Apple News
Apple unveils new AirTag with expanded finding range, louder speaker, and Apple Watch integration
Apple today unveiled a new generation of AirTag, the popular item tracker, featuring expanded range, enhanced Precision Finding capabilities, and a significantly louder speaker to make lost belongings easier to locate.
The updated AirTag builds on the original model launched in 2021, leveraging Apple’s vast Find My network to help users track everyday items like keys, wallets, backpacks, luggage, and more. Since its debut, AirTag has enabled countless reunions, from lost luggage containing critical medication to misplaced instruments that allowed musicians to perform on schedule.
The device is powered by Apple’s second-generation Ultra Wideband chip — the same one used in the iPhone 17 lineup, iPhone Air, Apple Watch Ultra 3, and Apple Watch Series 11. This enables more powerful Precision Finding, which guides users to items using haptic, visual, and audio feedback from up to 50 percent farther away than the previous generation. An upgraded Bluetooth chip further extends the overall range for locating items. For the first time, Precision Finding is available directly on Apple Watch Series 9 or later, and Apple Watch Ultra 2 or later.The new AirTag’s internal design makes it 50 percent louder than before, allowing users to hear its sound — including a distinctive new chime — from up to twice as far. This combination of improvements helps in scenarios like locating keys buried in couch cushions or a wallet while heading out the door.
Precision Finding guides users through haptic, visual, and audio feedback to their lost items from up to 50 percent farther away than the previous generation, and an updated Bluetooth chip expands the range at which items can be located.
The Find My network remains central, using crowdsourced Bluetooth signals from nearby Apple devices to anonymously report an item’s approximate location when out of direct range. The new model integrates seamlessly with Share Item Location, an iOS feature that lets users temporarily and securely share an item’s location with trusted third parties, such as airlines for recovering delayed luggage. Apple has partnered with more than 50 airlines, and according to SITA, a leading IT provider for airlines, carriers using Share Item Location have reduced baggage delays by 26 percent and truly lost or unrecoverable luggage by 90 percent. Shared access is tightly controlled, expires automatically after seven days, and can be revoked anytime.
Privacy and security remain priorities: AirTag stores no location data on the device itself, uses end-to-end encryption for Find My communications, and includes industry-leading anti-stalking features like cross-platform alerts and frequently changing Bluetooth identifiers. It is designed exclusively for tracking objects, not people or pets.
The new AirTag maintains the same form factor for full compatibility with existing accessories, including the FineWoven Key Ring (made from 68 percent recycled content and available in five colors). It incorporates eco-friendly materials aligned with Apple’s 2030 carbon-neutral goals, such as 85 percent recycled plastic in the enclosure, 100 percent recycled rare earth elements in magnets, and 100 percent recycled gold plating in circuit boards. Packaging is 100 percent fiber-based and recyclable.
Pricing remains unchanged at $29 for a single AirTag and $99 for a four-pack, with free personalized engraving available on apple.com and in the Apple Store app. The new AirTag is available to order today on apple.com and in the Apple Store app, with in-store availability at Apple locations later this week and through authorized resellers. It requires a compatible iPhone or iPad running iOS 26 or iPadOS 26 or later, with certain features like watch-based Precision Finding needing watchOS 26.2.1 on supported models.
MacDailyNews Note: More info via Apple here.
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Apple said to unveil new Google Gemini-powered Siri in mid-late February
Apple is reportedly just weeks away from revealing the outcome of its expanded collaboration with Google’s Gemini team, which will power key aspects of Apple Intelligence and the revamped Siri. According to Bloomberg News’ Mark Gurman, the company has been preparing to unveil the upgraded Siri in the second half of February, complete with live demonstrations of its new capabilities.
Mark Gurman for Bloomberg News:
Whether that takes the form of a major event or a smaller, tightly controlled briefing — perhaps at Apple’s New York media loft — remains unclear. Either way, Apple is just weeks away from finally delivering on the Siri promises made at its Worldwide Developers Conference back in June 2024. At long last, the assistant should be able to tap into personal data and on-screen content to fulfill tasks.
To introduce those features in iOS 26.4 — scheduled to enter beta testing next month and roll out publicly in March or early April — Apple needed Gemini. Internally, the company has labeled the technology Apple Foundation Models version 10, making it seem entirely homegrown. It runs at roughly 1.2 trillion parameters — a measure of AI complexity — and is hosted on Apple’s Private Cloud Compute servers.
But that’s only the first phase. As I reported last week, Apple plans to unveil a fully reimagined Siri at this year’s WWDC. Code-named Campos, the new system is a fresh architecture and interface designed from the ground up for the chatbot era. It will debut in iOS 27, iPadOS 27 and macOS 27, which arrive in beta form this summer.
This Siri will be conversational, aware of relevant context and capable of sustained back-and-forth dialogue. Essentially, it matches what users already expect from ChatGPT, Google Gemini and Microsoft Corp.’s Copilot. It, too, will rely on Gemini, but a far more advanced version internally known as Apple Foundation Models version 11. The model is expected to be competitive with Gemini 3 and significantly more capable than one supporting the iOS 26.4 Siri.
To improve accuracy and responsiveness, the two companies are discussing running this version of Siri directly on Google’s cloud infrastructure and its high-powered tensor processing units, or TPUs, rather than Apple’s own servers.
The shift to Gemini represents a fundamental reset of Apple’s AI strategy under Federighi, who effectively assumed control of the company’s AI direction early last year — around the time I reported that Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook had lost confidence in Giannandrea. Federighi concluded that, at least for now, Apple would be better served partnering with Google than relying solely on its internal models. It wasn’t an ideal outcome, but it was the only viable one.
MacDailyNews Take: Apple Intelligence. Powered by Google.
We don’t want to use or be dependent on fscking Google, Apple. We want to be able to choose our LLMs. We don’t use Google Gemini for myriad reasons: privacy; security; we’d rather use the best LLMs for each job. If you are incapable of creating your own, which Apple clearly is, then give users choice.
Apple would not be in this position if it wasn’t for far too long handicapped with an operations manager masquerading as a CEO, but instead was led by a visionary CEO who wasn’t chasing fads (VR goggles) and failing at moonshots (EVs), but was instead skating to where the puck was going.
Tim Cook criminally neglected Siri for his entire iterative, beige, boring, seemingly unending tenure.
Now, Tim Cook’s “solution” is for Apple to stoop to paying Google, of all companies, to fix it.
Google Gemini? Why not just get a Samsung Galaxy phone which already integrates Google’s Gemini AI as a core component of their AI-powered features?
Google Gemini on an iPhone offers precious little differentiation from Samsung, the chief iPhone knockoff peddler.
