Tech Brief

Daily edition

Wednesday, September 16, 2026

AI

8 stories

Apple reportedly building server packed with M-series Ultra chips for AI

Apple is reportedly developing a server that uses M-series Ultra chips for AI workloads, with a planned 2029 release. The server would be Apple's first in nearly two decades and come in two configurations with two or four M8 Ultra chips. The project has received support from new CEO John Ternus.

Our framework for reporting model misalignment

OpenAI has released a framework for identifying and addressing model misalignment in AI systems. The framework includes guidelines for tracking, investigating, and disclosing instances of unexpected or concerning model behavior. Six reports of model misalignment have been published alongside the framework.

Helping older adults use AI in everyday life

OpenAI and AARP are partnering to offer free ChatGPT workshops for 1,000 older adults in 10 US cities. The workshops aim to teach practical AI skills in a hands-on environment. Participants will learn how to use ChatGPT safely.

Reimagining advertising with AI

OpenAI has introduced AI-powered advertising experiences, including Sponsored Agents for marketers and integrations with HubSpot and Shopify.

Building the materials foundation for AI

Advanced materials are becoming crucial for AI performance, efficiency, and sustainability as semiconductors and data centers approach physical limits. Materials scientists are using AI to accelerate the development of new materials. Syensqo is developing materials for data centers, semiconductor manufacturing, and thermal management.

Hex turns complex analysis into visual reports with GPT‑6 Astra

Hex has integrated GPT-6 Astra into its platform to enable data agents to create interactive visualizations from complex analysis. This integration allows users to transform complex data into shareable visual reports. The integration aims to make data analysis more accessible and engaging.

How to connect AI usage to business value

OpenAI's ChatGPT Work and Codex analytics provide tools to track AI usage and spending, identify training needs, and measure business outcomes. These tools help teams understand how AI is being used and its impact on the organization. The analytics aim to connect AI adoption to business value.

How workers are unlocking new ways of working

OpenAI Economic Research published a study on how workers use AI beyond traditional roles, revealing new activities that have become part of their work. The research highlights various ways workers are leveraging AI to enhance their productivity and efficiency. The study provides insights into the impact of AI on modern work.

Tesla & EVs

17 stories

Tesla Grok Reminders: What They Are and How They Work

Tesla's Grok assistant can now set reminders tied to specific locations, allowing users to automate tasks such as picking up groceries or charging their car. The reminders can be set to trigger when the user arrives at a destination or when they visit a location regularly. Users can also manage their reminders by listing and editing them through voice commands.

Tesla uber bull Ron Baron says ‘the time to buy the stock is now’

Tesla bull Ron Baron recommends buying the company's stock, citing the growing adoption of Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology, which has seen a 56% year-over-year increase in active subscriptions to 1.48 million. Baron's firm, Baron Capital, has made significant investments in Tesla and SpaceX, generating $30 billion in profits for clients. Baron also expressed support for Elon Musk's leadership and a potential merger between Tesla and SpaceX.

Tesla Launches Model Y L Accessories in the U.S.

Tesla has launched a range of accessories for the Model Y L in the US, including interior liners, sunshades, and a crossbar system. The accessories are available for purchase on the Tesla Shop. The first deliveries of the Model Y L are expected to begin later this month.

Tesla brings Cybercab to China, rules out sale and robotaxi service

Tesla is showcasing its Cybercab in China, but the company has ruled out selling the vehicle in the Chinese market or launching a driverless ride-hailing service. The Cybercab will be on display in two malls in Beijing and Shanghai from September 17 to 27 and September 21, respectively. The car has no steering wheel and no pedals, making it unsuitable for sale or commercial use in China.

The Mercedes CLA Is One Of America's Quickest Charging EVs: Test

Mercedes-Benz tested the CLA's charging capabilities, finding it to be one of the quickest charging electric vehicles in the US. The test focused on the car's range and efficiency during a road trip. The CLA's performance in these areas was deemed satisfactory.

Tesla Says The Cybercab Is Street Legal. Regulators Want To Know How.

Tesla's Cybercab has been deemed street legal by the company, but regulators are seeking clarification on the self-certification process. The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has asked Tesla to provide more information by the end of the month. The agency wants to understand how the Cybercab meets safety standards.

ENGWE E26 3.0 full suspension e-bike with $343 FREE bundle at new $1,499 low + Eagle electric dirt bike new $899 low, Anker, more

ENGWE's E26 3.0 Dual-Motor Full Suspension All-Terrain e-bike is now available for $1,499 with a $343 bundle, a $900 markdown from its original price. The ENGWE Eagle Electric Dirt Bike is also discounted to $899 with a free bundle. Anker's eufyCam C37 4K Wireless Solar Security Camera is available for $99.99, a $30 discount from its original price. Anker's eufyCam S4 4K Triple-Lens Bullet-PTZ Solar Security Camera 4-Cam Kit is available for $1,194.98, a $455 discount from its original price.

Tesla Roadster: What We Know and What to Expect

Tesla has set an October 1 event for the reveal of the second-generation Roadster, after years of delays and hype. The event will feature a live demonstration of the car's capabilities, rather than pre-recorded videos or animations. The Roadster is expected to have impressive acceleration and aerodynamic features, including a patented F1-inspired aero system and a one-piece composite seat.

