Beware: Google Chrome downloads a 4GB file without your permission; Android 17 and Gemini AI announced; Foxconn suffers massive hack, putting Apple secrets at risk; leaks reveal 8 new Apple products; Apple defends Google before the European Union; the brightest iPhone screen is still a long way off; the iPhone 18 Pro may come at a competitive price; an American commemorative coin honors Steve Jobs; Apple secretly acquires the color enhancement tool Color.io; the foldable iPhone Ultra will launch in only two colors; Apple boosts iPhone sales in America; Samsung beats Apple to the punch in launching AI glasses; and other exciting news on the sidelines…
Android 17 arrives with a huge package of AI features
Google unveiled Android 17, marking a fundamental shift in the company's philosophy. It no longer refers to it as an operating system but rather as an "intelligence system," under the name "Gemini Intelligence," a clear reference to Apple's own intelligence offering. This announcement comes about a month before Apple's unveiling of iOS 27 with its new smart features. Chief among these new features is the expansion of Gemini's capabilities, enabling it to perform tasks independently, such as booking appointments and completing purchases. It can also understand and interact with what appears on the screen, for example, by recognizing a shopping list in the Notes app and automatically adding items to a delivery cart.
Other notable features include “Rambler,” a smart voice dictation tool that removes filler words and converts speech into concise, multilingual messages, and “Create My Widget,” which allows users to create custom widgets for their home screen simply by describing what they want in natural language. Android 17 also supports smart autofill, using information from Gmail and Google Photos, and includes improvements to the Chrome browser such as search, summarization, comparison, and even automatic parking booking and appointment scheduling.
Among other improvements, Android Auto receives a redesigned interface, 3D map support, and deeper integration with Gemini for tasks like replying to messages or ordering food while driving. Google has also partnered with Meta to improve the quality of photos and videos uploaded to Instagram from Android devices. Perhaps the most notable feature is Pause Point, which allows users to force a ten-second pause before opening apps deemed distracting, with options to take a breath or set a timer for use. Gemini Intelligence features will begin rolling out to the latest Samsung and Pixel phones this summer, with plans to expand to smartwatches, cars, glasses, and computers later on.
Apple boosts iPhone sales in America despite a smartphone market downturn
Apple achieved 1.3% growth in iPhone sales in the US during the first quarter of 2026, while the overall US smartphone market declined by 5.7% and Android device sales fell by 14.4%. This boosted Apple's market share to 75% of phone sales by major US carriers. Analysts attribute this success to the strong performance of the iPhone 17 and the delayed launch of its competitor, the Samsung Galaxy S26, as well as Apple's decision to maintain the price of the iPhone 17e while increasing storage capacity at a time when competitors were forced to raise their prices. However, the challenges are not over. CEO Tim Cook anticipates that the RAM shortage and rising costs will impact Apple in the second half of 2026, without revealing the company's plans to address these increased costs.
Meta launches “incognito chat” mode in its AI app
Mark Zuckerberg announced the addition of "Incognito Chat" mode to Meta AI and WhatsApp, describing it as the first major AI product that doesn't store any chat history on its servers. Conversations take place in an isolated environment inaccessible to Meta itself, and disappear automatically when the chat is closed, with nothing being saved. Similarly, internet searches are conducted privately, without being linked to the user's identity. This announcement comes at a significant time, amidst lawsuits against OpenAI regarding chats stored in ChatGPT that were implicated in death cases. While Google and OpenAI retain temporary chat logs for periods ranging from 3 to 30 days respectively, this makes Meta's option the most private yet, and it will be rolled out gradually over the coming months.
Samsung beats Apple to the launch of AI glasses by months
Samsung is preparing to unveil its AI-powered smart glasses, dubbed “Galaxy Glasses,” at its Galaxy Unpacked event on July 22nd, beating Apple, which is unlikely to release its own smart glasses before 2027. The glasses will run on Google’s Android XR operating system with Gemini integration and will feature a high-resolution camera, speakers, and a microphone, but no built-in screen. This design is almost identical to rumors about Apple’s upcoming glasses, which will reportedly rely on Siri instead of Gemini. Alongside the glasses, Samsung will also unveil its foldable smartphones, the Galaxy Z Fold8 and Z Flip8, at the same event, preempting Apple’s expected September launch of its first foldable iPhone by a few weeks.
Google bids farewell to Chromebook and launches Googlebook
Fifteen years after the launch of Chromebooks, Google announced that it was abandoning this famous name to begin a completely new phase under the name “Googlebook.” This is not just a new name, but a real transformation in the way computers work, as artificial intelligence “Gemini” has become the core of these devices instead of relying on the browser alone. Among its most prominent new features is the “Magic Pointer” feature, which calls in artificial intelligence as soon as you move the mouse to help you understand what appears on your screen or perform immediate tasks such as scheduling a meeting with one click, as well as a feature that allows you to integrate several applications into one tool on the desktop.