If you’re going to with an external AI partner, why not choose the smartest one? We find xAI’s Grok to be more accurate and useful than Google’s Gemini, ChatGPT, and the rest. – MacDailyNews, July 21, 2025
Apple would likely need a CEO who is more open to thinking outside the box than the one with which it’s currently saddled.
Google Gemini. Puleeze. OpenAI’s ChapGPT or Anthropic’s Claude would be better choices. Even better would be for Apple to allow users to choose – gasp! – which AI model they’d like to underpin Siri.
Regardless of what Apple chooses, they will at least be safely behind Apple’s privacy wall.
The issues are: Google’s Gemini is not the best and everyone knows it, Google has a poor reputation for privacy that will tarnish Apple’s, and Google, hello, ripped off the iPhone with Android. Enough with the Google, Apple!
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Glowing acclaim: ‘Shrinking’ season 3 on Apple TV racks up stellar reviews
As “Shrinking” returns for its third season on Apple TV, premiering January 28, 2026, critics are once again praising the series for its masterful blend of humor, emotional depth, and heartfelt storytelling.
Created by Bill Lawrence, Jason Segel, and Brett Goldstein, the show continues to explore themes of grief, forgiveness, and personal growth through its ensemble cast, led by Segel as therapist Jimmy Laird and Harrison Ford as his mentor Paul Rhoades. This season focuses on moving forward, introducing guest stars like Michael J. Fox, Jeff Daniels, and Candice Bergen, while delivering laugh-out-loud moments alongside poignant reflections.
Roger Ebert: A Balm for Troubled Times
In a review from the late Roger Ebert’s site, Brian Tallerico describes the season as evolving beyond its initial premise into a deeper exploration of emotional connections. He notes, “It feels increasingly like a balm for troubled times, a reminder that nothing is more important in this world than the people we love.”
Tallerico appreciates how the show has shifted focus from ethical therapy dilemmas to the complexities of relationships, making it feel more authentic and resonant.
Comic Book Club: Laugh-Out-Loud Funny and Enormously Cozy
Comic Book Club‘s review emphasizes the show’s consistency in delivering emotional highs and lows. “It’s still laugh-out-loud funny, it’s still enormously cozy and warm, it will still make you sob without warning, and it still boasts one of the best comedic ensembles on TV.”
The piece highlights Shrinking’s therapeutic value, suggesting viewers gain mental health insights while following the characters’ journeys toward self-improvement.
IGN: Sweet, Emotional, and Engaging
IGN’s verdict calls the season “funny, sweet, and emotional,” focusing on its theme of progression. “Shrinking’s third season centers on truly moving forward, as several characters have to look at what the next step is in their lives.”
The review praises the likeable cast and the sense that this could serve as a fitting finale, with an overall score of 8/10 for its impactful storytelling.
Yahoo Creators: A Real Winner That Confronts Real Issues
Tyler Hayes at Yahoo Creators declares, “Overall, the third season is a real winner. I love the show.”
He notes how the series broadens its appeal, addressing personal anxieties and fears amid the laughs, making it a cathartic experience that might bring viewers to tears.
Decider: A Warm Hug in Divisive Times
Decider hails the season as a “warm hug, a comforting balm, and an inspiring portrait of humanity.”
The review commends its balance of comedy and serious topics, describing it as a “top-notch hangout comedy that delivers too many laugh-out-loud moments to track, but it isn’t afraid to tackle serious subjects and challenge viewers to look within.”
Rotten Tomatoes: High Praise Across the Board
Aggregating multiple critics, Rotten Tomatoes features glowing scores, including 8/10 from FandomWire for its sentimental yet effective storytelling, and 5/5 from Loud and Clear Reviews: “Season 3 of Shrinking on Apple TV is adept at providing both the laughter and the tears, while also giving you some tools to help you navigate life when things get tough.”
Other highlights include Awards Buzz’s 8/10, noting the show “still makes you laugh, think, and occasionally cry.”
Collider: Humor, Heart, and a Potential Swan Song
Collider‘s review states, “Apple TV’s Shrinking wraps up Season 3 with humor, heart, and satisfying conclusions for its beloved characters.”
It echoes sentiments of a possible series end, praising the hopeful tone: “If this indeed is Shrinking’s final bow, Season 3 really does leave it all out there in humorous and poignant fashion.”
JoBlo: Heartwarming and Therapeutic
JoBlo’s take positions the season as essential viewing: “Shrinking delivers another outstanding season of storytelling that left me feeling a whole range of emotions, and I loved [it].”
The review likens it to Ted Lasso for its uplifting vibe, calling it “the series we all need when things are at their worst.”
WiFi HiFi Magazine: Feel-Good and Cathartic
WiFi HiFi‘s Christine Persaud shares, “I thought I’d get through this season of Apple TV series Shrinking without a tear shed, but lo and behold, they did it again!”
She deems it one of her “favourite shows of all time,” applauding its clever writing and top-notch cast.
Screen Rant: Perfect Rotten Tomatoes Score
Screen Rant reports an early 100% Rotten Tomatoes score based on initial reviews, with praise for “heartwarming themes, refreshing storylines, and balance of humor and poignancy.”
The article notes the series’ consistent critical acclaim, building on previous seasons’ high ratings.
These reviews underscore Shrinking season 3’s ability to entertain while offering emotional resonance, solidifying its place as a standout on Apple TV. Whether this marks the end or just another chapter, the consensus is clear: it’s a must-watch for fans of thoughtful comedy.
MacDailyNews Take: We watch and recommend “Shrinking” on Apple TV!
Apple TV is available on the Apple TV app in over 100 countries and regions, on over 1 billion screens, including iPhone, iPad, Apple TV 4K, Apple Vision Pro, Mac, popular smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony, VIZIO, TCL and others, Roku and Amazon Fire TV devices, Chromecast with Google TV, PlayStation and Xbox gaming consoles, and at for $12.99 per month with a seven-day free trial for new subscribers. For a ltv.apple.com,imited time, customers who purchase and activate a new iPhone, iPad, Apple TV or Mac can enjoy three months of Apple TV for free.
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TikTok forms majority American-owned venture with Oracle, Silver Lake, and MGX
In a major resolution to years of intense regulatory scrutiny and national security debates, TikTok has finalized a transformative agreement to establish a new U.S.-based joint venture. The deal transfers significant control of its American operations to non-Chinese investors, averting a potential nationwide ban on the wildly popular short-video app used by over 170 million Americans.
Announced on January 22, 2026, the arrangement creates the TikTok USDS Joint Venture LLC (U.S. Data Security Joint Venture), structured to address longstanding concerns from U.S. lawmakers about data privacy, potential Chinese government influence, and algorithmic manipulation. The venture builds on foundations laid during the Trump administration, which originally greenlit a similar framework in September 2025, valuing the U.S. operations at around $14 billion at the time.
