Apple’s artificial intelligence lead, John Gianandrea, is departing the company. This decision comes as the Silicon Valley titan trails behind competitors in launching generative AI features, especially regarding the voice assistant Siri. Apple made the announcement on Monday, expressing gratitude for Mr. Gianandrea’s seven years of service.
CEO Tim Cook noted that his fellow executives played a crucial role in “building and advancing the company’s AI initiatives,” paving the way for continual innovation. Amar Subramanya, a seasoned AI researcher, will take over Gianandrea’s role.
In June 2024, Apple launched its significant AI product suite, Apple Intelligence, but it has been slow to integrate generative AI into its offerings compared to rivals like Google. While Apple has added features such as real-time language translation on its new AirPod earbuds—a capability Google introduced in 2017—and an AI-driven fitness app that uses AI-generated voices during workouts, substantial updates are still forthcoming.
The company has been hinting at AI-powered enhancements for Siri for over a year, yet the release has faced multiple delays.
“For Siri, we required additional time to achieve that high quality,” remarked Craig Federighi, Apple’s vice president of software engineering, during the company’s developer conference in June.
In a subsequent earnings call, Cook emphasized that Apple was “on track to create a more personalized Siri” with a launch targeted for the following year.
The appointment of Subramanya indicates a stronger focus on Apple’s AI strategy. Previously, he was Vice President of AI at Microsoft and spent 16 years at Google, where he led engineering for Gemini AI Assistant, recognized as a benchmark in the industry. Subramanya will report to Craig Federighi, who has expanded his involvement in the company’s AI initiatives in recent years.
On Monday, Cook shared that Federighi is “helping us advance our AI efforts, including overseeing our initiatives to deliver a personalized Siri experience to our users starting next year.” In their announcement, Apple stated that this marks a “new chapter” for the company as it “intensifies its efforts” in AI.
The iPhone Air represents a stunning blend of technology and design, prompting the question, “What sacrifices are you ready to make for an ultra-lightweight, sleek device?”
More than just a marvel of engineering, the Air signifies a minimalist approach, condensing the iPhone experience into a premium chassis with essential features.
By eliminating the rear camera, reducing battery size, and forgoing stereo speakers while maximizing screen real estate, what remains is a striking combination of titanium and glass.
The cost reflects this craftsmanship. Priced at £999 (€1,199/$999/AU$1,799), the iPhone Air sits between the standard iPhone 17 at £799 and the £1,099 17 Pro variant.
The sleek design is subtly disrupted by a raised camera lens, adding to the phone’s overall thickness of around 11.3mm, reminiscent of Google’s Pixel series. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
Images alone fail to showcase the Air’s beauty. Upon handling it, one immediately recognizes it as something unique. The slender 5.64 mm frame feels even lighter due to its rounded edges, making it 12 g lighter than the already featherweight iPhone 17.
The glass rear constitutes the majority of the phone’s structure, while the remainder houses the battery. Traditional iPhone buttons, including those for camera control and actions, line the sides. The top features only the ear speaker. While adequate, you’ll find the absence of stereo sound disappointing during video playback—especially since the 6.5-inch screen delivers a crisp and vibrant viewing experience.
Functionally, the Air operates like any contemporary iPhone. It features a glass-like aesthetic, runs iOS 26, offers all standard apps, includes Face ID, and boasts a highly responsive interface. However, it has a notable drawback: the iPhone Air lacks a nano SIM card tray, operating solely on eSim. In the U.S., Apple has only supported eSim since the iPhone 14, while earlier models sold in other regions included nano SIM slots.
The profiling of the phone’s edges is only marginally thicker than the buttons themselves. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
Most major networks in the UK now support eSim; however, experiences with setup and transitions between devices can vary, especially among budget providers. Mobile network companies must enhance their eSim services to ensure wider accessibility.
Specifications
Screen: 6.5 inch Super Retina XDR (120Hz OLED) (460ppi)
The Air takes approximately 105 minutes to charge fully, reaching 60% within 35 minutes using a 20W or higher USB-C power adapter (sold separately). Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
The Air is equipped with the same A19 Pro chip found in the iPhone 17 Pro, though it contains one less GPU core—resulting in somewhat slower performance during gaming and graphics-intensive activities. For routine tasks, it feels swift, yet the camera protrusions can cause it to warm up noticeably when under strain.
The reduced battery capacity marks a significant trade-off for the Air’s thin profile, despite much of the structure being allocated for the battery. Battery life is less than other iPhones, but surprisingly adequate. A moderate day with 5 hours of usage for browsing and video streaming on Wi-Fi saw the Air comfortably last 40 hours between charges.
A Qi2 or MagSafe magnetic wireless charger, like the Twelve South Power Bug, could significantly enhance daily usage of the Air. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
On more hectic days filled with photography, 5G navigation, music streaming, messaging, and videos, the Air maintained about 30 hours of life, ending the day with around 25% of the battery remaining. A full overnight charge should suffice for most daily demands, but those heavily into gaming or intense tasks might find themselves requiring low-power mode.
Sustainability
The sleek design of the Air includes a replaceable battery that may require changing after about 1,000 charge cycles. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
The Air comprises over 35% recycled materials, including aluminum, cobalt, gold, lithium, rare earth elements, steel, tin, titanium, and tungsten. Apple outlines the environmental implications of mobile devices in its annual report, and offers trade-in and complimentary recycling options, even for non-Apple products.
Camera
While functioning like other iPhone cameras, the Air is somewhat limited due to the absence of ultra-wide and telephoto options. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
The camera represents a significant compromise. It features a single 48MP camera at the back and an upgraded 18MP selfie camera at the front, using Center Stage technology from the iPhone 17 series.
The primary camera parallels that of the standard iPhone 17 rather than the larger sensor of the 17 Pro, yet it delivers commendable performance. It captures impressive photos and videos in good lighting and handles dim indoor environments reasonably well. At times the images may appear soft and grainy. While it doesn’t often win awards, it typically produces satisfactory photos. A 2x crop zoom is available, excellent for brightly lit scenes, but further zooming reveals the downsides of a digital zoom—textures and distant subjects tend to lose clarity.
The Air’s zoom capacity is satisfactory in bright conditions, but is prone to detail loss when focusing on further objects. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
The absence of ultra-wide and telephoto capabilities restricts creative options for photography. The only other iPhone model with a single rear camera is the more budget-friendly iPhone 16e.
The 18MP front camera dynamically pans and zooms to capture group shots, allowing you to take landscape selfies without rotating your device. This feature is particularly useful. Moreover, it enables simultaneous video recording from both the front and rear cameras, placing you in the frame within a small window.
Price
The iPhone Air starts at £999 (€1,199/$999/AU$1,799) and includes 256GB of storage.
For perspective, the iPhone 16e comes in at £599, the iPhone 17 at £799, the iPhone 17 Pro at £1,099, the 17 Pro Max at £1,199, and the Google Pixel 10 retails for £1,199. The Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge sells for £899 and the Fairphone 6 is priced at £899, with the Fairphone 6 available for £499.
Verdict
The iPhone Air is a notable design that effectively addresses a specific need. Many have wished that contemporary smartphones would focus on being thinner rather than just emphasizing battery life or camera quality.
The remarkably thin design feels distinctive at first, but the novelty quickly diminishes. Similar to Samsung’s equally slender Galaxy S25 Edge, the primary advantage lies in reducing weight, enhancing comfort during use and storage. Despite its expansive screen, the Air remains compact and easy to carry.
Battery longevity exceeds expectations; while it performs adequately on most days, it might not hold up as well over several years. Apple offers a smart MagSafe battery that can increase its capacity by an additional 65%. However, using it can compromise the device’s thin, lightweight advantages, as would placing it in a case.
A significant limitation is the sole rear camera; the absence of ultra-wide and telephoto features can be restricting for users who rely on their phones for photography.
If you’re an Apple enthusiast seeking a slim, eye-catching device that’s easy to maneuver, the iPhone Air is a remarkable option. Otherwise, there are alternatives that might be more suitable.
Pros: Ultra-thin and lightweight, excellent display, impressive single rear camera, enhanced center stage selfie camera, superior performance, long-term software updates, and Face ID.
Cons: Lacks ultra-wide and telephoto capabilities, high price point, comparatively short battery life, best suited for use without a case, and lacks cutting-edge AI features.
The iPhone Air is visually striking and offers a unique feel compared to other models in the iPhone lineup. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
Apple is set to unveil major software updates for the iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch this Monday, significantly altering the icons, lock screen, and overall system appearance, along with introducing features for compatible devices.
Unveiled during the company’s developer conference in June, iOS 26, iPadOS 26, watchOS 26, and macOS 26 Tahoe introduce a new liquid glass design, offering a softer, rounder look that enhances the overall user interface.
Here’s what you should know regarding the update:
When can I get it?
Updates for iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, and macOS typically become available around 6pm in the UK (1pm in New York and 3am in Sydney). Unlike other manufacturers, all eligible Apple devices can download and install these updates immediately upon release.
Which devices are supported?
All Apple smartphones starting from the 2019 iPhone 11 and newer can install iOS 26. The 2018 iPad Pro, 2019 iPad Air (3rd generation), iPad Mini (5th generation), and iPad (8th generation), along with all newer tablets, are also supported. Furthermore, iMacs from 2020, Mac Studios from 2022, and Mac Pros from 2019 onward can run macOS 26 Tahoe.
How can I install it?
To download, open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad, navigate to General > Software Updates. If available, tap on Install, confirm, restart, and exit. You can also update using a Windows computer via iTunes or the Mac app.
For watchOS 26, ensure that your iPhone 11 or later is running iOS 26. Then, open the Watch app on your phone and go to General > Software Updates to start the installation. Ensure your smartwatch is on the charger to complete the update.
On your Mac, update through System Settings, going to General > Software Update.
What is the cost?
Apple updates are free of charge. If prompted to pay for an update, it is likely a scam.
What happened to iOS 19-25?
Apple has adopted a new year-based naming format for its software updates. Thus, iOS versions 18 and earlier released between September 2024 and 2025 are now replaced by iOS 26 and subsequent versions from 2025-2026. This is akin to sports season naming conventions.
Liquid glass design
Each operating system now sports a cohesive translucent design, reminiscent of frosted glass bubbles overlaid on a flat background, providing depth to your iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad, and Mac, influenced by the Vision Pro headset. Buttons, menus, icons, and notification banners are shiny and responsive, enabling translucence with wallpapers and content below them.
iOS 26
The liquid glass aesthetic on the home screen and icons is one of the most significant changes in iOS history. Composite: Apple
The liquid glass redesign alters the shape and appearance of home screen icons and widgets. Alongside redefined app icons, you have the option to make them translucent in color.
Notifications and other elements now bounce from the top of the screen. A widget appears on the bottom of the lock screen that dynamically scales the clock size based on the number of notifications displayed.
Dynamic and concealed buttons
Buttons will condense when not engaged. For instance, the camera app has been optimized to conceal extra modes behind sliders or larger pop-up menus. Safari’s address bar and navigation buttons shrink into a small button at the bottom while scrolling. You can access tabs and controls by swiping up or tapping the 3-dot button.
Easier spam filtering
Enhanced spam filtering is integrated into the phone and messaging applications. Composite: Apple
The phone app can automatically screen calls from unknown numbers by answering and asking why they are calling before your iPhone notifies you. Messages will screen texts from new senders to detect spam, organizing them into separate inboxes. The phone app also allows you to hold while waiting for customer service representatives.
Both the phone app, FaceTime, and Messages now feature live translation capabilities.
Game Center App
The new gaming app acts as a centralized hub on your iPhone, featuring a game library that showcases what your friends are playing, replacing the Arcade for tracking achievements, competitions, and gaming events.
iPadOS 26
iPadOS 26 features a significant upgrade for multitasking, aligning more closely with macOS. Composite: Apple
iPadOS shares the new visual redesign with the iPhone, featuring clear icons and hidden buttons. More importantly, it introduces an innovative multitasking feature tailored for users utilizing iPads as laptop substitutes.
