Japan's Rapidus in talks with Apple, Google to mass-produce chips, Nikkei reports
April 4 (Reuters) - Japanese chipmaker Rapidus is negotiating with Apple (AAPL.O), opens new tab, Google (GOOGL.O), opens new tab and dozens of other potential clients to mass-produce advanced chips by 2027, the Nikkei business daily reported on Friday, citing the company's CEO Atsuyoshi Koike.
A prototype chip line, which began partial operation on Tuesday at a plant in Hokkaido, is scheduled to be fully up and running within the month, the report said.
The CEO did not name any specific customers but said the company is in discussions with Google, Apple, Facebook (META.O), opens new tab, Amazon (AMZN.O), opens new tab and Microsoft (MSFT.O), opens new tab.
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The vision was to create a virtual assistant that felt more human-like, intuitive, and capable of handling complex, multi-step tasks. For developers, Siri 2.0 promised new APIs and tools to expand its functionality into third-party applications. This would have opened up opportunities to create more personalized and dynamic user experiences. The excitement surrounding Siri 2.0 was fueled by the belief that it could significantly enhance your daily interactions with Apple's ecosystem, from managing smart home devices to organizing your schedule with greater precision. Why the Rollout Was Delayed Despite the high expectations, Apple announced that Siri 2.0 would not be ready for release as planned. The delay was attributed to technical challenges in integrating advanced AI models into Apple's ecosystem. One of the primary hurdles was making sure that the new AI features adhered to Apple's stringent data privacy standards. Apple's commitment to protecting your personal information is a cornerstone of its brand, and any compromise on this front could undermine user trust. Another significant challenge was the complexity of training AI to handle nuanced, multi-step commands across multiple languages and contexts. This required extensive testing and optimization to ensure Siri 2.0 could deliver the speed and accuracy you expect. These obstacles proved more demanding than initially anticipated, prompting Apple to delay the rollout to refine the technology further. The AI Integration Challenge Integrating advanced AI into Siri while maintaining Apple's privacy-first approach is a monumental task. Unlike competitors who rely heavily on cloud-based systems, Apple prioritizes on-device processing to protect your data. While this approach aligns with Apple's values, it introduces additional technical complexities. On-device processing requires Apple to optimize its hardware and software for computational efficiency, which can slow down development compared to rivals who prioritize speed over privacy. This balancing act between innovation and reliability has been a defining factor in Siri 2.0's delay. Apple's engineers must ensure that the virtual assistant not only meets performance expectations but also upholds the company's commitment to safeguarding your privacy. This dual focus adds layers of complexity to the development process, making it a slower but more deliberate journey. How Developers Are Reacting The developer community has had mixed reactions to the Siri 2.0 announcement. On one hand, Apple's transparency about the delays has been appreciated, as it allows developers to adjust their plans and manage expectations. This openness reflects Apple's recognition of the importance of maintaining trust within its developer ecosystem. However, some developers have expressed frustration over the lack of immediate updates or tools to improve Siri's integration with third-party applications. The absence of a clear timeline for Siri 2.0's release has created uncertainty, particularly as competitors like Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa continue to expand their capabilities. For developers, this delay represents a missed opportunity to innovate and deliver enhanced experiences to users. Competitive Pressures in the Virtual Assistant Market The delay in Siri 2.0 underscores the intense competition in the virtual assistant market. Rivals such as Google and Amazon have been quick to use advancements in generative AI, introducing features that currently outpace Siri's capabilities. These competitors have focused on rapid innovation, often prioritizing speed and functionality over privacy considerations. For Apple, the delay risks losing ground in a market where user engagement and loyalty are driven by innovative features. However, Apple's focus on long-term reliability and privacy could ultimately differentiate Siri 2.0 from its competitors. If privacy and data security are priorities for you, Apple's approach may resonate more strongly, even if it takes longer to deliver the promised advancements. What's Next for Siri and AI at Apple? Despite the setbacks, Apple remains committed to advancing its AI capabilities. The company has outlined a vision for Siri that includes