Daily edition
Unsealed court documents reveal that OpenAI and Microsoft knew their AI models would harm the web, but proceeded with the development of ChatGPT and Copilot. The companies' own documentation described the data scraping as the 'largest theft of labor in human history' and a 'doom loop' that would damage the web. The documents also show that the companies were aware of the models' tendency to reproduce copyrighted material.
A US military analyst used an AI tool to generate an intelligence report that inaccurately identified a Chinese ship as carrying nuclear components, nearly leading to a US military attack. The report was based on a chatbot's analysis of open-source and secret intelligence. The incident highlights the potential risks of relying on AI for critical analysis.
The FAA is launching an AI tool called SMART to help manage air traffic in the Washington, DC, area, with a planned nationwide rollout. The system uses AI models to predict air traffic flows and identify potential conflicts. The tool is expected to debut on September 21, with the goal of reducing aircraft fuel burn and improving on-time performance.
Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger signed an executive order addressing data centers and AI risks, establishing an AI task force and requiring expedited noise regulations. The order also bans executive branch officials from signing nondisclosure agreements for data center projects. The state government will review backup-generation operations used by data centers and evaluate how existing law can be applied to AI harms.
The US government's Federal Register website briefly used a Chinese AI search tool called Qwen AI, which was later removed after social media users noticed the apparent contradiction with the FBI's claims about Chinese AI models. The Qwen model was used to search public comments on proposed regulations. The National Archives, which runs the Federal Register website, has not commented on the removal.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has issued an executive order to strengthen AI safety measures, including a potential 'kill switch' for frontier models. The order directs a group of experts to provide recommendations within two months. The state aims to implement the recommendations and speed up existing laws.
Hollywood's biggest labor unions, including SAG-AFTRA and WGAE, are pushing back against the AI apocalypse narrative, urging the public to focus on the current impact of AI in the entertainment industry. The unions have been advocating for stricter regulations and protections for workers affected by AI-generated content. Major studios and film startups have started using AI in production, but have not commented on the recent warnings about the technology's existential risks.
A team of three security researchers used a corrupted image file and forum software to hack into OpenAI employee accounts. They accessed OpenAI's GitHub repository, called 'Monorepo', which contains the company's algorithmic secrets. The researchers used Anthropic's Claude Opus 4.8 and 5 to achieve remote code execution on Discourse Cloud.
Researchers from Hacktron AI used Anthropic's Claude tool to gain access to an OpenAI employee's account and sensitive GitHub data, highlighting vulnerabilities in OpenAI's security. The researchers exploited a flaw in OpenAI's community forum, hosted by a third-party, to gain internal sign-ons and access to the employee's ChatGPT account. The incident occurred as Anthropic published data showing a rapid increase in the use of AI to develop its new models.
MIT Technology Review hosted a live event to discuss the possibility of AI causing human extinction. Attendees submitted questions, which were answered by the publication's AI editor and reporter. The possibility of AI causing human extinction is considered low, but not impossible. AI has already been used in cyberattacks and drone strikes, and some experts warn that it could be used to design deadly pathogens or cause widespread harm.
Researchers have developed a new software called TACLS that uses satellite data and machine learning to predict flash floods sooner, potentially saving lives. The software is designed to help the National Weather Service issue more timely and effective flash flood warnings. A recent flood in Lanesville, Indiana, highlighted the need for improved flood prediction and warning systems.
Tesla's Automatic Navigation system has been improved in the 2026.26 software update, allowing it to better predict destinations based on habits and routines. The system now considers time of day, day of the week, and location to suggest routes. The update also includes a new interface for displaying suggested destinations.
Toyota led US new EV sales growth in August with 4,964 units sold, up 35% from July, and its electric SUVs accounted for nearly 5,000 sales. The average transaction price for a new EV fell to $54,754 in August, down 1.3% from July and 2.8% from the year prior. The price gap between EVs and gas cars narrowed to $4,847, or 9.7%.
Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) software is set to receive several new features, including natural language processing, pothole avoidance, and personalized parking habits. The updates will allow drivers to interact with their vehicles more naturally and make the driving experience more comfortable. The company is also working on a major upgrade to the FSD system, FSD v15, which will increase the neural network's parameters by a factor of ten.
A podcast episode discussed various electric vehicle topics, including curbside charging, the Tesla Roadster 2.0, the Mercedes GLC, and the Ford Fathom.
