From 9to5Mac · 40 stories
Apple Pay launches in India with Axis Bank as initial partner
Apple Pay is launching in India with Axis Bank as its first banking partner, supporting Visa and Mastercard. The rollout is limited and faces challenges in a market dominated by UPI, which facilitates direct bank-to-bank payments.
Apple Music to open 600-capacity concert venue in London's Battersea Power Station
Apple Music is opening a new 600-capacity concert venue, Apple Music Hall, in London's Battersea Power Station, located beneath its European headquarters. The venue will host live performances by artists, which will be filmed and broadcast online, marking Apple's return to hosting live music events in London.
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.
Adobe Integrates Photoshop, Firefly, and 70+ Creative Tools into Slack via MCP App
Adobe has launched a new MCP app for Slack, integrating over 70 creative and productivity tools, including Photoshop, Firefly, and Acrobat, directly into Slack. This integration allows users to access and utilize Adobe tools within Slack conversations, with Slackbot calling the appropriate tool based on user descriptions and conversation context. The feature is available for Slack Business+ and Enterprise+ teams, aiming to streamline creative workflows within communication platforms.
ESPN app on Apple TV 4K and iOS adds 4K HDR streaming for live sports
ESPN has rolled out 4K HDR streaming support for its tvOS and iOS applications, enhancing picture quality for live sports content. This update provides clearer edges, sharper colors, and smoother movement for viewers with compatible devices and internet connections.
Snapchat Introduces "Snapchat Plans" for In-App Event Planning
Snapchat has launched "Snapchat Plans," a new suite of features enabling users to create, share, and manage real-world events directly within the app. Users can invite up to 200 friends, track RSVPs, and view event details, with invitations delivered via one-on-one chats. This update formalizes event planning, a behavior already common among over a third of its core users who use group chats for organizing meet-ups.
Apple May Launch Camera-Equipped AirPods This Fall, Codenamed B790
Apple may release a version of camera-equipped AirPods, codenamed B790, as early as next month, according to references found in iOS 27 code and internal roadmaps. This potential release precedes another rumored variant, B798, which is anticipated in 2027. The cameras could expand health features, including vision assistance for blind and low-vision users when combined with Apple's AI-powered VoiceOver.
Phil Schiller Steps Down from App Store and Apple Events Leadership
Longtime Apple executive Phil Schiller has stepped down from his leadership roles for the App Store and Apple events. The App Store division will now be overseen by Eddy Cue's services team, while Nola Weinstein will lead Apple events. Schiller will retain his title as Apple Fellow and work on unspecified initiatives.
Meta Launches Muse Voice Transcribe for Real-Time Multilingual Speech Recognition
Meta's Superintelligence Labs released Muse Voice Transcribe, a real-time audio perception model for speech recognition. It offers multilingual, streaming transcription with speaker diarization and is available for Meta AI on Mac, Muse Code, and developers via the Meta Model API. The model supports over 70 languages, distinguishes more than 20 speakers, and achieved a 3.1% word error rate on the AA-WER Streaming benchmark for English, surpassing other comparable models.
Z.ai Releases GLM-5.3 with Enhanced Coding and Cybersecurity Capabilities
Chinese AI startup Z.ai launched GLM-5.3, an updated language model with significant improvements in long-horizon coding and cybersecurity capabilities, which reportedly identified a serious vulnerability in Cursor. The model's advancements come from scaling post-training rather than a new base model, highlighting the potential for existing models to gain new capabilities through further training.
Apple Reverses Hide My Email Domain Change, Keeps Addresses on icloud.com
Apple announced it will not move iCloud+ Hide My Email addresses to a new domain, reversing a previous decision. This change means Hide My Email aliases will continue to use the icloud.com domain, making them harder for websites to block and preserving user privacy.
Apple Proposes 5-15% Commission for Off-App Store Purchases Amidst Legal Battles
Apple has proposed a commission structure of 5% to 15% for purchases made through external payment systems in the US, following a court order in its ongoing legal dispute with Epic Games. This proposal came after the Supreme Court denied Apple's request to pause lower-court proceedings, which are determining the fees Apple can charge for off-App Store transactions.
Apple reportedly lays off 60 Vision employees, signaling shift in VR development
Apple has reportedly laid off at least 60 employees from its VR development team, the Apple Vision Group, according to AppleInsider. This move suggests a potential reprioritization within Apple's spatial computing initiatives, despite previous assurances of continued investment in visionOS and the Vision Pro.