Mac-like menu bar and full windowing
The familiar macOS menu bar is now available on the iPad. Composite: Apple
A key addition for the iPad is the introduction of the Mac-like menu bar and window management features. You can swipe down from the center at the top of the app screen to access a menu bar containing various functionalities including settings, files, views, and more as on a Mac.
It features the classic red, yellow, and green three-dot menu allowing you to close, minimize, and resize windows. Holding the button reveals tiling and movement options similar to macOS, or you can manually resize windows to your desired size. Swipe to expose, flick left or right to snap apps to the sides, or flick to make an app full-screen.
You can easily open and overlap multiple windows, tile them side by side, or transform your home screen into a desktop interface akin to a Mac.
Preview and Files Apps
The Files app has been enhanced to streamline document and file management on your iPad. You can designate a default app for certain file types, similar to a computer setup. Specific folders like Downloads and Documents can now be directly added to the dock for easier access.
The Preview app from Mac is now on your iPad, allowing the viewing, editing, and annotation of PDFs, images, and more with Apple Pencil.
watchOS 26
watchOS 26 enhances your fitness experience and includes many features from iOS 26. Composite: Apple
The liquid glass design of the iPhone is even more prominent on the Apple Watch, featuring notification bubbles overlaying the Watch Face, floating buttons within apps, and smart widget stacks for a softer aesthetics.
Workout Companion
Apple’s new Fitness for Fitness chatbot, named Workout Buddy, provides ongoing conversation and motivation during workouts similar to the guidance offered by an Apple Fitness+ Coach. It marks significant training achievements, such as reaching specific milestones or pacing goals and summarizes your workout afterward. This feature requires Bluetooth headphones connected to the watch and an iPhone 15 Pro or later nearby.
Sleep Score and Hypertension Alerts
The sleep app calculates a sleep score every morning, giving you an overview of your rest quality. For Series 9 or Ultra 2 and newer watches, a blood pressure monitoring feature will alert you if hypertension signs are detected over the past 30 days.
Wrist Flick
Apple has introduced innovative gestures to the touch-free capabilities of the new Watch. A simple wrist flick away from you will reject notifications, alarms, and alerts. Additionally, double-tap gestures offer an easy way to dismiss things or interact with the watch without touch.
New Watch Faces
A selection of new and improved watch faces is included with watchOS 26. Composite: Samuel Gibbs/Guardian
Three new clock faces have been introduced. Flow features a large digital display that utilizes a liquid glass design, changing colors in response to movement. Exactograph separates hours, minutes, and seconds into distinct analog dials available in various styles. Ultra-exclusive waypoints surround the time with live compasses pointing to landmarks and significant locations. Additionally, revamped photo faces feature floating numbers.
macOS 26 Tahoe
macOS 26 Tahoe incorporates the same liquid glass design elements as the other updates. Composite: Apple
macOS receives a majority of the new features and design updates seen in iOS and iPadOS, including rounded window corners and glass-like design elements.
Phone App
The Phone app allows you to initiate and manage calls seamlessly. Composite: Apple
Apple enhances the Phone app on Mac, enabling calls through Wi-Fi and connected iPhones. It shows recent calls, voicemail, contacts, includes new call screening features, and maintains iPhone assist functionality.
Live activities, such as sports scores and streaming updates, are now visible in the Mac’s menu bar.
Spotlight
Actions have been incorporated into the Spotlight search system. This allows you to send messages and emails, generate notes, and set reminders, all directly from the search bar. You can filter files by type, group them, find documentation from third-party cloud services, and explore apps, files, clipboard history, and other content instead of using traditional search methods.
Back in 2005, there was nothing quite as satisfying as closing a clamshell flip phone to end a call.
Now, two decades later, these devices are making a comeback, with rumors suggesting that Apple is developing its first flip phone.
Details remain scarce regarding its design, but it may take inspiration from Samsung’s flip models reminiscent of 2000s clamshell phones.
According to a JPMorgan report, the initial foldable iPhone is set to launch at a price point of $1,999 (£1,474) in September 2026, indicating a likely expansion in the foldable phone market, projected to hit 109 million units by 2025.
For the past 15 years, rectangular tablets have dominated phone design, raising the question: could Apple’s foray into flip phones signify a shift in direction?
Tech analysts suggest that the introduction of a new product reflects consumer demand for devices that offer extensive internet access on mobile phones rather than laptops or tablets. However, the premium pricing indicates these will remain luxury items.
“Apple and its competitors are constrained by a smartphone market that has lost its innovative edge. While essential for daily life, consumers are less excited about the next breakthrough,” remarked an industry expert.
This might explain why Apple is exploring fresh design concepts, such as the ultra-thin iPhone expected to debut in September.
Wood believes Apple’s entry into the foldable segment comes after competitors conducted their own experiments. Samsung’s initial Galaxy folding design faced screen issues, yet the upcoming Galaxy Flip and Fold 7 release boasts a sleeker design and enhanced display, aiming to represent the “next generation” of folding devices, especially following sales stagnation anticipated in 2024.
“Apple typically approaches developments carefully, focusing on refinement and reliability rather than rushing to market,” Wood noted.
He added that Samsung’s flip phone has garnered greater popularity than its fold model, owing to its affordability and unique attributes.
However, he believes Apple’s foray into foldable mini tablets may have a significant impact by enabling users to easily watch videos, view photos, and utilize larger display areas for document viewing while working remotely.
Margarita Panaioto, a high-tech researcher at the University of Manchester, pointed out that research indicates a preference for larger screens among users for gaming and viewing, combined with the trend of younger individuals using smartphones to go online. This suggests that foldable designs could serve as ideal compromises for future consumers.
Professor Ben Carter, who examines the societal impact of smartphones at King’s College London, concurred that foldable phones excel in video consumption, especially as video increasingly dominates content consumption. They provide larger screens, thereby enhancing the viewing experience.
He posited that a design reminiscent of a “mini laptop that can fold” could yield mental health benefits. His research shows that minimizing notifications effectively combats screen time and smartphone dependency.
If the screen is closed, the “Variable Reward Scheme” associated with notifications is also shut down. This similarly applies to gambling addiction, which thrives on uncertainty. “If we can reduce distractions like a laptop, that could help,” he stated, though he acknowledged the absence of evidence showing foldable phones are being used that way.
Such an approach might be particularly advantageous for children, who typically receive over 200 notifications daily. Nevertheless, due to the high costs of foldable phones, it’s unlikely many will be accessible to them until parents transition to the indirect model a few years after launch.
Professor David Ellis, chair of Behavioral Sciences at the University of Bath, added that additional benefits include improved screen protection and compact fit in pockets, alongside the “nostalgia associated with flip phones.”
However, he cautioned that it may not be the transformative product many anticipate, noting that Apple does not have a “100% success rate” — citing the Vision Pro headset as a notable failure.
Donald Trump praised Apple for its pledge to boost its investment in U.S. manufacturing by an additional $100 billion over the next four years.
Apple’s commitment to increasing its domestic investments comes as it seeks to circumvent the tariffs threatened by Trump. During a May revenue call, CEO Tim Cook cautioned that tariffs could lead to losses of up to $900 million in that fiscal quarter alone.
Cook mentioned that many components of the iPhone, such as glass, semiconductors, and Face ID modules, are already produced domestically. However, he noted that final assembly will remain overseas for the time being. Previously, he stated that this new investment would involve collaboration with ten companies across the U.S. that manufacture components for Apple products.
Apple previously announced a plan to invest $500 million domestically, which has now increased to $600 million. The company also intends to hire 20,000 workers in the U.S. over the next four years.
Recently, Trump has vocally criticized tech companies, with Cook pursuing a strategy to shift iPhone production to India to evade tariffs imposed by the Republican administration on China. On the same day the White House made its announcement, Trump raised U.S. tariffs on India from 25% to 50%.
While in Qatar earlier this year, Trump mentioned a “slight problem” with Apple during a conversation with Cook, indicating he didn’t want production to move to India.
India has incurred the president’s ire lately as he ordered an additional 25% tariff on the country, citing its use of Russian oil. This new import tax, set to be implemented over 21 days, could elevate total tariffs on Indian goods to 50%.
According to Reuters, Apple tried to preempt Indian tariffs in April by exporting as many as 1.5 million iPhones from the country to the U.S.
The iPhone is composed of parts sourced from multiple countries, with final assembly primarily taking place in China, making the company particularly vulnerable to Trump’s tariffs. A shift of production to the U.S. could significantly increase costs, as many analysts regard American-made iPhones as a pipe dream while Apple navigates the uncertain waters of Trump’s trade war.
Apple’s announcement of increased investment aims to enhance supply chains and advanced manufacturing capabilities within the United States.
This latest pledge from Apple comes shortly after the company signed a $500 million contract with MP Materials, which operates the only rare earth mine in the U.S. This deal allows MP Materials to expand its Texas facility and utilize recycled materials to manufacture magnets vital for the iPhone.
During the recent investor call, Cook highlighted the various components produced in the U.S., such as glass displays and facial recognition modules, and indicated that there are plans to scale up production for additional components within the country.
“We’re doing more here, with about 1.9 billion chips now being produced in the U.S. We’re making progress,” Cook stated last week without going into further details.
Despite investors’ concerns regarding impending tariffs and a slowdown in adopting artificial intelligence, Apple’s latest revenue report indicates strong iPhone sales, surpassing Wall Street expectations year over year. Following news of Trump’s announcement, Apple’s stock, which had dropped significantly earlier this year, jumped over 5% on Wednesday.
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Running offers a thrilling aspect of immersive Sims. Games like Thief and Strange immerse players in a dynamic world filled with navigable emails and notes.
One could argue that the essence of this genre is embodied by every character you’ve longed for, monstrous figures towering hundreds of feet above while watching your every move. Fortunately, the latest release from Russian developers Tallboys addresses this gap. In Militsioner, you’re apprehended for an ambiguous offense and must escape the city swiftly. Will you cover the getaway on the Railway? Or perhaps shatter a window for distraction? These are classic tactics in immersive sims. Unfortunately, a policeman stands in your way. Even seated serenely, he looms as a melancholic yet vigilant giant over the ravaged urban sprawl.
“A new dimension to storytelling”…Miritty Honor. Photo: Tallboys Game
This formidable figure embodies a military presence. He could either be a target to undermine or a distraction, radiating a visual glow that clearly sets this game apart as a unique immersive journey. Director and game designer Dmitry Shevchenko of Tallboys reveals that the project took shape six months before the police made their entrance.
“I remember an interview regarding the development of Thief: The Dark Project,” shares Shevchenko. “We were captivated by the concept of granting players a definitive role or profession, which resonated with our vision. Around the same time, we also considered giants as a central theme.”
These concepts coalesced when Shevchenko recalled a digital artwork by Russian artist Andrei Snov depicting a colossal traffic cop outdoors. “It resonated perfectly,” Shevchenko laughs. “The image encapsulated the player’s role and their antagonists quite well: the criminals and the police.”
Cruel dystopia…Mirity Honor Photo: Tallboys Game
Following that revelation, the portrayal of other militarized characters fell into place swiftly. The game delves into a harsh, totalitarian landscape that engages with a relentless systemic control over individuals. Yet it also weaves in a more personal and intimate narrative strand. Is it unlawful to offer apples as bribes to towering police officers? Is attempting to pursue a romantic interest considered illegal?
To differentiate elements, Militsioner employs a unique system to track the internal worlds of non-player characters. “We are adhering to classic immersive Sim mechanics, where players can engage through dialogue, stealth, or combat,” explains Shevchenko, suggesting that emotional states will introduce an additional layer inspired by The Sims. “The emotional state of a character will be crucial to the gameplay,” he emphasizes.
For instance, you may trigger panic if you sneak into someone’s home and are discovered. This will alter your dialogue options and interactions. “Such an approach creates an intricately interconnected web of reactions, enhancing problem-solving and narrative depth,” asserts Shevchenko.