The Electrek Podcast discussed the Tesla Roadster's reveal date, the return of the VW XL1 as an electric vehicle, and BYD's new electric car competing with Tesla. The podcast is available on YouTube and podcast apps. The show is live every Friday at 4 p.m. ET.
Drive Electric Month continues with over 150 events across the US and Canada, offering opportunities for prospective EV buyers to learn from EV owners and network with others. Events will be held in most US states and will cover topics such as EV ownership and charging. The events are organized by local EV advocates and range from small meetups to large festivals.
Hyundai's CEO warned that the US may be next in line for a wave of cheaper Chinese electric vehicles, citing the UK as an example where Chinese brands have taken over the market. Chinese automakers like BYD are already 30-40% cheaper than comparable auto brands in some markets. The US imposes a 100% tariff on EV imports from China, but President Trump has suggested allowing Chinese automakers to sell in the US if the vehicles are built in the US.
Anker's SOLIX E10 Whole-Home Backup System is on sale for $3,799 with a free metal pad and AC generator adapter, down from $5,799. The Heybike ALPHA All-Terrain Mid-Drive e-bike is also on sale for $1,099, down from $1,799. EcoFlow's 3,072Wh DELTA 3 Ultra Plus Power Station with a 500W modular solar panel is on sale for $1,899, down from $2,799.
Tesla's Full Self-Driving (Supervised) software has been used in Australia and New Zealand for a year, resulting in a 40% reduction in collisions compared to manual driving. The software was launched in the region in September 2025 and has been used for 160 million kilometers of driving. The data shows a decrease in various safety events, including automatic emergency braking, harsh braking, and horn usage.
Factorial, a startup, is working with multiple battery companies to develop solid-state batteries. The goal is to create a more efficient and safer alternative to traditional lithium-ion batteries. The collaboration aims to overcome the technical challenges associated with solid-state batteries.
BMW has begun delivering the iX3 electric SUV in the US earlier than expected, with some customers receiving their vehicles as early as September 16, 2026. The company has seen strong demand for the vehicle, with over 100,000 orders worldwide. The iX3 features a range of up to 434 miles and a 400 kW DC charging capacity.
XPeng is trying to license its self-driving and smart-cockpit systems to automakers, suppliers, and software firms, following a deal with Volkswagen. The company has already seen interest from potential customers, including foreign software developers and auto suppliers. XPeng's approach to self-driving technology includes a redundant safety layer that uses sensors in addition to cameras.
The US House of Representatives passed a bill requiring automakers to install AM radio in all vehicles sold in the US, including electric vehicles. The bill aims to ensure that all vehicles have a radio that can receive AM signals. The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.
Volkswagen's ID. Buzz electric van completed a 99,767 km journey across 92 countries, setting a new Guinness World Record for the most countries visited in a continuous journey by an electric vehicle. The trip took 445 days and required over 300 charging cycles. The van's high-voltage battery retained 95.75% state of health after the journey.
Australia's first 8-hour grid battery, powered by 144 Tesla Megapacks, has been activated in New South Wales. The 50 MW / 400 MWh battery can discharge for eight hours, four times longer than typical Australian grid batteries. The battery is paired with a solar farm and is designed to store energy during the day and release it in the evening.
A Volkswagen ID. Polo was tested on a European road trip with a highway-heavy route. The electric vehicle used less energy per mile compared to other electric vehicles. The ID. Polo also required less time to charge.
Tesla has launched a license plate visualization generator that allows users to browse and customize license plates for all 50 US states and 10 Canadian provinces, including EV plates for Ontario and Québec. The generator can be used to download images of plates with custom text or without. Users can also add their own text or use their actual plate number. The feature is available through the Paint Shop in the 2025 Holiday Update.
The Mercedes GLC Electric vehicle completed a 393-mile trip with one quick charge, despite its calculated range being 273 miles. The trip consisted of mostly highway driving. The vehicle's range was extended by a single charging stop.
The US House of Representatives voted 343-79 to extend federal funding for the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) through 2029. The bill authorizes $100 million in annual funding for the program, which awards grants to reduce the costs of transitioning to cleaner vehicles. The program has helped take tens of thousands of polluting engines off the road and save over 500 million gallons of fuel.
It’s the fastest production ramp-up of any BMW plant to date.
