Virtual assistant and chatbot by Apple, embedded in iOS and beyond
AI personal agents are moving from niche tools to everyday helpers. Meta’s Muse and Instinct have launched with access to emails, calendars and payments, raising questions about privacy, data access, and pricing as they compete for consumer adoption.
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 high-end focus for its September event, with the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max as the main attractions and a foldable iPhone Ultra expected to be unveiled. The base iPhone 18 is delayed to spring 2027, while AirPods and other components face supply and price pressures.
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, delivering faster CPU/GPU performance and on-device AI capabilities. Prices rise and release timelines begin this September, with multiple configurations available from August 25 and shipments starting September 22.
Apple has accused OpenAI of stealing trade secrets; OpenAI contends Apple’s offboarding practices fuel the dispute. The case centers on former Apple employees who joined OpenAI and the handling of confidential information as both sides seek expedited judicial action.
Apple has announced the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, Apple Watch Series 12, and the iPhone Duo, marking its entry into foldables and boosting health metrics. AirPods 5 and AirPods 4 are highlighted in accompanying coverage, with pricing and preorder details noted.
Apple has unveiled the iPhone Duo, its first foldable iPhone, at the "Surprise and Shine" event. The passport-sized device opens to about a 7.6–7.8‑inch display, starts at $1,999, and will be available October 23. New CEO John Ternus led the keynote and positioned the Duo as a productivity device with a near‑invisible hinge and on‑device AI features.
Apple has unveiled Audio Intelligence features for the Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4, including Siri Recap and Live Rewind, to summarize conversations and replay the last 15 seconds. The tools stress privacy, storing no raw recordings and masking speakers, but raise concerns about ambient listening.
Apple has updated its AirPods lineup with the AirPods 5, introducing active noise cancellation across the base model and offering two options: a standard charging case at $129 and a wireless charging case at $149. Preorders are open, with in-store availability on September 18. Early reviews highlight improved sound, durability, and value.
Apple’s iOS 27 rolls out Siri AI, a redesigned assistant that uses on‑device data to answer questions, drafts messages, and interacts with apps. Access is via a waitlist and is limited by device and region. The update also brings performance boosts and stricter kid-safety tools.
Apple has announced updates to the Series 12 and Ultra 4 with health-sensing features, longer battery life, and a new chip powering Audio Intelligence. The changes position Apple as a serious health and wellness wearable against Garmin and Whoop, while sparking debate over audio-based features.
X Corp and SpaceXAI have moved to dismiss their lawsuit against Apple, citing a voluntary dismissal in federal court in Texas. The suit over alleged antitrust tying of ChatGPT to iPhone features is paused against Apple while claims against OpenAI persist. The matter remains unresolved as OpenAI faces ongoing litigation.
Apple is advancing its AI ambitions, with reports of an enterprise server in development and a redesigned Siri. The initiative aligns with growing demand for AI-ready hardware, while iOS 27 introduces an enhanced Siri that can access local data and is expanded to more languages.