From 9to5Mac · 40 stories
Apple and Broadcom Sign $30 Billion U.S. Chip Manufacturing Deal
Apple has entered a $30 billion agreement with Broadcom to produce over 15 billion chips in the U.S. This deal, focusing on custom wireless components, marks Apple's largest manufacturing investment in domestic production to date, supporting Broadcom's facility expansion in Colorado.
Opera Rolls Out 'Paste Protect' to Counter ClickFix Cyber Attacks
Opera has introduced 'Paste Protect', a new feature to block malicious clipboard commands copied from websites, aimed at mitigating ClickFix-style attacks. These attacks leverage social engineering tactics to mislead users into pasting harmful code into terminals. The new feature marks the first native defense against this rising cyber threat in a major web browser.
Apple Reportedly Preparing Three New Smart Home Devices for Launch
Apple is reportedly preparing to launch three new smart home devices: an updated Apple TV, a new HomePod mini, and a smart home hub with a 7-inch display. These products are expected to feature faster chips to support enhanced Siri AI capabilities and expand Apple's presence in the smart home market.
Microsoft to Launch Unified Copilot "Super App" This Year, Consolidating AI Features
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella confirmed the company will release an AI "super app" this year, integrating Copilot's chat, coding, and agentic capabilities for both consumer and commercial use. This move consolidates Microsoft's AI offerings into a single application, aiming to simplify access and user experience by merging existing Copilot and Microsoft 365 Copilot apps.
Apple Partners with Alibaba for China-Specific AI, Diverging from Global Strategy
Apple will use Alibaba's Qwen models to power new Siri AI features in China, a departure from its global partnership with Google's Gemini models. This decision is driven by Chinese government regulations requiring local AI partnerships, which may result in different privacy protections for users in China compared to other regions.
Apple Releases iOS 27 Public Beta with New Features
The public beta of Apple's iOS 27 is now available for installation, offering new functionalities such as improved Siri AI and app enhancements. This beta follows a developer release cycle and prepares users for the official iOS 27 launch in September. The initiative reflects Apple's iterative approach to software development and its impact on user experiences.
Apple Implements Bug Report Caps Due to Surge in AI-Generated Submissions
Apple has introduced a cap on open security reports and a 30-day cool-off period for submissions to its bug bounty program, effective June. This change was made in response to a significant increase in AI-assisted reports, many of which were not genuine vulnerabilities, leading to review teams being overwhelmed. The new policy impacted Italian cybersecurity company Bynario, which used GPT-5.5 to find a critical macOS bug (CVE-2026-43760) but was initially unable to report it due to reaching the submission limit.
Apple anticipates significant supply constraints and increased memory costs in September quarter
Apple expects significant supply constraints for iPhone, Mac, and iPad products in the September quarter, alongside increased memory pricing and foreign exchange headwinds. This follows strong Q3 2026 results, but the company's stock fell by approximately 6.5% after the earnings call due to the outlook.
WhatsApp Web Adds Audio and Video Calling with Call Transfer and Waiting Room Features
WhatsApp has rolled out one-on-one and group audio and video calling capabilities to its web platform. This update allows users to transfer ongoing calls between devices and the web, introduces a waiting room option for hosts, and includes features like screen sharing, reactions, and background noise suppression. The expansion makes WhatsApp's full calling functionality available directly through web browsers, removing the need for dedicated desktop applications for calls.
Ford Integrates Apple Maps into Universal EV Platform for 2027 Vehicles
Ford will embed Apple Maps directly into its Universal Electric Vehicle (UEV) Platform, starting with a midsize pickup truck in 2027. This integration, utilizing Apple's new MapKit for Automotive SDK, will provide navigation, real-time traffic, EV-specific routing, and support Ford's hands-free driving systems like BlueCruise.
Adobe Acrobat Integration in WhatsApp Web Exposes User Data Through Chrome Extension Vulnerability
Adobe Acrobat tools are now available within WhatsApp Web and Windows app, allowing users to handle PDFs easily. However, a critical vulnerability in the Adobe Acrobat Chrome extension, affecting 329 million users, could enable unauthorized access to WhatsApp Web chats. The flaw has been patched, ensuring data security moving forward.
San Francisco Orders Apple and Google to Remove Nudify Apps for Legal Violations
San Francisco City Attorney David Chiu ordered Apple and Google to remove 13 nudification apps from their app stores, citing violations of California laws against deepfake pornography. The apps are accused of creating non-consensual explicit images, which impact women and minors. The city claims the companies have profited from these apps and warns of potential civil penalties if they do not comply within 28 days.
Roblox Unveils AI-Powered Game Creation Tool for Mobile Devices
Roblox has launched 'Build', an AI-powered tool allowing users to create games via text prompts on mobile devices. Starting July 28, the feature expands game development accessibility to smartphones, with alpha testing initially in New Zealand. Concerns persist over potential low-quality content influx.
