During a North Carolina rally, former President Donald Trump urged the FBI to pressure Apple into unlocking devices and apps tied to two individuals who attempted to assassinate him. He specifically mentioned the FBI’s struggle to access apps on the phone of Thomas Matthew Crooks, who shot at him during a rally, and six phones confiscated from Ryan Wesley Routh, who was involved in a shootout at Trump’s Florida golf club. Though initial reports suggested Crooks used a Samsung phone, Trump’s comments imply Apple’s potential involvement, particularly regarding Routh’s devices. The situation raises questions about whether iPhones are part of the case and highlights the complexities surrounding encrypted apps and devices. Apple has historically resisted creating backdoors into its devices, citing risks to user privacy and security. The company has consistently held firm that compromising encryption for specific investigations would undermine protections for all users. Trump’s public appeal could lead to renewed tensions between law enforcement and Apple, reigniting the debate over encryption and privacy. As the FBI continues its investigation, the role Apple will play—if any—remains unclear, but the issue underscores the broader challenges of balancing security with privacy in the digital age.

With the release of the iPhone 16, Apple has teased the introduction of its much-anticipated Apple Intelligence features. However, these tools won’t be fully available until October, leaving users curious about how this AI-driven technology will enhance their devices. For those eager to get a head start, the public beta of iOS 18.1, which includes Apple Intelligence, is available for download, offering a glimpse into the future of AI on Apple devices. The first batch of features provides modest improvements, setting the stage for more powerful integrations down the line. One of the initial features rolled out in the beta is Clean Up , a tool designed to remove unwanted objects from photos. Similar to Google’s Magic Eraser, this feature focuses on simplicity, making it easy for users to clean up their images with just a few taps. However, while the tool works smoothly, it lacks detailed controls and occasionally misfires. Despite these small hiccups, Clean Up gives users a useful, albeit basic, photo-editing capability. Another feature included in the early rollout is Apple’s writing tools , which offer options to proofread, rewrite, and summarize text. These tools can enhance productivity, particularly when working on documents or emails, but they still have limitations. It’s a helpful addition, though not particularly innovative compared to other AI-driven writing aids available today. Email summaries is another area where Apple Intelligence aims to improve daily workflows. The beta version introduces a feature that summarizes emails directly within your inbox, making it easier to scan through messages without opening each one. While this function simplifies inbox management, it feels more like an incremental upgrade than a groundbreaking change. Still, it will likely prove useful for those who deal with large volumes of emails. Apple has also introduced improvements to Siri , featuring AI enhancements and a sleek new user interface that includes a glowing effect around the display during interactions. Users can now type queries to Siri as well as speak them, and the virtual assistant is better equipped to handle variations in speech. However, the real game-changer—allowing Siri to work across multiple apps and perform more complex tasks—hasn’t been released yet and is expected in the coming updates. These future improvements, such as leveraging personal information to provide more intuitive responses, will likely elevate Siri to the next level, but users will have to wait a bit longer to experience them. Apple Intelligence also introduces transcription features for voice memos and phone calls. While the transcription capabilities are solid, they don’t yet surpass those offered by dedicated apps, though Apple’s offering has the advantage of being free. It also works retroactively on previously recorded voice memos, making it a handy tool for users who need to revisit older audio files. As we look toward the future of Apple Intelligence, the most exciting features are still in development. Visual Intelligence , expected to debut later this year, will bring capabilities similar to Google Lens, allowing users to interact with images in more dynamic ways. Perhaps even more groundbreaking is the planned ChatGPT integration , which will enable Siri and other Apple applications to handle more complex queries and tasks. With these updates set for release later in 2024 and into 2025, Apple Intelligence could transform how users interact with their devices by delivering a seamless blend of AI-driven personalization and enhanced functionality. While the current Apple Intelligence features provide helpful, albeit modest, improvements, they are just a glimpse of what’s to come. For those who can’t wait, the public beta of iOS 18.1 offers an early opportunity to try these tools, but the real excitement lies in the future. As more sophisticated AI features roll out in the coming months, Apple is poised to redefine the role of AI in its ecosystem, blending cutting-edge technology with its signature focus on privacy and user experience.