This complex system is augmented by rigorous player testing. During this phase, the Tallboys team investigates player actions and their choices. The notion of dating police officers emerged from this feedback. “Players expressed interest in exploring that relational dynamic,” says Shevchenko.
Milichoiner, developed by a Russian team reflecting on the Ukrainian invasion, is profoundly political and subtly literary. Shevchenko cites influences from Kafka, along with notable figures like the Strugatsky Brothers, famed for their dystopian tales in “Roadside Picnic.” “I continuously strive to evoke the emotions present in their works,” says Shevchenko. “Their ability to depict abstract settings and character sketches, particularly the surreal images of society and its systems, is what I admire.”
Additionally, echoes of Nikolai Gogol can be felt in the narrative, exploring power structures through imaginative and extraordinary gameplay. His anti-heroes navigate a world populated by gigantic police officers, including a man whose nose aspires to a higher social rank, and another who seeks riches by exploiting deceased serfs.
Greetings and welcome to TechScape. In this week’s edition: Apple faces challenges on several fronts, OpenAI is ramping up its ambitions, and Trump is alienating some of his supporters through cryptocurrency ventures.
Apple Grasped in Three Challenges: Tariffs, AI, and Fortnite
Once unassailable, Apple has begun to reveal vulnerabilities. CEO Tim Cook struggles to address the tariff threats that could inflate iPhone prices. The AI capabilities offered by Apple lag behind those of its competitors. Moreover, the company continues to face legal difficulties with Fortnite, losing ground in a high-stakes battle that has significant implications.
On Friday, the President issued a warning regarding a 25% tariff on iPhones not produced in the U.S. Trump stated: “I have informed Tim Cook of Apple that I expect iPhones sold in the U.S. to be manufactured and assembled domestically, not in India.”
A significant majority of iPhones are assembled in China, with Trump enforcing a 145% tariff on exports. Cook, enjoying an exemption from these tariffs, mentioned in a recent earnings call that most iPhones sold in the U.S. next quarter will originate from India, presumably aiming to ease political tensions between China and the U.S.; however, it seems his strategy is falling short.
Cook opted not to join Trump on a recent trip to the Middle East, a decision that reportedly irritated the president. New York Times. Trump notably remarked that Cook was conspicuously absent among high-tech executives during his speech in Riyadh, indicating that Cook’s absence could have costly ramifications for Apple.
Domestically, Apple faces scrutiny over its prolonged efforts to weave generative artificial intelligence into its products. Currently, Apple holds over half the market share for smartphones in the U.S., yet its AI offerings fall short of the competition. For instance, Apple’s struggles with Siri remain evident as it frequently fails to play the desired song, rendering Google’s Assistant far more appealing. Create a podcast that captures intriguing aspects from Wikipedia, easily overshadowing Apple’s efforts.
Discover more about Trump’s tariff threats.
At its 2024 annual developer conference, Apple unveiled plans for its Apple Intelligence features. Summary of failed notifications. An insider spoke to the media regarding internal disarray within Apple’s AI division; this is striking for a company that prides itself on its confidentiality. Competing firms are ecstatic with their new flagship phones, leveraging AI capabilities that Apple cannot match. Siri remains nearly as incompetent as it was 15 years ago, and while the Vision Pro isn’t an AI solution, its poor performance tarnishes Apple’s reputation.
Legally, Apple continues to face setbacks in its litigation against Epic Games, the developer behind Fortnite, portraying itself as a beleaguered player in the tech industry. In late April, a U.S. federal judge revealed that Apple, despite circumventing orders, was infringing on regulations by failing to allow developers to link to alternative payment methods. The judge accused Apple’s top executive of “lying under oath.”
Photo: DadoRuvić/Reuters
Fortnite has made a comeback on the App Store five years after its ban, with Epic allowed to sidestep Apple’s 15% to 30% commission. While Fortnite is a popular title, it does not represent the majority of Apple’s overall App Store revenue. This legal outcome may weaken Apple’s once-tight control over its software ecosystem, allowing developers to better navigate payment options outside of the app, posing a significant threat to Apple’s digital services revenue.
Learn more about Fortnite’s responses.
Bloomberg released a report on Monday, revealing that Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg is questioning whether his early support of Trump was beneficial. While this is a valid inquiry, it appears that Zuckerberg has maintained control over his digital empire without yielding to the second-term president. He has neglected his company’s diversity and equity initiatives, potentially paying the price for Trump’s volatility. The chef should ponder the return on his $1 million donation to Trump’s inauguration, as he seems to be dancing on a razor’s edge while avoiding bullets aimed at his feet.
OpenAI’s Expansive Week Beyond ChatGPT
Jony Ive and Sam Altman. Composite: Getty Images
This week, OpenAI secured two multi-billion dollar deals as it strives to expand beyond ChatGPT. Comparatively, its major rivals were preoccupied with launching a new version of their flagship model, Claude. While some may find this lack of product releases concerning, I’d argue it’s crucial for staying competitive against behemoths like Google, valued at $2 trillion, and Microsoft, worth $3.3 trillion. If you’re not innovating but instead planning to acquire a startup founded by an iPhone designer for billions, you’re not truly in the game.
On Wednesday, OpenAI confirmed its intention to buy IO, an unproven hardware startup co-founded by Jony Ive, for $6.4 billion. Sam Altman and Ive released a blog post announcing that the IO team would integrate with OpenAI to “collaborate more closely with the San Francisco research, engineering, and product teams.” Although Ive will not be employed by OpenAI, his company is set to oversee the design aspects for OpenAI, including software. Bloomberg.
The merger’s objective appears to be clear: to develop AI-infused hardware that achieves the same iconic status as the iMac and iPhone. However, the market for devices focused solely on democratizing AI remains ambiguous. The Human Pin— a product reminiscent of what Ive creates and backed by Altman and Apple alumni—did not gain traction.
Read more about this ambitious acquisition.
On Thursday, OpenAI announced plans for a massive data center investment in Abu Dhabi, projected to reach hundreds of billions of dollars. This project is part of Stargate, a $500 million initiative in AI led by Nvidia, Oracle, OpenAI, SoftBank, among others. Initially envisioned as a domestic initiative, Stargate has evolved into a global venture through its collaboration with the UAE, following Trump’s AI announcement.
As these startups initiate major advancements, OpenAI’s CEO has garnered considerable public attention this week. Two newly published books—one complimentary and one critical—chronicle the rise of OpenAI. “Optimists” by Keach Hagey in the Wall Street Journal presents a biography of Altman, while “The Atlantic Empire” by Karen Hao delineates the timeline from the company’s founding through Altman’s recent suspension and reinstatement in 2023. Together, they provide a dual narrative exploring the complexities of Sam Altman’s character. The underlying question remains: is he a visionary or a ruthless figure with a relentless pursuit of progress?
Regardless, armed with billions and having recruited Apple’s second-most recognizable figure, Altman seems determined to fill the void left by Steve Jobs.
Stay Updated on This Week’s AI News
Trump Hosts Crypto Investors at a Private Dinner
Photo: Jim Lo Scalzo/EPA
Trump hosted a dinner for prominent crypto investors at a private golf club in Virginia on Thursday night. According to an analysis by The Guardian, nearly half of Trump’s top investors have incurred losses on their investments. Niamh Rowe reports:
Among the 220 winners, 95—approximately 43%—have collectively lost $8.95 million since the token’s launch in January, based on trading histories and portfolios as of May 21.
The user “Gant” has reportedly faced the most significant loss, racking up a $1.06 million deficit despite ranking fourth on the leaderboard, while “Meow” has lost $621,000 despite attaining VIP status.
$Trump has become part of the “Meme Coin” movement, referring to cryptocurrencies inspired by internet phenomena. Although Trump is a significant figure in the online culture surrounding cryptocurrency, he doesn’t equate to a meme like Dogecoin’s Shiba Inu mascot.
The definition of a Memecoin provided by Coinbase aligns $Trump with other tokens. Coinbase notes that a Memecoin is “often backed by an enthusiastic online community” and “associated with entertainment rather than practical utility.” Trump’s coin lacks any tangible financial or physical backing, representing a volatile speculative asset.
Learn more about Trump’s cryptocurrency escapades.
The widely acclaimed video game Fortnite has made its comeback to the US iPhone App Store, ending a prolonged absence due to a legal dispute over the fees Apple enforced annually via its payment system, which the tech giant has had to revise.
Fortnite, one of the most popular games globally, celebrated the much-anticipated return of its app to iPhone and iPad in a post on Tuesday, marking its availability on these devices for the first time since Apple removed it in 2020 to circumvent the 15% to 30% commissions on in-app transactions.
“Fortnite is back on iPhone and iPads in the App Store in the US. It’s also returning on Epic Games and Altstore in the EU! Check out a Tweet from the official game account. As a result of the legal battles with Apple, Epic has launched its own digital store.
The game, featuring a virtual battle on a digital island, returned just days after its parent company Epic Games requested a federal judge to mandate its restoration as part of a civil discovery process against Apple initiated late last month. Last week, the game temporarily disappeared from Apple devices globally and was inaccessible in several countries.
In a succinct court filing on Tuesday, Apple stated that the dispute preventing Fortnite from accessing iOS has been resolved. The tech company from Cupertino, California, did not instantly reply to requests for additional statements.
These legal conflicts are rooted in an enduring feud. Epic has accused Apple of converting the App Store into an illegal monopoly. This accusation was previously unfavorably ruled on in 2021 by a federal judge following a month-long trial.
The judge concluded that Apple had not breached antitrust regulations but ordered the company to relax its grip on in-app payment systems and permit links to alternative payment methods that could present lower costs.
After exhausting appeals to the U.S. Supreme Court last year, Apple allowed linking to alternative payment options while introducing a new structure that imposes a 27% charge for in-app transactions completed outside its own system.
Epic was incensed by Apple’s attempts to evade the legal process, reigniting court hearings that had lingered for nearly a year before Gonzalez Rogers delivered her decisive verdict, including a prohibition on any commission collection from alternative payment options.
While it appeared that Fortnite was paving the way for its re-entry to iPhone and iPad, last week Epic stated that the game remained blocked by Apple. Claiming it was permissible to maintain Fortnite while Apple pursued the implications of Gonzalez Rogers’ previous ruling, Epic pressed the matter by requesting the judge for a clear order permitting the game on iPhones and iPads.
On Monday, Gonzalez Rogers inquired why Apple continued to obstruct Fortnite’s return without an order from the Court of Appeal. She stated, “Apple can completely resolve this issue without further briefings or hearings,” as she reviewed Epic’s recent actions, anticipating a hearing on May 27th.
Donald Trump has expressed concerns to Apple and its executives regarding a plan that encourages high-tech companies to relocate cell phone manufacturing from India back to the US.
The US President mentioned a “minor issue” with Tim Cook from Apple after reports surfaced indicating that the company is considering shifting mobile phone assembly operations from China to India targeting the US market.
“I encountered a small issue with Tim Cook yesterday,” Trump stated while in Qatar on Thursday. He referred to Apple’s recent commitment of investing $500 million (£37.5 billion) in the US, adding:
The intricate manufacturing process of the iPhone involves over 1,000 components sourced globally, mainly assembled in China. Although Apple keeps its production details under wraps, analysts suggest that approximately 90% of iPhones are assembled domestically.
Nevertheless, rising trade tensions between Washington and Beijing have reportedly led to increased production in India.
“I told Tim… we have supported you well, and we’ve tolerated all the facilities you’ve established in China for years, and now we expect you to build [for] us. We said, “We are not interested in you building in India. India can manage on its own… We want you to construct here.”
Trump also mentioned that Apple would “aid in enhancing production in the US,” but he did not elaborate further on this claim.
Currently, no iPhones are manufactured in the US, and experts have cautioned that relocating assembly of Apple’s best-selling products to the home country may be impractical and costly. US financial firm Wedbush Securities predicts that iPhone expenses would rise if production moves to the US.
