Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Rapid John
Apple unveils HomePod mini 2
Apple has unveiled HomePod mini 2, featuring Siri AI, new colours, and enhanced audio experiences. Siri AI, coming to HomePod mini 2 in a future software update, is a profoundly more capable and conversational assistant with personal context understanding, broad world knowledge that powers tasks like richer music discovery, and the ability to tap into even more apps — bringing a whole new level of capability to HomePod mini.
Apple unveils Apple HomeView
Apple has unveiled Apple HomeView, with a 7-inch Liquid Retina display, bringing entertainment, connection, and smart home management together in one place, from playing music and making FaceTime calls to home monitoring and hands-free automations with voice control .
QNX launches QNX Launchpad
QNX has launched QNX Launchpad, a program offering startups access to commercial-grade software for mission-critical applications at reduced costs. The program provides qualifying companies with access to QNX software development platform 8.0, including QNX OS, QNX OS for Safety, QNX Hypervisor and QNX Hypervisor for Safety, QNX Sound and other products from the QNX portfolio, according to a press release statement. Participants also receive technical support and embedded engineering expertise.
iOS 27.0.1 brings a Face ID Bug Fix
Apple has released iOS 27.0.1, focused on bug fixes for most iPhones, and two fixes specific to the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max devices. The new iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max share a new Face ID recognition system powered by a smaller Dynamic Island than before. This includes hiding the infrared camera under the display, and this brought new issues related to Face ID.
Sift and QNX to deliver near real-time observability for embedded systems
Sift has joined forces with QNX to deliver near real-time observability for embedded systems. Engineers building mission and safety critical systems can now stream live telemetry from QNX-powered systems directly into Sift and query that data within one second of leaving the device, without requiring changes to software running on the device itself.
EE to offer iPhone Handoff in the UK
EE will be the first network in the UK to offer iPhone Handoff – a new feature that enables customers to seamlessly use two devices with a single mobile number, available later this year. Available later this year, iPhone Handoff will provide customers with even greater flexibility and convenience across their Apple devices. Claire Gillies, CEO Consumer, BT said: “We’re proud to be the UK’s only launch partner for iPhone Handoff, which will be available later this year.
Apple Pay comes to Binance Card in Australia and New Zealand
Binance has launched Apple Pay for eligible Binance Card holders in Australia and New Zealand. Users can now add their Binance Card to their Apple Wallet and make contactless payments using their iPhone or Apple Watch. The integration extends the card’s everyday utility across physical stores, public transport, websites and applications where Apple Pay is accepted, making it easier for users to spend digital assets through everyday contactless payments.
Apple rolls out iOS 27
Apple has rolled out iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS 27, and other Apple platforms – bringing major updates for Apple’s software platforms. Apple’s latest software updates introduce Siri AI, a more intelligent, knowledgeable, and capable version of Siri, and deliver helpful new Apple Intelligence features that make the apps users interact with day to day smarter and more useful.
Apple unveils iPhone Duo
Apple has unveiled its first foldable iPhone – the iPhone Duo. Opened, it is the thinnest iPhone ever, with a 7.6-inch inner display that provides a large canvas for viewing content, gaming, and multitasking, and a special nano-texture finish that minimises glare for an unparalleled viewing experience. Closed, the 5.4-inch outer display delivers 90 percent of the screen area of iPhone 18 Pro in a compact, pocketable design.
Apple unveils iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max
Apple has unveiled iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, with a new 48MP Fusion Main camera, now with variable aperture, brings creative control that wasn’t possible before, and new Pro controls let users customise their experience in the Camera app. Both models feature a smaller and even more useful Dynamic Island, as well as A20 Pro and a next-generation vapour chamber that together deliver the highest sustained performance in iPhone history.
QNX and Hailo to Advance Reliable Physical AI at the Edge
QNX has announced support for the Hailo-8 AI Accelerator on QNX Software Development Platform (SDP) 8.0, expanding the hardware options available to customers building AI-powered edge systems where performance, reliability, and predictability are critical. The combination of Hailo’s edge AI acceleration and QNX’s real-time software enables developers to build AI-powered systems for safety- and mission-critical applications where performance and predictability must go hand in hand.
Apple confirms Surprise and Shine event for September 9
Apple is unveiling its latest iPhone models on 9 September, including what is expected to be the company’s first foldable phone going by the moniker ‘iPhone Ultra’. Also expected to be unveiled at the event are the Apple iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max, Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra, the iPad mini 8, AirPods Pro, as well as possible updates to Apple TV, The main attractions of the September 9 event will undoubtedly be the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the iPhone Ultra.
