Virtual assistant and chatbot by Apple, embedded in iOS and beyond
Apple has unveiled Siri AI and expanded Apple Intelligence at WWDC, promising a conversational assistant that uses personal device data and Google-powered foundation models. The company has said Siri AI will enter beta this summer with a public fall release, but regulators in the EU and China will delay availability there. Apple has emphasised privacy and private cloud compute in its rollout.
Apple has showcased a revamp of Siri and Apple Intelligence, with a focus on AI integration across devices. Tim Cook has outlined leadership in consumer AI as developers and partners prepare for broader app support and monetization strategies.
The European Commission is insisting on interoperability under the DMA, directing Apple to allow competing AI assistants to access user data. Apple has argued this would jeopardize privacy and security, delaying the EU release of Siri AI while Mac users may still access it. Regulators say no exemptions are allowed, and the dispute continues.
Google is rolling out the promised Play Store fee reductions and external payment options in Europe, the UK, and the US, as part of its Epic settlement. Android 17 begins a staged rollout on Pixel devices, bringing multitasking bubbles, foldable gaming mode, and Gemini/AI features, with broader release planned via Pixel Drops and Wear OS updates.
Prime Day discounts have slashed prices on Apple Watch SE 3, Series 11, and Ultra 3. The SE 3 gains major upgrades, while the Series 11 and Ultra 3 offer advanced health features and outdoor durability. Deals vary by model, with continued price drops through the event.
Major device makers have raised prices and warned consumers after memory and storage costs have surged because AI data‑centre buildouts are buying up DRAM and flash. Apple has increased Mac and iPad prices; Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo have signalled or implemented console and hardware hikes. Analysts say shortages will persist into 2027.
Apple has filed a federal lawsuit accusing OpenAI, its hardware arm io Products and two former Apple engineers of misappropriating confidential hardware designs, supplier details and manufacturing techniques to speed OpenAI’s push into consumer devices. Apple has asked the court for injunctions, return of materials and unspecified damages.
Apple has overtaken Nvidia to claim the world’s most valuable company title again, after Nvidia’s market value declined by 3.5%. Apple sits at about $4.88 trillion while Nvidia hovers near $4.86 trillion. The shift marks a rare reordering in the AI-driven market, with Apple leveraging a refreshed Siri and services strategy as CEO Tim Cook prepares to hand over the reins later this year.
Apple has begun a quiet re-indexing process as it rolls out a beta of iOS 26.6 ahead of iOS 27. The upgrade includes bug fixes, security updates, and a redesigned Siri AI that can search through personal data using on-device AI. Early beta feedback notes longer indexing times and potential impact on battery life, with the real Siri AI expected to be ready when iOS 27 lands this September.
Apple has launched Apple Upgrade, a lease-to-own program through Klarna, allowing customers to lease iPhones, Watches, Macs, and iPads for 12–36 months with upgrade, return, or purchase options at term end. The move aligns with rising device prices and longer replacement cycles, aiming to keep customers in Apple’s ecosystem. Pricing starts at $17.99/month for iPhone and scales by device and term.
Chipmakers slump after a surge in AI-related spending, as investors question whether the AI boom is sustainable. Major players warn that market exuberance could ease as demand levels off and China expands its own chip capabilities.
Tech giants are pouring billions into AI infrastructure and tools, but investors remain unconvinced that revenue will materialize soon. Meta’s heavy AI investment coincides with a stock pullback, while Microsoft reports stronger returns, signaling a split in the industry’s immediate financial outcomes.
Apple reports strong revenue but warns that AI-driven memory shortages are tightening supply chains, forcing scrambling for chips and raising prices. Tim Cook signals on-device AI and a future Siri rollout as the company navigates memory costs and component constraints.
Apple has confirmed a September showcase focused on its high-end iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, with an all-new Ultra foldable expected. The base iPhone 18 will be delayed to spring 2027, while updates to AirPods and potential price adjustments are under discussion as supply- and component-cost pressures mount.
Apple has reported stronger-than-expected Q3 results but warns memory-chip pricing has squeezed margins. The company forecasts 9%-11% revenue growth for the current quarter, below Wall Street expectations of about 12%. Tim Cook is preparing to hand over to John Ternus, with investors watching for supply constraints relief and potential iPhone price moves.
OpenAI has rejected Apple’s trade secrets allegations, arguing that Apple’s own security practices weaken the claim. The filings, published this week, argue that former Apple employees joined OpenAI to pursue innovative AI work, not to steal confidential information. The case continues as both sides prepare for further court action.
The Google Pixel Watch 5 has been unveiled with blood-pressure trend tracking, insulin-resistance monitoring, a faster processor and new health features. The device, paired with Gemini Intelligence and Google Health Coach, offers minute-by-minute sleep analysis and customizable HIIT workouts. Several Pixel devices also highlight new camera and display improvements across the Pixel 11 line.
Google has unveiled a new Pixel 11 lineup featuring Gemini AI across devices, including Live Transcribe for ASL, Rambler voice transcription, Circle to Search in-camera, and a pro/fold variant lineup with expanded storage and higher prices. New camera and accessibility features aim to showcase AI-driven task automation and smarter interfaces.
OpenAI has added an Apple Messages plugin to ChatGPT for Mac that can read, search, summarise, draft and send iMessages. The feature is optional, runs on the desktop app and requires user permission; OpenAI says processing happens locally on the Mac but privacy experts, Apple’s on-device privacy stance and some users have raised concerns about message access and authenticity.
Apple has announced new Mac Mini and Mac Studio devices powered by the M6 family, including the base M6, M5 Max, and M5 Ultra, delivering stronger CPU/GPU performance, faster AI on-device workloads, and higher connectivity, with prices rising and release timelines starting this September.