Drone footage shows Tesla's Optimus factory at Giga Texas nearing completion, with the steel frame about five column grids away from the north perimeter beam, six months after construction began. Concrete is being poured on upper floors, and rebar is being laid for future pours. The factory is part of a 5.2 million square foot expansion of Giga Texas's North Campus.
Red E Charge has introduced a new feature allowing customers to skip the app and leave their credit card at home for charging sessions. The setup process is still quick. This feature is available on one of the fastest-growing EV charging networks in the U.S.
Rivian has added two new exterior colors and a new interior option for the R2 electric SUV. The new colors are available for selection in the vehicle's configurator. The new interior option is a lighter shade.
City Harvest, New York City's largest food rescue organization, acquired three zero-emission Volvo VNR Electric semi trucks to support food rescue and delivery operations across the city's five boroughs. The trucks will be equipped with battery-electric transport refrigeration units, reducing tailpipe emissions. The purchase was supported by a $10 million award from the New York Clean Transportation Prizes program.
Google's Gemini app for macOS has been updated to include integration with Apple's iMessage service, allowing users to read, search, and send messages. The integration is available in the latest version of the app, 1.116.5.889. However, a server-side component is currently missing, preventing the integration from working as intended.
The iPhone 18 Pro Max has a battery capacity over 20 watt-hours, requiring a 'Prepare to Ship' feature to limit its battery capacity before shipping. This feature discharges the battery to below 20Wh and sets a charge limit to meet shipping requirements. The feature can be accessed through the Settings app and can be undone after shipping.
The Quantified Scientist compared the Apple Watch Series 12's new heart rate sensor to a Polar H10 ECG chest strap during various activities. The Apple Watch Series 12 performed well, with nearly identical readings to the chest strap during indoor cycling. The watch's heart rate accuracy was also good during running and weightlifting, but with some minor deviations at higher heart rates.
The Apple Watch Series 12 has been released with updated internal components and health sensors, but no major design changes. The device features a new Ceramic Shield 2 material on aluminum models and an S11 chip for improved performance. The Series 12 also includes a Health Sensing System for more accurate heart rate sensing and a readiness score.
Miriam Pawel wrote an op-ed in The New York Times arguing against reinstating the SAT requirement for University of California admissions, citing the institution's commitment to access and excellence. She claims that students on UC campuses are graduating at record rates despite struggling with basic math. Pawel suggests that increasing math skills is a more meaningful success metric than simply awarding degrees.
Apple announced a $2,000 foldable iPhone called the iPhone Duo, new Apple Watch models with advanced features, and updated AirPods with improved noise cancellation. The company also revealed new iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max models with longer battery life and advanced cameras. Apple did not announce the base iPhone 18 or other less expensive models. The company's new CEO, John Ternus, emphasized the iPhone's potential as an 'intelligent personal assistant'.
Apple has updated its iOS and iPadOS 27 Feature Availability page to reflect the addition of over 30 new languages and language variants for various features, including Dictionary, QuickType Keyboard, and Visual Look Up. The new languages and variants are supported across features such as language support, autocorrection, predictive typing, and Siri wake-word support. The full list of supported languages is available on Apple's website.
A teardown of the iPhone 18 Pro Max in the U.S. has confirmed the presence of Qualcomm's Snapdragon X80 modem, which is used in the device's 5G connectivity. This is a unique configuration, as the smaller iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max in other countries use Apple's custom-designed C2 modem. The U.S. version also features a newly-identified mmWave 5G antenna module from Apple.
Apple released Xcode 27.1 beta, which includes the iPhone Duo's wallpapers in its iPhone Simulator. The wallpapers depict dunes against a mountain range and are available in light and dark mode. The wallpapers were not included in iOS 27.0, but are now downloadable.
Apple has released Xcode 27.1, a software development kit (SDK) update that includes support for the iPhone Duo. The new SDK is available for download, along with release notes. Design kits for Figma and Sketch are also available for iPhone Duo development.
