Huawei unveils its Pura X Max foldable phone, which resembles the expected design of a foldable iPhone; Apple removes a fake app that stole $9.5 million, and also removes the Freecash app; Surface device prices rise; Apple threatens to remove the Grok app from the App Store; the official Gemini app for Macs is released; 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 Apple Watch software issues directly in-store, eliminating the need to send it to remote service centers and wait for days as before. If your watch suddenly freezes or malfunctions during an update, and attempts to fix it via iPhone fail, staff will have new tools that allow them to restart the watch and resolve the issue immediately in front of you. This will make watch repairs quick and easy, saving you the hassle of waiting for your device to be returned.
Apple is preparing a major update to Siri.
Apple sent a large number of Siri engineers to bootcamp to learn AI programming ahead of the anticipated announcement of a more intelligent version of Siri at the upcoming developers conference. During this time, a team of developers remained to monitor Siri's work and ensure its compliance with security standards and accurate command execution. Craig Federighi now leads the 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 official Gemini app for Mac
Google has launched the official Gemini app for Macs, giving users a faster and easier experience using artificial intelligence directly on their computers. The app can be launched with a keyboard shortcut without needing to open a separate window. It can understand what's on the screen, review files, answer questions, and create images and videos. Users can share any window with Gemini to receive real-time assistance related to what they're viewing. The app works on Macs running macOS 15 or later and is free to download with limitations. Google also offers paid subscriptions for more features and usage. The company confirms that this is the beginning of transforming Gemini into a fully integrated smart assistant for computers in the near future.
Apple threatened to remove the Grok app from the App Store due to inappropriate images.
Reports indicate that Apple specifically warned Elon Musk's xAI that it would remove the Grok app from the App Store if it didn't stop creating sexually explicit and inappropriate fake images using artificial intelligence. This came after the spread of images of women and children created without their consent, some of which were based on real photos. Apple demanded that the company provide a clear plan for content moderation and rejected the initial attempt at reform as insufficient. After further modifications, Apple allowed the app to remain. Although the spread of these images subsequently decreased, reports suggest that some users were still able to circumvent restrictions and create similar content. This case underscores the ongoing pressure on tech companies to ensure the safe and responsible use of AI tools.
The iPad Air will get an OLED screen early next year.
A new report indicates that Apple plans to equip the iPad Air with an OLED display early next year, a move that will give the device superior display quality compared to current models. This technology boasts more accurate colors, higher contrast, deeper blacks, faster response times, and wider viewing angles. However, the device may not receive all the features of the iPad Pro display, such as the 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate, as a less expensive version of this display is expected to be used. If this upgrade is implemented, the standard iPad will remain the only iPad in the lineup with a traditional LCD screen.
Cloud updates its desktop app with new features for programmers
Anthropic has released an enhanced version of its Cloud desktop application, with a clear focus on streamlining the developer experience and multitasking capabilities. The update adds a sidebar to display current and past sessions, which can be organized by project or status, along with a flexible drag-and-drop interface. The application now includes built-in tools such as a terminal for running tests, a quick file editor, and previews for HTML and PDF files. The company has also added a new feature called Routines, which allows for the automatic execution of tasks at specific times or in response to events like GitHub updates, without requiring an active session. These updates aim to make Cloud a more powerful and flexible assistant for professional developers.
Microsoft raises Surface prices to become more expensive than some Macs
Microsoft has raised prices on nearly all its Surface devices, making many models more expensive than comparable Macs. The company explained that the increase is due to rising costs for memory and electronic components. The price hikes affected both the Surface Pro and Surface Laptop, with some models seeing hundreds of dollars more than their launch price. As a result, some mid-range Surface devices now start at over $1000, while the more powerful models reach prices exceeding those of some MacBook Pro models. Reports indicate that Microsoft may release new Surface devices later this year at the same high prices, as manufacturing costs continue to rise globally due to strong demand for artificial intelligence components.