Apple Intelligence Secures Chinese Market Entry with Alibaba's AI Integration
Apple has secured regulatory approval in China for its generative AI service, Apple Intelligence, by integrating local AI models from Alibaba and Baidu. The collaboration facilitates compliance with Chinese laws and advances Apple's expansion in a major market. This has implications for Apple's presence in China, a key growth region.
Apple Reportedly Negotiating Publisher Deals for Siri AI Content
Apple is reportedly in discussions with publishers to secure multi-year content deals for its upcoming Siri AI, expected to launch later this year. The company has proposed a variable compensation model, paying publishers when their content is used, and has considered a nine-figure budget for these payments. This initiative aims to enhance Siri AI's access to current news and information.
Apple Ramps Up Production of Foldable iPhone Ultra Amid High Demand
Apple plans to increase production of its first foldable iPhone, tentatively named 'iPhone Ultra', to 10 million units for its scheduled launch in September 2026. This adjustment from initial estimates reflects rising demand expectations despite potential supply constraints. The phone's price is expected to be between $2300 and $2500, influencing the broader foldable market. Apple aims to release multiple iPhone models by 2027, navigating component shortages via expanded sourcing arrangements.
MacBook Air Faces Significant Supply Shortages Due to AI-Driven Memory Demand
Apple's MacBook Air is experiencing significant supply shortages, with delivery estimates extending into late August or September, attributed to a global memory crisis driven by high demand from AI data centers. This shortage has led Apple to prioritize MacBook Pro production and encourage customers to consider the Pro model, despite recent price increases for the MacBook Air.
Apple develops 'Reference Image' feature in iOS 27 to authenticate iPhone photos
Apple is developing a "Reference Image" feature, referenced in iOS 27 beta 5, to authenticate photos taken with an iPhone camera. This system aims to verify that an image originated from specific iPhone hardware and has not been altered, addressing concerns about AI-generated and manipulated media.
Sonos Ace Ultra Headphones with Voice Control and New Colors Revealed in FCC Filing
Sonos is preparing to launch new over-ear headphones, potentially named Sonos Ace Ultra, following an FCC filing. These headphones, model S52A, are expected to be a premium successor to the 2024 Sonos Ace, featuring support for voice commands and five color options. This release aligns with Sonos's strategy to integrate AI and conversational computing into its hardware ecosystem.
Claude Code Defaults to Auto Mode for Pro, Max, and Team Plans
Anthropic has made auto mode the default setting for Claude Code on Pro, Max, and Team plans, effective August 14. This change allows for longer autonomous operations by replacing manual approval prompts with an automated classifier for tool calls, which Anthropic states improves safety and efficiency. The company has also stopped charging for the extra tokens used by the auto mode classifier.
Telegram Briefly Removed from App Store Over CSAM, CEO Blames Extortionist
Apple briefly removed the Telegram messaging app from its App Store after discovering content violating guidelines against child sexual abuse material (CSAM). The app was restored after Telegram removed the offending content and banned the user responsible. Telegram CEO Pavel Durov stated that an extortionist planted the CSAM in a public chat to trigger the app's removal.
Reddit Announces Upcoming Changes to Old Reddit to Combat Scraping and Spam
Reddit plans to implement unspecified "changes" to Old Reddit, its 21-year-old desktop interface, to address abusive scraping and spamming, particularly from AI. The company previously began requiring users to be logged in to access Old Reddit, citing its logged-out experience as a source of automated traffic. These changes affect long-time users and moderators who prefer the legacy interface.
Disney+ Explores Free Ad-Supported Tier to Expand Reach and Ad Revenue
Disney CEO Josh D'Amaro confirmed the company is exploring a free, ad-supported streaming option for Disney+. This initiative aims to expand the service's reach to price-sensitive consumers, increase advertising revenue, and drive awareness for paid subscriptions amidst competition from free platforms like YouTube.
Spotify Reaches 300 Million Premium Subscribers, Reports €4.8 Billion in Q2 Revenue
Spotify announced it has surpassed 300 million Premium subscribers, a 9% increase year-over-year, and reached 777 million monthly active users in the second quarter. The company reported €4.8 billion ($5.5 billion) in revenue and a 33.4% gross margin, driven by subscriber growth and diversification of content offerings.
Apple to Enable iPhone-to-Windows Clipboard Sharing by Fall 2027 in EU
Apple plans to introduce a solution allowing users to copy and paste content between iPhones and Windows PCs, with a target completion date of Fall 2027. This development responds to a March 2026 interoperability request from Microsoft under the European Union's Digital Markets Act, aiming to bridge a gap in cross-device content transfer.
Google Health 5.05 Adds Two-Way Apple Health Syncing for Fitbit Data
Google Health version 5.05 for iOS now supports two-way synchronization with Apple Health, allowing Fitbit data such as exercise records, sleep, vitals, and steps to be written to HealthKit. This update addresses a long-standing limitation where Google Health could only read data from Apple Health, making Fitbit data accessible to other HealthKit-compatible applications.
