This week on AI: Apple readies new iPads & AirPods, AirPlay 2 goes MIA, HomePod vs. Sonos & more

By Roger Fingas

Top stories included an imminent iPad refresh, Apple plans to buy a battery ingredient directly from miners, and word that updated AirPods could be ready later this year.

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A roundup of all of our hottest stories this week:

Apple international regulatory filings hint that two new iPad models are imminentApple reportedly in talks to buy cobalt, key Li-ion battery ingredient, directly from minersApple said to be upgrading AirPods with 'Hey Siri' & better water resistanceApple issues iOS, macOS, watchOS and tvOS updates with fix for Indian character bugAirPlay 2 disappears from newest iOS 11.3 & tvOS 11.3 betasApple repair facility in California made about 1,600 false alarm 911 calls since OctoberVideo: Apple HomePod vs. Sonos OneFCC net neutrality protections to expire on Apr. 23 without interventionNew video shows drone crashing onto roof at Apple ParkVideo: Apple HomePod vs. Google Home MaxIntel failed to disclose Meltdown and Spectre to government until flaws made public, Apple and others confirmApple's AirPower mat inches closer to release, again said to arrive in MarchFrench court denies Apple injunction against tax protests