Key to the structure is a majority American and non-Chinese ownership model. ByteDance, TikTok’s Chinese parent company, retains a minority stake of 19.9%. The remaining 80.1% is held by American and global investors. Leading the group are three managing investors — Oracle Corp., Silver Lake Management LLC, and Abu Dhabi-based MGX — each holding 15% stakes. Additional ownership comes from existing ByteDance investors (approximately 30.1% in some reports) and other consortium members, ensuring overall non-Chinese control.
The new entity operates independently with robust safeguards designed to protect U.S. users. U.S. user data will reside in Oracle’s secure cloud environment within the United States. The venture implements comprehensive cybersecurity measures, including third-party audits, adherence to standards like NIST, ISO 27001, and CISA requirements, ongoing source code reviews (with Oracle as a trusted security partner), algorithm security protocols, content moderation assurances, and software validation processes.
Leadership reflects the hybrid yet American-centric governance. TikTok CEO Shou Chew retains a board seat and continues overseeing the global business, while Adam Presser, formerly TikTok’s head of operations, trust, and safety, steps in as CEO of the American venture. The board comprises seven members, a majority American, including representatives from Oracle, Silver Lake (co-CEO Egon Durban), MGX, and other partners such as TPG, Susquehanna International Group, and DXC Technology.
This breakthrough ends a saga that began over five years ago, when national security fears first prompted calls to restrict or ban TikTok in the U.S. Congress passed legislation in 2024 mandating divestiture by ByteDance or a ban, citing risks of data access by Beijing or propaganda dissemination — allegations TikTok has consistently denied.
The finalized deal, approved by both U.S. and Chinese authorities, allows seamless continuation for American users — no app changes, no downloads required. It shifts focus from existential threats to operational stability under strengthened data protections.
As TikTok enters this new chapter, the venture positions the platform for long-term growth in the U.S. while demonstrating a workable path for foreign-owned tech firms navigating geopolitical tensions. The agreement underscores a pragmatic compromise in an era of heightened tech sovereignty concerns.
MacDailyNews Take: Have fun feeding that algorithm and endlessly scrolling into 2026 like it’s still 2018, American TikTok addicts!
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Apple to roll out more ads in App Store search results starting March 2026
Apple has informed developers that it will expand advertising in the App Store by adding multiple sponsored placements throughout search results — beyond the current single top slot — beginning March 3, 2026. The rollout starts in the U.K. and Japan, with full availability across markets (including the U.S.) by the end of March, aimed at providing advertisers more opportunities to reach users during high-intent searches while requiring no changes to existing campaigns.
Joe Rossignol for MacRumors:
Apple shared more details on its website:
Search is the way most people find and download apps on the App Store, with nearly 65 percent of downloads happening directly after a search. To help give advertisers more opportunities to drive downloads from search results, Apple Ads will introduce additional ads across search queries. The additional ads will roll out in phases, appearing across all markets by the end of March. You don’t need to change your campaign in order to be eligible for any new positions. Your ad will run in either the existing position — at the top of search results — or further down in search results. If you have a search results campaign running, your ad will be automatically eligible for all available positions, but you can’t select or bid for a particular one.
The extra ad slots will be visible on iPhone and iPad devices running iOS 26.2 or iPadOS 26.2 and later. Apps with paid placement have an “Ad” label.
MacDailyNews Take: More revenue for Apple Services.
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Apple eyes Intel partnership for future iPhone chips
Analyst Jeff Pu of GF Securities has reiterated his forecast that Intel could begin manufacturing chips for select iPhone models as early as 2028. This development, detailed in Pu’s latest research note obtained by MacRumors, builds on earlier reports and underscores Apple’s strategy to reduce reliance on its primary chipmaker, TSMC, amid intensifying competition for advanced semiconductor production capacity.
Pu’s analysis specifies that Intel would fabricate chips using its upcoming 14A process node, targeting non-Pro iPhone variants — potentially the base model and the budget-oriented “e” series.
This could involve portions of Apple’s A21 or A22 system-on-chips (SoCs), with production slated to ramp up in 2028.
Importantly, Intel’s role would be limited to manufacturing; Apple would retain full control over chip design, maintaining its Arm-based architecture that powered the transition away from Intel’s x86 processors in Macs starting in 2020.
This isn’t Pu’s first mention of the potential deal. In a December 2025 investor note, he initially projected Intel’s involvement extending to iPhones following an expected 2027 start for low-end M-series chips in Macs and iPads.
That earlier report aligned with insights from Tianfeng Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who in November 2025 indicated Intel would leverage its 18A process for entry-level M-series processors, such as those in the MacBook Air or iPad, beginning in mid-2027.
Pu corroborated Kuo’s timeline for Macs and iPads while expanding the scope to include non-Pro iPhone SoCs like the A22, which could debut in devices such as the iPhone 20 or iPhone 20e.
The rationale behind this renewed partnership appears rooted in supply chain resilience. Apple’s annual spending with TSMC has ballooned from $2 billion in 2014 to $24 billion in 2025, but Nvidia has reportedly overtaken Apple as TSMC’s top customer due to surging demand for AI accelerators.
This shift has created bottlenecks, prompting Apple to diversify its manufacturing base. Intel’s U.S.-based fabs, bolstered by government incentives under the CHIPS Act, offer a geopolitical hedge against risks tied to Taiwan-based production
Recent industry checks from KeyBanc Capital Markets further support this, noting Intel’s 18A yields exceeding 60%—sufficient for ramping production—and confirming Apple as a client for low-end M-series chips in 2027, with discussions underway for 14A-based iPhone processors potentially in 2029.
Historical ties between Apple and Intel add credibility to the rumors. Intel previously supplied cellular modems for iPhone models from the iPhone 7 through iPhone 11, before Apple shifted to Qualcomm and eventually developed its own modems.
This new arrangement would mark a full-circle moment, but with a key difference: Intel as a pure-play foundry, not a chip designer.
Analysts like Pu emphasize that TSMC will remain Apple’s dominant partner, with Intel handling supplementary volumes for lower-tier devices.
Broader market dynamics also play a role. Intel’s CEO Lip-Bu Tan has publicly highlighted the company’s push into advanced nodes like 14A, hinting at serving major external clients.
U.S. President Donald Trump’s January 2026 Truth Social post praised Intel’s sub-2nm advancements and noted the U.S. government’s stake in the company, which has yielded billions in returns — signaling strong domestic support for such partnerships.
Meanwhile, job listings from Apple and Broadcom suggest interest in Intel’s EMIB (Embedded Multi-Die Interconnect Bridge) technology, further fueling speculation.