Benchmark results for Apple's M5 Ultra and M6 chips have been released, showing improved graphics performance compared to previous models. The M5 Ultra achieved a 59% higher Metal score than the M3 Ultra, while the M6 chip scored 34% higher than the M5 chip. The M5 Ultra's OpenCL score is comparable to NVIDIA's GeForce RTX 4080. Real-world performance may vary.
iOS 27 adds new features to AirPods Pro 3, including Custom EQ, expanded GymKit support, and Siri AI integration. Custom EQ allows users to set their own sound profile, while GymKit now supports iPhone and AirPods Pro 3's heart rate sensor. Siri AI is also available on AirPods, enabling more features and functionality. Apple has redesigned and reorganized AirPods settings in iOS 27 for easier navigation. Precision Finding is now available on AirPods Pro 3 with iOS 27 and watchOS 27.
Warren Buffett has stepped down as Chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, with his son Howard taking over the role. Buffett will remain a Director and become Chairman Emeritus. The transition is effective immediately.
US President Donald Trump has announced that he is banning CNN, MSNBC (referred to as MSNOW), and Politico from the White House, citing their reporting as 'fake news'. The ban is effective immediately. The reasons for the ban are not specified beyond the outlets' reporting being deemed 'fake news'.
The Apple Watch Series 12 has slightly larger bezels and a Digital Crown that protrudes more than the Apple Watch Series 11. The design change is likely due to the need for more internal space for the new Health Sensing system. The change is only noticeable when comparing the two models side-by-side.
iOS 27 has been released with over 20 new features powered by Apple Intelligence, including a rebuilt Siri with a major upgrade, and new AI capabilities in system apps.
Apple has released the first Xcode 27.1 beta, which includes tools for developers to prepare their apps for the iPhone Duo. The beta provides a Display group in Xcode's canvas to preview content on the foldable iPhone's alternative display. Developers have about a month to test their apps across the iPhone Duo's various layouts and screen sizes.
Homey has introduced a Device Updates feature that allows users to update Matter, Z-Wave, and Zigbee devices directly from the Homey Mobile App or Web App. The feature handles updates, progress tracking, and notifications. The launch list of supported vendors includes IKEA, Aeotec, and others.
SK Hynix-owned Solidigm is considering building a NAND factory in the US, specifically in upstate New York, to reduce its dependence on China. The proposed factory would be separate from SK Hynix's discussions about producing memory chips at Intel's planned Ohio facility. No agreement has been reached and the location, investment, capacity, and construction schedule remain undecided.
Apple released Xcode 27.1 beta, which adds support for iPhone Duo app development, including updated SDKs and a simulator.
The Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 have similar features, but the Series 12 is a better choice for everyday use due to its lower price and thinner design. The Ultra 4 offers longer battery life and additional features for specific activities like diving and exploration. The decision between the two models depends on individual needs and priorities.
Apple's Vice President of Hardware Engineering, Tom Marieb, discussed iPhone Duo's durability, hinge, and display crease in an interview with TechRadar. He highlighted the use of nano-texture to minimize the visible crease and a matte finish to reduce glare. Marieb also praised Ceramic Shield 2, saying it makes third-party screen protectors unnecessary.
Apple has released Xcode 27.1 beta 1 for developers, enabling app development for the upcoming foldable iPhone Duo. The release allows developers to prepare for the device's launch in October. The beta version is available for download from Apple's developer webpage.
iMazing software offers a range of features for managing iPhone data, including backups, file transfers, and diagnostic tools. The software can be used on Mac and PC and supports older devices like the iPod. iMazing has been updated with a new user interface and improved data export features.
Meta's Muse AI agent app has taken the top spot on the US App Store, displacing ChatGPT. The app was launched this month and has seen a surge in new installs. The app is available on iPhone and has recently been made available on Mac.
Ron Johnson, former Apple retail pioneer, has written a book about his experience leading the development of Apple's retail stores, which opened in 2001. Johnson worked with Steve Jobs to create the first two stores and shares details about the challenges and successes of the early years. The book, 'Shop Different', covers Johnson's time at Apple and his later tenure as CEO of JCPenney.
Apple released a 35-second music video for K-Pop artist Rose, shot entirely on the iPhone 18 Pro. The video showcases the phone's new camera capabilities, particularly its variable aperture lens. The video is part of Apple's 'Shot on iPhone' ad campaign.
Apple CEO John Ternus attended the Emmys and showed off the unreleased foldable iPhone Duo on the red carpet, sparking interest from Hollywood stars. He also attended a private party the night before, where he was approached by talent for the phone. Apple's streaming service, Apple TV, won a record-breaking 28 awards at the Emmys.
