From 9to5Mac · 40 stories
Apple Engages PrismML for On-Device AI Model Compression
Apple is in discussions with PrismML, a startup that compresses large AI models to run directly on iPhones. This technology allows models like Qwen 3.6 with 27 billion parameters to operate on iPhones without relying on servers, potentially improving device performance and privacy.
Bonsai 27B: AI Model Becomes First of Its Size to Run on iPhones
PrismML has released Bonsai 27B, a 27B-class AI model capable of running on smartphones, including iPhones. Utilizing 1-bit weights, the model fits within the device's memory constraints, marking a significant leap in mobile AI technology. This development highlights the growing potential for advanced AI applications on consumer devices, possibly expanding AI accessibility.
Apple's SpeechAnalyzer API Outperforms Whisper in Speed and Accuracy
Apple's new SpeechAnalyzer API offers a major enhancement in on-device speech transcription, outperforming Whisper models, especially Small, in both speed and accuracy. This marks a significant improvement over the previous SFSpeechRecognizer and could influence developers to adopt Apple's updated technology.
Madden NFL 27 Arcade Edition Launches on Apple Arcade in August
Madden NFL 27 Arcade Edition will arrive on Apple Arcade on August 6 or 7, enabling Apple users to play EA's popular football simulation game. The game, set to release before the NFL pre-season, will be free from ads and in-app purchases, offering players an uninterrupted gaming experience across various Apple devices.
Australia's eSafety Watchdog Criticizes Tech Giants for Inadequate Sextortion Measures
Australia's eSafety Commission reports over 2,000 sextortion complaints, with 800 from men aged 18-24. Tech companies, including Apple and Meta, face criticism for not effectively combating these threats, especially given recurring coercive scripts. Major platforms identified include Instagram, WhatsApp, iMessage, and Snapchat.
Apple to Release New Apple Pencil Models in 2027 with Replaceable Batteries
Apple is set to release new models of its Apple Pencil in spring 2027, featuring replaceable batteries to comply with EU regulations. This update aims to improve repairability and user experience, aligning with new standards for portable electronic devices.
Apple's Antitrust Appeal Over EU 'Gatekeeper' Status Rejected
Apple's legal challenge against its designation as a 'gatekeeper' under the EU's Digital Markets Act has been rejected. The ruling demands Apple allows interoperability with rival services and may affect its business model in Europe by enforcing fairer competition.
Netflix Faces Significant Viewership Drop for Second Seasons
Netflix has reported substantial viewer losses for second seasons of major shows like 'One Piece' and 'Beef.' Over 30% of 'One Piece' viewers and 70% of 'Beef' viewers did not return. This raises concerns over Netflix's content strategy and its ability to retain audiences in a competitive streaming market.
Jon Prosser Disputes Apple Lawsuit Allegations, Blames Co-Defendant
Jon Prosser has formally responded to Apple's lawsuit concerning alleged leaks of iOS information. Prosser denied conspiracy and attributed responsibility to co-defendant Michael Ramacciotti, acknowledging a shared call on unreleased iOS features. The case focuses attention on data leaks and accountability.
Apple Releases iOS 26.5.2 to Strengthen Security, Tackling AI-Powered Vulnerabilities
Apple has launched iOS 26.5.2, fixing over 25 security vulnerabilities in iPhone as part of its strategy against AI-powered cyber threats. This update is crucial in enhancing iPhone security amidst rising risks.
Rumors Suggest iPhone 18 Pro Max Will Feature Larger Battery and Increased Weight
Leaks suggest that the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro Max will have a significantly larger battery of up to 5,567mAh, compared to 5,088mAh in the iPhone 17 Pro Max, and may weigh more at 240g, attributed to the increased battery size. These changes are expected to impact the model's weight and differentiate it further from the iPhone 18 Pro. Verification of these details is still pending due to the unconfirmed nature of the leaks.
Rumored features of Apple Watch Series 12 include new chip and health upgrades
Apple Watch Series 12 is rumored to feature a new CPU, improved battery life, enhanced health features, and a new watch face design. These updates aim to improve performance and user experience as Apple expands its health monitoring capabilities.
Apple Maps Opens Ad Booking for Businesses in US and Canada
Apple has launched ad booking for businesses in Apple Maps for the US and Canada, allowing companies to reserve ad placements before ads go live to users. This initiative introduces a new advertising channel within Apple's ecosystem, impacting local businesses and the digital advertising landscape.
iOS 27 to Tie Advanced AI Features and Usage Limits to iCloud+ and Apple One Tiers
Apple's upcoming iOS 27 will introduce new Apple Intelligence features and increased usage limits that are linked to iCloud+ subscription tiers and Apple One plans. Advanced AI capabilities for the Home app and higher daily limits for functions like image generation will require higher-tier subscriptions, such as Apple One Premier or iCloud+ plans starting at 2TB.
