News reporting focused on AI and machine learning, covering the companies behind these technologies, their real-world applications, and the ethical concerns they raise. This includes areas like generative AI (large language models, text-to-image and video), speech tech, and predictive analytics.
Apple has filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, accusing the AI company of unfair practices. The Vergecast hosts discuss whether Apple is genuinely threatened by OpenAI's progress or simply exploiting a moment of weakness. The episode also covers Apple's new Siri AI public betas, OnePlus exiting the US and Europe, and other tech news.
Apple's WWDC keynote opened with a focus on fixing longstanding software issues, including the controversial Liquid Glass design, a broken search function, and a Health app that lacked menopause tracking. The company then introduced a revamped AI-powered Siri in beta, but the delay and limited availability frame Apple as still catching up in the AI race.
Two years after first outlining plans for Apple Intelligence and a smarter Siri that never fully launched, Apple at WWDC 2026 announced Siri AI, an entirely new version of its assistant with more conversational abilities, systemwide integration, and privacy-focused design. The update also brings AI-powered photo editing tools and a new Siri app, though availability is limited in some regions and to newer devices.
OpenAI is thinking about suing Apple due to issues with how ChatGPT was added to Apple devices. The AI firm made a deal two years ago to power features like Siri with its chatbot. Now unhappy with the rollout, OpenAI sees this as a possible contract breach amid talks with Apple's rivals like Google.
Apple plans to let users select preferred third-party AI models to power Apple Intelligence features across iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS 27 this fall. These AI extensions will support Siri, Writing Tools, and Image Playground. The company tests integrations with Google and Anthropic models, beyond the current ChatGPT support.
John Ternus, Apple's senior vice president of hardware engineering, will become CEO on September 1, succeeding Tim Cook after 15 years in the role. The announcement omits any mention of AI, despite Apple's ongoing struggles in the field. Siri trails rivals, partnerships with OpenAI and Google aim to catch up, but delays persist ahead of WWDC 2026.