While these reports remain unconfirmed by Apple or Intel, they paint a picture of strategic evolution in semiconductor sourcing. If realized, this deal could enhance Apple’s production flexibility, potentially stabilizing supply for future iPhones amid global chip shortages. As Pu noted in his updates, including details on the iPhone 18 lineup’s specs like the A20 Pro chip and 12GB RAM across models, Apple’s roadmap continues to prioritize innovation while mitigating risks.
MacDailyNews Take: Hopefully Intel will have some success for a change, creating some competition for TSMC, benefitting Apple by driving down costs for stamping Apple Silicon, even if it is only in lower-end chips.
When Intel CEO Paul Otellini passed on Apple’s iPhone: That decision has to be close to the top of the list of Biggest Business Mistakes in History. – MacDailyNews, May 17, 2013
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Apple assembler Pegatron targets end-of-March completion for first American factory in Texas
Pegatron, a major Taiwanese electronics manufacturer and key supplier to Apple and other tech giants, has announced that construction of its first American factory in Texas is on track for completion by the end of March 2026. The facility, aimed at producing AI server products including those incorporating Nvidia chips, will kick off trial production shortly thereafter in late March or April. This move represents a significant step in Pegatron’s long-term strategy to diversify manufacturing beyond China, aligning with broader U.S. policy incentives and recent U.S.-Taiwan trade agreements encouraging Taiwanese investment in American production.
The company, a supplier to Apple, Microsoft, and Tesla, said in October it had acquired an industrial building and land in Texas, joining other Taiwanese tech manufacturers investing in the state including Foxconn, Inventec, and Wistron.
The Trump administration has been pushing tech powerhouse Taiwan, which runs a large trade surplus with the U.S., to invest more in the country.
The U.S. and Taiwan reached a trade deal last week under which Taiwanese companies will invest $250 billion to boost production of semiconductors, energy, and artificial intelligence in the U.S., and the tariff on U.S. imports from Taiwan will be cut to 15% from 20%.
Pegatron has been diversifying manufacturing sites away from China since U.S. President Donald Trump’s first term, expanding into Southeast Asia and Mexico. It already has a maintenance base in Indiana and an office in California.
MacDailyNews Take: From the deep archive:
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Apple hardware chief John Ternus now overseeing design team in latest sign of CEO candidacy
In a subtle yet significant shift within Apple’s executive ranks, hardware engineering chief John Ternus has been quietly assigned oversight of the company’s renowned design teams. This move, orchestrated by CEO Tim Cook at the end of 2025, underscores Ternus’s growing influence and cements his status as the frontrunner to eventually take the helm at the tech giant.According to a report by Bloomberg News’ Mark Gurman, Cook, who turned 65 in November 2025 and has led Apple since 2011, tapped Ternus to manage both hardware and software design functions.
This expansion adds one of Apple’s most pivotal areas to Ternus’s portfolio, which already includes hardware engineering. Internally, Ternus is now designated as the “executive sponsor” for all design matters, serving as a key liaison between the design staff and Apple’s top leadership team.
John Ternus, at 50 years old, is Apple’s youngest senior executive. He joined the company in 2001 and has steadily risen through the ranks, often appearing in public-facing roles such as presenting new Mac products at launch events. His expanded responsibilities come on the heels of former Chief Operating Officer Jeff Williams’s retirement in late 2025. At that time, Apple announced that design teams would report directly to Cook, but sources indicate that authority has effectively been delegated to Ternus without formal updates to organizational charts.
This development aligns with Apple’s accelerated succession planning, which intensified in recent years as Cook approaches an age where retirement discussions become more prominent. While Cook shows no immediate signs of stepping down, industry observers view Ternus’s broadened role as deliberate grooming for the CEO position. Other potential successors, such as software head Craig Federighi, services chief Eddy Cue, marketing lead Greg Joswiak, and retail and HR executive Deirdre O’Brien, have been mentioned in various reports, but Ternus has emerged as the clear favorite.
This integration of hardware engineering and design under one leader could prove strategic as Apple pushes forward in areas like artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and next-generation products. The design organization remains one of Apple’s most iconic assets, responsible for the sleek, user-focused aesthetics that define iPhones, Macs, and more.
MacDailyNews Take: Apple’s approach appears aimed at ensuring continuity and exposing Cook’s likely successor to the full breadth of Apple’s operations. With Ternus now bridging hardware, engineering, and the revered design function, the transition — whenever it occurs — looks increasingly structured with the handover intended to be as seamless as possible.
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Apple accuses EU Commission of ‘political delay tactics’ amid App Store policy disputes
In a sharp escalation of its ongoing regulatory battles, Apple has accused the European Commission (EC) of employing “political delay tactics” to stall the implementation of new app policies, allegedly as a means to launch investigations and impose fines on the tech giant, according to Bloomberg News’ Mark Gurman.
The accusation comes in response to emerging reports that the EC is poised to blame Apple for the impending closure of Setapp, a popular third-party app marketplace. Setapp, developed by MacPaw, is set to shut down next month. MacPaw attributed the decision to “still-evolving and complex business terms that don’t fit Setapp’s current business model.”
Apple’s preemptive statement highlights growing tensions between the iPhone maker and European regulators, who have been pushing for greater openness in the App Store ecosystem under the Digital Markets Act (DMA). The company argues that the EC’s delays are not genuine efforts to refine policies but rather strategic maneuvers to build cases for enforcement actions.
This development underscores the broader conflict over app distribution and sideloading in the EU, where Apple has faced scrutiny for its control over iOS apps. While Apple has introduced some changes to comply with DMA requirements, critics — including developers like MacPaw — contend that the terms remain overly restrictive and burdensome.
As of now, neither the European Commission nor MacPaw has issued further comments on Apple’s allegations. The situation could lead to additional fines for Apple, which has already been hit with penalties in related antitrust matters. Industry watchers will be monitoring how this unfolds, potentially affecting app developers and consumers across the region.
MacDailyNews Take: Europe, innovation desert that it is, keeps resorting to regulatory shakedowns and hefty fines on American tech giants to pad its coffers because it hasn’t built anything worthwhile of its own in decades.
The European Union arose because the Europeans couldn’t compete on their own with the rest of the world, so they each lined up to surrender their national sovereignty, unique cultures, and dignity for an undemocratic, opaque, wasteful, bloated, bureaucratic quasi-governmental blob – and, even with the EU’s thumbs all over the scale, they still can’t compete. – MacDailyNews, March 4, 2024
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Apple gets six Academy Award nominations
Today, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced nominations for the 98th annual Academy Awards, with Apple scoring six nominations in total, including Best Picture for acclaimed Apple Original Film F1, the highest-grossing sports feature of all time, alongside Best Sound, Best Visual Effects, and Best Editing.