Jim Cramer Highlights Market Rotation and AI Infrastructure Opportunities
Jim Cramer discussed a recent market rotation where investors moved away from high-performing AI infrastructure stocks into lagging sectors like healthcare and financials. He identified a pullback in AI infrastructure stocks as a buying opportunity, mentioning companies like Micron, AMD, and Intel. Additionally, he noted the impact of Samsung's earnings on the semiconductor market and highlighted Apple's stock performance due to its cautious AI spending approach.
Developer reports "obvious" App Store ratings fraud going undetected by Apple
Jeff Johnson, developer of the StopTheMadness Safari extension, states that Apple is failing to detect clear instances of App Store ratings fraud, despite the company's claims of rigorous review processes. This raises concerns about the effectiveness of Apple's content moderation and its impact on user trust and developer fairness within the App Store ecosystem.
iOS 27 Introduces Custom EQ for AirPods and Expands GymKit to iPhone and AirPods Pro 3
Apple's iOS 27 update brings Custom EQ to select AirPods models, allowing users to adjust sound profiles. The update also expands GymKit functionality, enabling iPhone and AirPods Pro 3 to sync heart rate data with compatible gym equipment, providing an alternative to the Apple Watch for workout tracking.
Apple's iPhone Ultra to introduce new screen sizes this fall
Apple's upcoming iPhone Ultra will feature two new screen sizes: a ~5.3-inch outer display and a ~7.6-inch inner display. This marks a significant departure from the longstanding iPhone screen size options and may require adaptations in iOS and app designs to accommodate the new formats.
Foxconn's Revenue from Apple Falls Below 29% as AI Server Production Surges
Foxconn's revenue derived from Apple products has decreased to below 29% in the last quarter, a significant drop from over 50% previously. This shift is due to a substantial increase in the company's AI server manufacturing, which now accounts for 51% of its revenue.
Conflicting Reports Emerge on Apple's 20th Anniversary iPhone Design
Reports conflict regarding Apple's plans for a "single slab of glass" iPhone design, rumored for the 20th anniversary in 2027. While an analyst claimed the project was canceled due to low yield, a Bloomberg report and a leaker's claim suggest the design is still on track, potentially featuring a 7-inch display and under-display Face ID and camera technology.
Non-gaming apps drove mobile spending growth in Q2 2026 as gaming revenue declined 4.5%
A Sensor Tower report indicates that global mobile spending on non-gaming apps increased by 14.6% year-over-year in Q2 2026, reaching $24.4 billion, while mobile gaming revenue decreased by 4.5% to $19.2 billion. This shift highlights the growing influence of non-gaming categories, particularly AI apps, on the mobile app market.
Apple in talks to acquire US streaming rights for golf's Open Championship
Apple is reportedly in preliminary discussions to acquire the US streaming rights for golf's Open Championship. This move would expand Apple's sports broadcasting portfolio, which already includes Formula 1, Friday Night Baseball, and MLS matches.
Conflicting Reports Emerge on Apple's All-Glass iPhone Redesign for 20th Anniversary
Conflicting reports have emerged regarding Apple's rumored all-glass iPhone redesign for the device's 20th anniversary. Jefferies analyst Edison Lee downgraded Apple's stock, citing supply chain checks suggesting the cancellation of an all-glass iPhone due to low yield, while Bloomberg reports that a "glassy look" redesign for next year's iPhone Pro models remains on track.
Apple Maps in iOS 27 Introduces Enhanced Flyover, Local Lists, and Expanded Suggested Places
Apple Maps in iOS 27 includes an upgraded Flyover experience, a new Local Lists feature for US users, and an expansion of the 'Suggested Places' recommendations. The Flyover feature combines aerial imagery with AI for detailed city views, while Local Lists provide curated collections of places based on trending insights. The 'Suggested Places' feature, introduced in iOS 26.5, now allows horizontal scrolling to display up to 10 recommendations, an increase from the previous limit of two.
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.
Apple Achieves Record Smartphone Revenue Share in Q2, Dominates Premium Market
Apple captured a record 49% of global smartphone revenue in Q2, marking its highest-ever revenue share for a second quarter, according to Counterpoint Research. The company's revenue grew 22% year-over-year, with its average selling price increasing to $946. Additionally, Apple held 65% of the premium smartphone market in the first half of 2026, a segment that grew to 29% of global smartphone sales, driven by the iPhone 17 line.
