A busy week of tech news: Honor boasts about its presence outside the Apple Store, Stan Ng leaves Apple, Mike Rockwell is also considering leaving, the iPhone 18's specifications are downgraded, a back and reset button is added to the iPhone screen, Siri is nearing its biggest update with Gemini support, new leaks about the iPhone 18 and its cameras, a camera control button on the foldable iPhone, new space-themed features for the iPhone, WhatsApp is testing a paid subscription, OpenAI launches a more powerful generation of photo tools, and other exciting news on the sidelines…
Apple releases update 26.4.2 to patch a vulnerability that exposed deleted Signal messages.
Apple released iOS 26.4.2 and iPadOS 26.4.2 updates, along with iOS 18.7.8 and iPadOS 18.7.8, to fix a security vulnerability that allowed Signal message previews to remain stored on the device even after the app was deleted or messages were set to self-destruct. The issue gained prominence after it was revealed that the FBI had used this data in a case, gaining access to the content of messages from the iPhone's notification database. Apple advises all users to install the updates immediately to protect their data.
Apple and Google partnership: The new Siri will be powered by Gemini this year
In a significant move, Google confirmed that Siri is set to receive its biggest update in 2026. The new version will be based on Gemini technology, offering a smarter user experience and enhanced ability to understand and personalize responses. The announcement was made at the Google Cloud Next 2026 conference, with confirmation that Gemini models will be part of Apple's next generation of smart features. While Apple had previously promised to release the revamped Siri this year, challenges related to accuracy and performance have led the company to adjust its internal timeline. Apple is expected to reveal the first features of the new Siri alongside the iOS 27 showcase at WWDC 2026 on June 8th.
OpenAI launches ChatGPT Images 2.0 with enhanced image creation and thinking capabilities.
OpenAI has unveiled a new version of its image generation tool, ChatGPT Images 2.0, which the company describes as a significant step towards a more advanced generation of intelligent images. The new version is better at understanding complex commands, accurately organizing elements within an image, and preserving small details, resulting in more natural-looking images that are less like AI-generated images. It also features intelligent capabilities that allow it to review its results, search the web for up-to-date information, and generate up to eight images from a single request, with resolutions up to 2K and in multiple dimensions. Furthermore, it has seen significant improvements in text overlays, particularly for non-Latin scripts such as Japanese, Korean, Chinese, and Hindi. The service is now available to all ChatGPT, Codex, and API users.
Leak: Apple may lower iPhone 18 specifications to maintain the price
A new leak suggests that Apple may opt to reduce some of the specifications of the base iPhone 18 instead of raising its price, in an effort to maintain the same price point. According to the information, this could include lowering screen quality and reducing some technical specifications compared to the current generation, even though last year's iPhone 17 screen featured significant improvements such as ProMotion and increased brightness. The leaks indicate that the company prefers to reduce internal costs rather than passing on the price increase to the consumer.
The processor may also be among the expected compromises, as Apple is rumored to be using a weaker version of the A19 chip with fewer graphics cores, possibly with a name change to soften the impression of this downgrade. Reports indicate that Apple will launch the iPhone 18 series in a new two-phase approach, with the Pro models arriving first in the fall of 2026, followed by the standard models and the e model in the spring of 2027.
Mike Rockwell, the engineer behind the Vision Pro headset, is considering leaving Apple.
A new report reveals that Mike Rockwell, the former head of Vision Pro development and current Siri rebuilder, is considering leaving Apple or moving into an advisory role starting next year. Rockwell is a prominent figure within the company and was previously seen as a leading candidate to spearhead Apple's future product and AI initiatives, particularly with the company's focus on wearable devices after the iPhone era.
However, the Vision Pro's waning momentum and limited market penetration due to its high price of $3499 and large file size impacted this trajectory. The report suggests that Rockwell may remain in his position temporarily until the new Siri, expected to launch with iOS 27, is finalized, amidst broader management changes within Apple as a new leadership transition approaches following Tim Cook's departure.
The iPhone 18 Pro kicks off Apple's four-stage camera development plan
A new leak reveals that Apple is working on four major upgrades to the iPhone camera in the coming years, with the first expected to debut with the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, anticipated for release this year. The most notable of these improvements is a variable aperture lens, a feature that allows the camera to control the amount of light entering the lens, resulting in better low-light performance and greater control over portrait mode and depth of field.
Apple is also testing a larger main sensor, improved optical image stabilization in the ultra-wide lens, and a 200MP periscope telephoto lens. Reports suggest these other features may arrive in later generations, while the iPhone 18 Pro appears poised to be the true starting point for Apple's biggest camera upgrade in years.
John Ternos hints at a strong future for Apple: an amazing roadmap is coming
John Ternos, Apple's incoming CEO, delivered an optimistic message during an internal meeting with employees, asserting that the company has an "amazing roadmap" for the coming years and that this is the most exciting period of his career at Apple. Ternos focused on artificial intelligence, stating that it will unlock almost limitless opportunities for developing new products and services for users. He also emphasized Apple's continued commitment to design, privacy, and environmental sustainability. Ternos is scheduled to officially assume the role of CEO on September 1st.
Tech and world leaders react to Tim Cook's departure as Apple CEO
Apple's announcement that Tim Cook will step down as CEO on September 1st has sparked widespread reactions from leading figures in technology and politics around the world. John Ternos will take over the company, while Cook will transition to the role of Executive Chairman of the Board. Reactions have been overwhelmingly positive regarding Cook's nearly 15 years of leadership, with Satya Nadella describing him as a leader characterized by clarity and purpose, and Sundar Pichai expressing his deep respect for Cook's commitment to Apple's mission.