Apple has been approached for comments.
Additionally, the US President noted on Thursday that India had extended a trade agreement offering “no tariffs” on American goods.
New Delhi aims to finalize its trade deal with the US amidst a 90-day suspension that Trump announced on April 9th concerning a tariff increase for its trading partners.
“Selling in India is quite challenging. They essentially offer a deal where they do not impose any customs duties on us,” Trump remarked.
Over the years, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been positioning his country as a hub for smartphone manufacturing.
In March, Apple’s primary Indian suppliers, Foxconn and Tata, exported a record high of nearly $20 billion worth of iPhones to the US to avoid Trump’s imminent tariffs.
Apple’s financial results for the second quarter exceeded Wall Street predictions on Thursday.
The tech leader announced a revenue of $95.4 billion, marking an increase of over 4% compared to last year, with earnings surpassing $1.65 per share, up more than 7%. Analysts had anticipated a revenue of $94.5 billion and a profit of $1.62. The company’s market value stands at $3.2 trillion, consistently surpassing Wall Street forecasts for the last four quarters.
Investors remain focused on Apple’s impending financial disclosures. The tech giant has worked diligently to ease the concerns of anxious analysts following Donald Trump’s extensive tariffs that could disrupt the supply chain for appliances. Since the start of the year, Apple’s stock has decreased by 16%.
During a call with investors on Thursday, CEO Tim Cook indicated that he expects tariffs to escalate expenses by $900 million for the quarter ending in June, provided global tariff rates remain unchanged. Cook declined to make further predictions about the future, stating, “We don’t know what will happen with tariffs… it’s very challenging to predict post-June.”
In after-hours trading, the company’s shares dropped more than 4%, despite last year’s growth, due to tariff impacts and revenues that fell short of Wall Street’s expectations, particularly in its services sector, which includes iCloud subscriptions and various licensing revenues. Sales in China also did not meet estimates.
Nevertheless, the company remains optimistic, stating that it reported “strong post-quarter results” and is “actively engaged in the tariff discussion.”
iPhone manufacturers are heavily reliant on production in China for their mobile phones, tablets, and laptops. Following Trump’s implementation of tariffs that reached over approximately 245%, the president indicated he would allow an exception for household appliances.
During this period, Cook communicated with a senior White House official, as reported by the Washington Post. After these discussions, Trump declared an exemption for appliances. Following this announcement, Apple’s shares increased by 7% in subsequent days.
However, the duration of this exemption remains uncertain. U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick described it as “temporary”, and Trump later stated on social media that there would be no “exceptions”.
The president has consistently expressed a desire to see increased manufacturing in the United States. In February, he and Cook met to discuss investments in U.S. manufacturing. “He’s about to start a building,” Trump remarked after their meeting. “A very significant number – you have to tell him. I believe they’ll announce it soon.”
JPMorgan predicts that relocating production to the U.S. will lead to a substantial increase in prices. In this week’s memo, they noted, “Assuming a 20% tariff on China, we could witness a 30% price hike in the short term.” JPMorgan and other analysts assert that Apple may continue to shift more manufacturing to India, where tariffs are only 10%.
Earlier this month, Apple transported around $2 billion worth of iPhones from India to the U.S. to boost its inventory in anticipation of rising prices due to Trump’s tariffs and panic buying by concerned consumers. Investors are increasingly worried about a drop in iPhone sales in China, the largest smartphone market globally. In its latest revenue report in January, Apple disclosed that iPhone sales in China fell by 11.1% in the first quarter, missing Wall Street revenue expectations.
Cook mentioned during a call with investors that while China remains the primary manufacturing hub for the company, India is expected to produce more iPhones along with Vietnam in the June quarter. “The tariffs currently imposed on Apple are contingent upon the origin of the product,” he noted, emphasizing that tariffs in India and Vietnam are less than those in China.
In the immediate term, analysts suggest that tariff-related disruptions could work in Apple’s favor as consumers rush to buy more products fearing price hikes. “Dipanjangchatterjee, principal analyst at Forester, stated: [consumers] absorb these price increases as they seek out Apple products.
It has been reported that Apple is planning to shift its iPhone assembly operations to India for the US market in order to reduce reliance on Chinese manufacturing bases amidst the trade war initiated by Donald Trump. The tech giant, with a value of $3 trillion (£2.3 trillion), aims to make this transition soon, as mentioned in the Financial Times article next year.
Apple has been affected by Trump’s tariff policies, resulting in iPhones being subjected to heavy import taxes when entering the US. Despite this, the White House decided to exclude smartphones from the highest tariffs imposed on Chinese products, providing some relief to Apple.
The intricate manufacturing process of iPhones involves sourcing over 1,000 components from various parts of the world, with an estimated 90% of iPhones currently being assembled domestically. By the end of 2026, Apple plans to have over 60 million iPhones sold in the US assembled in India.
In an effort to offset the impact of tariffs, Apple’s leading Indian suppliers have increased production in India and have shipped a significant number of phones to the US. Apple has also chartered freight flights to ensure an adequate stock in key markets.
Despite discussions about moving iPhone production to the US, analysts do not foresee this happening in the near future. The costs associated with manufacturing iPhones in the US are expected to be high, making it financially challenging for Apple to shift production entirely.
President Trump’s tariffs had raised concerns about Apple’s manufacturing in China even before they threatened to disrupt it. This, coupled with the company’s struggle to innovate, has led to doubts within its Silicon Valley headquarters about its magic.
The introduction of tariffs on April 2nd led to a $773 billion loss in market capitalization in just four days, temporarily dethroning Apple as the world’s most valuable public company. Investors were already showing signs of dissatisfaction, with the stock dropping by 8% in the first four months of the year, outpacing the S&P 500’s decline.
Apple’s attempts to turn its fortunes around with products like virtual reality headsets, Vision Pro, and AI systems called Apple Intelligence have been met with disappointment. The headset sales were lackluster and the AI system’s key features faced delays due to functionality issues.
These challenges highlight the erosion of Apple’s reputation for innovation, causing anxiety and dissatisfaction among employees. Insiders fear that the company is mired in political infighting, cost-cutting, and talent drain, despite years of being a magnet for top talent.
Apple declined to provide a comment on the situation.
It’s been a decade since Apple’s last major commercial successes with the Apple Watch and AirPods. New services like Apple TV+ and Fitness+, launched in 2019, are lagging behind their subscription-based competitors. The iPhone, now 18 years old and accounting for half of Apple’s sales, continues to see incremental improvements annually.
While Vision Pro’s sales disappointed, Apple’s struggles with Apple Intelligence have revealed dysfunction within the company.
Last summer, Apple showcased AI products that could summarize notifications and provide enhanced writing tools for emails and messaging. However, the new iPhone shipped without the AI features as planned due to inaccuracies discovered during internal testing. This led to the postponement of the enhanced SIRI release.
After the delay, Apple’s software chief announced plans to restructure the executive team, shifting responsibility from AI head John Giannandrea to Vision Pro Headset leader Microcwell.
Technology analyst Michael Gartenberg, a former Apple product marketer, expressed concerns about the company’s handling of Apple Intelligence, calling it a case of overestimation and lack of boundaries.
Reports on changes within Apple’s SIRI team and challenges were previously covered by sources like Bloomberg and information.
Apple’s AI efforts faced setbacks in early 2023, with Giannandrea scrambling to procure GPUs for AI development, highlighting the lack of resources compared to competitors like Microsoft, Amazon, Google, and Meta.
Apple’s struggles with AI development were compounded by a shortage of GPUs, forcing teams to rely on external providers like Google and Amazon for computing power.
Disagreements within Apple’s software teams and leadership clashes contributed to delays and challenges in launching new AI capabilities like Siri.
The departure of key Apple design and product development leaders has left the company with a mix of experienced and inexperienced executives in critical roles.
Apple’s lack of clear leadership and communication has been cited as a major factor contributing to its current challenges in product development.
Despite setbacks, Apple plans to release an improved Siri virtual assistant in the fall, aiming to address previous shortcomings.
While delays have raised concerns among some Apple leaders, others believe it’s crucial to get AI right, even if it takes time to perfect.
In 2018, when President Trump initially implemented tariffs on China, Apple shifted production of iPads and Airpods to India and Vietnam from China. However, with Trump’s return to the White House, this strategy may have backfired for the tech giant.
Trump recently announced tariffs of 46% on Vietnam and 26% on India, which could significantly impact Apple’s business. This is in addition to the existing 20% tariffs on products imported from China, which is where around 90% of iPhones are manufactured.
The proposed tariffs could increase Apple’s costs by $8.5 billion annually, affecting the company’s profits and potentially leading to a 7% decrease in earnings next year.
Apple’s shares dropped 5.7% after Trump’s tariff announcements, signaling concerns for the company’s financial outlook.
Other high-tech companies like Google and Microsoft may also be impacted by these tariffs, affecting businesses beyond Apple. Trump’s broader trade strategy includes imposing tariffs on all countries that tax US exports, further complicating the global trade landscape.
Despite previous efforts by Apple’s CEO Tim Cook to forge a relationship with Trump and avoid tariffs on Apple products, the company now faces significant challenges due to the new tax policies.
After Trump took office, Apple made promises to invest in the United States, but the new tariffs could impact these plans. The company has diversified production beyond China, with moves to India and Vietnam.
Apple’s efforts to expand production in India and Vietnam may face challenges, especially with the recent tariff implications. Despite previous success in avoiding tariffs on certain products, Apple now faces a more complex trade environment.
Apple’s shift in manufacturing to India and Vietnam was aimed at diversifying production and tapping into new markets. However, challenges like skilled labor and supply chain issues have hindered these efforts.
Despite the hurdles faced in US manufacturing, Apple continues to explore opportunities in different countries. The tech giant remains focused on innovation and growth, navigating the ever-changing global trade landscape.
aFter ChatGpt broke the cover in late 2022, and the tech industry embarked on modern rendering Tulip Maniapeople began to wonder why Apple, the biggest tech giant of all, is keeping their distance from the insanity. In the end, Tech Commentariat decided that there were only two possible interpretations of the company’s stand officeness. et alOr it had an unning plan to unleash the technology that would make the world a world-wide.
Finally, Apple was cleaned up at the annual World Wide Developers’ Conference (WWDC) held on June 10th last year. Or appeared. For Apple, “AI” is not what the vulgar routs rave about at Openai, Google, Microsoft, or Meta, and does not mean anything completely refined and refined what is called “Apple Intelligence.” It wasn’t like the veteran Apple-Watcher’s John Gruber put it downa single thing or product, but “marketing terminology for collections of features, apps, and services.” Putting everything under one memorable label makes it easier for users to understand that Apple is launching something truly novel. And, of course, it’s also easy for Apple to say that users who wanted to have all these flashy features should buy an iPhone 15 Pro, as older devices can’t stand the task.
Needless to say, this columnist fell into it and upgraded it. (Well, one sucker is born every minute.) Like the kit, the new phone was impressive. A powerful new processor chip, neural engine, and more have been treated. And the camera turned out to be surprisingly good. However, the features of Apple Intelligence enabled by the upgrade seemed trivial and sometimes exciting. I started messing around with my photo collection, for example, getting in the way, unwanted, and imposing categories on annoying images. And then there was a new pre-installed app called “Image Playground.”Make communication and self-expression even more fun” – This may be true for a 4-year-old with short attention span, but otherwise it was a central casting turkey and should have been strangled at birth.
However, there was one feature that looked interesting and useful. This is a serious enhancement to Siri, an attempt at Apple’s virtual personal assistant. from now on, The company announced: “Siri can deliver intelligence tailored to users and their on-device information. For example, users could say, “Play the podcasts recommended by Jamie.” Siri finds flight details and cross-references with real-time flight tracking to give arrival times. “
However, in a thorough examination, Siri was unable to do these useful things even when run on my expensive new phone. In fact, it mostly looked mediocre as ever. And it came on March 7th Announcement from Apple“We’re also working on more personalized Siri, making us more aware of your personal context and the ability to take action for you within and across your app. It takes longer than we thought we’d offer these features, and we’ll be rolling out it next year.”