WhatsApp to add AI-generated media labeling for channel admins due to EU transparency rules
WhatsApp is developing a feature that will allow channel administrators to label AI-generated images, videos, or other media within channel updates. This development responds to new EU transparency requirements for AI-generated content, aiming to inform followers when media is created or edited using AI tools.
iOS 27 introduces new features to the Messages app
Apple released iOS 27, enhancing the Messages app with new features including customizable voice message buttons and a drawing tool. These updates aim to improve user experience and expand functionality for communication.
Judge Allows $30 Billion Class-Action Lawsuit Against Apple Over Photos Face Recognition
A judge has certified a class-action lawsuit against Apple, alleging its Photos app's "People" feature violates Illinois' Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA). The lawsuit, filed by a group of Apple users in 2020, could result in damages exceeding $30 billion for Apple, similar to previous BIPA settlements involving Meta and Instagram.
Apple Achieves Over $10 Billion in Annual Sales in India for the First Time
Apple's annual sales in India surpassed $10 billion for the first time in its last fiscal year, marking a significant increase from approximately $9 billion the previous year. This milestone indicates Apple's growing presence in the Indian market, despite higher product pricing compared to the US due to local taxes.
Apple Sued in Brazil Over Alleged Lack of Age Verification for Casino Games on App Store
Apple faces a R$300 million (approximately $59 million) civil lawsuit in Brazil for allegedly allowing minors to download and access casino-style games on its App Store without effective age verification. The lawsuit demands Apple implement robust age checks for all casino games and continuously monitor existing titles, with a daily fine proposed for non-compliance.
Russia opens antitrust case against Apple over failure to preinstall state-backed apps
Russia's antitrust regulator has initiated a formal case against Apple for not preinstalling the state-backed MAX messenger and RuStore app marketplace on its devices, as mandated by Russian law. This action escalates an ongoing dispute regarding app preinstallation requirements for devices sold in Russia.
India proposes extending tax breaks for foreign companies supplying equipment to contract manufacturers
India is drafting an amendment to extend a tax exemption for foreign companies that supply machinery and equipment to contract manufacturers in the country, pushing the expiration date from 2031 to 2041. This extension primarily benefits manufacturers of electronic devices and supports India's efforts to attract more electronics production, particularly for export.
John Ternus Recruits Retired Hardware VP Laura Legros Ahead of Apple CEO Transition
John Ternus, incoming Apple CEO, has brought back Laura Legros, a former Vice President of hardware engineering, who retired in 2022. Legros will report directly to Ternus and work cross-functionally, indicating Ternus is shaping his leadership team before officially taking over on September 1.
JP Morgan Lowers Apple Stock Target to $350 Following Q4 2026 Guidance
JP Morgan reduced its price target for Apple's stock from $345 to $350 after Apple reported quarterly results and warned of worsening supply constraints due to a memory shortage. This adjustment reflects concerns over potential revenue impact, particularly for iPhone, iPad, and Mac, which typically account for 64% of Apple's Q4 revenue.
Apple Working on Second-Generation iPhone Air 2
Apple is developing a second-generation iPhone Air, improving camera capabilities and battery life. The device will feature the A20 Pro chip, marking an upgrade from the A19 Pro, and aims to address previous sales disappointments.
macOS 27 "Golden Gate" Introduces AI File Suggestions and Enhanced iPhone Mirroring
Apple's upcoming macOS 27, codenamed "Golden Gate," will include new features such as AI-powered file and folder naming suggestions, improved iPhone Mirroring with resizable apps, Control Center access, and DRM video support. These updates enhance user interaction with file management and cross-device functionality on Mac devices.
Apple's Q3 2026 R&D Spending Reaches Record $11.73 Billion, Up 32% Year-Over-Year
Apple reported a record $11.73 billion in research and development expenses for Q3 2026, marking a 32% increase from the previous year. This spending brings Apple's fiscal 2026 R&D total to $34.04 billion, nearly matching its full fiscal 2025 expenditure with one quarter remaining, and reflects increased investment in areas like AI.
Apple Reaches 1.5 Billion Paid Subscriptions, Services Revenue Up 12%
Apple announced it has surpassed 1.5 billion paid subscriptions, a 50% increase from three years ago, alongside its Q3 earnings report. This growth in subscriptions, which includes both Apple's own services and third-party App Store subscriptions, contributed to a 12% rise in services revenue to over $30 billion.
Fortnite Returns to iPhone in Brazil via Epic Games Store, Epic Criticizes Apple's Process
Fortnite is now available on iPhones in Brazil through the launch of the Epic Games Store, allowing players to access the game and receive 20% back in Epic Rewards. Epic Games, however, criticizes Apple's nine-step installation process, calling it intentionally difficult and anti-competitive.