Apple scored six nominations for the 98th annual Academy Awards, including Best Picture for the acclaimed Apple Original Film F1.
Documentary Come See Me in the Good Light lands a Best Documentary Feature Film nomination, and gripping film The Lost Bus earns a nomination for Best Visual Effects. The winners will be revealed on Sunday, March 15, in Los Angeles.
“We are so grateful to the Academy for its recognition of F1, Come See Me in the Good Light, and The Lost Bus — three films that evoke the exhilaration of human connection and which have resonated with global audiences in distinct ways,” said Zack Van Amburg, Apple’s head of Worldwide Video, in a statement. “It’s thrilling to see F1 nominated for Best Picture and to witness so many members of the groundbreaking creative team honored, from visual effects and editing, to the film’s trailblazing sound. We send our warmest congratulations to all of the nominees.”
“With F1, Joe, Jerry, Brad, Lewis, and the entire creative team delivered something only they could — the most authentic, visceral, and entertaining racing film ever made,” said Jamie Erlicht, Apple’s head of Worldwide Video, in a statement. “They pushed technical boundaries at every turn, and it’s been a privilege to partner on a project of this ambition. Seeing F1 nominated for Best Picture is a testament to their remarkable artistry, vision, and unwavering passion. Alongside the extraordinary Come See Me in the Good Light and The Lost Bus, we’re proud to celebrate the brilliant work of this year’s nominees, and we’re so thankful to the Academy.”
These Academy Award nominations mark the latest honors for F1 following its record-breaking box office run. The Apple Original Film from Jerry Bruckheimer and Joseph Kosinski has also been recognized as one of the National Board of Review Top 10 Films of 2025, and landed two Critics Choice Award wins for Best Editing and Best Sound. The film has received nominations for the Actor Awards presented by SAG-AFTRA, Golden Globe Awards, Producers Guild Awards, Costume Designers Guild Awards, Art Directors Guild Awards, Artios Awards, Grammy Awards, Society of Composers & Lyricists Awards, and NAACP Image Awards, among many others.
This year’s Academy Award nominations follow Apple’s history-making wins at the 2022 Academy Awards, when CODA became the first motion picture starring a predominantly Deaf cast in leading roles to win Best Picture and the first-ever film from a streaming service to land Best Picture. CODA star Troy Kotsur was the first Deaf male actor to win Best Supporting Actor, and writer-director Siân Heder landed her first-ever Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay. In 2023, beloved Apple Original Film The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse won the Oscar for Best Animated Short Film. In 2024, Apple made history again when Killers of the Flower Moon landed landmark representation for Indigenous artists, as Lily Gladstone became the first Native American to land a nomination for Best Actress, and Indigenous artists Robbie Robertson and Scott George were recognized with first-ever nominations in the Best Original Score and Best Original Song categories, respectively. Martin Scorsese also made history as the most-nominated living director, bringing his total to 10 lifetime Academy Award nominations for Best Director.
To date, Apple Original films, documentaries, and series have been honored with 687 wins and 3,229 award nominations and counting, including multi-Emmy Award-winning, history-making comedies The Studio and Ted Lasso, and Oscar Best Picture winner CODA.
Apple received six total nominations for the 98th annual Academy Awards:
F1
• Best Picture
• Best Sound
• Best Visual Effects
• Best Editing
Come See Me in the Good Light
• Best Documentary Feature Film
The Lost Bus
• Best Visual Effects
All titles are now streaming globally on Apple TV.
F1
Dubbed “the greatest that never was,” Sonny Hayes (Brad Pitt) was FORMULA 1’s most promising phenom of the 1990s until an accident on the track nearly ended his career. Thirty years later, he’s a nomadic racer-for-hire when he’s approached by his former teammate Ruben Cervantes (Javier Bardem), owner of a struggling FORMULA 1 team that is on the verge of collapse. Ruben convinces Sonny to come back to FORMULA 1 for one last shot at saving the team and being the best in the world. He’ll drive alongside Joshua Pearce (Damson Idris), the team’s hotshot rookie intent on setting his own pace. But as the engines roar, Sonny’s past catches up with him and he finds that in FORMULA 1, your teammate is your fiercest competition — and the road to redemption is not something you can travel alone.
F1 is produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, Joseph Kosinski, seven-time Formula 1® world champion Lewis Hamilton, Pitt, Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, and Chad Oman. Kosinski directs from a screenplay by Ehren Kruger with the story by Kosinski and Kruger. Apple Original Films and Warner Bros. Pictures present A Monolith Pictures / Jerry Bruckheimer / Plan B Entertainment / Dawn Apollo Films Production, A Joseph Kosinski Film, F1, distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures.
Come See Me in the Good Light
Come See Me in the Good Light is a poignant and unexpectedly funny love story about poets Andrea Gibson and Megan Falley facing an incurable cancer diagnosis with joy, wit, and an unshakable partnership. Through laughter and unwavering love, they transform pain into purpose, and mortality into a moving celebration of resilience. Come See Me in the Good Light is directed by Ryan White, who also produces alongside Jessica Hargrave, Tig Notaro, and Stef Willen.
The Lost Bus
From director Paul Greengrass and inspired by real events, The Lost Bus is a white-knuckle ride through one of America’s deadliest wildfires as a wayward school bus driver (Matthew McConaughey) and a dedicated schoolteacher (America Ferrera) battle to save 22 children from the terrifying inferno. Written by Greengrass and Brad Ingelsby, who also serve as producers, The Lost Bus is produced by Gregory Goodman, Jason Blum for Blumhouse Productions, and Jamie Lee Curtis for Comet Pictures.
Apple TV offers premium, compelling drama and comedy series, feature films, groundbreaking documentaries, and kids and family entertainment, and is available to watch across all of a user’s favorite screens. After its launch on November 1, 2019, Apple TV became the first all-original streaming service to launch around the world, and has premiered more original hits and received more award recognitions faster than any other streaming service in its debut.
MacDailyNews Take: Congrats to all of the casts and crews of the Oscar-nominated fare!
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U.S. economy powers ahead: Q3 GDP revised upward to strong 4.4% growth
The U.S. economy continues to showcase impressive resilience and momentum, as the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) confirmed on January 22, 2026, that real gross domestic product (GDP) expanded at an annualized rate of 4.4% in the third quarter of 2025 (July–September). This marks a positive upward revision from the previous estimate of 4.3% and an acceleration from the 3.8% pace recorded in Q2 2025.