For Gruber, who knows more about Apple than anyone I know, this was like a red rag of a bull. The announcement meant, He wrote“What Apple has shown regarding the upcoming ‘personalized Siri’ at WWDC was not a demo. It was a concept video. The concept video is bullshit and a sign of a company that is confused, if not a crisis.” And he has long memories, so he reminded him that Apple last screened the concept video – what is called Knowledge Navigator Video – He was heading for bankruptcy. And when Steve Jobs returns and turns it into the most profitable company in history, it never made anything like that again.
Until – called Gruber – now.
Is he overreacting? Answer: Yes. While Apple is not in danger, this minifiasco, featuring Siri and Apple Intelligence, looks like the first serious misstep in managing Tim Cook’s company. If there’s one thing Jobs’ Apple was famous, it didn’t announce the product before it was ready to ship. It is clear that the company had seriously underestimated the amount of work it took to deliver what it had promised to SIRI last June. If you were particular about Jobs Playbooks, the time to start the enhancement would have been early in June 2025. The company clearly forgot Hofstadter’s Law:Even considering Hofstadter’s law, everything takes longer than expected.
What I’ve read
A million monkeys… ChatGpt can’t kill anything worth saving Amazing essay By John Warner on AI and writing.
A beloved machine of blessing? AI: A means of end or a means to our end? Read Stephen Fry’s first lecture to the Digital Futures Institute in King’s College London Obsessive Du Jour.
The legal battle between the US tech company and the UK government over access to customer data saw a closed-door hearing on Friday after the press was unable to enter the courtroom for the lawsuit.
Apple has appealed to the Investigation Power Court after the Home Office requested access to encrypted data stored on Apple’s cloud servers.
British media outlets such as The Guardian, The BBC, The Financial Times, and Computer Weekly tried to gain access to the court for public interest reasons but were denied entry.
The government’s representative in the case, Sir James Eady KC, was seen entering the court on Friday.
Apple is contesting technical capacity notices issued under the Investigation Powers Act, which require assistance from businesses in providing evidence to law enforcement. The notice requested access to Apple’s Advanced Data Protection (ADP) service, which encrypts personal data stored remotely on a server.
Apple refused to comply with the order and challenged it in court, raising concerns about the legality of the national intelligence agency’s actions. Apple also pulled ADP from the UK, stating they have never created backdoor keys or master keys for their products or services.
ADP employs end-to-end encryption, ensuring that only the account owner can decrypt the data. Messaging services like iMessage and FaceTime are also end-to-end encrypted by default.
The government’s legal demands, known as Technical Capacity Notices, prohibit recipients from disclosing the order unless authorized by the Secretary of the Interior. Court hearings are supposed to be closed to the public only if strictly necessary to protect national security.
A bipartisan group of US lawmakers called for transparency regarding the UK government’s orders and urged further hearings and proceedings to shed light on the issue.
Reports suggest that British officials have started discussions with US counterparts to ensure that they are not seeking blanket access to US data, only information related to serious crimes like terrorism and child sexual abuse.
This appeal will be reviewed by the investigative courts to determine if the national intelligence agency acted unlawfully.
What is the UK government requesting from Apple?
The Ministry of Home Affairs has issued a “Technical Capacity Notice” under the Investigation Powers Act, requiring businesses to assist law enforcement in providing evidence. The focus is on Apple’s Advanced Data Protection Service, which encrypts personal data stored on Apple’s cloud servers.
The UK government hopes that Apple will provide access to its services’ content through backdoors.
Why is Apple opposing this?
Apple values privacy as a core principle and has removed its Advanced Data Protection Tool from the UK. The tool offers end-to-end encryption, ensuring only the account owner can decrypt the data. Apple’s iMessage and FaceTime services maintain end-to-end encryption.
Apple faces opposition from human rights groups challenging the Technical Capacity Notice as a broad request that compromises billions of users’ personal data to potential threats.
Can Apple succeed in the challenge?
Legal lecturer Dr. Daniella Lock from King’s College London suggests Apple has a chance due to human rights considerations. The requirement for a backdoor to access encrypted data may be viewed as disproportionate, and questions arise about data security.
However, Lock acknowledges that the UK government’s secrecy surrounding the case could hinder Apple’s defense, as courts tend to support national security interests.
Does the US government support Apple?
The US government has expressed concerns about the UK’s demands on Apple, with President Trump likening it to Chinese surveillance practices.
“We told them you can’t do this,” Trump stated in an interview. “We actually said[Starmer]… can’t believe it. That’s what you know, you hear China.”
Would Apple’s defeat create a precedent?
Regardless of the outcome, future conflicts with tech companies are possible as the IPA requires companies to notify the government of changes affecting data access. Services like WhatsApp, committed to privacy, may also face similar requests.
This case represents a critical battleground between law enforcement and technology, balancing users’ privacy rights and overall security concerns.
Apple’s most affordable new smartphone is the iPhone 16E, which provides a basic, up-to-date iPhone experience with the latest chips and AI features, albeit slightly fewer than the other models.
Priced at £599 (699 Euros/$599/$999), the iPhone 16E is the spiritual successor to the iPhone SE line. While the iPhone SE retains the old-school thick design with a home button, the 16E features an iPhone 14 body with an iPhone 16 chip at a cost of £799.
In essence, the 16E boasts a full-screen design and an aluminum body. It was impressive for the iPhone 14, but it still holds up well today. The phone is lightweight and relatively compact. The 6.1-inch OLED screen is sizable and suitable for most tasks, although it falls short of the standard iPhone 16’s brightness.
The 16E retains the old-style face ID notch at the top of the screen instead of the new “Dynamic Island” used in the recent iPhone lineup. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
Available only in black or white, the 16E features a convenient action button to replace the mute switch on older iPhones, but lacks a camera control button found in the rest of the iPhone 16 line.
The entire 16E comprises slight compromises compared to the standard iPhone 16 experience. It includes the iPhone’s first new, power-efficient Apple 5G modem, but only supports WiFi 6, not the latest WiFi 7. It lacks Thread Ultra Wideband Radio, the latter being used for Apple’s Discovering the Accuracy of Lost Items and other systems.
Action buttons can be used to replace the mute switch on your old iPhone, activate the torch, or access the camera and other features. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
Five years later, Apple is back with a complete revamp of its earphones, which rebranded the Beats Headphones brand for athletes and sports enthusiasts as the Powerbeats Pro 2.
Designed to be attached to the ear and placed without wires, the original PowerBeats Pro is the perfect earphone for workouts and was worn by sports superstars such as Lebron James and Anthony Joshua.
In 2025, Apple refined the fit, slimmed the bulk, added noise cancellation and heart rate monitoring to the original Powerbeats Pro, priced at $250, aiming to reclaim the top spot in the industry.
The overall design of the earphones remains the same, with a flexible silicone wire that hooks behind the user’s ears and connects to earphones with arms sitting in the ears. It is lighter and more secure than its predecessor, making it comfortable for extended listening sessions during commute and active exercise without any discomfort.
Each earphone includes a multi-functional “B” button for playback and noise cancellation control, as well as a volume locker for easy adjustments during workouts. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
The earphones provide approximately 8 hours of playback with noise cancellation (10 hours without it) and come with a flip-top case that can charge the earphones three times. The case, which is 30% smaller than before, is still quite spacious and fits easily in a bag, but may be a bit bulky for pockets.
The PowerBeats Pro 2 features the same H2 chip and connectivity as Apple’s AirPods Pro 2, offering seamless connections with various Apple devices, spatial audio for movies and music, audio sharing, SIRI support, lossless audio, and more when used with the Apple Vision Pro.
Additionally, the earphones support advanced Android features, making the Beats app more versatile than other Apple earphones, allowing for one-touch pairing, customization, updates, and other functionalities.
Great Sound Quality and Effective Noise Cancellation
Adjust noise cancellation and other settings using iPhone Bluetooth settings or the Android Beats app. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
The H2 chip equips the Powerbeats with many top features of AirPods, including active noise cancellation that is nearly as effective as Apple’s top buds, providing significant reduction of external sounds. The earphones handle wind noise well and boast the best-in-class transparency mode.
The new Powerbeats offer excellent sound quality, with great separation of tones, well-controlled bass, and detailed high notes. They perform well across various music genres, from pop and hip hop to classical and jazz. They may not match the AirPods Pro in sound adjustment capabilities, but they excel in most workout scenarios.
Additionally, they support Apple’s personalized spatial audio system for immersive sound experiences and offer exceptional call quality.
Specifications
Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3, SBC, AAC, H2 chip, HR sensor
Battery life: 8 hours ANC playback (36 hours with case)
Water resistance: IPX4 earphones (sweat resistant)
Earphone dimensions: 45 x 41 x 24mm
Earphone weight: 8.7g each
Charging case dimensions: 75 x 66 x 34mm
Charging case weight: 69g
Case charging: USB-C, QI wireless
Ear Heart Rate Monitoring
The optical heart rate sensor is located just inside the ear next to the silicon tip. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
The Powerbeats Pro 2 feature an optical heart rate sensor that enables pulse monitoring through the ears, similar to Sennheiser’s Momentum Sport Earbuds. The sensor, located on the earphones’ inner side touching the tragus, achieves accurate pulse readings when both earphones are worn.
Data from the heart rate sensor is stored in the health app on iPhones or connected training apps for Android users, providing accurate and useful fitness tracking.
Sustainability
The PowerBeats Pro 2 case is sturdy and charges via USB-C and QI, but lacks water resistance and may be bulky for some users. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
Apple has not disclosed the expected battery lifespan, but it is estimated to endure over 500 full charge cycles at 80% capacity. Additionally, the earphones incorporate recycled plastic in some internal components and offer individual replacements for lost or damaged parts.
While the earphones are not repairable, Apple supports trade-in and recycling programs for its products, including non-Apple devices, promoting responsible disposal and reducing environmental impact.
Price
The PowerBeats Pro 2 are priced at £249.95 ($249.99).
When compared to other models, the Beats Fit Pro is priced at £219.99, Beats Studio Buds+ at £179.99, Beats Solo Buds at £79.99, Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 at £229, and Sennheiser Momentum Sport at £199.
Verdict
The PowerBeats Pro 2 represents a significant upgrade from its predecessor, offering top-notch features and performance for premium training earphones.
With secure and lightweight fit, effective noise cancellation, and heart rate monitoring, these earphones cater to a wide range of workout needs. They excel in sound quality, call quality, and offer platform compatibility with iPhone and Android devices.
While the price point may be high, the PowerBeats Pro 2 stand out as versatile and high-performance earbuds suitable for various activities, especially for iPhone users seeking a secure and reliable fit.
The main drawback is the non-replaceable batteries, which may impact the long-term sustainability and lifespan of the earphones.
Strong Points: Excellent sound quality, effective noise cancellation and transparency mode, long battery life, secure and comfortable fit, user-friendly controls, spatial sound experience, excellent call quality, cross-platform compatibility with iPhone and Android.
Cons: High price point, bulky case, limited iPhone app support for heart rate monitoring features, lack of multipoint connection, non-replaceable batteries.
The music pauses when you remove the PowerBeats Pro 2, thanks to the sensor located on the earphones’ bottom. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
aArtificial intelligence (AI) will soon be coming to iPhones in a move that Apple says will completely change how people use the devices. The iPhone maker’s AI tools, branded “Apple Intelligence”, will include an enhanced voice assistant, Siri, in partnership with ChatGPT owner OpenAI.
Apple isn’t the first smartphone maker to adopt AI: the technology is already available in phones like Google’s latest Pixel and Samsung’s Galaxy series.
But the sheer volume of data required for AI raises concerns about data privacy. Apple has built its reputation on privacy. Its advertisements state: Privacy. That’s the iPhone. – so this is an area where the company claims to be different.
What is Apple Intelligence and when is it available?
