The handoff of Apple’s credit card business is already leaving a visible mark on bank earnings, underscoring how costly large-scale consumer finance transitions can be. JPMorgan Chase reported a decline in fourth-quarter profits as it absorbed the financial groundwork required to become the new issuer of Apple Card. According to figures cited by The Wall Street Journal , JPMorgan’s Q4 profit slipped to roughly $13 billion, a year-over-year drop of about 7 percent. While slower deal activity weighed on investment banking revenue, the most significant impact came from a large reserve the bank established in connection with Apple Card. Rather than reflecting current losses, the charge represents money set aside to cover potential future defaults on Apple Card balances. The move follows JPMorgan’s agreement to take over the program after Goldman Sachs exited a partnership that had struggled to turn profitable. Goldman’s consumer push, which included Apple Card and a separate card program with General Motors, reportedly leaned toward customers with weaker credit profiles, increasing long-term risk. By the time negotiations began for Goldman to unwind its Apple deal, unpaid Apple Card balances had grown into the tens of billions of dollars, far eclipsing exposure tied to its GM card. JPMorgan’s reserve, estimated at more than $2 billion, reflects that inherited risk and reduced earnings per share for the quarter. Despite the short-term hit, analysts have largely characterized JPMorgan’s broader performance as solid. Full-year revenue continued to climb, and profits for 2025 remained near historic highs, even if they fell slightly short of the bank’s record-setting results from the prior year. The episode highlights the financial complexity behind high-profile tech and banking partnerships. While Apple gains a new, more stable banking partner, JPMorgan’s results show that stepping into a massive consumer credit program comes with immediate costs before any long-term benefits can materialize.

Apple is reshaping how creators access its professional tools by introducing a new subscription offering aimed squarely at video editors, musicians, designers, and students building creative workflows across Mac and iPad. Called Apple Creator Studio, the bundle reflects a broader shift in Apple’s software strategy, one that blends professional apps, platform-wide AI enhancements, and ongoing content updates into a single paid service. With Creator Studio, Apple is no longer positioning apps like Final Cut Pro or Logic Pro as isolated purchases, but as parts of a larger creative ecosystem that evolves over time. The subscription unlocks Apple’s flagship pro apps across macOS and iPadOS, including tools for video editing, music production, motion graphics, live performance, and media compression, while also expanding Pixelmator Pro beyond the Mac to the iPad for the first time. The bundle’s real differentiator, however, lies beyond the apps themselves. Apple is tying Creator Studio to a growing set of AI-powered features and premium creative resources that extend into everyday productivity apps like Pages, Numbers, and Keynote, with Freeform joining later this year. These additions include advanced image manipulation tools, smarter layout and design capabilities, and access to curated libraries of templates, themes, and royalty-free media that are not available to non-subscribers. Apple is careful to leave the door open for traditional buyers. Each app will still be sold individually with a one-time purchase option, and free versions of Apple’s core productivity apps remain intact. That said, future high-end AI features and exclusive content will increasingly live behind the Creator Studio subscription, signaling where Apple expects serious creators to land. In the U.S., Creator Studio is priced at $12.99 per month or $129 annually, with significantly reduced pricing for college students, at $2.99 per month or $29 annually. Apple is also leaning on trials to drive adoption, offering a one-month free trial to all users and extended three-month trials to customers who purchase newer Macs or qualifying iPads. Family Sharing further broadens its appeal, allowing one subscription to cover multiple users at no extra cost. Creator Studio launches through the App Store on January 28, marking another step in Apple’s gradual transition toward service-driven creative software. Rather than selling static tools, Apple is betting that creators will pay for an always-improving platform that blends professional apps, AI capabilities, and content under one subscription.