Apple unveils M6 and M5 Ultra
Apple has unveiled M6 in the new Mac mini and M5 Ultra in the new Mac Studio, providing a leap in performance and AI capabilities. M6, Apple’s first state-of-the-art 2-nanometer chip, advances every compute block, delivering gains across every dimension of performance. The chip features a larger 12-core CPU complex with the world’s fastest CPU core, a larger 12-core GPU with Neural Accelerators, a Dual 16-core Neural Engine, and up to 170GB/s of unified memory bandwidth.
91% of students use AI to study
Understanding how AI can best be used to support students is vital, as 91% of students are already using AI in their studies, according to a new international student survey from Docsity. The survey collected information on study behaviour from 350 higher education students across the UK, US, Australia, Canada, Ireland, and New Zealand. Docsity is a collaborative study and note-sharing platform, with access to 20 million secondary and higher education students across more than 180 countries.
Artificial Intelligence increases dishonesty in people by 15%
People are 15% more likely to lie because of AI, new research from the University of Cologne reveals. The study, conducted by Professor Bernd Irlenbusch from University of Cologne, Professor Dr Nils Köbis, University of Duisburg Essen, and Professor Rainer Michael, WHU — Otto Beisheim School of Management, investigated whether AI advice which promotes dishonesty encourages us to be dishonest.
Financial sector needs a tailored AI framework to reduce regulatory risks and protect consumers,
Finance and banking institutions need a regulatory framework for the implementation of AI, in order to mitigate significant risks such as data privacy leaks and biases in data, according to new research by Durham University Business School.
Docsity AI App turns smartphones into accessible study companions
Docsity, the collaborative learning platform, has launched the Docsity AI app which transforms learning materials (audio, photos, videos, links, lectures, charts, notes) into effective study resources through the use of AI. The app is capable of capturing, organising, and transforming study materials, e.g., in-class lectures and notes into audio transcription.
Porto Business School joins the QS Responsible AI Consortium
Porto Business School has joined the QS Responsible AI Consortium, an international network which brings together universities and business schools. Joining the QS Responsible AI Consortium gives Porto Business School the opportunity to work closer with international institutions, allows for important discussions of AI and its ethics, and how to use AI in a meaningful way for students, faculty, organisations, and society.
Asia Living Expo 2027 to Showcase Future of Outdoor Living and Garden Furniture in Guangzhou, China
Asia Living Expo 2027, an international trade exhibition dedicated to outdoor living, garden furniture and lifestyle solutions, will be held from May 15–17, 2027 at the China Import and Export Fair Complex in Guangzhou, China. The exhibition aims to create a global business platform connecting manufacturers, brands, distributors, retailers, designers, architects and professional buyers in the outdoor living industry.
Apple announces simplified commission structure for apps in the EU
Apple has announced a simplified commission structure for apps in the European Union, in an effort to resolve its disagreements with the European Commission over the company’s business terms. They also reduce complexity by moving every developer that distributes apps in the EU to a single set of business terms. Under the new model, Apple will replace its per-install Core Technology Fee with a flat 5% commission on digital goods in apps distributed outside the App Store or on the web.
iOS 26.6.1 brings a bunch of Security Fixes
Apple has released iOS 26.6.1, bringing a bunch more security fixes, to what should be the last update ahead of Apple’s upcoming iOS 27. iOS 26.6.1 patches serious issues in WebKit, the engine that underpins Apple’s Safari browser. They land nearly three weeks after iOS 26.6 patched 90 issues. WebKit issues are serious and are often part of attack chains that can allow spyware onto iPhones.
Apple Pay and Wallet Services chief Jennifer Bailey retiring
Apple’s longtime head of Pay and Wallet services, Jennifer Bailey, is retiring after more than two decades at the company. Apple services chief Eddy Cue announced Bailey’s departure in a staff memo. Bailey, who has served as vice president of Apple Pay since the service was launched in 2014, is set to leave the company at the end of October. She will remain available in an advisory role to support the transition,.
Apple Launches Leasing Program in the US
Apple has launched Apple Upgrade, a new product leasing program, provided by Klarna, in the United States. Apple Upgrade offers 12- and 24-month leasing options for iPhone and Apple Watch, and 24- and 36-month leasing options for Mac and iPad. Leasing prices start at $17.99 per month for iPhone, $11.99 for Apple Watch, $24.99 for Mac, and $11.99 for iPad.
Apple earnings beat estimates
Apple today announced financial results for its fiscal 2026 third quarter, in what is Tim Cook’s final earnings appearance before his retirement after 15 years at the helm of the company. John Ternus, Apple’s head of hardware engineering, will assume the CEO role on 1 September. The company reported third quarter earnings of $2.02 a share, which got a boost of 11 cents a share from tariff refunds. Apple sales were $109.4 billion, up 16% from a year ago.
