Apple is dropping Vision Pro and iPad Ultra and considering removing MagSafe from the iPhone; iPhone memory costs quadruple; Notepad++ code editor arrives on Macs after 20 years; YouTube is testing an AI search feature; iOS 27 adds new AI-powered photo editing tools; Apple Vision Pro is used in the world's first cataract surgery; and other exciting news on the sidelines…
Apple is introducing a new monthly subscription with an annual contract to make payment easier.
Apple has announced a new in-app subscription model that allows users to pay monthly fees but commit to a full year. The idea is simple: you get the discounted annual subscription price, but instead of paying it all at once, it's divided into 12 fixed monthly installments. Unlike regular monthly subscriptions, you can't cancel the subscription immediately; you're obligated to complete the full year. This move helps users reduce their financial burden while also providing developers with a steady income stream. Apple has also prioritized transparency, allowing users to easily see their remaining payments in their account settings and receive reminder notifications before renewals. The feature will be available soon with the iOS 26.5 update, but it will initially roll out in most countries, excluding the United States and Singapore, for reasons not yet explained.
Apple's upcoming smart glasses may rely on gestures instead of a screen.
Apple is developing AI-powered smart glasses to rival Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses, and leaks suggest they will rely heavily on hand gesture control rather than a screen. The glasses will feature two cameras: a high-resolution, wide-angle lens for capturing photos and videos, and a lower-resolution, wide-angle lens for reading hand movements and providing input to Siri. While future versions may support augmented reality, the initial release will be screenless and lack heavy technologies like LiDAR to conserve battery life and keep the glasses lightweight. Apple also plans to use lightweight materials like acetate for a comfortable fit and integrate a more intelligent version of Siri, expected with iOS 27, allowing users to take photos, record videos, make calls, and ask questions about what they see. These glasses are expected to be unveiled soon, with an official launch anticipated in 2027.
Apple is abandoning Vision Pro and looking for simpler ideas.
Apple halted development of its Vision Pro device after the M5 failed to capture user interest. Despite adding a faster chip, a higher refresh rate display, and a slight increase in battery life, the device still suffered from issues such as its heavy weight and high price of $3,499. Since its launch, it hasn't been a success, selling only around 600 units with a high return rate compared to other Apple products. As a result, the company reassigned its team to other projects, such as Siri development, and is now focusing on smart glasses similar to Ray-Ban Meta, but without an integrated display. While Apple continues to sell the M5, it doesn't plan to release a new model anytime soon unless it manages to create a lighter and more affordable virtual reality device in the future.
Apple abandons iPad Ultra plans
Apple has abandoned plans for a foldable iPad Ultra after years of weak iPad Pro sales. While the company expanded the "Ultra" brand to include products like the Apple Watch Ultra, M chips, and iPhone Ultra, the iPad Pro's poor performance led to its exclusion from this category. Previous reports indicated that iPad Pro sales declined due to high prices, with the 11-inch model starting at $999 and the 13-inch model at $1,299, leading many to view the device as secondary to a phone or laptop.
The foldable version also faced technical challenges related to weight and screen size, and its expected price of around $3,900 made it impractical for consumers. Meanwhile, Apple continues to work on other "Ultra" devices, such as a foldable iPhone, a MacBook with an OLED touchscreen, and AirPods with smart cameras, while the iPad Ultra project remains on hold with no release plans.
Apple is considering the future of the MagSafe feature on the iPhone.
New reports indicate that Apple is internally debating whether to continue including MagSafe in future iPhones. This technology, which debuted with the iPhone 12 in 2020, uses a magnetic ring on the back of the device to facilitate wireless charging and the attachment of accessories like wallets, cases, and chargers. While the system has expanded significantly with widespread support from third-party manufacturers, some models, such as the iPhone 16e, were released without MagSafe, drawing criticism and prompting Apple to reinstate it in the iPhone 17e.
The current debate centers on the cost of adding magnets versus the importance of the accessory ecosystem, especially with the move towards newer devices like the foldable iPhone Ultra, which may be too thin to accommodate the feature. While completely removing MagSafe seems unlikely due to its reliance on the Qi2 wireless charging standard, Apple might make it exclusive to higher-priced devices or rely more on magnetic covers instead of integrating it directly into the device.
iPhone memory costs have increased fourfold.
Banking reports indicate that the cost of memory in iPhones will rise significantly by 2027, accounting for approximately 45% of component costs, compared to just 10% today. The primary reason is intense competition from artificial intelligence companies that are paying billions of dollars upfront to secure limited supplies from companies like Samsung and Micron, thus diminishing Apple's previous ability to dictate market terms.
This pressure is impacting Apple's future plans, with the iPhone 18 series expected to launch gradually, delaying the cheaper model until spring 2027, while the Pro versions will be released in September alongside a foldable iPhone. With John Ternos now at the helm as the new CEO, the crucial decision will be whether Apple will absorb these costs or raise prices for consumers, particularly in highly competitive markets like India and China.
Notepad++ arrives on Mac devices
After more than 20 years of waiting, the popular code editor Notepad++ is finally available as a native application on macOS. Previously, Mac users had to run it through compatibility tools like Wine or CrossOver, but now they can use it directly on Apple Silicon and Intel Macs.
