Apple surpasses a $4 trillion market capitalization, enables the use of Swift for Android app development, the iPhone 18 will come with 12 or 16 GB of RAM, the impending end of Windows 10 support has boosted Mac sales, Samsung unveils a triple-folding phone, and other exciting news on the sidelines…
Apple launches a massive photo collection to advance AI in photo editing.
Apple has announced a new database called Pico-Banana-400K, containing 400 carefully selected images, designed to improve the performance of its AI systems in text-based image editing. Apple says that while current AI systems, such as GPT-4o, are highly capable, they suffer from poor training data quality. The collection includes images categorized into 35 types of edits across 8 categories, ranging from simple color changes to transforming people into Pixar or Lego-style cartoon characters. Apple used its own AI systems to review image quality and also employed Google's Gemini-2.5-Pro model to evaluate the results.
The database comprises three sub-sections dedicated to training, comparison, and analyzing the evolution of successive edits. While Apple based the collection on Google's "Gemini-2.5-Flash-Image" model, research has revealed its limitations in certain specific tasks. Apple aims to provide a robust foundation for developing the next generation of AI-powered image editing technologies and has made the database freely available for non-commercial research via GitHub.
Withings has launched an iPhone-connected urine reader.
The device, called U-Scan, is a small sensor that attaches to the toilet bowl for automatic urine analysis. Aimed at making health tracking a natural part of daily routines, it is now available in the US and Europe. The device comes with two interchangeable test cartridges: Nutrio, which monitors nutritional and hydration indicators such as ketones, vitamin C, pH, and body water levels; and Calci, which measures calcium levels associated with kidney stone formation. Each cartridge can perform approximately 22 tests over three months and is controlled via the Withings Health Mate app.
The device is sold in two packages: the Proactive package for $349.95, which includes a reader, charger, and one cartridge, and the Intensive package for $429.95, which includes two cartridges. Additional cartridges can be purchased starting at $99.95, with a subscription option for automatic delivery. Notably, the company has now classified the device as a "wellness product" rather than a "medical device" to avoid lengthy approval processes, positioning it for general health monitoring rather than medical diagnosis. The Cycle Sync cartridge for tracking menstrual cycles and ovulation is still pending. This launch follows Kohler's Dekoda device, which also connects to the iPhone but analyzes stool instead of urine; Whitings now offers the ability to monitor both.
Samsung unveils a triple-folding phone
Samsung unveiled a new smartphone with an innovative design that folds twice instead of once, at a special demonstration during the APEC 2025 conference in Korea. The device transforms from a phone with a screen size of approximately 6.5 inches to a tablet-like 10-inch display, combining portability with a larger screen size. Attendees were not allowed to actually try the phone as it was displayed inside a transparent glass box, but some details were leaked to the Korean press. It measures approximately 4.2 mm thick when unfolded and 1.2–1.5 cm when folded, with almost invisible fold lines. Reports indicate that Samsung may begin production of the phone next month, with a market launch expected before the end of 2026, at a price of around $2800.
Apple is working on a water-resistant version of the iPad Mini for 2026.
A Bloomberg report indicates that Apple is developing a new iPad Mini with a more water-resistant design, similar to the iPhone, making it safer for use in places like the bathroom or near a pool. Apple is working on a new speaker system that uses vibration instead of traditional vents, reducing potential entry points for water. Unlike the iPhone, which uses adhesives and rubber seals to protect its ports, the iPad Mini's design will be different, as current models do not have an official water resistance rating. The upcoming model is expected to feature an OLED display and be released in 2026, with a potential price increase of up to $100 from the current starting price of $499.
Apple's market value exceeds $4 trillion
Apple's market capitalization has surpassed $4 trillion, making it the third publicly traded company to reach this milestone after Nvidia and Microsoft. Companies like Google, Amazon, and Meta are still far from this level. This valuation is based on the total value of Apple's outstanding shares, pending official updates in the earnings report scheduled for October 30, 2025.
Apple was the first company in the world to reach a $3 trillion valuation in 2022, but strong global demand for Nvidia chips recently allowed Nvidia to surpass it. However, the robust demand for the iPhone 17 since September has helped boost Apple's stock and push it back towards this historic valuation.
Apple simplifies the camera button in the iPhone 18
Apple plans to redesign the camera button on the iPhone 18 to reduce costs, replacing the touch-sensitive layer with a pressure sensor that can recognize taps, clicks, and swipes. This approach is similar to that used in some Oppo and Vivo phones and is expected to maintain full button functionality while lowering manufacturing and repair costs.
Leaks suggest that Apple may later add piezoelectric ceramic technology to provide precise vibrations, as part of its plan to gradually transition to fully solid buttons in its future devices.
The 20th anniversary iPhone may replace mechanical buttons with hard touchscreens.
Apple is developing a completely new design for the iPhone, slated for release in 2027 to coincide with the 20th anniversary of the iPhone's founding. This new design will replace traditional mechanical buttons with hard, haptic feedback buttons that simulate the feel of pressure. The technology will include the power button, volume controls, action buttons, and camera button, reducing wear and tear and providing multiple functions depending on the pressure applied.
Leaks suggest the phone may feature a revolutionary design resembling a single piece of glass with no bezels or cutouts, and a screen that wraps around the sides and integrates seamlessly with the button areas. This approach aims to deliver a visually stunning and fluid experience impossible with traditional buttons, but it remains within the realm of rumors pending official confirmation from Apple.