Tesla’s new ‘Accordion’ Supercharger could speed up its slow buildout

Tesla has deployed its first 'Accordion' Supercharger, a pre-assembled charging unit that can install 16 stalls on a single truck and is 20% cheaper than a conventional site. The unit is designed to be installed between parking spaces, allowing for faster deployment in urban and retail lots. Tesla aims to pre-assemble all Superchargers in a factory.

Volkswagen’s new electric hot hatch delivers more power than the Golf GTI [Images]

Volkswagen has unveiled the ID.3 GTI, a new electric hot hatch with 322 horsepower and 402 lb-ft of torque, making it the most powerful series-production GTI ever. The ID.3 GTI can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 5.6 seconds. The vehicle features a rear-wheel-drive layout, adaptive DCC sports chassis, and a new GTI mode.

SpaceX’s next Starship launch is about to attempt its biggest leap yet

SpaceX is planning to launch Starship Flight 14 on September 22, aiming to reach real orbit for the first time. The mission will carry a batch of Starlink V3 satellites and test the vehicle's orbital insertion capabilities. The launch window opens at 7:15 a.m. Central time at Starbase in South Texas.

Apple

17 stories

DRAM pricing will mean more iPhone price hikes in 2027, no relief through 2028

Apple has agreed to pay $2 per Gb of DRAM in 2027, up from $1.50 today, due to AI-driven RAM shortages. This price increase will likely lead to further price hikes for Apple products, including the iPhone, in 2027. The shortage is caused by high demand for AI data centers and consumer-grade memory production being prioritized over smartphone RAM.

iOS 27 Notification Center issue persists from beta to public release

A bug in iOS 27's Notification Center can make an iPhone temporarily unresponsive if users quickly toggle between the Control Center and Notification Center. The issue was present in beta builds, including the Release Candidate version, and has not been fixed in the public release. Users can resolve the issue by force-rebooting their device.

Woz Launches Merch Store

Steve Wozniak has launched a merchandise store on X, where he will sell items related to his experiences and events he attends.

(Podcast) Clockwise 674: The Eyes Will Be Pretzels

The hosts of the Clockwise podcast discussed telephoto lenses, the evolution of Genmoji, and their thoughts on the iPhone Duo. They also shared their opinions on sci-fi interfaces. The conversation covered various aspects of technology and design. The hosts shared their personal preferences and dislikes.

New in iOS 27.2 beta: redesigned Health app, Siri AI localization, more

Apple has released the first beta of iOS 27.2, which includes a redesigned Health app, improved Siri AI localization, and other features. The redesigned Health app offers Apple Intelligence insights, a Longevity Tab, and a Readiness score. iOS 27.2 also enables dual capture for group FaceTime calls and allows Apple TV profiles to be added to the iPhone.

First developer betas of iOS 27.2, macOS 27.2 are out for testing

Apple has released the first developer betas of iOS 27.2, macOS 27.2, and other operating system versions for testing. The betas are available for developers to test and refine the new features and bug fixes. The 27.2 versions are expected to include refinements and new features not present in the initial 27.0 releases.

Apple OS 27.2 Betas Are Out; Version 27.1 Is the Duo-Exclusive iOS Fork

Apple has released the first beta of iOS 27.2 for developers, skipping iOS 27.1 to prevent potential iPhone Duo leaks. The iPhone Duo is expected to ship with iOS 27.1, which will contain references to the device. The iOS 27.2 beta is likely to have minimal iPhone Duo references.

Apple supplier SK Hynix in talks with Intel about US-made RAM

SK Hynix is in talks with Intel to produce memory in the US, potentially leasing a section of Intel's Ohio facility or creating a joint venture with Intel and AI companies. The talks are exploratory and no plans have been set in stone. SK Hynix plans to expand its memory production in South Korea, but this won't be completed until 2029.

Get an iPhone 18 Pro on T-Mobile with any condition trade-in

T-Mobile is offering an iPhone 18 Pro on Us deal for new customers who trade in any condition device and activate a line, with a separate promotion providing up to $1,200 off an iPhone 18 Pro Max. The deal includes access to T-Mobile's network and Magenta Status perks. The iPhone 18 Pro features a new variable aperture Fusion Main camera and ultra-powerful A20 Pro processor.

M5 Ultra Mac Studio vs M3 Ultra Mac Studio: Apple's AI desktop, compared

The Mac Studio now features the M5 Ultra chip, an upgrade from the M3 Ultra, with improved performance and AI capabilities. The M5 Ultra has a 30-core CPU that can scale to 36 cores and a 64-core or 80-core GPU. The design and ports of the Mac Studio remain unchanged.

Celebrating “What Holds Us” on iPhone 18 Pro

A photography exhibition called 'What Holds Us' features original work shot exclusively on the iPhone 18 Pro, showcasing the device's creative capabilities. The exhibition explores the connections between people, places, and ideas that unite humanity. The exhibition opens in New York City on September 18.

‘Apple Reference Image: A New Approach for Verified Photography’

Apple has introduced Apple Reference Image, a new feature for iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max that creates a securely timestamped reference image of what was captured by the iPhone's camera sensor. This reference image is protected by dedicated secure hardware and Private Cloud Compute, ensuring its integrity and the photographer's privacy. The feature is designed to provide a trustworthy guarantee that a reference image is a real photograph.