The Mac experience is nearly identical to the Windows version, with support for over 80 programming languages, tabbed editing, find and replace, macro recording, and plugin support, but with an interface based on Apple's Cocoa APIs. The application is completely free and open-source under the GNU GPL license, and can be downloaded from the Notepad++ for Mac website without any ads or hidden costs.
YouTube is testing a “Ask YouTube” feature.
YouTube has announced a new AI-powered search feature designed to make searching more like a natural conversation than simply entering keywords. Users can type complex questions in simple language, such as “Plan a 3-day road trip between San Francisco and Santa Barbara,” and receive results that include AI-generated text summaries, short clips, and longer videos, highlighting the most relevant parts.
The feature is available through the YouTube Labs program, which gives YouTube Premium subscribers in the US the chance to try experimental features before their official release. Other features include Beyond the Beat in the YouTube Music app and VibeCheck, which provides tips for Shorts videos before they are published. The test runs until June 8 and could be a significant step toward making search on the platform more interactive and intelligent.
AI-powered photo editing tools in iOS 27
Apple is working on adding new tools based on Apple Intelligence within the Photos app in iOS 27, iPadOS 27 and macOS 27. These tools will enable intelligent image enhancement, such as adjusting colors and lighting, expanding the image boundaries to add an additional scene, or readjusting the shooting angle after taking the picture.
The new tools include Extend for expansion, Enhance for automatic optimization, and Reframe for reconfiguration, along with the existing Clean Up tool that removes unwanted elements. While some tools may be delayed due to technical challenges, they will be officially unveiled at WWDC 2026 on June 8, where Apple will also reveal other updates such as improvements to Siri.
Vision Pro glasses were used in the world's first cataract surgery.
Apple Vision Pro has achieved a new medical milestone after a New York ophthalmologist used it to perform the first cataract surgery using mixed reality technology. Dr. Eric Rosenberg of SightMD developed a surgical platform called ScopeXR, which transmits 3D images directly to the device, allowing the surgeon to have a precise view of the surgical field while integrating pre-operative diagnostic data, as well as enabling real-time remote collaboration between doctors.
This usage reflects Apple's shift towards specialized professional applications such as medicine and industrial training, especially given the weak consumer demand due to the device's high price and weight. Although Apple released an updated version of the Vision Pro with the M5 chip in October 2025, reports indicate that development of any new versions has ceased, with the company focusing on lighter and more practical smart glasses.
High demand is delaying shipments of the MacBook Neo, despite its availability at other stores.
The MacBook Neo has continued to be a strong success since its launch, with high demand causing shipping delays of up to two or three weeks on Apple's official website in many countries. However, the device doesn't face the same problem at retailers like Amazon and Walmart, where it can be purchased much more quickly, within a day or two, sometimes with small discounts. The MacBook Neo is Apple's budget-friendly option, starting at $599 and reaching $699 for the higher-end model, with additional student discounts. This high demand reflects a trend among users towards more affordable Macs that still offer performance suitable for everyday use.
OpenAI enters the smartphone race to compete with the iPhone
OpenAI is preparing to enter the smartphone market with a new device that relies heavily on artificial intelligence, a surprising move given its previous dismissal of this direction. According to leaks, the company will collaborate with Qualcomm and MediaTek to supply the processors, while Luxshare Precision Industry will handle manufacturing, with production planned for 2028. The phone's core concept is to rely on "AI agents" instead of traditional applications, allowing the device to continuously understand the user and their context and execute tasks directly without requiring the opening of multiple apps.
The company believes the phone is the best device for this because it accompanies the user constantly and collects important data such as location, activity, and communication. This approach could completely change how we use phones and put the device in direct competition with the iPhone, especially given OpenAI's ambition to control the entire system and experience and offer subscription-based services.
XChat app arrives on iPhone as a new competitor to chat apps
X has launched a new messaging app called XChat, which operates independently from the main app, allowing users to easily chat privately away from the platform's hustle and bustle. The app supports one-on-one and group messaging, voice and video calls, and file sharing. The company emphasizes end-to-end encryption and additional PIN protection, along with no ads or tracking. It also offers features like disappearing messages, message editing or deletion, and a screenshot alert. The app is free and works on iOS 26 and later, offering multiple customization options and a quick button to return to the main app. It is currently available on iPhone and iPad in the US, while an Android version has not yet been announced.
Miscellaneous news
Apple lost its bid to postpone the case with Epic Games, as the appeals court decided to return the case to the lower court to determine the fees Apple can charge developers when directing users to external payment options. This decision ended Apple's strategy of stalling and confirmed that the Supreme Court may not even hear the case. Now, Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers will decide whether Apple has the right to charge any commission on these external links.
Leaks suggest the iPhone 18 may feature 12GB of RAM, a significant upgrade for the standard model to accommodate upcoming AI capabilities. It's also expected to be powered by a new 2nm processor, delivering improved performance without increased power consumption, thus enhancing the overall user experience. The release of the standard version is likely to be delayed until 2027, as Apple focuses heavily on supporting new AI features in this generation.
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