The iPhone 17e may get the Dynamic Island
New leaks suggest that the upcoming iPhone 17e may feature a dynamic bezel display. Despite this addition, the phone will retain a 60Hz OLED screen, the same display used in some previous models like the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16. The phone is expected to launch in the first half of 2026, about a year after the iPhone 16e, and will likely be equipped with the A19 processor without other major changes, reflecting Apple's tendency to reuse previous-generation technologies in its budget phones.
The iPhone 18 Pro may get a variable aperture lens similar to DSLR cameras.
Apple plans to equip the iPhone 18 Pro models with a variable aperture lens, marking the first time this technology has appeared on Apple phones, according to supply chain leaks. This feature will allow the main camera to let in more light in low-light conditions or reduce the aperture in bright scenes to achieve a clearer depth of field, just like professional cameras.
Previous models like the iPhone 15 Pro, 16 Pro, and 17 Pro relied on a fixed ƒ/1.78 aperture, while the new lens will give users better manual control over subject sharpness or background blur. Apple is expected to unveil these phones in September 2026, marking one of the most significant upgrades in the history of iPhone cameras.
Apple is organizing a special event for Vision Pro developers.
Apple used the week of the Vision Pro M5 launch to organize a two-day “Meet with Apple” program at its developer center in Cupertino, which focused on developing immersive apps and experiences for visionOS 26. The first day included sessions on creating immersive videos, designing spatial interactions, and using features such as SharePlay and 3D Personas to communicate within experiences.
The second day focused on Apple's Immersive Video and Spatial Audio technologies, showcasing new production methods and examples from past projects. Apple made the full event recordings available to developers on its YouTube channel, following the announcement of the Vision Pro M5 on October 15th and its release in stores on October 22nd.
Apple enables the use of Swift programming language for Android app development.
Apple has released the first beta version of the Swift SDK for Android, allowing developers to officially create Android apps using the Swift language instead of relying on unsupported solutions. The swift-java tool handles the integration of Swift code with Android APIs and Java, while the package index indicates that over 25% of Swift libraries already support Android.
The package is now available as a daily preview within the Swift installer for Windows or as a separate download for Linux and Mac, with a guide and ready-made projects to help you get started. The development team is also working on a vision document to define future priorities and track progress via a public projects dashboard.
Miscellaneous news
Apple has accused a former employee, Chen Xi, of stealing confidential Apple Watch technology files and transferring them to the Chinese phone company Oppo, where he presented the technology to hundreds of employees. Apple claims the presentation included slides taken from its internal documents, while Oppo denies obtaining any secrets and maintains that what was presented were merely general engineering principles. The case is still before the courts, with Apple seeking to prevent Oppo from using its technology in its products and to obtain financial compensation for damages.
Apple CEO Tim Cook attended a private dinner in Tokyo with US President Donald Trump and several top technology leaders from the US and Japan, aimed at encouraging Japanese investment in the US market. During the meeting, Trump outlined a $550 billion funding framework to support US projects, with potential investment commitments of up to $490 billion from Japanese companies. Despite Japan's importance to Apple as a source of key components such as Sony sensors, Sharp displays, and Murata batteries, Cook did not announce any new investments or plans for the company.
WhatsApp is developing a new tool that will allow users to manage the storage space consumed by files within each individual chat, instead of relying solely on the overall storage management as is currently the case. The new feature will appear on the chat info page, where users can see the amount of space occupied by photos, videos, and files, and sort them by newest, oldest, or largest size. This will make it easier to identify and quickly delete files that are taking up the most memory, and it is expected to be available soon after the testing phase is complete.
Reports indicate that Apple is preparing to add ads within its Maps app starting next year, allowing restaurants and businesses to pay for more prominent placement in search results. The new system will function similarly to App Store search ads, relying on artificial intelligence to deliver more relevant and useful results. However, the move may face some criticism from users.
The impending end of Windows 10 support in October 2025 has triggered the biggest PC replacement wave in years, with Apple being one of the biggest beneficiaries. Mac shipments surged 14.9% year-over-year in the third quarter, fueled by demand for new MacBooks and the increasing reliance of businesses on Apple hardware. According to Counterpoint, roughly 40% of computers worldwide still run on this operating system, propelling major brands like Lenovo, Asus, and HP to strong growth, while Dell's shipments declined slightly. Companies have also begun marketing devices equipped with neural processing units and artificial intelligence features, as these capabilities gradually become integrated into enterprise purchasing plans.
Korean reports indicate that the iPhone 18 will come with 12 or 16 GB of RAM, instead of the 8 GB found in some previous-generation models. This is intended to standardize storage capacity across all versions and support advanced AI technologies. Apple has reportedly asked Samsung to increase its supply of high-performance LPDDR5X chips and is also in talks with other companies like SK Hynix and Micron to secure supplies. The new series is expected to launch between the fall of 2026 and the first half of 2027.
Microsoft has released updates to Copilot Mode in its Edge browser, allowing users to interact with a conversation interface within each tab to ask questions, search, or compare content across multiple windows. New additions include Copilot Actions, which enables AI to perform tasks like unsubscribing or booking appointments, with voice command support, and Journeys, which organizes browsing history by topic and suggests follow-up steps for further research. These capabilities are currently available to US users in a preview version and can be activated with the latest version of Edge.
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