Google also aims to blur the lines between Android phones and computers, allowing users to drag and drop files and apps directly from their phones to their computer screens without needing to touch the phone, similar to the integration Apple offers between macOS and iPhones. These devices will be manufactured in collaboration with major companies such as Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP, and Lenovo, covering a range of price points. Pricing and availability details will be revealed at a special event this fall.
A massive breach at Foxconn... and Apple's secrets are at risk
A cyberattack has targeted Apple's largest partner, Foxconn, as a group of hackers known as "Nitrogen" managed to breach the company's systems and steal 8 terabytes of sensitive data, including engineering plans and confidential projects belonging to major tech companies such as Apple, Google, and Nvidia. Foxconn has acknowledged that some of its North American factories were hit by a cyberattack that temporarily halted production. The greatest danger here is that Foxconn is currently assembling iPhones and is producing the first foldable iPhone prototype, meaning that the leak of this data could reveal Apple's secrets years before its official launch. The group is threatening to release everything unless the company pays the demanded ransom.
Leaks reveal 8 new Apple products at the upcoming developers conference
Leaks indicate that Apple is preparing big surprises at its upcoming WWDC developers conference, with the expected unveiling of eight new products combining power and artificial intelligence. The most prominent of these are the Mac Mini and Mac Studio, updated with the M5 chip, which represents a significant leap in performance and energy efficiency. Also expected is the launch of Siri 2.0, which will transform the voice assistant into a smart and natural conversational robot, as well as the Apple Home Hub, a 7-inch device that combines iPad capabilities with HomePod sound quality to serve as the control center for the smart home.
The list of anticipated products extends to include the next generation of Apple TV 4K with a more powerful chip, Wi-Fi 7 support, and advanced gaming technologies, as well as the HomePod Mini 2 with improved sound quality and new colors, an updated iMac with an M5 chip while maintaining its elegant design, and new versions of iOS, iPadOS, and macOS 27 that focus on artificial intelligence tools and photo editing. All of this paints a picture of a new phase in which Apple redefines the integration between its devices and smart technologies.
Apple defends Google before the European Union
Apple has unexpectedly intervened to defend Google against European Union proposals aimed at forcing Android to open its doors to competing artificial intelligence services under the Digital Marketplace (DMA) law. Apple warned that these proposals pose a serious risk to user privacy, security, and device safety, and questioned the European Commission's technical competence in drafting such decisions, which it described as aiming only at the unrestricted opening of systems. It's worth noting that Apple itself is under similar pressure from the European Union to open its own ecosystem on iPhones, iPads, and Macs. Apple has challenged the law in court and called for its complete repeal. However, the European Union has affirmed its commitment to the law, stating that its final decision on Google's proposals must be issued by July 27, 2026.
Apple expands its stethoscope and blood pressure alert features to new countries
Apple announced the expansion of the Hearing Aid feature for AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods Pro 3 to Italy, Romania, and the Czech Republic. This feature transforms AirPods Pro into a replacement for traditional hearing aids by enhancing audio and ambient sounds for those with mild to moderate hearing loss. It automatically adjusts volume levels based on a personalized audio profile created after a hearing test and includes a noise reduction feature to protect the ears from excessive noise. In the occupied Palestinian territories, Apple Watch Series 9 and later, and Ultra 2 and later, users can now receive alerts when signs of chronic hypertension are detected, based on heart rate sensor data collected by the watch over 30 consecutive days.
Apple is using AI-powered virtual presenters to train its sales staff.
Apple announced that its “Apple Sales Coach” app, designed to train sales staff in its stores worldwide, will now rely on AI-generated virtual presenters to deliver personalized training content to each employee based on their product portfolio, language, and skill level. This was impossible to achieve with traditional methods for hundreds of thousands of employees across different markets. Apple emphasized that the content remains entirely human-generated, with the training team writing and verifying every detail. The AI's role is limited to presentation and delivery, with a clear icon on the screen identifying the virtual presenter. The company stated that this change will enable it to produce more training videos faster and update them more regularly.
The brightest iPhone screen is still a long way off
The well-known Chinese leaker Instant Digital has confirmed that the iPhone 18 Pro will not feature dual-layer OLED display technology. He indicated that Apple's current heat management approach remains the primary obstacle to achieving sustained brightness outdoors. This aligns with previous reports suggesting that Apple will not adopt this technology for iPhones until at least 2028. It's worth noting that dual-layer OLED technology addresses the overheating issue because each layer operates at a lower density to achieve the same brightness level, thus reducing heat generation. Apple has already implemented this technology in the iPad Pro with the M4 chip. The iPhone 18 Pro, however, will only receive a less ambitious upgrade: the switch to LTPO+ technology, which will improve battery efficiency without addressing the brightness or heat issues.
The iPhone 18 Pro may come at a competitive price despite the memory shortage.