In a surprising development, Apple has chosen not to align with an EU-led AI pact, marking a stark contrast to many of its competitors who have backed the initiative. The European Union’s AI Pact, designed to encourage companies to voluntarily comply with forthcoming regulations under the AI Act, has attracted support from over 100 major firms, including prominent tech leaders like Google, Microsoft, Amazon, and OpenAI. Yet, Apple and Meta, two of the biggest names in technology, have conspicuously declined to participate, raising questions about their long-term strategies in the European market. The AI Pact is a voluntary measure aimed at accelerating compliance with the EU’s strict upcoming AI Act, which will roll out in stages over the coming years. By joining, companies signal their willingness to adopt the AI governance standards sooner rather than later, ensuring that they are ready to meet the EU’s future requirements. Those that have signed on include a broad range of industries, all preparing for the more formal regulations expected in the near future. Apple’s refusal to join the pact comes at a time when the company is increasingly pushing its own AI advancements through its "Apple Intelligence" platform, a suite of machine learning and AI tools integrated into its ecosystem. Although Apple has been actively engaged with EU regulators in discussions about how to bring these features to European users, its decision not to commit to the pact signals potential hesitancy or concern about the regulatory framework’s impact on its operations. Meta, another notable holdout, has taken a similar stance. Though Apple and Meta have had a contentious relationship on many fronts—especially when it comes to privacy and competition in the advertising space—their shared opposition to the AI Pact suggests they both harbor reservations about the EU's approach to regulating artificial intelligence. Despite their differences, both companies appear wary of the potential constraints these regulations could impose on their innovation and business models. Apple’s decision could have far-reaching implications, especially when it comes to product launches in Europe. The company is currently rolling out new AI-driven features under its "Apple Intelligence" initiative, which powers a range of functions across its devices. However, as the EU's AI Act gradually takes effect, Apple may face challenges in delivering those features to European users if regulatory compliance becomes a hurdle. One area where this could have a direct impact is on the upcoming iPhone 16, where AI capabilities are expected to be a major selling point. Without clarity on how Apple's AI features will mesh with the EU’s regulatory expectations, there’s uncertainty over whether the company will need to modify or restrict certain features for the European market, potentially affecting sales. Meanwhile, Meta’s decision to avoid the pact adds another layer of complexity. Meta’s investment in AI, particularly in the realms of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), has been central to its vision of the metaverse. However, by not signing the AI Pact, the company signals that it, too, may be cautious about how strict AI regulations could slow its progress in Europe. In the broader context of the tech industry, the contrast between those who joined the AI pact and those who didn’t highlights the ongoing tensions between innovation and regulation. Companies like Apple and Meta, which have been at the forefront of technological advancements, are now grappling with the global push for stronger oversight in AI development. The outcomes of this standoff will not only affect their European market strategies but could set a precedent for how AI is governed on a global scale.

Disney+ is rolling out a new paid sharing feature, expanding to regions like the US, Canada, Europe, Costa Rica, Guatemala, and the Asia-Pacific. This allows subscribers to add one person outside their household for an additional fee: $6.99 per month on the Basic plan or $9.99 for Premium. For those who choose not to share, individuals outside the household can set up their own accounts and transfer their profile, maintaining watch history and preferences. However, profiles such as minors, primary account holders, or those in Junior Mode are restricted from being transferred. In addition to the sharing feature, Disney+ now allows subscribers to watch while traveling or away from home. If a user tries to stream on a device outside their usual location, they may see a message prompting them to confirm if they're "away from home" or need to update their household location. A one-time passcode will be sent to the account holder's email for verification. This update comes after Disney+ first teased the feature in August, revealing pricing details and functionality. These changes align with broader trends in the streaming industry, as platforms crack down on account sharing. Netflix implemented similar measures in 2023, limiting household sharing by tracking IP addresses and device IDs, and offering sub-accounts for an extra $7.99 per month, though its ad-supported plan doesn’t allow additional members. As both Disney+ and Netflix increase prices and restrict account sharing, users may need to reconsider how they manage streaming costs and subscriptions, with some finding the added fees challenging to justify amidst the price hikes.