Apple’s next phase of artificial intelligence development is taking a quieter, more calculated direction than many expected. Rather than attempting to rebuild everything internally from scratch, Apple is choosing to accelerate its plans by licensing external AI technology while keeping tight control over how it is deployed. The company has entered a long-term agreement with Google to use Gemini-related models and cloud capabilities as a technical base for Apple’s own large language models. The arrangement, first reported by CNBC, confirms months of industry speculation that Apple would look outside its walls to strengthen Apple Intelligence after falling behind rivals in generative AI. What this deal does not do is hand Siri over to Google. Apple is not routing iPhone requests into Google’s consumer AI services, nor is it allowing Gemini to absorb user data into Google’s broader ecosystem. Instead, the Gemini technology will be adapted internally and used as groundwork for Apple Foundation Models that Apple trains, customizes, and operates itself. That distinction matters because Siri’s upcoming overhaul depends heavily on Apple’s privacy architecture. Requests will continue to be processed through Apple-controlled systems, including Private Cloud Compute, where data is encrypted, isolated, and deleted after use. Apple has already applied a similar model with its existing Siri integration with OpenAI, where ChatGPT handles queries without access to a user’s personal Apple data. The real opportunity here is what Apple can build on top of this foundation. By owning the final model and its deployment, Apple can tightly integrate Siri with iOS features like App Intents, allowing the assistant to take more reliable action across apps. This is an area where Siri has historically struggled, and where deeper system-level access could make a noticeable difference. Apple’s recent support for Model Context Protocol also signals a broader shift. External AI systems may eventually interact with apps on Apple platforms, but Apple’s own assistant is likely to retain capabilities that third-party models cannot fully match. Rather than signaling weakness, the Gemini partnership suggests Apple is prioritizing speed and control over pride. By blending Google’s AI research with Apple’s infrastructure and privacy standards, Apple is positioning Siri’s next evolution as a distinctly Apple-built experience, even if its foundations come from elsewhere.

If you’ve been eyeing Apple’s latest premium earbuds, now is a good time to jump in. The AirPods Pro 3, introduced in September with a host of new health and audio upgrades, are currently on sale for $219 on Amazon, down from their regular $249 price. The third-generation AirPods Pro arrived with several standout features that pushed Apple’s audio lineup forward. Along with improved Active Noise Cancellation and upgraded high-fidelity sound, the earbuds added live translation capabilities, heart rate sensing, and FDA-cleared hearing-aid functionality. Apple also shifted the lineup to USB-C charging, bringing faster and more convenient power options. This discount brings the newest AirPods Pro closer to their lowest price since launch, making it a solid opportunity for anyone upgrading from older AirPods or looking to take advantage of the new health-focused features. Inventory can change quickly during promotions, so those interested may want to grab the deal while it lasts.

Jeff Williams’ post-Apple chapter is taking shape quickly, as the former chief operating officer is now positioned to join the Walt Disney Company’s board. After retiring from Apple earlier this year and completing a transition of responsibilities, Williams has been named as a nominee for election at Disney’s 2026 shareholder meeting, where the board is expected to expand in size. His potential arrival comes at a moment when Disney is deepening its focus on technology-driven storytelling and preparing for its next phase of growth across entertainment, parks, and streaming. Williams, who spent decades shaping Apple’s global operations and product development systems, is seen as a strategic addition with experience navigating complex innovation pipelines. In remarks shared by Disney, Williams said he has long admired how the company uses technology to elevate creative work and expressed excitement about contributing to its future direction. The move highlights a growing overlap between the tech and entertainment sectors, building on a history of Apple-Disney executive connections that once included Bob Iger’s seat on Apple’s board before the debut of Apple TV+.

For the first time in years, Apple and Google are working side by side on a shared goal: reducing the friction that comes with jumping between their mobile ecosystems. The two companies confirmed that they are building a refreshed migration experience designed to smooth out the process of transferring personal data when moving from an iPhone to an Android device or the other way around. Early components of this new system are beginning to surface in a recent Android Canary release for Pixel users, with Apple planning to integrate the corresponding iOS features into an upcoming iOS 26 developer beta. Both companies describe this as a gradual rollout, noting that additional data categories and improvements will be added throughout the testing cycle before wider availability. Neither company has outlined the full set of capabilities this new switching pipeline will eventually include, and the timeline for public access remains unclear. Apple’s latest iOS 26.2 RC does not contain the new functionality, suggesting that the upgraded tools are still under active development. Until the unified experience is ready, users are being directed to the current migration apps: Apple’s Move to iOS for those leaving Android, and Google’s Android Switch tool for anyone transitioning away from an iPhone. The collaboration signals a rare moment of alignment between the two rivals as both acknowledge a long-standing pain point for users caught between platforms.

