Apple Inc.

Apple Reportedly Working on AI-Powered Wearable Pin

January 21, 2026 - Apple is reportedly entering the AI hardware space with a wearable device, according to a report by The Information published Wednesday. The gadget in question is a clip-on pin that features dual cameras and three microphones.

If brought to market, this device would underscore the growing momentum within the AI hardware sector. The news closely follows recent remarks by OpenAI Chief Global Affairs Officer Chris Lehane, who stated at Davos on Monday that OpenAI is expected to unveil its first AI hardware product in the latter half of 2026. Reports indicate that OpenAI's device may take the form of earbuds.

Described in the report as a "thin, flat, circular disc" with an aluminum-and-glass casing, Apple’s wearable is designed to be roughly the size of an AirTag, though slightly thicker. It is said to include a wide-angle and a standard-lens camera for photo and video capture, along with a physical button, built-in speaker, and a charging strip resembling those found on Fitbit devices.

The Information also notes that Apple might be ramping up development to stay competitive with OpenAI. The pin could potentially debut in 2027, with an ambitious initial production goal of 20 million units. TechCrunch has contacted Apple for comment.

Market appetite for such a device remains uncertain. A similar concept was previously launched by Humane AI, a startup founded by two former Apple employees. Humane's AI pin featured a camera and microphones but failed to gain traction, leading to the company’s closure and asset sale to HP within two years of launch.

Source: https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/21/not-to-be-outdone-by-openai-apple-is-reportedly-developing-an-ai-wearable/

Apple Rolls Out Unexpected iPhone Software Update for Millions of Users

January 06, 2026 - Apple has unexpectedly rolled out iOS 26.3 (a) to developers and public beta testers, just weeks before the expected launch of iOS 26.3. The update introduces a new Background Security Improvements feature, designed to deliver rapid security fixes without requiring full system updates.

This feature, first introduced in iOS 26.1, replaces the previous Rapid Security Response system. It allows users to view and manage these updates under Settings > Privacy & Security, and even remove them if compatibility issues arise—prompting a device restart.

Compatible with iPhones from iPhone 11 to iPhone 17 Pro, the update marks a shift in how Apple handles security patches, enabling faster deployment and easier rollback in case of problems. Users with automatic updates enabled will receive these fixes silently in the background.

Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidphelan/2026/01/06/apple-releases-surprise-iphone-software-update-for-millions-of-users/

Apple Prepares for Enterprise AI Adoption with New ChatGPT Configuration Controls

August 22, 2025 - As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly relevant in the enterprise space, Apple is equipping businesses with more advanced tools to manage its usage. With the upcoming software updates set to launch in September, the company will introduce new enterprise-level controls, including the ability to configure OpenAI’s ChatGPT for enterprise environments.

The demand for ChatGPT Enterprise is already strong, with OpenAI reporting over 5 million business users. These organizations leverage the AI system to interact with internal data through AI-powered agents.

Apple’s approach to integrating ChatGPT for Enterprise is particularly notable for its flexibility. Rather than hard-coding access exclusively to ChatGPT, Apple’s documentation reveals that IT administrators can manage access to any “external” AI provider. This architecture positions Apple to potentially integrate additional enterprise AI providers in the future without needing protocol-level changes.

Alongside new AI capabilities for users—such as text generation and visual intelligence—Apple has prioritized giving IT teams greater control. These tools allow companies to determine whether data is processed on-device or in the cloud, recognizing that enterprises may need time to adopt changes affecting sensitive systems.

Additionally, businesses can enable or disable specific AI features and control whether employee AI requests are routed to ChatGPT’s cloud services, even without a direct enterprise agreement with OpenAI. Since Apple Intelligence handles AI requests either via Apple’s cloud or ChatGPT—never both—it simplifies disabling ChatGPT-based processing.

Beyond AI, Apple is introducing a suite of enterprise features in its fall software release:

A new API for Apple Business Manager to support integration with MDM tools, inventory systems, and help desk platforms.

Enhanced device migration tools for smoother transitions during mergers and acquisitions.

Updates to its Return to Service feature, now allowing devices to retain installed apps while being reset, and extending support to Vision Pro.

An authenticated Guest Mode for shared Macs that erases user data (but retains apps) after logout.

Support for NFC-based logins, enabling users to tap their watch or phone to access Macs.

These updates will roll out in September across Apple’s software ecosystem, including iPhone, iPad, and Mac platforms.