At the 2024 Meta Connect event, Mark Zuckerberg shared an exciting glimpse into the future of augmented reality with a new technology that could change how users interact with AR devices. Meta is working on a neural interface system that will allow people to control its experimental Orion AR glasses through subtle gestures, all thanks to a wrist-worn device. This innovation, rooted in Meta’s acquisition of brain-machine interface company CTRL-labs in 2019, brings a new dimension to user interaction. The wristband captures signals from the brain, translating them into commands for the AR glasses. Zuckerberg emphasized how this technology allows users to send signals directly to Orion from their brains, making interaction with digital content more intuitive than ever. Although Orion is still in the prototype stage, the glasses promise a full AR experience, where tiny projectors built into the frames create a virtual overlay on the real world. The wristband that pairs with Orion is expected to be available soon, offering compatibility with Meta’s other augmented reality hardware. However, exact pricing details remain under wraps.

Amazon is gearing up for another major shopping event this October, with Prime Big Deal Days set to return for 2024. Building on the momentum of previous sales, this two-day event promises huge savings for Amazon Prime members. For those unfamiliar with Prime Big Deal Days, it’s essentially an extension of the well-known Prime Day sales, offering deep discounts across a variety of categories such as electronics, home essentials, fashion, and more. Slated for October 8-9, 2024, the event gives Prime members a chance to score limited-time offers and exclusive deals, often comparable to Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales. While the sale offers significant discounts, it’s important to remember that it’s only accessible to Amazon Prime members. If you're not a member yet, now might be the perfect time to join. An Amazon Prime membership costs $14.99 per month or $139 annually, and it comes with a range of perks beyond just access to sales. In addition to these exclusive deals, Prime members enjoy free two-day or one-day shipping on eligible items, access to Amazon Prime Video’s vast library of movies and TV shows, unlimited photo storage, early access to select Lightning Deals, and more. As we inch closer to the holiday shopping season, this event serves as the unofficial starting line for gift buyers. Amazon has made it clear that Prime Big Deal Days is not just about discounts—it's about getting a head start on finding the perfect gifts before the rush hits. Whether you’re looking for tech gadgets, kitchen appliances, or the latest fashion items, these days will offer plenty of opportunities to check items off your list. Expect plenty of updates leading up to the event, as Amazon will likely announce specific deals and special offers to build excitement. For those eager to prepare, it's a good idea to sign up for an Amazon Prime account ahead of time and make a wishlist of products to watch.

Apple's latest flagship, the iPhone 16 Pro, has begun making headlines with its sleek design and revamped packaging, as seen in the first unboxing video shared on Weibo. The video gives a glimpse of the minimalistic packaging approach that aligns with Apple's ongoing environmental initiatives, with the company continuing to streamline its unboxing experience. Gone are the days of receiving extra accessories and printed materials—this year, even the traditional SIM card booklet and instruction guide appear to have been eliminated. This reduction in packaging isn't entirely unexpected, as Apple has long been focused on reaching its goal of plastic-free packaging by 2025. While previous iPhones have already trimmed down on accessories, this year takes it a step further. Apple has also opted to exclude the iconic Apple stickers, a mainstay for many years. The box now contains just the essentials—the iPhone 16 Pro and a new braided USB-C cable, signaling the transition to a more eco-conscious approach.