EE launches 8Gbps Broadband Service
EE is first UK broadband provider to launch consumer broadband services offering speeds of up to 8Gbps using Openreach’s next-generation XGS-PON full fibre network. The new Advanced Full Fibre service is initially available in Guildford, Woking and surrounding areas following a customer trial earlier this year. Customers can choose between download speeds of 2.3Gbps and 8Gbps, with prices starting at £54.99 per month for the 2.3Gbps service and £74.99 per month for the 8Gbps tier.
iOS 26.6 brings a bunch of Bugs and Security Fixes
Apple has released iOS 26.6, bringing almost eighty security fixes, including 14 issues affecting the Kernel, which is at the heart of the OS, and another eight that affect WebKit, which underpins Safari. Other notable items include a Game Center problem which could mean a malicious app could bust out of its sandbox, an Accessibility issue which might potentially expose sensitive data via iPhone Mirroring, though the bad actor would need physical access to achieve this.
Apple launching AppleCare One in the UK
Apple is launching AppleCare One in the UK. AppleCare One is a new way for customers to protect multiple Apple devices under one plan. Starting at £16.99 per month, AppleCare One covers up to three products, with the flexibility to add more at any time for £4.99 per month per device. With AppleCare One, customers receive comprehensive, one-stop service and support from Apple experts across every product in their plan — delivering affordable peace of mind.
Apple launching AppleCare One in the UK
Apple is launching AppleCare One in the UK. AppleCare One is a new way for customers to protect multiple Apple devices under one plan. Starting at £16.99 per month, AppleCare One covers up to three products, with the flexibility to add more at any time for £4.99 per month per device. With AppleCare One, customers receive comprehensive, one-stop service and support from Apple experts across every product in their plan — delivering affordable peace of mind.
EU orders Google to open Android to rival AI assistants
The European Commission has ordered Google to open Android to rival AI assistants and to share its search data with competitors. Both decisions fall under the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA). The law forces “gatekeeper” platforms to give rivals access comparable to their own. They are binding specification measures, not fines, and spell out what Google must do.
Ford to implement Apple Maps directly into Car
Apple Maps is to be integrated directly into Ford’s upcoming Universal Electric Vehicle (UEV) Platform through Apple’s new MapKit for Automotive SDK. Coming to Ford’s UEV Platform in 2027, this integration will deliver Apple Maps directly to the vehicle’s displays, with no CarPlay or iPhone being required. Road-level Maps information will also enable Ford’s Latitude AI team to build a seamless hands-free driving experience.
iOS 26.5.2 brings Security Fixes
Apple has released iOS 26.5.2, bringing a bunch of security fixes. iOS 26.5.2 contains more than a dozen elements relating to WebKit, the web browser engine. These multiple WebKit vulnerabilities could allow malicious web content to cause crashes, disclose sensitive information, exfiltrate data, or even escape the sandbox in some cases.
Nissan leads £10 million Project Suite EV research project
Engineers at Nissan Technical Centre Europe (Cranfield, UK) will lead an innovative £10 million Government-backed research project that will change how electric vehicles are charged, powered and experienced – accelerating the shift to smarter, more sustainable mobility and putting innovative, research-led solutions directly into the hands of customers.
Apple allows alternative app stores and payments in Brazil
Apple will allow developers in Brazil to distribute iOS apps through alternative marketplaces and process payments outside its system, following an agreement with the country’s antitrust watchdog CADE. These updates create new options for developers to distribute apps on alternative app marketplaces and to process app payments for digital goods and services outside of Apple In-App Purchase.
BlackBerry enhancing UEM capabilities
BlackBerry is enhancing capabilities for its Unified Endpoint Management platform designed to address data residency requirements and sovereign endpoint control needs. The upcoming UEM release will include AI-assisted operations, post-quantum cryptography features, expanded macOS support, multi-tenant management capabilities and secure file sharing enhancements, according to a press release statement.
BlackBerry and UKM to Advance Industry 5.0 with QNX Everywhere
BlackBerry and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) have reached a major milestone in their multi-year strategic partnership, with UKM becoming the first university in ASEAN to integrate BlackBerry’s QNX Everywhere program and QNX foundational operating system (OS) into its curriculum.
Apple unveils new child safety features
Apple has unveiled a new suite of features designed to allow parents to more easily manage the content their children can see, who they can communicate with, and when they have access to apps. With software updates this fall, parents will be able to access new child safety features, including a simpler setup experience with a recommended set of essential apps, Ask to Browse, Time Allowances, and a redesigned Screen Time.
Apple expands App Store capabilities for Developers
Apple will be rolling new App Store capabilities giving developers more flexibility to market their apps, acquire new users, and offer brand-new business models for Apple In-App Purchase. This year, developers will have more ways to showcase their apps on the App Store with Creative Assets, rich images and videos that appear in the product page header and search results.
Apple unveils Siri AI
Apple has unveiled Siri AI, the long-awaited new version of Siri, powered by Apple Intelligence. Siri AI is a profoundly more capable and conversational assistant with personal context understanding, broad world knowledge, and onscreen awareness. Siri AI can help users find what they need in the moment, from answering questions from the web on virtually any topic, to surfacing relevant information from a user’s personal messages, emails, photos, and more.