A four-year-old iPhone Xs Max review's footnote mentioned that MKBHD's top 20 videos had seven iPhone-specific videos with 84 million views. The top 20 has changed, with a one-week-old iPhone Duo video entering the top three. The iPhone Duo has seven videos in the top 20, with five of them from the last four years, totaling 118 million views, a 40% increase from four years ago.
Apple's iPhone Duo was inspired by paper notebooks, with a focus on compactness and usability. The phone's design was influenced by the A-series paper system, with proportions similar to A5. The iPhone Duo's hinge is designed for smooth opening and holding open.
The iPhone 18 Pro features an under-display Face ID sensor, which reduces the size of the Dynamic Island's permanent cutout. This allows for more content to be displayed in the Dynamic Island, with up to three Live Activities visible at once. The change also results in slightly fuzzy text in the status bar.
Apple released a new Shot on iPhone ad featuring ROSÉ's music video for 'new trick', showcasing the iPhone 18 Pro's camera capabilities. The ad highlights the phone's 48MP Main camera and its ability to improve low-light footage and depth of field. The iPhone 18 Pro models launched today with an upgraded Main camera and new features.
The 9to5Mac Daily podcast for September 18, 2026, covers the top stories of the day, including iOS 27 and iPhone Duo. The podcast is available on various platforms, including Apple Podcasts and Google Play. The episode features a recap of the day's news and a discussion of the latest Apple stories.
Apple has released new iPhone 18 Pro cases, including Silicone and TechWoven models, and various third-party solutions from brands like Nomad, Dbrand, and UAG. The new cases offer features such as built-in stands, customizable designs, and rugged protection. The cases are available in various colors and price points, starting from $14.
Apple has hidden tiny 'hello' signs in its retail stores for customers to find using the new iPhone 18 Pro's cameras. The signs are designed to be small and placed in spots that make them difficult to reach, encouraging customers to use the camera's telephoto zoom feature. The signs feature Apple's iconic cursive 'hello' script and are meant to be a fun way to demonstrate the camera's capabilities.
Apple's new products, including AirPods 5, Apple Watch Series 12, and iPhone 18 Pro, are on sale with discounts available at various retailers. The AirPods 5 can be purchased for $124.99 at Amazon, a $5 discount. The Apple Watch Series 12 starts at $399, with up to $20 off select GPS + Cellular models.
The latest episode of The MacRumors Show discusses the iPhone Duo, AirPods 5, and Apple Watch Series 12, covering their features, benefits, and potential drawbacks. The show also touches on the iPhone 18 Pro's camera and Dynamic Island. The discussion explores whether the iPhone Duo's larger screen justifies its compromises, and whether the AirPods 5's improved noise cancellation and fit make them a worthwhile upgrade. The episode also considers the value of the Apple Watch Series 12's new health features and whether they justify replacing an older watch.
Apple has added a bill splitting feature to the Wallet app in iOS 27, allowing users to split bills with friends and family using Apple Cash. The feature uses Apple Intelligence to identify items on receipts and calculate the total payment, including tax and tip. Users can split bills using the Camera app, Messages, or Apple Wallet.
YouTube has changed its view counting system to count a view from the moment a video starts playing, rather than when it reaches 30 seconds. This change applies to all video formats globally. The update aims to provide a consistent view counting standard across the platform.
Apple's design team discussed the inspiration behind the iPhone Duo, citing notebooks and the international A-series paper system as influences. The device's design aims to balance space and compactness, with a custom hinge and transition animation. The team also emphasized the importance of maintaining a cohesive user experience.
A writer has changed their opinion on Apple Glasses after the backlash against Meta Glasses, citing concerns about privacy and the potential for misuse. The writer previously thought Apple Glasses would have a camera, but now believes they should not. The writer has been testing camera-free smart glasses and has positive first impressions.
Apple states that iPhone 17 Pro cases are not compatible with iPhone 18 Pro due to a 0.1mm difference in camera plateaus. However, cases from both generations may still fit due to minor tolerance. Testing suggests that most cases, including Apple's and many third-party ones, are interchangeable.
AirPods Pro 3 are discounted by $50, iPhone 18 Pro cases and chargers are on sale, and the M5 MacBook Pro is $320 off at B&H. Amazon has early deals on Apple Watch Series 12 and M6 Mac mini. Satechi cables are 50% off. Apple Watch Ultra 4 and Apple Watch Series 12 have been released. The new M5 Pro and M6 Mac mini are set to launch next week.