Apple Intelligence is the iPhone maker’s collective name for its AI features, including the ChatGPT-4o integration that will arrive in the iOS 18 software upgrade.
The first version of iOS 18 will debut alongside Apple’s iPhone 16 models in September, while the AI features will arrive later in the iOS 18.1 update scheduled for mid-to-late October.
The first iOS 18.1 Apple Intelligence features available in the beta include new writing tools, suggested replies in the Messages app, email summaries, transcription of phone calls, and more.
Other features coming later this year or in early 2025 include Image Playground, which lets you create your own animated images within the app, and custom emojis called Genmoji. Meanwhile, long-awaited AI enhancements to Apple’s chatbot, Siri, include ChatGPT integration, richer language understanding, and more. Deeper integration Within individual apps, Siri will be able to look at your calendar, photos and messages and improve responses to texts — for example, if you ask when your mom’s flight is going to land, Siri will make an inference based on recent messages and emails, Apple said.
Apple Intelligence is set to roll out globally, but regulatory concerns are expected to mean significant delays in the EU and China.
Because AI requires powerful hardware, the feature won’t be compatible with older devices: Apple says that to access all the features, you’ll need an iPhone 15 or later, or an Apple device with an M1 or M2 chip.
How will it change the way you use your iPhone?
The feature is being rolled out gradually, so you won’t see any dramatic changes right away. But with Apple Intelligence enabled, you’ll notice your interactions become more personalized and your tasks get done faster. For example, using the summary tool to write emails on the go can help. Call recording and transcription “After you’ve asked for permission, of course.”It can make everyday tasks easier and more enjoyable to perform, says Adam Biddlecombe, co-founder of AI newsletter Mindstream.
Similar to ChatGPT, Apple’s intelligent assistant will develop the ability to provide contextual responses, i.e. remember the threads of previous Siri conversations. On the privacy front, a new visual indicator around the Siri icon will let you know if Siri is listening.
But it’s worth noting that, like any shiny new technology, Apple’s AI may have some hiccups at launch. AI models need data to work, and while the technology is improving, even Apple’s CEO Tim Cook admits he’s “not 100% sure” Apple’s minds don’t hallucinate“I’m confident it’s going to be very high quality,” he said in a recent interview, “but to be honest with you, I’m nowhere near 100 percent. I would never say I’m 100 percent.”
So unless you have full confidence in the chatbot’s accuracy, we recommend double-checking the airline’s website to see when your mom’s flight will land.
How is ChatGPT on iPhone different from using the ChatGTP app?
Apple uses ChatGPT as a backup to perform functions it can’t control itself: Users ask Siri questions, but when Apple’s chatbot can’t answer more complex requests, it hands the baton over to ChatGPT.
The same thing Creating text and creating imagesWhile Apple Intelligence offers these features, and ChatGPT can write text and create images from scratch, Apple still isn’t that good at them.
Camden Woolven, head of the AI group at consulting firm GRC International Group, said the main difference between the app and ChatGPT on the iPhone is how it handles data: “When you use ChatGPT directly, your queries go directly to OpenAI’s servers. There’s no middleman.”
But when using Siri’s ChatGPT integration, Apple acts as a “privacy-focused intermediary,” he says.
“Siri will attempt to fulfill your request directly on your device, but if it can’t, it will send some data to Apple servers in an encrypted and anonymized form,” he explains.
If both your device and Apple’s servers can’t process the request, Siri will contact ChatGPT, “but even in that case, the request still goes to Apple first, where it’s anonymized and encrypted before being sent to OpenAI,” Woollven says. “This means that when you use Siri, your data gets an extra layer of privacy protection that you don’t get when using ChatGPT directly.”
Users can access the GPT-4o-powered Siri for free without creating an account, and ChatGPT subscribers can connect their account to access paid features, including larger message limits and access to enhanced features like a new voice mode that lets you communicate with ChatGPT over real-time video.
Are my conversations tracked or stored anywhere? If so, by whom?
Apple says that there are built-in privacy protections for users who access ChatGPT, and most of the processing is done on-device, so your data never leaves your iPhone.
IP addresses are hidden, OpenAI does not store your requests, and users who choose to connect their accounts are subject to ChatGPT’s data usage policy.
For more complex queries that require the cloud, Apple says it anonymizes and encrypts the data end-to-end before sending it to its servers or to ChatGPT. “This means that neither Apple nor even OpenAI can see the contents of your request, only the encrypted and anonymized version,” Woollven said.
But even anonymized data can still be linked to you if it’s specific enough, Woolven warns: “So while Apple isn’t directly storing your conversations in a way that can be linked to you, there is still a small risk that very specific queries could potentially be linked to you.”
More broadly, all Apple Intelligence requests that need to be processed off-device are sent to the company’s private cloud. Private Cloud Computing claims to protect your data from external sources.
Apple says it will be transparent about when it uses your data, providing a detailed on-device report called the Apple Intelligence Report that shows how your Siri requests were processed, so you can see for yourself what data was used and where it was sent.
But AI needs a lot of information to function, and to perform these functions, Apple will need access to more of your data: “Apple will be able to read your messages, monitor your calendar, track your maps and location, record your calls, view your photos, and understand other personal information,” Moore said.
I’m not sure about this, can I opt out?
Yes, you must turn on Apple Intelligence in Settings, so even if you’re concerned about data privacy or have doubts about the accuracy or usefulness of these features, you’re under no obligation to use them.
ohOn a sweltering summer day in London, I found myself working in the middle of snow-covered Yosemite National Park, surrounded by floating apps and browser windows. Later, I’d reminisce about holidays from years ago, staring out at windswept Oregon beaches, sitting in a speeder on Tatooine watching Rogue One in 3D, and spending the night with a guided meditation.
These are the sort of immersive experiences Apple’s latest, and most expensive, gadget offers, blending the real and virtual worlds, all controlled by your eyes and hands. The Vision Pro may resemble virtual reality headsets like Meta’s Quest series, but it aims to be something much more.
But with a prohibitive price tag of £3,500 (€3,999 / $3,499 / AU$5,999) that most buyers won’t even consider, this cutting-edge tech marvel is best thought of as a glimpse into the near future of computing.
You can use your Mac’s screen, keyboard, and trackpad streamed to a simulated 4K display, alongside other windows and apps. Photo: Martin Godwin/The Guardian
Put on the headset and you’re transported to a photorealistic exotic location, or use the Digital Crown to increase or decrease immersion, seamlessly blending reality and the virtual world. The real world is sent through the camera to a crystal-clear display and displayed as pass-through video — far better than the competition, and so clear that you can read on your phone without taking off the headset.
Your content appears in a floating window fixed in 3D space, as big or small as you like. Even if you walk by the window, your content stays where you were and is instantly visible when you return. Just see the content you want and select it with a pinch of your fingers. Type directly by “touch” on the hover keyboard or scroll through sites like a giant virtual iPad.
Step into an immersive experience and go one step further by walking with dinosaurs, exploring the solar system or flying along neon-lit highways in rhythm games.
Third-party apps offer a variety of mixed reality and immersive experiences. astronomy (Top left), Jetpack Joyride 2 (Top right), Disney+ (Bottom left) and Luna (Bottom right). Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
Heavyweight Technology
Vision Pro is the pinnacle of headset tech: The same M2 chip found in the 2022 MacBook Air runs apps, and its R1 chip processes input from the headset’s 12 cameras, five sensors, and six microphones. Combined, this delivers a smooth experience in both the real and virtual worlds displayed on two high-resolution Micro-OLED displays in front of your eyes.
The exterior cameras and sensors create a map of the real world, including objects like furniture and walls, and track the user’s position and hand movements. The interior camera monitors eye movements to interact with buttons and objects, making sure what you’re looking at is clear. The headset also features “Optic ID,” an alternative to Face ID, to seamlessly unlock and authenticate payments by scanning your iris.
The experience is exponentially better than anything that came before, and at times, it’s magical.
The various parts of the Vision Pro attach to each other via magnets and quick-release clips, including two types of straps. Photo: Martin Godwin/The Guardian
All the technology packed into the Vision Pro creates one major problem: weight. At up to 650 grams, it’s heavier than Apple’s largest iPad Pro and competing headsets like the Quest 3, which weighs 515 grams. And that doesn’t include the 353 gram battery, which connects to the headset with a cord so you can put it in your pocket or keep it on the desk in front of you.
During the ordering process, your face is scanned with an iPhone and a custom fit is created from nearly 200 combinations of strap sizes, “light seals” and cushioning, making it more comfortable than any other headset and leaving no goggle marks on your face.
What remains is the strain on my neck. After wearing the headset daily for a month, I can now manage sessions up to about two hours long. However, I still feel like I’ve given my neck a workout, and wearing it for long periods without taking proper breaks causes the same neck, shoulder and back pain I get when I’m hunched over a laptop all day.
The battery lasts for about 2-3 hours, which is plenty long enough for you to easily charge it while sitting at your desk or on the couch, but this headset isn’t designed to be easily shared, and even if you manage to get a good fit on your guest’s face, you’ll need to redo the eye-tracking setup for five minutes to get it to work temporarily.
We’re only scratching the surface in productivity improvements
I placed my Mac display in the center with various windows around it, and some behind and above it, and the screenshots in the headset don’t do justice to how it will look in person. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
The Vision Pro is different from other headsets in that it’s fully integrated into the Apple ecosystem — more like a Mac than an iPhone — allowing you to create an entire app and productivity environment anywhere, without the need for multiple monitors.
It comes with many familiar apps, including Apple’s Mail, Messages, Notes, Keynote, Freeform, and Photos, and many others are available as “compatible” apps, including Microsoft’s Word and Excel, but it doesn’t include Google apps like Gmail or Drive, and only some of them work properly as web apps in Safari.
The headset tracks your hand movements relative to virtual objects, and here we see the common two-handed pinch-to-zoom gesture to increase the size of a photo. Photo: Martin Godwin/The Guardian
Using the Vision Pro as part of a productivity setup is great, but that’s only scratching the surface of what the headset can do.
Apps for Vision Pro are varied: some simply drag 2D experiences into the 3D space of the headset, like games played on a TV screen placed within the environment, while others are fully immersive environments you can walk around in.
The Apple TV app lets you enter a virtual cinema and choose your row and seat, while Disney+ lets you sit on a couch in Avengers Tower or the aforementioned speeder on Tatooine. On both services, the 3D movies look especially good.
But where Vision Pro really shines is when you combine real and virtual worlds, such as playing on a virtual chessboard placed on a table in front of you. Apple’s Encounter Dinosaur demo experience shows what’s possible by creating a portal to a prehistoric land that’s fixed to the actual wall of a room. A butterfly emerges from the portal and lands on your outstretched finger. The dinosaur then comes into view and locks eyes with you. The dinosaur’s head and eyes follow you as you move around the room, before scaring off rival dinosaurs and roaring at you.
There are only a handful of truly great experiences available on the App Store right now, but most of the best ones are controlled directly by your hands and body. Other headsets can do similar things, but none do it as easily, accurately, or with the same high fidelity as Vision Pro.
Relive your memories like never before
When you view your holiday panoramas with Vision Pro, the photos expand all around you, filling your field of vision completely for an immersive experience. Photo: Apple
One of the most unexpected and wonderful things about Vision Pro is its ability to relive past moments through photos, videos, and panoramas.
Loading a panorama photo made me feel like I was standing in Death Valley again, enjoying the dramatic colors of a sunset over the vast desert. Or sitting in a packed Capital One Arena watching the Washington Capitals play ice hockey. And a photo I took from the top of Seattle’s Space Needle gave me the same feeling of height dread I had when I took it seven years ago.
Vision Pro can also display spatial and 3D videos shot with a headset or iPhone 15 Pro. These look like the little holograms you often see in sci-fi, giving you a real sense of depth and the feeling of being back in the moment, but it takes practice to get it right
Apple’s latest Beats-branded earphones offer the sound, fit, and Android compatibility of the popular Studio Buds but in a smaller, cheaper, and longer-lasting package.