Apple CEO hints at paid iCloud+ tiers for increased Siri AI usage
Apple CEO Tim Cook indicated that the company may introduce paid upgrade options within iCloud Plus to allow users to increase their usage limits for Siri AI. This suggests a monetization strategy for Apple's upcoming AI features, which rely on server models and have daily usage limits. The new Siri AI, launching with iOS 27, will offer features like on-screen interaction and a standalone AI app.
Apple Aims for Late 2027 Smart Glasses Launch, Prioritizing Privacy and Developer Tools
Apple is reportedly planning to unveil its first smart glasses at WWDC in June 2027, with a public release by the end of that year. The company is focusing on privacy features, including on-device processing and the absence of facial recognition, and will likely provide developers with tools to create third-party applications for the device.
Apple Reclaims Most Valuable Company Title, Surpassing Nvidia
Apple has overtaken Nvidia as the world's most valuable company with a market cap of $4.88 trillion during Friday's trading. This shift in ranking reflects changing investor sentiment towards AI and product innovation. Apple's stock rise follows a growth of 22% this year.
Apple Sued for $1.8M After Fake Crypto Wallet App Appears on App Store
Three individuals are suing Apple, alleging that a fraudulent Sparrow Wallet application downloaded from the App Store led to the theft of approximately $1.8 million in Bitcoin. The lawsuit, filed on July 24 in California, claims Apple failed to adequately review and monitor applications, despite promoting the App Store as a secure source for software.
Apple TV+ Announces 'Neuromancer' Premiere Date and New Trailers at Comic-Con
Apple TV+ announced that its adaptation of William Gibson's novel "Neuromancer" will premiere on January 22, 2027, with the first two episodes, followed by weekly releases for a total of ten episodes. The announcement was made at San Diego Comic-Con, where a teaser trailer was also released. Additionally, trailers for "Dark Matter" season two and the movie "Matchbox" were debuted.
Geekbench 7 Released with New Media Workloads and Redesigned Multi-Core Testing
Primate Labs has released Geekbench 7, an update to its cross-platform benchmarking tool, featuring new video and audio encoding/decoding tests, larger datasets, and a redesigned multi-core test that mirrors real-world application behavior. This update aims to provide more accurate performance measurements for modern CPUs and GPUs across Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.
OpenAI Sued Over ChatGPT's Allegedly Dangerous Health Advice
OpenAI faces a lawsuit from a pastor who alleges ChatGPT provided dangerous medical advice regarding a pulmonary embolism, leading to delayed treatment. The suit claims negligence and the unauthorized practice of medicine, seeking financial damages and stricter guardrails for AI health recommendations.
WhatsApp Introduces Multitude of New Features Including iPad Sign-Up and CarPlay Integration
WhatsApp has released several updates, allowing iPad users to sign up without a phone number, enhancing integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and enabling music sharing from Apple Music and Spotify. These changes improve multi-device usability and align WhatsApp more closely with social media features.
TSMC to Invest Additional $100 Billion for 2nm Chip Fabs in Arizona
TSMC is set to expand its U.S. operations by investing an additional $100 billion in building at least four new advanced chip fabs in Arizona. This move aims to increase domestic production capacity amid rising U.S. demand and government support. However, challenges remain regarding the production of advanced chips and the economic impact on TSMC's margins.
Apple iPad Mini's October Release Promises OLED Upgrade Amid Price Concerns
Apple plans to launch an OLED iPad mini by October, featuring a fixed 60Hz refresh rate. Despite missing ProMotion, the upgrade emphasizes display quality and follows recent price increases, influenced by supply chain issues.
EU Exempts Smartwatches from User-Replaceable Battery Rule
The European Commission has exempted smartwatches, fitness trackers, and certain other wearables from the EU regulation requiring user-replaceable batteries. This decision responds to safety and design concerns, particularly for devices with compact, sealed designs. The exemption must be reviewed by the European Parliament and the Council of the EU.
Apple Raises Prices for Apple Music and Apple One Subscriptions Amid Licensing Cost Concerns
Apple has increased subscription prices for Apple Music and Apple One in response to rising licensing costs. The individual Apple Music plan now costs $11.99 per month, while the Apple One Family plan has risen to $27.95. This marks the first price hike for these services in nearly four years.
Meta Launches AI Alert System for Teens' Self-Harm Conversations
Meta has introduced an AI-driven alert system to notify parents if their teens discuss self-harm or suicide with its chatbot on platforms like Instagram and Facebook. This measure addresses regulatory concerns and aims to enhance safety for young users. The system includes manual review of flagged conversations to minimize unnecessary alerts.
Spotify Expands Free Child Accounts with Parental Controls to More Countries
Spotify has expanded its free child-friendly managed accounts to more countries, allowing parents to create and manage accounts with personalized content and controls, even without a Premium subscription. Initially available only to Premium Family subscribers, the service now extends to free tier users in the US, UK, Australia, France, Germany, and the Netherlands. The expansion highlights Spotify's focus on offering safer listening experiences for children under 13.