Analyst Jeff Pu of GF Securities expects Apple to adopt a "bold and competitive" pricing strategy for the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, capitalizing on the RAM shortage that is forcing its Android competitors to raise their prices. He anticipates prices will remain similar to or slightly higher than the iPhone 17 Pro, which starts at $1099. Regarding specifications, leaks suggest the iPhone 18 Pro will feature a smaller Dynamic Aperture display, a faster A20 Pro chip, a variable aperture camera, satellite 5G connectivity, and a new color called "Dark Cherry." It is expected to be unveiled this September.
A commemorative US dollar coin honoring Steve Jobs
The U.S. Mint has begun selling a new commemorative dollar coin featuring Steve Jobs as part of its “American Innovation” program, launched in 2018 to honor innovators in every U.S. state. The coin depicts a young Jobs in his signature style of a turtleneck, jeans, and sneakers, sitting amidst the Northern California landscape in a moment of contemplation, reflecting how he drew inspiration from his surroundings. California Governor Gavin Newsom praised Jobs’ legacy, saying his innovative spirit embodied the best of California and made the dreams of many a reality. The coin is available for purchase through the U.S. Mint website for $2.44 each, or $61 for a roll of 25.
Google adds Gemini AI to Google Maps on CarPlay
MacRumors discovered code in Google Maps indicating that Gemini AI support is nearing completion on CarPlay. This will allow drivers to get turn-by-turn directions and answer complex questions about destinations and places simply by speaking to Gemini while driving. This became possible after Apple allowed third-party voice chat apps to integrate with CarPlay starting with iOS 26.4, a feature Google has capitalized on to add. Google Maps has already been available on iPhones since March, and other competitors like ChatGPT, Grok, and Perplexity are already available on CarPlay.
Apple has been secretly acquiring the color enhancement tool Color.io since last January.
European Union documents revealed that Apple acquired Patchflyer in January. Patchflyer was founded by Jonathan Oakman, the creator of the popular Color.io color enhancement tool, which was widely used by photographers and filmmakers thanks to its advanced color engine and rich library of color manipulation tools. The tool was shut down at the end of 2025 after boasting over 200 users. Oakman, who had run his project solo for over a decade, joined Apple, potentially integrating Color.io's capabilities into future Apple applications such as Final Cut Pro or Pixelmator Pro. The documents also revealed that Apple acquired PromptAI, a company specializing in computer vision and smart surveillance camera applications.
The foldable iPhone Ultra will be released in only two colors.
Multiple leaks suggest that Apple will release its first foldable iPhone, expected to be called the “iPhone Ultra,” in only two colors: white and indigo (similar to the deep blue of the iPhone 17 Pro). This approach avoids bold and eye-catching colors, reminiscent of the 2017 iPhone X launch, which was also released in only two colors before Apple added more in the next generation. This decision appears to be driven by practical reasons, as the device faces production challenges that could lead to supply shortages until the end of 2026 and possibly even 2027. Offering multiple colors would be an unnecessary burden, especially given its expected price of over $2000. The device is expected to be announced in September 2026 alongside the iPhone 18 Pro.
Miscellaneous news
Apple has announced the availability of its Tap to Pay service on iPhone in South Africa, allowing merchants to accept wireless payments using only an iPhone, without the need for additional hardware. The service supports credit and debit cards, Apple Pay, and other digital wallets, and operates securely and securely via NFC technology to protect user privacy. iStore Pay and Yoco are the first platforms to offer this feature in the country, supporting Mastercard and Visa, with American Express support to be added soon.
Apple has released a new update for the Apple Developer app that includes Redesign The app's icon and interface now feature a transparent "Liquid Glass" design, along with interactive stickers specifically for WWDC 2026 that can be used in the Messages app. The update includes improvements such as filtering lists by viewed, saved, or downloaded status, enhanced screenshot capture during recording, and bug fixes. The new stickers range from a 50th-anniversary design and an Apple skull with an eye, to juice, California flowers, and 3D messages like "Hello" and "WWDC 26." The app is free and will soon offer session details and the option to watch the keynote address on June 8th.
Reddit has begun blocking its mobile website and directing visitors to download its official app, sparking outrage among many users. The company claims the app offers a better and more personalized experience, but the move is widely seen as an attempt to boost revenue by tracking advertising activity. This policy is part of a series of controversial changes since the company went public, such as charging app developers fees and removing the option to disable ad personalization.
Journalist Mark Gurman revealed that Apple hasn't completely abandoned the Vision Pro, but it won't release a new version for at least two years. The company is working behind the scenes on materials and technologies to produce a lighter and cheaper version, but the Vision Air project was canceled last year, and most of the mixed reality team was redirected to other projects such as smart glasses and AI services. The device was last updated in October 2025 with the addition of the M5 chip, but there are currently no plans to release a new model anytime soon.
OpenAI has released a Chrome extension that allows Codex to run directly on Macs and PCs, making it easier to test applications and use development tools within the browser without disrupting the user experience. The extension makes work faster and more flexible, especially since the company has observed that most tasks are performed through the browser. Codex has over 4 million weekly active users, and this move aims to make the tool more useful for everyday tasks while also supporting developers.
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