The Solo Buds follow in the footsteps of last year’s Buds+, offering full integration with a range of Apple’s devices and Google’s Android, providing the best of both platforms.
However, Beats has trimmed some features and lowered the price to £80 (€90 / $80 / AU$130), half the price of the brand’s other truly wireless earphones.
The appearance is very similar to the Studio Buds and Buds+, and while the compact pill shape remains, the shape has been slightly improved for increased comfort. They are light, fit well, and come with four different sizes of earphone tips.
The tops of the earbuds protrude slightly from the ears, making them easier to grip. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
A hidden button just above the “b” logo allows you to control playback, access your phone’s voice assistant, adjust the volume, and more, although it doesn’t pause your music when taken out of your ears like AirPods do.
Unlike most earbuds, the Solo Buds do not have a battery inside the case to charge them when not in use. Instead, each earbud has a powerful built-in battery that provides 18 hours of playback on a single charge.
The case charges the earbuds when connected to a USB-C cable, but with no built-in battery, they are 40% smaller, 55% lighter, and easier to fit in your pocket. The earbuds also emit a chime when charging or in pairing mode instead of an indicator light on the case.
specification
Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3, SBC, AAC
Battery life: 18 hr
water resistance: none
driver: 8.2mm
Earphone Weight: 5.7g each
Earphone Dimensions: 16.7 x 18.5 x 18.9mm
Case Weight: 22 g
Case Dimensions: 34.7 x 66.1 x 23.7mm
charging: USB-C
Perfect for Android or iPhone
It takes 80 minutes to fully charge the earbuds via USB-C. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
Like the more recent Studio Buds+ and Solo 4, the Beats’ big advantage is their broad cross-compatibility with Android and iOS.
It integrates better with iPhone than the competition, with controls accessible in Quick Settings, instant pairing you only need to do once to use with your iPhone, iPad, Mac, and other Apple products, and an Audio Sharing option so you can use two sets of headphones with one device.
If you have an Android or Google device, many of the same features are supported, including instant pairing, syncing and switching between Google devices, and spatial audio with compatible Pixel devices. The Beats Android app provides controls, a battery widget, settings, and other features.
The earbuds are also integrated with Apple and Google’s Find My systems, meaning you can locate them if you lose them, regardless of platform.
Good sound quality but no noise cancelling
The Solo Buds have good sound quality but lack noise cancellation. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
One big feature that was cut to achieve the lower price point was noise cancellation, so the Solo Buds rely entirely on silicone earbud tips to block out the outside world. They perform reasonably well when playing music, but they can’t completely block out the noise of your commute like the Buds+ can.
However, they are equipped with the same drivers as Beats’ more expensive earphones, so the sound quality is worth the price. They produce great, easy-to-listen-to sound with a decent amount of bass balanced with the highs. The earphones sound great across a range of genres and never sound shrill or cheap. Sound separation is solid, but they lack a bit of detail and aren’t quite on par with the best in the business.
There’s no equalizer or other adjustments available, and they lack the spatial audio tech found in the company’s more expensive earbuds, making movies and TV shows less immersive when watching them on Apple devices, though the Solo Buds are compatible with Google’s spatial audio system in Pixel devices.
Call quality was very good in both quiet environments and noisy city streets, and although my voice sounded slightly compressed, it did a good job of blocking out background noise during calls.
sustainability
The case is much smaller and does not contain a battery but does contain some electrical components visible in a transparent red color. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
Apple does not disclose the expected lifespan of the battery but should last for more than 500 full charge cycles while retaining at least 80% of its original capacity.
Apple offers out-of-warranty repairs “Battery Service”. The company has not released environmental impact statements for its headphones and other accessories, but it offers trade-ins and free recycling for products, including non-Apple products.
In comparison, Beats Studio Buds are £160, Studio Buds+ are £180, Apple AirPods 3 are £169, and Fairphone Fairbuds are £189. £129Nothing Ear (a) is priced at £89.
verdict
The Solo Buds are a great set of budget earphones that straddle the line between Android and Apple platforms better than the competition.
For just £80, you get more than the basics: great sound quality, extremely long battery life, a small case, and a very comfortable fit. Perfect integration into the iPhone is something only Apple can offer, and Android offers much the same functionality with the Beats app.
There are some shortcomings compared to the brand’s more expensive earbuds and competitors, the biggest of which is the lack of noise cancellation, which may be a turn-off for some, as well as the lack of hands-free Siri support, water resistance rating, and Apple spatial audio, but these may be negligible given the price.
The battery is not replaceable and the earbuds are not repairable, so they are ultimately disposable, which will cost them a star.
Strong Points: Great sound quality, cross-platform compatibility with enhanced features for iPhone and Android, great battery life, small case, compact and comfortable for long periods of use, stable button control, low cost.
Cons: No noise cancellation, no Apple spatial audio, music doesn’t pause when removed, not repairable.
The Solo Buds are great, affordable earbuds that fit in your pocket. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
Ren Shelburne was tired of listening to episodes of popular podcasts that friends had recommended to her. The photographer, who has partial hearing loss and an auditory processing disorder, remembers struggling to get through one particular episode. It was a unique type of show: too many speakers, complex overlapping conversations, and, until recently, no transcripts. “There's so much going on at once, it's impossible to understand,” Shelburne says. She couldn’t keep up with the shows or discuss them with friends. “Podcasts are now a big part of pop culture and media, and I want to be able to be a part of that conversation.”
Weekly podcast listenership in the U.S. has more than quadrupled in the past decade. Pew Research But for some, the medium still feels inaccessible.
“Because of my hearing loss, sometimes I miss things,” says Alexandra Wong, a Rhodes Scholar studying digital accessibility, “and then I have to rewind five or six times to understand what’s going on.”
Shelburne and Wong are among about 15% of U.S. adults, or about 37.5 million people, who are ill. Difficulties in reporting Many people who are deaf or hard of hearing rely on subtitles or transcriptions to follow music, movies, and podcasts without assistive devices. Video streaming companies like Netflix, Peacock, and Hulu offer subtitles for nearly all of their programming, and time-synchronized lyric subtitles are increasingly standard for music streaming. The popularity of video subtitles has also been embraced by audiences outside the disability community, with 80% of Netflix viewers turning on subtitles at least once a month.
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The Solo 4 headphones are an improvement on the fan-favorite headphones that made Beats famous, upgraded with longer battery life, improved sound quality, and the latest features favored by Apple and Android.
The original Solo HD was launched in 2009 and was updated in 2016 as the Solo 3 after Apple acquired Beats. Now in its fourth generation, the Solo headphones are the company’s smallest and lightest at £200 (€230 / $200 / AU$330), making them cheaper than the £350 Studio Pro.
The design remains essentially the same but has been updated with premium materials and color options. While competitors have moved away from this shape, Beats continues to offer on-ear headphones that sit on top of the ears rather than around them.
A slight reduction in pressure on the sides of your head and softer ear cushions make these headphones more comfortable than previous models. They fold up for easy transport and come with a compact, easy-to-use case.
The “b” logo in the ring surrounding it and the volume buttons are easy to use as they make a satisfying click sound when pressed. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
The left ear cup houses a Beats button with playback controls and a volume rocker, as well as a small, easy-to-miss white LED next to the 3.5mm headphone socket for the detachable cable, indicating power and connection status – a rare feature on wireless headphones these days.
The right cup houses the power button and a USB-C socket for charging the headphones, or for wired listening or calls with USB-equipped devices. The battery lasts up to 50 hours with Bluetooth playback, and the headphones can also be used without battery power using the included 3.5mm analog cable.
specification
weight: 217g
size: 177 x 158 x 68mm
driver: 40mm
Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3, 3.5mm, USB-C audio and charging
WWhen Apple introduced its gaming subscription service, Arcade, in September 2019, it garnered significant attention, as is typical for the company. The offering of 100 premium mobile games (without ads) for a monthly fee of £4.99/$4.99 (now £6.99) aimed to replicate the Netflix subscription model in the gaming industry.
Arcade was positioned as an alternative to the predominant free-to-play and ad-supported mobile games market. The presence of popular games like Genshin Impact, Clash of Clans, and Candy Crush had made it challenging for paid premium games to gain traction. However, Arcade changed the game by providing a diverse selection of titles playable on various Apple devices without ads or in-app purchases. Moreover, the games could be enjoyed offline, eliminating interruptions during gameplay.
Five years later, the landscape has evolved significantly with the emergence of new subscription services for TV, movies, and games, competing with Apple Arcade. This raises questions about Arcade’s continued relevance and priority for Apple.
Alex Rofman, a senior director at Arcade with a long history in mobile gaming, reflects on the successes of 2023, highlighting the launch of Hello Kitty Island Adventure and What the Car winning Mobile Game of the Year at the Dice Awards.
“Very silly and original”… What a car trailer.
Apple Arcade has positioned itself as a platform for delivering premium, engaging, and ad-free gaming experiences to a wide audience. The focus on innovative and family-friendly titles like Assemble With Care, Card of Darkness, and Hello Kitty caters to tech-savvy parents seeking safe gaming options for their children.
Bright spot…Neo Cab. Photo courtesy of Chance Agency
Despite the shift towards family-friendly games, Apple remains committed to supporting indie developers and fostering unique and creative ideas within the gaming industry. The success of titles like What the Car and Sneaky Sasquatch exemplifies Apple Arcade’s role as a platform for showcasing innovative indie games.
While facing criticism regarding canceled projects and declining royalty payments, Apple defends its commitment to supporting developers and reinforcing the importance of gaming within its ecosystem. The future of Apple Arcade includes games designed for Vision Pro, Apple’s spatial computing device, offering new gaming experiences and innovation in gameplay.
“Vision Pro opens up a whole new world of possibilities.” Photo: Angela Weiss/AFP/Getty Images
Despite challenges and competition, Apple Arcade continues to play a crucial role in the mobile gaming industry, offering curated gaming experiences for families and indie game enthusiasts. With a focus on innovation and inclusivity, Apple Arcade aims to solidify its position in the gaming sector as it navigates the evolving landscape in the coming years.
aApple’s issues span beyond the Atlantic. The company is facing challenges with the EU regarding the Digital Markets Act and is closely monitoring the UK’s progress with the Digital Markets, Competition, and Consumers Bill. However, the looming antitrust lawsuit from the US government poses a significant risk for the company. The primary battleground now shifts back to its home turf.
From our narrative:
The lawsuit, filed in federal court in New Jersey, accuses Apple of having a monopoly in the smartphone market and engaging in “pervasive, persistent, and unlawful conduct” by leveraging its control over the iPhone. The lawsuit seeks to break Apple’s stronghold on the smartphone market and alleges that the company has stifled innovation to maintain its dominance.
At a press conference, US Attorney General Merrick Garland stated, “Apple has maintained power not through dominance, but through illegal anti-competitive behavior.” He emphasized that monopolistic practices like Apple’s pose a threat to the economy’s free and fair markets.
The lawsuit amalgamates a plethora of allegations from the expansive market Apple controls, focusing primarily on substantiating the key claim in US antitrust law: harm to consumers. While competing against Apple can be exasperating, the lawsuit’s success hinges on demonstrating consumer harm.
The lawsuit argues that Apple’s policies restricting the integration of third-party smartwatches with iPhones, while facilitating easy Apple Watch compatibility, and the differentiation between SMS messages from Android users and iMessages from other iPhones have contributed to the decline in market competition. It also touches on Apple’s CarPlay system’s driver-centric approach being all-encompassing.
This preemptively addresses Apple’s stance that restrictions are imperative for safeguarding user privacy and security. The filing contends that Apple justifies its anti-competitive behavior under the guise of privacy, security, and consumer preferences to further its financial and business interests. Deals like offering a “more private and secure app store” for certain entities and the multi-billion-dollar deal with Google to make it the default search engine underscore Apple’s willingness to compromise. The government insists this reveals Apple’s true intentions.
What Kind of Monopoly?