Source: https://techcrunch.com/2025/08/22/apple-gets-ready-for-ai-in-the-enterprise-with-new-chatgpt-configuration-options/

Apple to Roll Out Overhauled Siri in Spring 2026, Featuring Advanced App Intents for Full Hands-Free iPhone Use

11 Aug 2025

Key Highlights:

Siri overhaul scheduled for spring 2026 with enhanced App Intents for precise voice-driven app control.

Upgrade aims to move Siri beyond basic queries to complex, multi-step in-app tasks.

Apple is preparing to launch a major update to Siri next spring, transforming its voice assistant into a more powerful, hands-free iPhone controller. First showcased at WWDC 2024, the redesigned Siri was initially expected to debut with last September’s iPhone release but has faced repeated delays.

Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reports the upcoming Siri will integrate an improved version of App Intents—a technology enabling users to carry out complex, app-specific tasks solely via voice commands. This shift could take Siri from answering simple questions to managing sophisticated, multi-step processes within apps.

With the enhanced App Intents, Siri will be capable of performing commands like finding a specific photo, editing it, and sending it to a contact without any manual input. It will also handle more advanced operations, such as posting a comment on Instagram, browsing through a shopping app, and adding products to a cart—essentially navigating apps as a human would.

Apple’s global data operations team is focusing heavily on developing and testing the feature to ensure high accuracy. However, engineers are facing hurdles in achieving compatibility across a wide range of apps and maintaining precision in sensitive use cases. “The worry is that the new software might fail in categories where precision is non-negotiable such as health or banking apps,” the report states. As a precaution, Apple may initially restrict Siri’s functionality in these high-risk areas.

To fine-tune performance, Apple is running trials with selected third-party apps—including Uber, AllTrails, Threads, Temu, Amazon, YouTube, Facebook, WhatsApp, and various games—alongside its own native apps. This phased rollout underscores the company’s commitment to ensuring the upgrade works seamlessly before releasing it to all users.

According to Gurman, the objective is to make Siri “the hands-free controller of your iPhone,” offering a significant leap in convenience and multitasking compared to its current form. The scale of testing required for this update surpasses any previous Siri release.

Users will need to wait until spring 2026 to try the new Siri, but when it launches, it is expected to deliver a more fluid, human-like interaction—making it easier than ever to get tasks done without touching the device.

Source: https://www.thehansindia.com/technology/tech-news/apples-overhauled-siri-set-for-2026-launch-with-powerful-app-intents-for-hands-free-iphone-control-995775

Apple Updates New 13+, 16+, 18+ Age Limits for App Store Content

July 25, 2025 - Apple has announced an expansion of its App Store age-rating system, introducing new categories of 13+, 16+, and 18+ to replace the previous 12+ and 17+ designations. These additions complement the existing 4+ and 9+ ratings. Alongside the new system, developers are required to complete an updated set of age-rating questions designed to better assess sensitive content in their applications.

All apps and games on the App Store have been automatically updated to reflect these new age ratings. The updated system is currently available in the beta versions of iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe 26, tvOS 26, visionOS 26, and watchOS 26, with a general release scheduled for September.

Developers must now disclose information about their app's in-app controls, capabilities, and any medical or wellness-related topics. They also need to indicate the presence of violent themes. Apple will use this data to assign an appropriate age rating, which can be reviewed and adjusted by developers within App Store Connect.

The enhanced rating system aims to give parents clearer guidance on apps their children wish to download and will prevent apps that exceed a child’s age range from being installed. Additionally, apps deemed inappropriate for a child’s age will be excluded from App Store sections like Today, Games, and Apps.

These updates are part of a larger initiative Apple unveiled earlier this year focused on child safety. The company is simplifying child account setup and enabling parents to share their children’s age information with developers, helping them tailor age-appropriate content. Some of these features were first introduced in the public beta of version 18.4.

App listings will now include more detailed information to assist guardians in assessing an app’s suitability. For example, they will be notified if the app contains user-generated content, ads, or built-in parental controls.

Developers may face reduced visibility and reach if they increase an app’s age rating, which could incentivize the inclusion of parental controls or other child-friendly features.

This update comes amid heightened legislative focus on child online safety, with new state and federal proposals aiming to require age verification and parental consent for app downloads. While companies like Meta support app stores managing verification, Apple and Google favor leaving that responsibility to app developers.

Apple’s proposed solution involves a developer API that gives access to a child's age range, based on data provided by parents during device setup. This approach aims to ensure greater accuracy and privacy protection compared to age information entered directly by children. Developers, however, must choose to implement the new API for it to be effective.

Source: https://techcrunch.com/2025/07/25/apple-broadens-app-stores-age-rating-system/