A teardown of the iPhone 18 Pro reveals a larger battery, a larger vapor chamber cooling system, and a reduced Dynamic Island. The A20 Pro processor is now in direct contact with the vapor cooling system. The teardown also shows that the battery is 1.7% larger than in the iPhone 17 Pro. The repairability of the phone may be harder due to design changes.
Apple's new products, including the iPhone 18 Pro, AirPods 5, and Apple Watch Series 12, are available for purchase on launch day with various discounts at retailers such as Amazon and carrier stores. The discounts include up to $1,200 off the iPhone 18 Pro with trade-in and $4 off the AirPods 5. Anker has also released matching accessories for the new iPhone 18 Pro, including a magnetic power bank.
The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4, and AirPods 5 are now available in Apple Stores and from other retailers worldwide. The products were first unveiled last week during Apple's 'Surprise and shine' event. The iPhone Duo will be available for pre-order on October 16 and ships on October 23.
Solidigm, a subsidiary of Apple supplier SK Hynix, is considering building a NAND flash memory factory in the U.S., with upstate New York as a potential location. The move would reduce the company's reliance on its existing factory in China. Solidigm is in talks with Intel to start memory production in the U.S.
iOS 27 requires up to 14GB of free storage on certain iPhone models for its AI features, while most users need only 8GB. The increased storage requirement is due to two advanced AI capabilities not available on other models. These features require a more powerful on-device model, taking up additional storage.
Apple has released a range of official accessories for the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, Apple Watch Series 12, Apple Watch Ultra 4, and AirPods 5. The accessories include various cases and bands for the new devices. The prices for the accessories range from $49 to $99.
A teardown of the iPhone 18 Pro reveals that Apple shrunk the Dynamic Island by moving the Face ID infrared camera under the display. The teardown also shows a larger 48-megapixel main camera with variable aperture and a 4,056 mAh battery capacity. The device has a physical SIM card tray, which is not present in some international models.
ESR has released new cases for the iPhone Duo, iPhone 18 Pro, and iPhone 18 Pro Max, featuring Atelier Vegan Leather material and a rotating Flex Stand for protection and versatility.
iOS 27 adds new features to Apple Music, including support for landscape layouts, lyrics display, improved AutoMix, refreshed artist pages, and new widgets. The new features are available on iPhone and tvOS, and HomePod. Apple Music also gets a new Friends playlist. The new features aim to enhance the user experience and provide more convenience and personalization options. Apple Music is available for $11.99/month or as part of the Apple One bundle.
A recent survey of 4,000 US consumers found that 67% plan to upgrade their iPhone due to the age of their current device, with 53% of respondents interested in the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max. The survey suggests that buyers are willing to spend more on premium models and larger storage configurations. The iPhone Duo and other Apple products, such as Apple Watch and AirPods, also showed increased interest.
Hands-on videos of the iPhone Duo have surfaced, showcasing its software keyboard, app multitasking, camera features, and more. The videos demonstrate one-handed typing on the exterior display, a split keyboard UI, and multitasking capabilities. The iPhone Duo's camera features are also shown off in the videos.
Evercore raised its price target for Apple stock to $380 due to higher-than-expected demand for the new iPhone 18 Pro range and Apple Watch Series 12. The investment firm's survey found that 32% of respondents plan to buy the iPhone 18 Pro Max, up from 29% who intended to buy the iPhone 17 Pro Max. The new iPhone Duo is expected to have lower demand, with 14% of respondents planning to buy it.
Unsealed documents show Microsoft and OpenAI executives were aware of the ethical concerns of scraping news content for AI training. Microsoft Director of Applied Science Brent Hecht described the practice as 'an astonishing theft of unprecedented proportions'. OpenAI's ChatGPT head Nick Turley warned that news publishers would face an 'existential threat' from commercial products trained on news content.
A website allows users to design a custom iPhone by dragging and dropping various components onto a 3D model, including conventional and impractical accessories. The site offers a range of options, from standard smartphone features to more unusual items like a steering wheel and joystick. Users can customize the device's color, wallpaper, and name, and download a rotating video of their creation.