The slight 0.1 percentage point upgrade primarily stemmed from stronger exports (revised higher to a robust 9.6% surge) and upward adjustments to business investment, which more than compensated for a modest downward tweak to consumer spending. Key highlights from the updated data include:
• Consumer spending — the economy’s main engine — rose at a solid 3.5% pace, the fastest this year and up from 2.5% in the prior quarter, reflecting sustained household demand for goods and services.
• Exports rebounded sharply, while imports declined (subtracting less from GDP and providing a net positive boost).
• Increases in investment, exports, government outlays, and personal consumption all contributed positively to the headline figure.
Strong U.S. economic growth continues without major inflationary flare-ups, as evidenced by resilient consumer activity and improving trade dynamics. The upward revision has further bolstered market confidence, contributing to recent stock gains and optimism about sustained American economic expansion.
Early forecasts for Q4 2025 remain encouraging, pointing to continued vigor as the U.S. economy enters the new year on firm footing. Overall, the latest BEA data paints a picture of an economy firing on multiple cylinders — delivering healthy, broad-based growth that positions the United States as a standout performer globally.
MacDailyNews Take: A strong U.S. economy coupled with vigorous consumer spending bodes very well for Apple.
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Apple bets big that AI models will become commodities; may offer hot-swappable Siri
As Apple integrates more AI features across its ecosystem (like Apple Intelligence), the company appears to be positioning itself around the idea that foundational AI models will increasingly become commoditized — much like other tech components — shifting value toward integration, user experience, privacy, and on-device capabilities rather than owning the most advanced raw model. This piece explores Apple’s strategic wager in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.
Instead of obsessing over owning the absolute best raw model, which changes on the minute depending on the criteria being tested, Apple is betting on ecosystem control as the real differentiator — while keeping the backend interchangeable for cost, performance, or strategic reasons.
Alistair Barr for Business Insider:
Apple’s decision to rebuild Siri around Google’s Gemini AI models looks, at first glance, like an admission of failure. After years of promising breakthroughs, Apple is reportedly paying Google roughly $1 billion a year to keep its digital assistant relevant.
Look closer, though, and the move represents something more radical: a giant bet that AI models will become commodities.
Top tech reporter Mark Gurman wrote this week that Apple’s revamped Siri, codenamed Campos, will launch later this year as a full-fledged chatbot embedded across iPhones, iPads, and Macs. The underlying intelligence will come from Google’s Gemini.
The more important detail is architectural. Apple is designing Campos so that the underlying AI models can be swapped out over time, according to Gurman’s report for Bloomberg.
So, Google’s Gemini might power Siri today, but tomorrow it could be OpenAI’s latest GPT offering, or Claude from Anthropic, or whatever Meta is cooking up next, or xAI’s Grok, or Mistral’s offerings, or even region-specific models such as DeepSeek or Alibaba’s Qwen in China…
Of course, it might turn out that underinvesting in your own AI capabilities is a strategic blunder of epic proportions. We’ll see in the next few years.
MacDailyNews Take: We’re perfectly fine with a hot-swappable Siri. We just do not want to be limited only to Google Garbage. As soon as possible, Apple, give users the ability to choose LLMs and even to assign individual LLMs for specific jobs; one for math, another for language, for coding, image-generation, etc. Then Apple users can have the best of all AI worlds!
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[Thanks to MacDailyNews Reader “Fred Mertz” for the heads up.]
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Apple’s next-gen Apple TV 4K may be coming soon
Apple’s next-gen Apple TV 4K may be imminent. Rumors point to an early 2026 launch (possibly spring), featuring major upgrades like an A17 Pro-class chip for faster performance, better gaming, and Apple Intelligence support; an advanced N1 wireless chip with improved Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Thread for smarter home hub capabilities; enhanced Dolby Vision; and potential additions like a built-in camera for FaceTime.
This would make the Apple TV a more central player in Apple’s evolving smart home ecosystem, especially alongside rumored new HomePod mini, hub devices, and tvOS enhancements.
Jon Ratcliffe for HomeKit Authority:
Even if Apple keeps “Apple Intelligence” branding focused on iPhone, iPad, and Mac, the Apple TV is a perfect place for the real world benefits. A smarter Siri could make content discovery feel less frustrating, improve hands free control, and introduce on screen awareness so commands work based on what you’re currently watching or doing. That changes the experience from basic voice shortcuts to something that feels genuinely assistant like on the sofa.
The second major rumour is Apple adding its own combined wireless chip, often referred to as N1, which would bring modern Wi Fi and Bluetooth upgrades alongside Thread. In practical terms, that means faster speeds, better reliability, and lower latency, which matters both for 4K streaming and for Apple Arcade gaming, but also for Apple Home setups that rely on a stable hub. Thread is already supported on the current Apple TV, but an upgraded radio stack could make a big difference in homes packed with connected devices.”
There is also the recurring idea of a built in camera. This one is harder to call, but it makes total sense. FaceTime on Apple TV is genuinely useful, yet using your iPhone as the camera is awkward because it steals your phone and adds friction. A built in camera would turn Apple TV into a more complete living room device, and it would match the steady improvements Apple has been making to the FaceTime experience on tvOS. Although some would question the placement of the camera on the Apple TV itself instead of a device that fits on the top of a TV.
MacDailyNews Take: Most chatter now points to this spring, so we could see Apple’s next-gen Apple TV 4K within a few short weeks!
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Apple’s upcoming smart home hub may feature a robotic swiveling base
Apple’s long-rumored smart home hub, featuring a small display, speakers, and heavy AI integration, may include a novel robotic swiveling base that allows it to automatically turn and face users in the room.
According to a new report from The Information, this enhanced desktop version of the device — distinct from prior rumors of a static HomePod-like base or wall-mounted model — could launch as early as spring 2026, coinciding with upgraded Siri features in iOS 26.4.
Ma mentioned the new detail in a piece outlining Apple’s work on an AI pin.
Apple is also working on a home product featuring a small display, speakers and a robotic swiveling base, designed with a heavy emphasis on AI features. That device could be released as soon as this spring, according to two of the people.
We’ve heard a lot of rumors about the home hub because it was supposed to launch in 2025, but to date, no rumors have suggested that it will have a swiveling robotic base. Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman previously said that Apple is developing two versions of the hub, one that’s meant to be mounted on the wall and another that has a HomePod mini-like speaker base that can be placed on a desktop or countertop…
Ma did not go into detail on the purpose of the robotic swiveling base, or how it will work, but presumably it would be able to move to face people. The home hub is supposed to have an array of sensors that let it determine when someone is in the room.
MacDailyNews Take: Can’t wait to see it!