Apple unveils next generation of Apple Intelligence
Apple has unveiled the next generation of Apple Intelligence, powered by a new architecture that integrates the latest Apple Foundation Models deep into Apple’s platforms. This makes the apps and experiences users rely on every day across iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, AirPods, and Apple Vision Pro more personal and helpful than ever.
iOS 26.5.1 brings Fix for Charging Bug On iPhone 17 Series and iPhone Air
Apple has released iOS 26.5.1, which brings a fix for a problem with charging nearly drained batteries on iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max and iPhone Air. iOS 26.5.1 is solely for the above mentioned iPhones and the update is all about one thing: fixing a battery bug on the phones. There are no security fixes or anything else in this update. To update to iOS 26.5.1, go to the Settings app on the iPhone and choose General, followed by Software Update.
Apple Music launches Music Room with Lola Young as first artist
Apple Music has launched Music Room, an intimate new concert series that invites artists to reimagine their music in front of fans. To kick off the series, Lola Young performed at Apple Music’s Los Angeles studios. The Grammy winner’s set included reimaginings of her songs Can We Ignore It, Dealer, Penny Out of Nothing, One Thing, and more. Music Room puts the focus on the music at its heart and at its core.
Revolut Launches Physical Crypto Card With Dogecoin Theme
Revolut has launched its first physical crypto card, a Dogecoin-themed debit card with an integrated LED display that illuminates when used for contactless payments. The card is accepted anywhere Visa and Mastercard are, with initial availability in the UK and across the European Economic Area, excluding Hungary, Switzerland and Portugal.
BlackBerry AtHoc achieves FedRAMP Re-Certification
BlackBerry AtHoc has completed its 2026 Class D (High) re-certification under the Federal Risk and Authorisation Management Program (FedRAMP). The FedRAMP Class D (High) certification is designated for cloud services handling the U.S. government’s most sensitive unclassified data, including systems where loss of confidentiality, integrity, or availability could severely impact operations or public safety.
Apple unveils Lineup for WWDC26
Apple has unveiled the lineup for its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC26), taking place June 8-12. The conference brings together developers from around the world to explore the tools, frameworks, and technologies that will empower them to create groundbreaking experiences across Apple platforms.
Apple unveils new accessibility features
Apple has unveiled a suite of accessibility updates that use Apple Intelligence to bring new capabilities to features users rely on every day, including VoiceOver, Magnifier, Voice Control, and Accessibility Reader. Apple also announced on-device generated subtitles for uncaptioned video content coming to the Apple ecosystem, as well as a new feature for Apple Vision Pro users to control compatible wheelchairs with their eyes.
iOS 26.5 brings E2EE to RCS Services
Apple has released iOS 26.5, which brings support for end-to-end encryption (E2EE) to Rich Communication Services (RCS) in beta, Pride Luminance wallpaper that dynamically refracts a spectrum of colours, and Suggested Places in Maps displays. Suggested Places in Maps displays recommendations based on what’s trending nearby and your recent searches.
BlackBerry renews share buyback program
BlackBerry has received acceptance from the Toronto Stock Exchange to renew its normal course issuer bid share buyback program. The renewed program allows the company to repurchase up to 26,785,714 common shares, representing approximately 4.58% of the outstanding public float as of April 30, 2026. Purchases can be made through the TSX, other Canadian stock exchanges, the New York Stock Exchange, and alternative trading systems in Canada and the United States.
Apple to pay $250m over claims it misled buyers on Siri’s AI features
Apple has agreed to pay $250m to settle a class-action lawsuit accusing it of misleading millions of iPhone buyers by falsely advertising AI capabilities for its Siri voice assistant in late 2024. Plaintiffs accused the company of having “promoted AI capabilities that did not exist at the time, do not exist now, and will not exist for two or more years” in order to boost iPhone sales, according to the suit.
Vodafone taking full control of VodafoneThree for £4.3billion
Vodafone has agreed to acquire CK Hutchison’s 49% stake in VodafoneThree for £4.3 billion, giving it full ownership of the UK’s largest mobile operator. VodafoneThree is currently owned 51 per cent by Vodafone Group and 49 per cent by CK Hutchison Group Telecom Holdings, which will sell the stake.
Apple names Johny Srouji Chief Hardware Officer
Apple has announced that, effective immediately, Apple executive Johny Srouji will become chief hardware officer. Srouji, who most recently served as senior vice president of Hardware Technologies, will assume an expanded role leading Hardware Engineering, which John Ternus most recently oversaw, as well as the hardware technologies organisation. “Johny is one of the most talented people I have ever had the privilege to work with,” said Apple CEO Tim Cook.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Rapid
Contact Rapid, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack