role in "Slow Horses." He's competing against Eddie Redmayne for Sky/Universal's "The Day of the Jackal," Jeff Bridges for FX's "The Old Man," and both Tadanobu Asano and Hiroyuki Sanada for "Shogun." Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

A new project from the Vienna-basedDelugan Meissl Associated Architects (DMAA) in China combining net-zero design and a shifted zeitgeist that favors natures re-introduction into the built environment of cities has debuted in China's largest metropolis.Photo: CreatARLocated on a former industrial site that had been used previously as part of the Expo 2010 exhibition in Shanghai, the new Expo Cultural Park Greenhouse offers three distinct climactic pavilions connected via an overhead terrace and serviced by an adjacent pool with PV panels buried underneath.Photo: CreatARThe project's total construction covers 340.000 square meters (or 3.7 million square feet) with a total gross surface area equal to 41,000 square meters (441,000 square feet) and cost approximately $309 million to complete from 2020 to September 2024.Photo: CreatARThe use of single-glazing and operable windows in the perforated roof allows for natural ventilation while reducing the amount of heat loss in ea...

While Assassins Creed Mirage garnered praise for its stealth and parkour mechanics, Assassins Creed Shadows is evolving in pretty impressive ways. In a new blog post, associate game director Simon Lemay-Comtois outlined the various changes coming with the sequel, including unclimbable surfaces.Firstly, dodge and crouch have swapped buttons since the latter plays into the new prone stance. As for the former, its now merged with parkour to afford all kinds of new moves.In Shadows, dodge has been merged with parkour down mechanics, which unlocks a whole bunch of new parkour moves. This new mapping also disconnects stance-switch (e.g. standing, crouching, prone) from parkour, ensuring you can use any stances without accidentally going down a rooftop when you dont want to, said Lemay-Comtois.While Parkour Up and Parkour Down remain, Naoe can dodge near a ledge to flip off or sprint dodge to leap over rails and crates (or even out of windows). Automated Passovers over small hurdles are possible while sprinting, but sprint dodging offers more damage resistance.Perhaps one of the cooler techniques is dodging while prone, allowing her to roll out of cover and assassinate enemies. If you dodge backwards on a ledge, Naoe will back flip and land noiselessly. Theres much more to glean, including the grappling hook mechanics, like swapping between vertical ascent and horizontal swinging and ejecting off walls while wall running.Launching on February 14th, Assassins Creed Shadows will be available for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC. It wont feature a Season Pass model with the first expansion available free to all who pre-order.

Ubisoft recently released a detailed blog about parkour in Assassins Creed Shadows, showcasing many different maneuvers (many befitting Naoe, the fastest Assassin created yet). However, associate game director Simon Lemay-Comtois also revealed an intriguing fact: Not every surface is climbable.Its a departure from previous action RPG titles and more in line with 2023s Assassins Creed Mirage. Lemay-Comtois said this is a pretty big deal for the team, and it meant being more thoughtful about creating interesting parkour highways and afforded us more control about where Naoe can go and where Yasuke cant, making our two playstyles even more contrasted.For those freaking out about having to gasp think when climbing, he reassures many of the surfaces are still climbable (the grappling hook assists with this). However, searching for valid entry points sounds more challenging than recent mainline titles, which is a good thing. After all, Mirage received significant praise for its parkour mechanics.Assassins Creed Shadows launches on February 14th for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC. The main story is comparable in length to Assassins Creed Origins, Odyssey, and Valhalla. Head here for more details on the combat for both characters.

With 65.5 million lifetime shipments, the PS5 is already one of the most successful consoles of all time. And while Sony is in a far better position nowadays when compared to its lowest lows, its still no stranger to failure, accidental or intentional. Check out some of PlayStations biggest fails over the years, many occurring in 2024.Mandatory PSN Linking for Helldivers 2 on PCWhen Helldivers 2 was riding high, there was a small bit about how PC players had to link their PSN accounts on Steam. It was optional at the timeuntil it wasnt and Sony forced the requirement for the sake of security. It spurred exceptional backlash, with the co-op shooters Steam rating dipping into Mostly Negative territory until Sony backtracked (but not before Helldivers 2 was removed from further sale on PC in dozens of regions worldwide). Surely, Sony had learned its lesson and wouldnt attempt this again, right?