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Apple urges Indian court to block demand for global financials in App Store probe
Apple has petitioned India’s Delhi High Court to block the Competition Commission of India (CCI) from accessing its global financial records as part of an ongoing antitrust investigation into its App Store policies, arguing that compliance would undermine its separate legal challenge to new 2024 penalty rules that could impose fines based on worldwide turnover.
Reuters:
The U.S. tech giant has said it fears it could be fined up to $38 billion if the watchdog uses its global turnover calculation for penalties. It has challenged the 2024 penalty rules in an Indian court, and the matter is pending.
Still, the CCI pressed ahead and sought financials from Apple in a private order on December 31, and Apple has now asked a Delhi High Court judge to direct CCI to not act against the company at this stage, and put the entire investigation on hold, according to a January 15 Apple filing which is not public.
Apple argues that being forced to comply now would defeat its main legal challenge against India’s penalty rules, which the CCI has defended as necessary to discourage breaches by multinationals.
MacDailyNews Note: The Delhi High Court is scheduled to hear the matter on January 27th.
We get the feeling that inside the Indian government — which fairly screams “clusterfsck!” — the left hand doesn’t know what the right hand is doing.
Seriously, India, do you want to make iPhones or not? Do you want to make chips or not? Do you want to make Macs, iPads, AirPods, Apple Watches, etc., or not? Do you want jobs, or not? – MacDailyNews, January 15, 2026
How much did it cost developers to have their apps burned onto CDs, boxed, shipped, displayed on store shelves prior to Apple remaking the world for the better for umpteenth time? Does Apple not have costs to store, review, organize, surface, and distribute apps to 1+ billion users? – MacDailyNews, July 30, 2021
See also:
• Indian government wants Apple to give them iOS source code – January 13, 2026
• India’s iPhone exports go from zero to $50 billion in 5 years – January 6, 2026
• After Apple says no way, India revokes order to preload state-run ‘cybersecurity’ app on smartphones – December 3, 2025
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President Trump announces framework deal with NATO on Greenland, halts planned tariffs on European nations
In a significant development amid escalating transatlantic tensions, President Donald Trump announced today that the United States has reached a “framework” agreement with NATO regarding the future status of Greenland. As part of this understanding, Trump stated he will not proceed with previously threatened punitive tariffs on several European countries.
The announcement came following a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Trump posted on social media: “Based upon a very productive meeting that I have had with the Secretary General of NATO, Mark Rutte, we have formed the framework of a future deal with respect to Greenland and, in fact, the entire Arctic Region. Based upon this understanding, I will not be imposing the Tariffs that were scheduled to go into effect on February 1st.”
The U.S. import tariffs in question — initially set at 10% on imports from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Finland, and the United Kingdom, escalating to 25% by June 1 — were threatened earlier this month unless a deal was reached for the U.S. to acquire or gain control over Greenland, a semi-autonomous Danish territory. Trump had framed the move as essential for U.S. national security, citing strategic Arctic interests and potential threats from Russia and China.
Trump also reiterated in Davos remarks that he would not use military force to acquire Greenland, emphasizing negotiations instead, though he maintained that U.S. control would enhance security for the broader NATO alliance and the region.
The framework deal appears to represent a de-escalation after days of sharp criticism from European leaders, who had condemned the tariff threats as coercive and a risk to NATO unity. Reports indicate the European Parliament had moved to freeze aspects of a recent U.S.-EU trade agreement in response to the Greenland pressure.
While details of the framework remain limited, Trump’s statement suggests progress toward a negotiated resolution on Arctic security matters, potentially averting a trade dispute that could have impacted billions in transatlantic commerce.
European reactions were mixed, with some officials expressing cautious relief at the tariff rollback, though broader concerns about U.S. demands on Greenland persist. NATO officials have not yet provided detailed comments on the framework’s specifics.
MacDailyNews Note: This development marks a potential turning point in the ongoing saga, which began with President Trump’s interest in Greenland’s strategic value for defense, resources, and Arctic dominance. Further talks are expected as negotiations continue.
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Nvidia overtakes Apple as TSMC’s top customer, ending years of priority access for Apple Silicon
Apple, long the dominant force behind TSMC’s growth through its exclusive chip production deals, is now facing a dramatic shift as Nvidia’s explosive AI demand surges ahead.
In a recent exclusive report from Tim Culpan, TSMC CEO CC Wei reportedly informed Apple executives during an August 2025 visit that the iPhone maker would encounter significant price increases and no longer enjoy guaranteed priority access to wafer capacity across the foundry’s fabs. Nvidia is believed to have overtaken Apple as TSMC’s top customer in at least some quarters of 2025, fueled by massive orders for high-performance GPUs that consume larger wafer footprints amid the ongoing AI boom.
While Apple’s broad portfolio ensures its enduring importance to TSMC, the near-term power dynamic has tilted toward Nvidia, forcing Apple to compete more aggressively for advanced node production slots.
According to Culpium analysis and discussions with sources in the supply chain, Nvidia likely took top spot in at least one or two quarters of last year. “We don’t discuss that,” Chief Financial Officer Wendell Huang told Culpium Thursday when asked about the change in client rankings…
Apple’s chip catalog is broader and more varied, while Nvidia’s lineup is more concentrated around a huge number of wafers at, or near, leading-edge. It’s for these reasons that Apple will remain important for at least another decade.
In the near-term, however, TSMC’s technology roadmap coupled with broader industry trends favor Nvidia, AMD, and their ilk, meaning Apple may need to keep fighting for capacity over the next year or two…
Nevertheless, as SemiAnalysis recently wrote in a fabulous report on the TSMC-Apple relationship, the balance will shift back to Apple because [TSMC’s] A14 [node planned for 2028] is designed “for both mobile and HPC from the start.”
More importantly, what Apple offers is stability. Nvidia has been a client for a lot longer than Apple, but broadly speaking it’s a bit niche. Right now that “niche” is the hottest product on the planet, but niche it is. Apple, on the other hand, has products being made in no fewer than a dozen TSMC fabs. Even if Nvidia did overtake Apple by purchases, the breadth of its manufacturing footprint at TSMC is nowhere near as large.
MacDailyNews Take: Even the mightiest can temporarily lose their VIP status when someone else’s demand becomes too big to ignore.
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Apple TV reveals ‘For All Mankind’ season five teaser trailer
On Wednesday, Apple TV revealed the premiere date for and a first look at season five of “For All Mankind,” the hit, critically acclaimed space drama series from creators Ronald D. Moore, Matt Wolpert, and Ben Nedivi. The 10-episode fifth season will make its global debut on Apple TV with one episode on Friday, March 27th, followed by one new episode every Friday through May 29th.
Season five of “For All Mankind” picks up in the years since the Goldilocks asteroid heist. Happy Valley has grown into a thriving colony with thousands of residents and a base for new missions that will take us even further into the solar system. But with the nations of Earth now demanding law and order on the Red Planet, friction continues to build between the people who live on Mars and their former home. The ensemble cast returning for season five includes Joel Kinnaman, Toby Kebbell, Edi Gathegi, Cynthy Wu, Coral Peña and Wrenn Schmidt, alongside new series regulars Mireille Enos (“The Killing,” “Hanna”), Costa Ronin (“The Americans,” “Homeland”), Sean Kaufman (“The Summer I Turned Pretty”), Ruby Cruz (“Bottoms”) and Ines Asserson (“Royalteen”).
“For All Mankind” is created by Emmy Award winner Moore and Emmy Award nominees Wolpert and Nedivi. Wolpert and Nedivi serve as showrunners and executive produce alongside Moore and Maril Davis of Tall Ship Productions, as well as Kira Snyder, David Weddle, Bradley Thompson and Seth Edelstein. “For All Mankind” is produced for Apple TV by Sony Pictures Television.
All four seasons of “For All Mankind” are now streaming on Apple TV.
Apple TV offers premium, compelling drama and comedy series, feature films, groundbreaking documentaries, and kids and family entertainment, and is available to watch across all of a user’s favorite screens. After its launch on November 1, 2019, Apple TV became the first all-original streaming service to launch around the world, and has premiered more original hits and received more award recognitions faster than any other streaming service in its debut. To date, Apple Original films, documentaries, and series have been honored with 682 wins and 3,208 award nominations and counting, including multi-Emmy Award-winning comedies “The Studio” and “Ted Lasso,” and Oscar Best Picture winner “CODA.”
MacDailyNews Note: Apple TV is available on the Apple TV app in over 100 countries and regions, on over 1 billion screens, including iPhone, iPad, Apple TV 4K, Apple Vision Pro, Mac, popular smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony, VIZIO, TCL and others, Roku and Amazon Fire TV devices, Chromecast with Google TV, PlayStation and Xbox gaming consoles, and at for $12.99 per month with a seven-day free trial for new subscribers. For a ltv.apple.com,imited time, customers who purchase and activate a new iPhone, iPad, Apple TV or Mac can enjoy three months of Apple TV for free.
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Apple Fitness+ is now available in Japan
Apple Fitness+ is now available in Japan as of January 21, 2026, marking a significant expansion of Apple’s award-winning fitness and wellness service to the market.
The service delivers 12 types of workouts and meditations — including Pilates, yoga, dance, strength training, and core—ranging from 5 to 45 minutes. Content requires little to no equipment, suiting small spaces and busy schedules. Sessions feature 28 inclusive trainers, Japanese subtitles, and digital translation audio generated from the trainers’ actual voices. New episodes with Japanese audio arrive weekly.
Music plays a central role, with playlists spanning upbeat anthems, latest hits, chill vibes, and pure dance, incorporating global genres like K-Pop and J-Pop. The “Artist Spotlight” series highlights Japanese duo YOASOBI, featuring workouts set to their songs. The “Time to Walk” series includes episodes with comedian/actor Nao Watanabe (available now) and “Drops of God” actor and musician Tomohisa Yamashita (starting next month).
Fitness+ integrates seamlessly with Apple devices via the Fitness app on iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV. Compatible setups include iPhone 8 or later (iOS 16.1+), or older models paired with Apple Watch Series 3 and later. Real-time metrics—heart rate, calories burned, Move ring progress appear onscreen with Apple Watch or AirPods Pro 3. A calorie burn comparison bar is available for select workouts like HIIT, cycling, and rowing. Custom plans personalize schedules based on preferences for activity, duration, trainers, and music. Playlists save to Apple Music (subscription required).
Pricing in Japan is ¥980 monthly or ¥7,800 annually, with Family Sharing for up to five members.
Jay Blahnik, Apple’s Vice President of Fitness Technologies, stated: “We are thrilled to bring the Fitness+ experience to Japan. With seamless integration with iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV, Fitness+ makes it easy to work out or meditate anytime, anywhere… When users have an Apple Watch or AirPods Pro 3, personal fitness metrics appear in real-time on the screen, further motivating them.”
Promotions include up to three months free for au/UQ mobile subscribers, Benefit Station members, and eligible device buyers; two months for new Anytime Fitness members (Fitness+ is included in Anytime Fitness memberships); and one month standard for new subscribers.
This launch follows a December 2025 announcement of Fitness+ expansion to 28 markets, with Japanese dubbing, bringing the total to 49 countries and regions.
MacDailyNews Note: Congrats, Japan!
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OpenAI’s Jony Ive-designed always-listening AI device on track for late 2026
OpenAI is accelerating toward its long-rumored entry into consumer hardware, with the company confirming it’s “on track” to unveil its inaugural always-listening AI device in the second half of 2026. Designed by the team led by former Apple design chief Jony Ive (following OpenAI’s acquisition of his io Products studio), the mysterious gadget is described as a pocket-sized, completely screen-free companion—potentially a pill-shaped, behind-the-ear wearable (codename “Sweetpea”) that uses advanced contextual awareness, custom 2nm chips, and environmental sensors to handle tasks traditionally managed by smartphones or voice assistants like Siri.
OpenAI’s chief global affairs officer Chris Lehane emphasized at Davos that “devices” represent one of the “big coming attractions” for 2026, while noting the company is “looking at something in the latter part [of 2026].” As speculation mounts about direct competition with Apple’s AirPods ecosystem — especially given features like voice-command integration and audio-focused design — this debut could mark a pivotal shift in how users interact with AI assistants, blending Ive’s signature minimalist elegance with OpenAI’s ChatGPT-powered intelligence.
Lehane didn’t go into specifics about the upcoming product, which is being designed by former Apple design chief Jony Ive’s oi Products team. Ive’s startup officially merged with OpenAI last year after it was acquired for $6.5 billion.
According to the leaker known as Smart Pikachu, the devices will be metallic and feature a custom 2nm chip to “replace iPhone actions by commanding Siri,” suggesting some functional overlap with AirPods. The back-of-the-ear modules are also believed to feature sensors for environmental or contextual awareness, and are stored inside an egg-shaped case.
OpenAI is said to be considering launching several AI products over the next few years, potentially including a pen and a “home-style device.” The leak could therefore relate to a different product to the one that OpenAI launches first. That said, Smart Pikachu claims Ive’s team is prioritizing the behind-the-ear wearable, which is reportedly being manufactured by Foxconn and could launch as soon as September, so we’ll have to wait and see.
MacDailyNews Take: Obviously, the jury’s out until we see what features such devices can offer, but, the privacy concerns of an always-listening OpenAI device abound aplenty.
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