Apple to Revise App Tracking Transparency Rules in EU Following German Antitrust Scrutiny
Apple will change its App Tracking Transparency (ATT) rules in the European Union after the German Bundeskartellamt found its implementation favored Apple's own applications. The changes will require Apple to make third-party app tracking consent prompts neutral and allow developers to combine their own data protection prompts with Apple's, addressing concerns about fair competition and user consent.
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 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.
MacBook Pro Redesign Expected with OLED Display, Touchscreen, and Hole-Punch Camera
Apple is expected to release a redesigned MacBook Pro in October, potentially featuring an OLED display, a touchscreen, and a hole-punch camera cutout instead of a notch. These changes would introduce display technology and input methods already present in other Apple products and competing devices.
Analyst Predicts John Ternus as Apple CEO Could Lead to Larger Acquisitions and New Products
Bank of America analyst Wamsi Mohan suggests that John Ternus, expected to become Apple's CEO on September 1, may pursue bigger acquisitions and expand into new product categories. This shift would represent a more risk-tolerant strategy compared to current CEO Tim Cook's approach, potentially impacting Apple's future market direction and product portfolio.
Apple Reportedly Developing Screenless Fitness Tracker Similar to Whoop
Apple is reportedly developing prototypes for a screenless health and fitness tracker, similar to devices from Whoop and Oura Ring. The device, which features a thin fabric band and a sensor-equipped computing module, is in the "technology investigation" phase and would not be released before 2028 if the project proceeds. This initiative aims to expand Apple's health tracking offerings beyond the Apple Watch to cater to users who prefer dedicated fitness devices.
Fake Mac Zoom installer bypasses Gatekeeper to install infostealer, Jamf discovers
Cybersecurity firm Jamf identified a malicious Mac installer disguised as a Zoom application that bypasses Apple's Gatekeeper protection. The installer, dubbed CloudSyncD, installs both Zoom and an infostealer that exfiltrates user data, posing a significant threat to user privacy and security.
GM's Cadillac Lyriq EV to retain CarPlay and Android Auto support, unlike other GM EVs
General Motors will continue to support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in the 2027 Cadillac Lyriq, making it an exception to GM's broader strategy of removing these systems from its electric vehicles. This decision contrasts with GM's plan to replace third-party infotainment with an in-house Google-based system and Gemini AI assistant in most of its new EVs. The Lyriq's continued support for phone mirroring systems is notable given GM's stated goal of providing a more integrated native experience.
Apple Reportedly Developing Own iPhone Game Controllers, Potentially Under Beats Brand
Apple is reportedly designing its own game controllers for iPhone, with model identifiers T6502 and T1057 found in macOS beta code. These controllers may be released under the Beats brand and could include features like a D-Pad, thumbsticks, haptic motors, and motion controls. This move would allow Apple to enter the iPhone gamepad market directly, complementing its existing sales of third-party controllers.
UK Government to Legislate Against Child Nude Image Sharing on Tech Platforms
The UK government plans to introduce a new law compelling tech firms to prevent children from taking or sharing nude images on mobile devices and apps. This legislation follows insufficient commitments from companies like Apple and Google to address the issue, aiming to create an ecosystem-wide change to protect children online.
Chrome moves to bi-weekly update schedule for faster security and feature delivery
Google Chrome has transitioned from a four-week to a two-week release cycle, starting with Chrome 153, to enhance security patch delivery and accelerate feature deployment. This change addresses the increased volume of security vulnerabilities and the need for quicker responses to evolving threats, partly driven by AI advancements.
Adobe Photoshop Introduces AI Assisted Editor and New AI Features
Adobe Photoshop is rolling out an update that includes an optional "AI Assisted Editor" interface, centralizing AI tools for image editing. New AI refinement capabilities, such as a "markup" feature for drawing changes directly on images and an enhanced "Instruct Edit with Masks" feature using the Firefly Image 5 model, are also being added. Additionally, Photoshop now includes Lightroom-style lighting controls, allowing for RAW-quality edits within the application.
Class Action Lawsuit Filed Against Logitech for Not Refunding Customers Over Trump-Era Tariffs
A class action lawsuit has been filed against Logitech by law firm CPM, seeking refunds for customers who paid higher prices due to tariffs imposed during the Trump administration. The US Supreme Court ruled these tariffs illegal and ordered refunds to manufacturers, but companies have not passed these savings to consumers.
Apple Releases Emergency Fix for macOS Screen Sharing Vulnerability
Apple has issued an urgent software update for macOS to patch a critical vulnerability in the Screen Sharing feature. This flaw could allow an attacker to gain unauthorized access and control over a Mac without needing valid credentials, posing a significant security risk.
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 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.
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.
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.