Apple is beginning to map out its next chapter as two of its senior leaders, Kate Adams and Lisa Jackson, prepare to step away in 2026. Their upcoming departures add to a wave of executive movement that has reshaped the company throughout the year. Adams, Apple’s general counsel since 2017, will soon begin transitioning her role to Jennifer Newstead. Newstead, who currently oversees legal strategy at Meta, is scheduled to join Apple at the start of the new year and is expected to take full responsibility for the legal organization in March 2026. Adams will stay on for several months afterward to guide Apple’s Government Affairs group until her retirement at the end of the year, creating a phased handoff as the company reorganizes how it manages global legal and policy challenges. Jackson, who has led Apple’s environmental, policy, and social efforts since 2013, will conclude her tenure in early 2026. Under her leadership, Apple advanced its climate goals, expanded its public sustainability commitments, and played a larger role in international policy discussions. After she steps down, Chief Operating Officer Sabih Khan will take over her areas of responsibility. Tim Cook expressed confidence in the decision to place both legal and government affairs under Newstead’s direction, noting the increasingly intertwined nature of regulatory issues, global policy work, and Apple’s long term strategy. Newstead’s background in international law and government positions signals a more unified approach as Apple navigates mounting regulatory pressure and worldwide scrutiny. These shifts arrive amid broader leadership changes. Several executives in design, AI, operations, and finance have already revealed plans to leave, and ongoing speculation continues around Cook’s future at the company. With multiple transitions happening at once, Apple is entering a period where new leadership will help shape how the company responds to competitive, political, and technological challenges in the years ahead.

Apple’s longtime silicon chief Johny Srouji is pushing back against growing speculation about his future at the company, reaffirming that he intends to remain at Apple as it navigates one of the most significant leadership reshuffles in years. In a message sent to employees, Srouji acknowledged the wave of external rumors but emphasized his commitment to Apple’s Hardware Technologies organization, the group responsible for core components such as custom chips, sensors, display technologies, and more. He praised the teams behind these systems, calling their work essential to shaping every major Apple product. “I love my team, and I love my job at Apple,” he told employees, adding that he has no plans to depart. His note comes amid reports suggesting that Srouji had recently weighed a potential exit and had discussed the possibility with CEO Tim Cook. While he did not directly address those claims, his memo signals stability at a time when Apple is preparing for several high-profile departures across its executive ranks. Leaders overseeing operations, AI research, environmental initiatives, software design, and legal affairs are set to transition out, and Cook himself is rumored to be considering retirement in the near future. Srouji remains a central figure in Apple’s technological strategy. Since joining the company in 2008, he has overseen the rise of Apple’s in-house silicon, a cornerstone of the company’s device performance advantage. From the pioneering A4 chip in the iPhone 4 to today’s A-series and M-series processors, his organization has driven Apple’s lead in efficiency and computational power. Recent chips like the A19 Pro continue to set benchmarks in mobile CPU performance, while Apple’s Mac silicon remains unmatched in performance per watt. Even as he reaffirmed his commitment, Srouji reportedly indicated privately that, if he ever did choose to move on, it would be to take on a new challenge rather than retire, a sign of his continued interest in hands-on engineering leadership. For now, however, he appears firmly rooted at Apple as the company works through a moment of transition and prepares its next generation of hardware technologies.

Apple is said to be finalizing an upgraded version of the HomePod Mini, marking the first major refresh of the compact smart speaker since its debut in 2020. According to new reports, the upcoming model will feature a significantly faster processor, improved connectivity, and refined computational audio, all aimed at delivering a smoother and more intelligent smart home experience. The original HomePod Mini, powered by Apple’s S5 chip, was designed for lightweight tasks such as Siri queries and music playback. The next-generation model is expected to take a big step forward by adopting the S9 or S10 chip, built on the A13 Bionic architecture. This newer chip is expected to dramatically improve Siri responsiveness, handle more advanced on-device audio processing, and manage smart home commands with lower latency and better energy efficiency. Connectivity is also reportedly being overhauled. The new HomePod Mini is said to include Apple’s custom N1 wireless chip, adding Wi-Fi 6E support and enhanced Bluetooth performance. The upgrade would allow for faster and more stable connections, particularly in homes filled with multiple Apple devices or other smart accessories. While Apple is unlikely to bundle in full Apple Intelligence support just yet, the improved chip and wireless system suggest the speaker is being built for the future, one where more of Siri’s processing could happen locally. Cosmetic changes may also arrive, including new color options such as red, expanding on the current palette of blue, orange, yellow, midnight, and white. Retail listings indicating discontinued stock for the current model have fueled speculation that Apple could unveil the refreshed HomePod Mini soon. With faster hardware and smarter sound optimization, the device is shaping up to be a meaningful upgrade for users looking to expand their Apple smart home setup.