Snap Inc. has revealed its latest push into augmented reality (AR) with the unveiling of its fifth-generation Spectacles and the introduction of the new Snap OS software platform. These announcements are aimed at attracting developers eager to work with AR technology. However, Snap’s strategy is raising eyebrows due to the hefty financial commitment required to access these tools. The new Spectacles are not available for direct consumer purchase; instead, they are exclusively offered to members of Snap’s Spectacles Developer Program. Joining the program costs $99 per month, with participants required to commit for a full year, bringing the total to nearly $1,200. For that price, developers receive a leased pair of the latest Spectacles, allowing them to experiment with the Snap OS platform. However, the catch is that Snap retains ownership of the hardware, and the devices must be returned at the end of the lease period. While Snap is positioning its Spectacles as an innovative AR tool, there are some limitations that may hinder widespread adoption. With a battery life lasting up to only 45 minutes, the Spectacles seem more suited to short bursts of use rather than extended outdoor wear. Despite these challenges, Snap is marketing the Spectacles as a device intended for use in the real world, contrasting sharply with virtual reality (VR) headsets that isolate users from their surroundings. Snap’s approach differs from other tech companies venturing into AR, but questions remain about whether developers will embrace the platform. By making access to the Spectacles contingent on an expensive membership fee, Snap is taking a gamble. It remains to be seen whether the developer community will see enough value in the Spectacles and Snap OS to justify the cost. With this strategy, Snap is clearly trying to build momentum in the AR space, but the risk for developers is significant. As the company continues to evolve its AR platform, time will tell if the investment pays off for both Snap and the developers who choose to commit to the program.

Apple’s partnership with Goldman Sachs for the Apple Card could be coming to an end, with a new report from The Wall Street Journal indicating that discussions are underway for a new banking partner. JPMorgan Chase has reportedly entered negotiations with Apple to potentially take over the credit card program, marking a major shift for Apple’s growing financial services portfolio. While the process is still in its early stages, sources suggest that talks have gained momentum in recent weeks. This potential transition comes after years of collaboration between Apple and Goldman Sachs, which launched the Apple Card in 2019. Despite the card’s initial success, Goldman Sachs has faced challenges in maintaining the program. Issues like customer service struggles tied to Apple Card’s billing cycles and high operational costs have reportedly motivated Goldman to explore an exit strategy. JPMorgan Chase, a heavyweight in the credit card industry, is now positioning itself as a leading candidate to take over the reins. However, the bank is reportedly seeking specific terms to ensure a smooth transition. Among them is a request to pay less than the face value of Apple Card’s outstanding balances, currently estimated at $17 billion. Chase is also looking to address the billing cycle structure that has caused some friction between Apple and Goldman Sachs customers. Interestingly, Apple has been exploring multiple options as it navigates this change. In addition to JPMorgan Chase, Apple has held talks with Synchrony Financial and Capital One about the future of the Apple Card program. Meanwhile, Goldman Sachs has pursued its own discussions with American Express in search of a solution for winding down its involvement. While nothing is set in stone yet, the possible partnership between Apple and JPMorgan Chase could have significant implications for Apple Card users. With a reputation for delivering premium credit card services, Chase may bring new features or enhanced rewards to the Apple Card, providing a fresh boost to the product.

The iconic mobile game Flappy Bird is officially making a return to both iOS and Android in 2025. The game, known for its simple but addictive gameplay, was originally pulled from the App Store in 2014 by its creator, Dong Nguyen, despite its massive popularity. Nguyen has expressed interest in relaunching the app for years, but Apple’s strict App Store guidelines had prevented him from doing so. Now, with some changes and updates, Flappy Bird will finally be available for download again. Fans can expect the same challenging mechanics they loved, while newer players will get the chance to experience the game’s nostalgic charm when it relaunches in 2025.