One fundamental question remains ambiguous: what exactly does Apple monopolize? Government filings assert that the company dominates the “high-performance smartphone market” at the expense of cheaper, entry-level devices. Eliminating these affordable phones would secure Apple’s 70% revenue market share, a substantial figure. Apple’s own documentation suggests they don’t view their entry-level smartphones as competitors to the iPhone and high-performance smartphones, further complicating the matter.
While the scenario might seem implausible, denying Apple’s market-shaping influence, which the Justice Department aims to dismantle, is challenging. However, does Apple truly wield market influence by dominating “high-performance” smartphones? International comparisons reveal that high-end Android smartphones excel outside the US, but Apple’s dominance remains largely unaffected. The minimal adoption of iMessage in a market dominated by WhatsApp, Line, and WeChat showcases a noticeable difference, but it hasn’t significantly impacted Apple’s overall position.
Another Game
For those in Europe, the prospect of government action against Apple for abusing its monopoly might seem unsurprising. However, US antitrust enforcement varies from the European model, necessitating litigating the case in court and prevailing based on merit.
One advantage of this system is its fairness in proving Apple’s monopoly abuse within a judicial framework, curbing regulator overreach. However, enforcement poses challenges, with cases potentially enduring for years and incurring hefty legal expenses for Apple, if either won or lost.
In contrast, the EU exemplifies a contrasting approach, swiftly enforcing regulations that are binding. The investigation into Meta, Google, and Apple underscores the regulatory landscape’s swift and decisive nature in the EU.
○On Sunday, January 22, 1984, the Los Angeles Raiders defeated the Washington Redskins 38-9 in Super Bowl XVIII. With the exception of a few older Raiders fans, we all remember him that night 40 years ago with one ad that set the tone for the techno-optimism that would dominate the 21st century. did.
Advertisement showed an auditorium full of zombie-like figures watching a projection of an elderly leader resembling the Emperor from 1980's The Empire Strikes Back. A young, athletic woman wearing red and white (the colors of the flag of Poland, which waged a massive labor uprising against the Soviet-controlled communist state) spins a hammer and frames the face of her leader. He threw it across the screen. As armored police rush in to stop her.
The ad explicitly referenced George Orwell's dystopian novel 1984. Meanwhile, then-President Ronald Reagan began his re-election campaign with the audacity to confront the threat of the totalitarian Soviet Union, increasing the risk of global nuclear annihilation.
That same month, Apple began selling personal computers. This will change the way we think about computing technology in our lives and will lead to many of the ideological changes that will drive the 21st century. In many ways, the long 21st century began 40 years ago this week for him.
From a garage-based startup in Cupertino, California, we have steadily grown to where we are today. The most valuable company in the history of the world, Apple has changed the way we experience culture and each other. While not the only force to do so, if you look at other ruling forces that left their mark in 1984, such as Reagan, Apple is a key player in how we view and govern ourselves over the next 40 years. It was part of a larger change. Years later, it still impacts daily life in ways few could have imagined at the time.
Before the Macintosh debuted, Apple created high-quality computers like the Apple II (1979) that ran programs using the standard operating system at the time, the Apple Disc Operating System (which was similar to the Apple Disc Operating System). was highly regarded among computer enthusiasts for producing innovative desktop computers. MS-DOS was provided by a small then-starting company called Microsoft and could be programmed in languages such as Basic.
Companies like Texas Instruments and Atari had brought user-friendly computers to homes before the Macintosh, and IBM and Commodore had made desktop computers for businesses, but the Macintosh was something different. I was promised something.
The Macintosh created a mass market for usable computers that looked more like magic than machines. The Macintosh is a sealed box that hides the board and cables and presents a sleekly designed box, similar to the MacBook and the iPhone, which was released in 2007 and was the most influential and profitable of Apple's products. We have established design standards for what will become.
The iPhone represents much of what's appealing and loathsome about 21st century life. This is a device that does things that no other device or technology can do. It just provides all of that in its own controlled environment that masks all of the actual technology and the human agency that created it. There may be a little elf in there.
Billions of people now use such equipment, but few people ever look inside or think about the people who mined the metals and assembled the parts in dangerous conditions. plug. There are now cars and appliances designed to feel like an iPhone, all glass, metal, curves, and icons. None of them provide any clues for humans to build or maintain them. Everything seems like magic.
The shift to magic by design has blinded us to the real situation of most people working and living in the world. Gated devices are similar to gated communities. What's more, the sealed boxes are equipped with ubiquitous cameras and location devices, and when connected through invisible radio signals, serve as a global surveillance system that Soviet dictators never dreamed of. . We have also entered a world of soft control beyond Orwell's imagination.
Gated communities began to grow in popularity in the United States during the Reagan administration. It was to provide the illusion of safety against imagined but undefined invaders. They also resembled private states, with exclusive membership and strict rules of etiquette.
Reagan won reelection in a landslide in the November 1984 election. His Reagan victory established a nearly unwavering commitment to market fundamentalism and technological optimism that was largely adopted by Reagan's critics and even his successors like Bill Clinton and Barack Obama. . Outside the United States, ostensibly left-wing 20th century leaders such as Greece's Andreas Papandreou, France's François Mitterrand, and Britain's Tony Blair limited the vision of change that the growing neoliberal consensus allowed. was.
By the beginning of this century, questioning the techno-optimism imposed by Apple and the faith in neoliberalism secured by Reagan's hold on the world's political imagination seems like a fit of sulking or sulking. Probably. Does anyone doubt the democratizing and liberating potential of computer technology and free markets?
Now, a quarter of the way through this century, it's clear that the only promises kept were to Apple's shareholders and the descendants of Reagan's politicians. Democracy is in tatters around the world. Networked computers rob relationships, communities, and society of the joy and humanity. The economy is more stratified than ever before. Politics excludes any positive vision of a better future.
Of course, you can't blame Apple or Reagan. They simply distilled, harnessed, and sold back to us what we longed for: a simple story of inevitable progress and liberation. If we had heeded the warnings in Orwell's book instead of Apple's ads, we might have learned that simple stories never have happy endings.
It’s important to have friends who come to your birthday parties, offer support during tough times, and allocate resources to develop apps for emerging virtual reality platforms despite limited direct benefits. It may be tempting to believe that a $30 billion cash reserve and a product line generating over $200 billion annually are sufficient. However, Apple is finding that money cannot buy everything.
Pre-orders for Apple’s Vision Pro headset, a $3,500 “spatial computing” platform and CEO Tim Cook’s vision of Apple’s future, opened last week. Despite Apple’s enthusiasm, quiet opposition from potential users has overshadowed the announcement.
According to a report from Bloomberg (£), Netflix has opted not to design a Vision Pro app or support existing iPad apps on the platform, instead instructing users to access their content through a web browser.
Rather than developing a Vision Pro app or supporting existing iPad apps, Netflix has chosen to direct users to watch their content on the web. This decision is notable given the competition between Netflix and Apple in the streaming market.
Although the initial weekend release of Vision Pro saw an estimated 160,000-180,000 units sold, this pales in comparison to Netflix’s 250 million paying subscribers. Therefore, Netflix’s reluctance to invest resources in an app for the Vision Pro is understandable, as app development is only worthwhile if it can attract new customers or retain existing ones.
Despite Apple’s promotion of the Vision Pro as the most immersive way to watch TV, Netflix has similarly abandoned its app for MetaQuest, demonstrating a pattern of resistance to immersive platforms.
Due to these decisions, Vision Pro users will be limited to watching Netflix through the web, losing the ability to access offline viewing, a key selling point of the headset.
Furthermore, YouTube and Spotify have also opted not to release new apps for the Vision Pro, indicating a lack of enthusiasm from major content providers for the platform.
In a related story, Apple has recently allowed developers to bypass its payment system, providing them with an alternative to the high fees associated with in-app purchases. This shift may reflect a broader resistance among developers to Apple’s monopoly over economic activity in their app ecosystem.
The reluctance of major content providers to invest in apps for the Vision Pro may indicate a broader skepticism among developers about the benefits of supporting Apple’s latest venture. This trend may signal a greater movement within the developer community to challenge Apple’s control over app development and monetization.
This is the perfect protection against hacking attacks.
Have you ever felt dizzy thinking your phone might be stolen? There’s no need to worry. Apple has devised a powerful new weapon in the fight against cybercrime. It’s a new IOS update called Stolen Device Protection that prevents thieves from accessing your smartphone with stolen passwords.
“In rare cases, a thief can steal your device by watching you enter your passcode, but Stolen Device Protection adds a sophisticated new layer of protection,” an Apple spokesperson said, says the person. said in a statement.
This bold new security feature, released Tuesday as an iOS 17.3 developer beta, is especially useful when users change their Apple ID password, remove Face ID, or remove other sensitive features. , requires the use of a biometric access code such as a face or fingerprint.
Whenever a user’s device is in an unfamiliar location, stolen device protection is initiated and the user is then required to complete the aforementioned protocol.
“In the rare case that a thief steals your device by watching you enter your passcode, Stolen Device Protection adds a sophisticated new layer of protection,” an Apple spokesperson said. Masu. Denphoto – Stock.adobe.com
As an additional safeguard against “smash-and-grab” operations, users must re-enter their data after an hour to confirm the change, effectively rendering any passcode hacking attempt futile.
Stolen Device Protection is currently only available to beta testers, but will be available to all users once Apple releases the final version of iOS 17.3. TechCrunch reported.
An Apple spokesperson said the move is part of an ongoing campaign to protect smartphone users “as threats to user devices continue to evolve.”
Last month, the release of a new iPhone feature, NameDrop, set off alarm bells. This allows a user to instantly share contact information with his iPhone or Apple Watch nearby, instead of physically handing the phone over to someone.
While it did speed up the information exchange process, viewers became concerned that users were unknowingly sharing their information with unknown iPhone users.
Apple has officially launched the Journal app with the release of iOS 17.2. announced on monday. First announced at WWDC in June, the new app is designed to encourage users to reflect on everyday moments and record special events.
This app allows you to capture these moments using text, photos, videos, audio recordings, locations, and more. Journal also leverages AI to provide users with personalized suggestions for journal entries. For example, an app may encourage you to write about new places you’ve visited or songs you’ve heard. Apple says you can control the type of content that appears in an app’s Suggestions.
Apple also announced that third-party journaling apps can now suggest moments to write about to users, thanks to a new Journaling Suggestion API. Apple said in a press release that developers can add personalized journaling suggestions to their apps using the new Journaling Suggestions API.
Image credits: apple
You can bring different types of content into the app and write about it, including news articles and podcasts. In Journal, you can browse past entries, bookmark, and filter by images, locations, and more.
If you’re new to journaling and still trying to establish a journaling habit, you can turn on scheduled notifications to receive reminders about recording your daily moments.
According to Apple, all Journal entries are end-to-end encrypted when stored in iCloud. For extra protection, you can lock the Journal app using your device passcode, Face ID, or Touch ID. Additionally, Apple says that journaling suggestions are created on-device, and users can choose which suggested moments they want to share with the Journal app to be added to their journal entries.
Image credits: apple
“We’re excited to bring the benefits of journaling to even more people,” said Bob Borchers, Apple’s vice president of worldwide product marketing. press release. “Journal makes it easy to preserve rich, powerful memories and practice gratitude by intelligently curating your personal information directly from your iPhone. We’re enabling other journaling apps to offer similar personalized suggestions while maintaining your privacy.”
iPhone users have long used certain apps for journaling and even notes apps to record their daily experiences and memories. Now the company has launched a dedicated space for users to do so.
Apple’s entry into the journaling space could upset app makers. App makers often accuse Apple of “Sherlocking” popular app categories, a reference to the tech giant’s habit of taking ideas from its broader app developer and partner community. It is worth noting that Apple is currently under the jurisdiction of the Department of Justice investigation Alleged anti-competitive conduct in the App Store and other commercial practices.
To learn more about Journal, check out TechCrunch’s review of the app.
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