Apple has joined forces with renowned Japanese fashion label ISSEY MIYAKE to unveil the iPhone Pocket, a limited-edition wearable accessory that blurs the line between tech and fashion. Crafted using advanced 3D knitting techniques, the piece reimagines how users carry their iPhone, transforming it from a device to something you can literally wear. The iPhone Pocket wraps the phone in a textured, stretchable fabric that both protects and reveals. Its open-knit design lets light pass through, allowing users to glimpse the screen while keeping the device enclosed. ISSEY MIYAKE’s design director Yoshiyuki Miyamae described it as an exploration of “the beauty of everyday movement” and “a new way to live with technology as part of what you wear.” Two versions will be available — a short strap model priced at $149.95 and a long strap at $229.95 — both designed to fit any iPhone model. The color range includes vibrant tones like lemon, mandarin, and peacock, alongside subdued hues such as cinnamon, sapphire, and black, each chosen to harmonize with Apple’s iPhone lineup. Apple’s Molly Anderson, vice president of Industrial Design, called the collaboration “a shared study in simplicity and form,” noting how the iPhone Pocket was created to be worn in multiple ways — crossbody, handheld, or attached to a bag. The accessory will debut November 14 across select Apple Stores and online in regions including the U.S., Japan, the U.K., France, and China. With its sculptural form and minimalist aesthetic, the iPhone Pocket stands as Apple’s most fashion-forward accessory yet — a nod to both technology’s role in daily life and the artistry of how we choose to carry it.

Apple’s ambitious attempt to reinvent the iPhone lineup with the ultra-thin iPhone Air appears to have fallen flat. According to a new report from The Information , disappointing sales have led the company to delay the launch of its next-generation model, which was originally expected to debut alongside the iPhone 18 Pro in late 2026. The iPhone Air, introduced as Apple’s lightest and thinnest flagship at just 5.6mm, failed to resonate with buyers despite its striking design. Supply chain sources say production has slowed significantly in recent months, with major assemblers like Foxconn and Luxshare scaling back or halting output entirely. Priced at $999, the iPhone Air was meant to offer a design-driven alternative to the standard and Pro models. But the trade-offs needed to achieve its slim profile — including a smaller battery and a single rear camera, left it feeling underpowered compared to the similarly priced iPhone 17 Pro. Apple’s struggle to find a successful fourth model continues. The company has previously tried to diversify its lineup with the compact iPhone mini and the larger iPhone Plus, both of which underperformed. The iPhone Air was expected to revive interest through its minimalist design, but consumers appear to have favored practicality over thinness. While Apple is reportedly developing a second-generation version with improved cooling, reduced weight, and a larger battery, its release timeline remains uncertain. The company may now push the new iPhone Air to 2027, potentially launching it alongside the standard iPhone 18 models instead of the Pro lineup. For now, the iPhone Air stands as Apple’s latest reminder that aesthetics alone can’t guarantee success in a market driven by performance, value, and endurance.

OpenAI has officially entered the browser market with ChatGPT Atlas, a new AI-driven web browser that brings ChatGPT directly into the browsing experience. The app, currently available on macOS, allows users to interact with ChatGPT seamlessly while they navigate websites—no switching tabs or copying text required. Versions for Windows, iOS, and Android are expected in the near future. Atlas blends traditional browsing with conversational AI. Users can highlight text or click an icon in a text field to prompt ChatGPT for help, whether rewriting an email, summarizing a webpage, or generating content. The browser also includes a sidebar for ongoing conversations, and a smart search memory system that recalls previous queries and browsing sessions. These memories are optional, and OpenAI emphasizes that user data will not be used to train future models. A standout feature is Agent Mode, which allows ChatGPT to perform tasks online autonomously, such as booking flights or editing shared documents. The feature builds on OpenAI’s earlier “Operator” technology and is currently available in preview for Plus, Pro, and Business subscribers. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman described Atlas as a step forward in how people interact with both AI and the web. “The browser hasn’t changed much in decades,” Altman said during the launch livestream. “Atlas reimagines it by making AI a native part of the experience.” With this release, OpenAI joins a growing field of AI-first browsers, alongside offerings from Opera, Perplexity, and Google’s Gemini-enhanced Chrome. But Atlas stands apart in its deep integration of ChatGPT, aiming to turn everyday browsing into a fluid, conversational experience.