Apple Stores have introduced a new 'hello' decoration for testing iPhone camera zoom, available on iPhone 18 Pro models with up to 8x optical zoom. The decoration is likely a test for the new feature. The iPhone 18 Pro models were released today.
Protesters from the Heat Initiative group parked vans with illuminated signs along Fifth Avenue outside Apple's Fifth Avenue store ahead of the iPhone 18 Pro release, alleging Apple is 'powered by child sexual abuse'. The store was briefly closed and reopened after the protest. Apple has not commented on the protest. The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are now available for purchase in Apple Stores and for delivery to pre-order customers.
The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are now available in stores and being delivered to customers who pre-ordered them. The devices are available for same-day or next-day pickup at select Apple Store locations. Pre-ordered models are estimated to be delivered in late September or early October.
iOS 27 has been released with new features beyond Siri AI and Apple Intelligence, including unspecified non-AI features. The update is now available to everyone. The article highlights some of the author's favorite non-AI features in iOS 27.
The AppleInsider Podcast discussed the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, iPhone Duo, Apple Watch Ultra 4, and Apple Watch Series 12. The hosts shared their impressions of the new devices and discussed their features, including the variable aperture and larger sensors. The podcast also covered the OS 27 updates and the impact on developers and users.
Apple's Fifth Avenue cube in New York City has been temporarily closed and decorated with colors matching the iPhone 18 Pro's colorways, ahead of the device's release. The cube will reopen at 8 A.M. Eastern. The decorations feature burgundy, silver, and glacier colors, with the black colorway missing.
Apple has released a dedicated Siri app that allows for longer conversations and improved interaction with the assistant. The app is available on iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS 27 Golden Gate, and visionOS 27, with watchOS 27 support coming in a future beta. Users can access their conversational history across supported devices using iCloud.
Apple has started delivering the iPhone 18 Pro to customers in the earliest time zones, with deliveries expected to roll out in Australia, Asia, Europe, and North America over the next few days. The iPhone 18 Pro is available for in-store pickup and walk-in purchases at Apple Stores. Customers are sharing their first impressions and photos of the device on social media.
The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max feature a new variable aperture lens on their main camera, allowing for more control over depth of field and improved low-light performance. The variable aperture can be adjusted manually or automatically. The lens has a four-stop range, from f/1.48 to f/4.0.
Apple has released the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, Apple Watch Series 12, Apple Watch Ultra 4, and AirPods 5 in stores worldwide. The new products are available for purchase at Apple Store locations, online at apple.com, and through the Apple Store app. Customers can explore the new lineup with the help of Apple Specialists.
A judge has denied OpenAI's request to reveal the terms of the settlement between Apple and SpaceXAI, citing the confidential nature of the agreement. The lawsuit was filed by Elon Musk's SpaceXAI against Apple and OpenAI, alleging anticompetitive collusion. The settlement was reached after Musk accused Apple of manipulating App Store charts to favor OpenAI's ChatGPT over his own AI models.
Apple has published a detailed breakdown of the new features in Safari 27.0, including the Safari MCP server, which allows AI agents to control the browser window. The MCP server provides access to the DOM, network requests, screenshots, and console output. Safari 27.0 also fixes nearly 850 issues and introduces support for immersive environments and the HTML <model> element.
Apple has released the iPhone 18 Pro, marking the 20th generation of flagship iPhones. The new model features a variable aperture main camera. The iPhone 18 Pro was released alongside the iPhone Duo, a new device that received the most attention in Apple's announcement.
WhatsApp is rolling out a new in-chat search button to iPhone users, allowing them to search for messages within a conversation without leaving the chat. The button appears at the top of the screen when users scroll up through the conversation and disappears when they return to the bottom. The new search button is available in individual chats, group chats, and channels.
A US judge has rejected OpenAI's request to see the confidential settlement agreement between X and SpaceXAI and Apple in an ongoing antitrust lawsuit. The agreement was reached after X and SpaceXAI accused Apple and OpenAI of colluding to shut out competing AI apps from the App Store. The judge found that the agreement does not contain information relevant to the remaining case against OpenAI.
Apple maintained its lead in the global true wireless stereo (TWS) market with 16.8 million shipments in Q2 2026, a 1.2% increase from the same period in 2025. The company's market share was 20.5%, with Xiaomi in second place at 10.4%. The TWS market declined 0.7% year over year.