Huawei unveils its foldable Pura X Max phone, which resembles the expected design of the foldable Phonegram; Apple removes a fake app that stole $9.5 million, as well as the Freecash app; Surface device prices rise; Apple threatens to remove the Grok app from the App Store; the official Gemini app for Mac arrives; and other exciting news on the sidelines…
Apple Watch repairs will soon be faster and easier in stores
Apple Stores will soon be able to repair software issues on the Apple Watch directly in-store, without needing to send them to remote repair centers and waiting for days as was previously the case. If your watch experiences a sudden freeze or crashes during an update and attempts to fix it via the Phonegram fail, staff will have new tools to restart the watch and resolve the issue right in front of you. This step will make maintaining your watch a simple and fast process, saving you the hassle of long waits to get your device back.
Apple prepares for a major update to Siri
Apple has sent a large number of Siri engineers to a boot camp to learn AI programming ahead of the anticipated announcement of a smarter version of Siri at the upcoming developer conference. During this period, a team of developers remained to monitor Siri’s performance and ensure it complies with security standards and executes commands accurately. Craig Federighi is now leading AI development, while Mike Rockwell manages the Siri team, with Apple relying on Google’s “Gemini” models to power the new AI features.
Google launches the official Gemini app for Mac
Google has launched the official Gemini app for Mac, giving users an easier and faster experience using AI directly on their computer. The app can be launched with a keyboard shortcut without needing to open a separate window; it can also understand what is on the screen, review files, answer questions, and generate images and videos. Users can share any window with Gemini to receive assistance related to what they are viewing at that moment. The app works on Macs running macOS 15 or later and is free to download, with limits on free usage, while Google offers paid subscriptions that provide more features and usage. The company confirms that this step is the beginning of transforming Gemini into a comprehensive smart assistant for computers in the coming period.
Apple threatened to remove the Grok app from the App Store due to inappropriate images
Reports have revealed that Apple specifically warned Elon Musk’s company, xAI, that it would remove the Grok app from the App Store if it did not stop generating fake, sexually explicit, and inappropriate AI-generated images. This came after the spread of images of women and children created without their consent, some of which were based on real photos. Apple requested the company to provide a clear content moderation plan and rejected their first attempt at a fix because it was insufficient. After further adjustments, Apple allowed the app to remain. Although the spread of these images later decreased, reports indicate that some users are still able to bypass restrictions and generate similar content. The case underscores the ongoing pressure on tech companies to ensure AI tools are used safely and responsibly.
iPad Air to get an OLED screen early next year
A new report indicates that Apple plans to equip the iPad Air with an OLED screen starting early next year, a move that will give the device better display quality compared to current screens. This technology features more accurate colors, higher contrast, and deeper blacks, along with faster response times and better viewing angles. However, the device might not get all the features of the iPad Pro screen, such as the 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate, as it is expected to use a less expensive version of these screens. If this update happens, only the base iPad will remain in the iPad lineup with a traditional LCD screen.
Claude updates its desktop app with new features for programmers
Anthropic has launched an improved version of the Claude desktop app, with a clear focus on facilitating work for developers and managing multiple tasks simultaneously. The new update adds a sidebar to view current and past sessions, with the ability to organize them by project or status, along with a flexible interface that can be arranged via drag-and-drop. The app now also includes built-in tools like a terminal for running tests, a quick file editor, and a preview for HTML and PDF files. The company also added a new feature called Routines that allows for running automated tasks at specific times or upon events like GitHub updates, without needing to open an active session. These updates aim to make Claude a more powerful and flexible assistant for professional developers.
Microsoft raises Surface prices, making them more expensive than some Mac models
Microsoft has raised the prices of almost all Surface devices, making many of its models more expensive than comparable Mac devices. The company explained that the reason is the rising cost of memory and electronic components. The increase included Surface Pro and Surface Laptop devices, with some categories rising by hundreds of dollars compared to their launch price. As a result, some mid-range Surface devices now start at over $1,000, while more powerful devices reach very high prices that exceed some MacBook Pro versions. Reports indicate that Microsoft may launch new Surface devices later this year at the same high prices, amid the ongoing global increase in manufacturing costs due to high demand for AI components.