The eruption at Zavaritskii volcano created a nearly two-mile-wide caldera with layers of red, black and white from previous eruptive deposits. Oleg DirksenIn the summer of 1831, an enormous volcanic eruption spewed sulfur gas into Earths atmosphere. The particles scattered sunlight, making our star appear green, purple and blue. Its rays struggled to reach the planets surface, leading crops to fail and famines to spread. In the Northern Hemisphere, temperatures dropped by 1 degree Celsius.That year, German composer Felix Mendelssohn traveled through the Alps on the way home from a sojourn in Italy. Though it was summer, he wrote that it is as cold as in winter, there is already deep snow on the nearest hills.The blast that caused this darkness and cold was one of the largest volcanic eruptions of the 19th century, a brutal event toward the end of the Little Ice Age. But for nearly 200 years, scientists havent been sure exactly which volcano was responsible for the major climatic disruption.Now, a study published last week in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences pins the blame on Zavaritskii caldera, an extremely remote volcano on Simushir Island in the Kuril archipelago, a disputed territory between Russia and Japan.For many of Earths volcanoes, particularly those in remote areas, we have a very poor understanding of their eruptive history, study lead author Will Hutchison, a volcanologist at the University of St Andrews in Scotland, tells Mindy Weisberger of CNN. No one lives on Simushir Island, once home to a Soviet submarine base, Hutchison explains, and written sources of the islands history, which usually offer a helpful guide for tracking past volcanic activity, are limited to a handful of diaries from ships that passed these islands every few years.As a result, Zavaritskii was a thoroughly unknown candidate for the so-called mystery volcano.Previous theories about the eruption indicated its source was much closer to the equator, and the Babuyan Claro volcano in the Philippines had been considered a leading candidate. This eruption had global climatic impacts but was wrongly attributed to a tropical volcano for a long time period, Stefan Brnnimann, a climatologist at the University of Bern in Switzerland who was unaffiliated with the study, tells CNN. Simushir Island is uninhabited now, though it was once home to a Soviet submarine base. Oleg DirksenHutchison and his team homed in on Zavaritskii after determining that ice cores from Greenland contained 6.5 times more sulfur fallout around 1831 than comparable samples from Antarctica. That meant the eruption likely took place in the Northern Hemisphere.The Greenland ice cores included ash layers and microscopic volcanic glassshards roughly one-tenth the diameter of a human hair, Hutchison says in a statement. Chemical analyses of these tiny remains matched best with existing data from Japan and the Kuril Islands. But an explosion of this magnitudereleasing around 13 million metric tons of sulfur into the atmosphere, per the studycould not have gone unnoticed in densely populated Japan.That left the Kuril Islands as the most likely culpritjust near enough to obliterate Japanese crops and just far enough to remain unobserved. From there, they needed to find ash and glass from a local volcano with a chemical signature that matched the one seen in Greenland.Finding the match took a long time and required extensive collaboration with colleagues from Japan and Russia, who sent us samples collected from these remote volcanoes decades ago, Hutchison adds in the statement.He likens the work to crime scene forensics, calling the breakthrough when his team found a perfect fingerprint match between the Zavaritskii and Greenland ash samples a genuine eureka moment.It was really a terrific day, Hutchison tells Live Sciences Patrick Pester. One of the best days Ive ever had in the lab.The team used radiocarbon dating to pinpoint the timeline of the volcanic ash on Simushir Island, and they took sulfur isotope readings and physical measurements of the volcanos caldera. These data confirmed the match, leaving Zavaritskii the prime candidate for the seminal 1831 eruption, according to the study.Brnnimann concurs with the research groups findings, telling CNN that the research now shows that the eruption took place on the Kurils, not in the tropics.Hutchison, for his part, remains amazed that such a massive, significant eruption could go unrecorded.Perhaps there are reports of ash fall or atmospheric phenomena occurring in 1831 that reside in a dusty corner of a library in Russia or Japan, he tells CNN. The follow-up work to delve into these records really excites me.Today, with our satellites and sensitive seismic monitors, a similar eruption would likely not be a mystery for long. But many remote volcanoes do not have instruments monitoring their activity. This work shows how difficult it will be to predict when and where the next large magnitude eruption might come, Hutchison tells Aristos Georgiou of Newsweek.And the impacts of such a large eruption might be just as dire, if 1831 is any guide. It might lead to sparse sunlight, altered rainfall and dropping global temperatures, which would put stress on the food supply.There are so many volcanoes like this, Hutchison adds in the statement. As scientists and as a society, we need to consider how to coordinate an international response when the next large eruption, like the one in 1831, happens.Get the latest stories in your inbox every weekday.Filed Under: Earth's Crust, Earth's Mantle, evolving climate, Geology, History, Japan, New Research, Russia , Volcanoes, Weather

Phi-4 demonstrates that smaller, well-designed models can achieve comparable or superior results compared with larger models.Read More