Apple’s latest iPhone 16 lineup introduces a key improvement in thermal regulation, designed not only to optimize heat dissipation but also to simplify battery replacement. This change is a strategic move to align with forthcoming EU regulations, which will require smartphone manufacturers to make batteries more easily replaceable by users starting in 2025. A report from The Information earlier this year hinted that Apple would adjust its battery replacement method in the iPhone 16 series to meet these new standards. In its official iPhone 16 press release, Apple confirmed that the internal redesign enhances both heat management and battery accessibility, though it's unclear whether the same applies to the iPhone 16 Pro models, as they weren’t explicitly mentioned in this regard. Rumors suggest Apple may implement a new type of adhesive, possibly involving electrically induced debonding technology, to make battery removal easier. It's important to note that certain devices with high water and dust resistance could be exempt from the new EU rules, as long as they maintain a specified battery health threshold. Though the iPhone 15 met these criteria, details for the iPhone 16 are yet to be confirmed.

Apple’s latest iPhone 16 series introduces two powerful new chips: the A18 for the standard iPhone 16 models and the A18 Pro for the iPhone 16 Pro lineup. While both chips bring significant improvements in performance, they target slightly different users with distinct capabilities. Here’s a breakdown of how the A18 and A18 Pro chips compare and what they bring to the table for iPhone enthusiasts. A18 Chip: Fast and Efficient for Everyday Use The A18 chip, built on the latest 3nm process, powers the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus, offering a big leap in performance over the previous A16 Bionic chip. This chip includes a 6-core CPU and 6-core GPU, providing faster performance for daily tasks, gaming, and app usage. Apple boasts that the A18 chip delivers up to 30% faster CPU performance compared to its predecessor, while also being more energy-efficient, helping users get the most out of their battery life. The A18 also features a 16-core Neural Engine, which is twice as fast as the one in the previous generation, making it better at handling AI-driven tasks such as photo enhancements, speech recognition, and Siri interactions. This chip makes the iPhone 16 ideal for users who want fast, reliable performance for everyday use without the need for advanced gaming or graphics-heavy applications. A18 Pro Chip: Tailored for Power Users and Gamers The A18 Pro, exclusive to the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max, takes performance up a notch. Like the A18, it’s built on the advanced 3nm process, but it is packed with more capabilities. The 6-core GPU in the A18 Pro is more powerful, delivering up to 20% faster graphics performance, which is especially noticeable when running graphically intense games or professional-grade apps. It also features hardware-accelerated ray tracing, bringing console-level gaming and realistic lighting effects to mobile gaming for the first time on an iPhone. Additionally, the A18 Pro’s 16-core Neural Engine comes with improved machine learning capabilities, speeding up tasks like photo editing and AI-driven enhancements. The Pro chip is also optimized for professional workflows, making it ideal for users working in creative fields who need fast video rendering, photo editing, or other demanding applications. Differences in Features and Use Cases While both chips are built on the same 3nm architecture and offer significant performance gains, the key difference lies in their target audiences and specific capabilities. A18 Chip : Perfect for everyday users who need fast, efficient performance for multitasking, social media, streaming, and light gaming. A18 Pro Chip : Geared toward power users, gamers, and professionals who demand top-tier performance, advanced graphics, and enhanced AI for professional apps and high-end gaming. The A18 Pro chip also offers better support for Apple Intelligence features, further enhancing AI-driven tasks like photo editing, voice recognition, and personalized recommendations. Its higher memory bandwidth also makes the iPhone 16 Pro models more capable of handling multiple demanding tasks simultaneously. Which One Should You Choose? iPhone 16 with A18 : If you’re looking for an iPhone that delivers excellent performance for day-to-day tasks without needing pro-level features, the standard iPhone 16 with the A18 chip is a great option. It’s fast, energy-efficient, and capable of handling most apps and tasks with ease. iPhone 16 Pro with A18 Pro : If you’re a power user, creative professional, or hardcore mobile gamer, the iPhone 16 Pro with the A18 Pro chip will be more up your alley. It delivers cutting-edge graphics, faster processing, and the ability to handle resource-intensive apps with ease. In summary, both chips are impressive, but the A18 Pro brings added power and capability for users who need more from their iPhone. Whether you choose the iPhone 16 or the iPhone 16 Pro, Apple’s latest chips offer significant upgrades, ensuring that both models are at the forefront of mobile performance.