Apple removes Freecash app from the App Store following accusations of collecting user data
Apple has removed the Freecash app from the App Store following reports that it was collecting large amounts of Phonegram user data in deceptive ways. The app had spread widely after being promoted on TikTok, promising users earnings of up to $35 per hour for watching content, but the reality was different. Users discovered that actual earnings were very low and required playing games, watching ads, or making in-app purchases. Reports also indicated that the app collected sensitive information such as health data, biometrics, and more. Apple stated that the app violated its policies regarding fraud and deceptive marketing, leading to its removal from the store after months of being available.
Samsung price hikes in the US raise concerns about Apple device price increases
Samsung has raised prices on a number of phones and tablets in the United States, raising concerns that Apple might follow suit by raising the prices of its devices as well. Reports indicate that the main reason is the rising cost of memory and storage components due to high demand from AI data centers, which receive priority in production due to their higher profits. This shortage of components has led to price increases at several companies, and its effects have already begun to appear on some modern Apple devices through price hikes, shipping delays, or the reduction of certain options. So far, there is no official announcement of widespread increases from Apple, but the continuation of the crisis may force changes in the prices of its upcoming devices.
Apple removes a fake digital wallet app that stole $9.5 million from Mac users
Apple has removed a fake app from the Mac App Store after discovering it was used to steal about $9.5 million in cryptocurrency from users. The app disguised itself as the official version of the Ledger Live wallet, which tricked many victims into entering sensitive data that allowed scammers to access their digital wallets. Reports indicate that more than 50 people were affected within a few days, with some losing very large sums. The incident has raised questions about how the app passed Apple’s App Store review process, especially since it remained available for about two weeks before being deleted.
Apple launches the new Apple Business platform for device management and customer communication
Apple has announced the new Apple Business platform, a unified service that brings business management tools into one place. The platform helps organizations manage devices, employees, email, calendars, and customer services easily via the Apple ecosystem. It also allows for the automatic setup of new devices before handing them over to employees, with required apps and settings pre-installed. It also provides work accounts that are separate and secure from personal accounts, allowing for the use of a single device for both work and personal life. Other benefits include the ability to improve business visibility within Apple services such as Maps, Safari, and Siri, in addition to new advertising tools within Apple Maps. The service is available in over 200 countries and regions and is offered for free with paid options for additional features.
Huawei’s new foldable phone resembles the expected design of the foldable Phonegram
Huawei has unveiled its new foldable Pura X Max phone, which looks close in design to the expected shape of the upcoming Apple foldable Phonegram. The phone adopts a design that opens like a book with a wide screen, which is the same direction that rumors point to for Apple’s upcoming device. Leaks indicate that the Apple phone will come with a 5.5-inch external screen, and when opened, the size will reach 7.8 inches, approaching the size of an iPad mini. Apple is expected to unveil its first foldable phone next September with a price starting at about $2,000, making it one of the company’s most premium and luxurious devices.
Miscellaneous News
◉ Apple announced that it no longer allows the use of iOS 26.4, meaning that Phonegram users who updated their devices to iOS 26.4.1 cannot return to the previous version. This step aims to protect users from older, less secure versions, as the latest update added fixes for iCloud synchronization issues and protection for stolen devices. At the same time, Apple is testing a new version, iOS 26.5, which is expected to offer additional improvements soon.
◉ Apple is facing difficulties in its case against YouTuber Jon Prosser, as it asserts that he has not fully cooperated with the court in providing the required documents and testimonies, which led it to request a court order to force him to comply. The case began in 2025 when Apple accused Prosser and his partner of obtaining confidential information from a prototype Phonegram and publishing details about the iOS design before the official announcement. While Prosser shows resistance, his partner Ramaciotti is cooperating with Apple, and informal discussions about a potential settlement have begun, while sessions continue until June 2026.
◉ The American airline American Airlines announced its support for the improved boarding pass feature in the Wallet app on the Phonegram with iOS 26. The new update allows travelers to use Apple Maps to navigate inside the airport, track bags via AirTags, and report lost luggage easily, in addition to destination guides and quick links to the app. This feature is already available at several other airlines such as United, Air Canada, and Southwest, while Apple is also working on providing live flight updates via the Live Activities feature.
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