Sam Altman described Tim Cook as a “legend,” expressing his gratitude for what Cook has done for Apple, while Warren Buffett said Apple wouldn’t be where it is today without him. Messages also poured in from executives at major companies like Qualcomm and prominent figures in the tech world, reflecting the profound impact Cook has had on the industry during his time at the helm.
The camera control button is a key feature of the foldable iPhone.
New leaks suggest that Apple considers the dedicated camera button one of the most important features of its first foldable iPhone, despite the device's ultra-slim design. The company has opted to allocate space within the button to facilitate one-handed shooting and camera control, even when the screen is fully unfolded. Apple believes that current foldable phones may be less comfortable for taking photos due to their larger size, and therefore sees this button as a significant practical feature.
Information also indicates that the device will rely solely on eSIM without a traditional SIM card slot, with an expected price between $2060 and $2750, and a anticipated launch in the fall of 2026 alongside the iPhone 18 Pro. It is expected to feature a 7.8-inch internal display and a 5.5-inch external display, along with a fingerprint sensor and an A20 processor.
iOS 27 may bring undo and redo options for customizing the home screen.
Apple is testing the addition of Undo and Redo options to the Home Screen customization menu in iOS 27, giving iPhone users a faster way to undo or redo changes while rearranging widgets and home screens. This comes as part of a broader focus in iOS 27 on improving stability and fixing bugs, along with new Siri features and enhancements to Apple's AI capabilities. The beta version is expected to begin in June, followed by the official release in September.
macOS 27 officially ends support for Macs with Intel processors
macOS 27 marks the end of a significant era in Mac history, as it will be the first major update to exclude Macs with Intel processors. The update will be limited to devices using Apple's own silicon chips, such as the M1 and later models, as well as the MacBook Neo with the A18 Pro chip. This makes macOS 26 Tahoe the last major release available for Intel devices, confirming Apple's complete transition to its own processors. A beta version of macOS 27 is expected to be released in June, followed by the official launch in September.
The iPhone is poised for new space-related features following Apple's partnership with Amazon.
Amazon has announced its intention to acquire Globalstar, the current provider of satellite connectivity services for iPhones, and confirmed an agreement with Apple to support current and future satellite features on iPhones and Apple Watches. Upon completion of the deal, expected in 2027, these services will rely on Amazon's low-Earth orbit satellites, potentially giving Apple better coverage and broader capabilities.
Current features include satellite emergency assistance, Find My Device, roadside assistance, and offline messaging. Leaks also suggest upcoming features such as 5G satellite support, Apple Maps without a terrestrial connection, sending photos via Messages, support for third-party apps, and satellite connectivity without needing to point the iPhone directly at the sky.
Honor is using Apple's store in Hong Kong to promote its new phone.
Images circulating on Chinese social media show an Honor advertising van parked outside an Apple store on Canton Road in Hong Kong, promoting the new Honor 600 series. The campaign has attracted attention due to its use of a humorous slogan comparing the new phone to the iPhone, along with a color similar to the anticipated orange of the iPhone 17 Pro.
The move is a bold marketing attempt by Honor to exploit Apple's fame and stores to attract attention, especially with the clear similarity in design and color, while Apple is not expected to respond officially so as not to give the campaign more publicity.
Miscellaneous news
X has announced a new feature that allows Premium subscribers to create and pin custom feeds to the home screen of its iOS app, making it easier to follow specific topics such as design, robotics, or real estate. The feature leverages Grok to understand user interests and deliver more accurate and personalized content. The platform has also begun rolling out a new tool that allows users to temporarily mute certain topics from the For You tab, such as politics or sports, with these features expected to arrive on Android soon.
Apple temporarily removed the Cal AI app from the App Store not because of its use of external payment methods, but because of a billing design it deemed misleading and in violation of its in-app purchase rules. The company accused the app of hiding subscription details and displaying confusing weekly prices, before the developer addressed these issues and the app was reinstated.
WhatsApp has begun testing a new subscription package called WhatsApp Plus, which adds extra features for more active users while keeping the core services free. The new features include exclusive animated stickers, custom colors for the app interface instead of the traditional green, various app icons, an increase in the number of pinned chats from 3 to 20, exclusive ringtones, and more options for customizing chats. The subscription is currently available for a trial price of €2.49 per month in Europe and is being tested with a limited number of Android users, with an iOS version expected later.
The Indian government has decided not to require companies like Apple and Samsung to pre-install the Aadhaar government identity app on new phones, after reviewing the proposal and consulting with tech companies. Apple had previously raised privacy and security concerns, and has once again successfully resisted a similar government request, part of a series of attempts to mandate official apps on devices sold in India.
Stan Ng, Apple's senior vice president of product marketing for Apple Watch, AirPods, and home and health products, has announced his retirement after 31 years with the company. Ng is a prominent figure in Apple's history, having played a key role in marketing the first iPod and later participating in campaigns for the iPhone, Apple Watch, and several other major products.
His departure comes amid a wave of management changes at Apple in recent times, with several prominent leaders leaving and responsibilities being redistributed within the company. Observers believe these moves reflect a new transitional phase at Apple in preparation for the coming years.
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