Apple removes Freecash app from App Store after accusations of collecting user data
Apple removed the Freecash app from the App Store after reports surfaced that it had been collecting large amounts of iPhone user data through deceptive means. The app had gained widespread popularity after being promoted on TikTok, promising users earnings of up to $35 per hour for watching content. However, the reality was quite different. Users discovered that the actual earnings were minimal and required playing games, watching ads, or making in-app purchases. Reports also indicated that the app collected sensitive information such as health data and biometrics. Apple stated that the app violated its policies regarding fraud and deceptive marketing, leading to its removal from the store after months of availability.
Samsung's rising prices in America increase concerns about Apple's price hikes.
Samsung has raised prices on a number of its phones and tablets in the US, sparking concerns that Apple might follow suit. Reports indicate that the primary reason is the increased cost of memory and storage components due to high demand from artificial intelligence data centers, which receive priority in production because of their higher profitability. This component shortage has led to price hikes for several companies, and its effects are already being felt in some of Apple's latest devices through higher prices, shipping delays, or reduced features. While Apple has not yet officially announced any significant price increases, the ongoing crisis could force changes to the pricing of its upcoming devices.
Apple removes fake digital wallet app that stole $9.5 million from Mac users
Apple removed a fake app from the Mac App Store after discovering it was used to steal approximately $9.5 million in cryptocurrency from users. The app masqueraded as the official Ledger Live wallet, tricking numerous victims into entering sensitive data that allowed the scammers to access their digital wallets. Reports indicate that more than 50 people were affected within a few days, with some losing substantial sums. The incident has raised questions about how the app bypassed Apple's review process, especially since it remained available for about two weeks before being removed.
Apple launches new Apple Business platform for managing devices and communicating with customers
Apple announced its new Apple Business platform, a unified service that brings together business management tools in one place. The platform helps organizations easily manage devices, employees, email, calendars, and customer service across the Apple ecosystem. It also allows for automatic setup of new devices before they are handed over to employees, with pre-installed apps and settings. Furthermore, it provides separate and secure business accounts from personal accounts, enabling the use of a single device for both work and personal life. Other benefits include improved business visibility within Apple services such as Maps, Safari, and Siri, as well as new advertising tools within Apple Maps. The service is available in over 200 countries and regions and is offered free of charge with paid options for additional features.
Huawei's new foldable phone resembles the expected design of a foldable iPhone.
Huawei has unveiled its new foldable phone, the Pura X Max, which appears to closely resemble the expected design of Apple's upcoming foldable iPhone. The phone features a book-like opening with a wide screen, a design trend also suggested by rumors surrounding Apple's next device. Leaks indicate that the iPhone will have a 5.5-inch external display, which expands to 7.8 inches when unfolded, approaching the size of an iPad mini. Apple is expected to unveil its first foldable phone this September, with a starting price of around $2000, positioning it as one of the company's most premium and distinctive devices.
Miscellaneous news
Apple has announced that it will no longer allow the use of iOS 26.4, meaning that iPhone users who updated their devices to iOS 26.4.1 cannot revert to the previous version. This move aims to protect users from older, less secure versions, as the latest update included fixes for iCloud syncing issues and protection against stolen devices. Meanwhile, Apple is testing a new version, iOS 26.5, which is expected to offer further improvements soon.
Apple is facing difficulties in its case against YouTuber Jon Prosser, asserting that he has not fully cooperated with the court in providing the required documents and testimony, prompting the company to seek an injunction to compel his compliance. The case began in 2025 when Apple accused Prosser and his partner of obtaining confidential information from a prototype iPhone and publishing details about the iOS design before its official release. While Prosser is resisting, his partner Ramaciotti is cooperating with Apple, and informal discussions regarding a potential settlement have begun. The hearings are scheduled to continue until June 2026.
American Airlines has announced support for its enhanced boarding pass feature in the Wallet app on iPhones with iOS 26. The update allows passengers to use Apple Maps for airport navigation, track their luggage via AirTags, and easily report lost baggage, in addition to accessing destination guides and quick app links. This feature is already available on several other airlines, including United, Air Canada, and Southwest, and Apple is also working on providing live flight updates through its Live Activities feature.
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