deeper integration across its ecosystem, from smart home devices to health and wellness applications. This broader strategy emphasizes creating cohesive, user-centric experiences rather than rushing to match competitors' feature sets. Apple's deliberate approach suggests that the company is prioritizing quality over speed. While the timeline for Siri 2.0 remains uncertain, the focus on privacy, reliability, and seamless integration could redefine the role of virtual assistants in your daily life. By addressing the challenges of AI integration with care and precision, Apple aims to deliver a product that not only meets but exceeds your expectations. The Broader Implications of Siri 2.0 WWDC 2025 provided a glimpse into both the potential and the challenges of advancing virtual assistant technology. While the delay in Siri 2.0's rollout may feel like a setback, it also reflects Apple's commitment to thoughtful innovation. The company's focus on privacy, reliability, and user-centric design could ultimately shape the future of virtual assistants in ways that prioritize your needs and values. As Apple continues to navigate the complexities of AI integration, its long-term strategy may redefine not only Siri's capabilities but also the broader landscape of virtual assistant technology. For now, the wait continues, but the promise of a more intuitive, secure, and reliable Siri remains on the horizon. Below are more guides on Siri 2.0 from our extensive range of articles. 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Deep Dive into iPadOS 26: 35+ New Features Explained
iPadOS 26 introduces a comprehensive suite of updates designed to enhance productivity, usability, and performance. Whether you are a professional managing intricate workflows or a casual user seeking a smoother experience, this update offers tools and features tailored to meet diverse needs. Below is an in-depth look at the most impactful changes and how they can elevate your iPad experience in a new video from Brandon Butch. Watch this video on YouTube. Enhanced User Interface The user interface in iPadOS 26 has been thoughtfully redesigned to improve navigation and usability. These updates aim to make your interactions with the device more seamless and efficient: Redesigned menus: Streamlined for quicker access to essential features, reducing the time spent navigating. Streamlined for quicker access to essential features, reducing the time spent navigating. Optimized home screen layout: Offers better organization, allowing you to prioritize important apps and widgets. Offers better organization, allowing you to prioritize important apps and widgets. Interactive widgets: Perform tasks directly from the home screen without needing to open apps, saving time and effort. These changes create a more intuitive experience, allowing you to focus on tasks with fewer distractions and interruptions. Multitasking Redefined iPadOS 26 takes multitasking to the next level, making it easier to manage multiple tasks simultaneously. Key improvements include: Stage Manager: A powerful tool that lets you resize, organize, and position app windows for a more flexible workspace. A powerful tool that lets you resize, organize, and position app windows for a more flexible workspace. Enhanced Split View and Slide Over: Now supports more apps running concurrently, allowing for smoother multitasking. These features are particularly beneficial for users who juggle multiple apps, such as editing documents, referencing data, or conducting research, significantly improving workflow efficiency. Upgraded Built-In Apps The built-in apps in iPadOS 26 have received significant updates to boost their functionality and usability: Safari: Now supports advanced web apps, offering a browsing experience that rivals desktop performance. Now supports advanced web apps, offering a browsing experience that rivals desktop performance. Notes: Introduces real-time collaboration, allowing multiple users to edit and contribute simultaneously. Introduces real-time collaboration, allowing multiple users to edit and contribute simultaneously. Files: Features improved search capabilities and enhanced support for external storage, making file management more intuitive. These enhancements ensure that core apps remain powerful tools for both personal and professional use, catering to a wide range of user needs. Personalization and Customization iPadOS 26 emphasizes personalization, offering new ways to tailor your device to your preferences: Customizable lock screens: Add widgets, dynamic wallpapers, and focus modes to create a personalized interface. Add widgets, dynamic wallpapers, and focus modes to create a personalized interface. Redesigned Control Center: Provides quicker access to frequently used settings, improving convenience. Provides quicker access to frequently used settings, improving convenience. New app icon themes: Choose from a variety of color schemes to match your style and workflow. These options allow you to create a setup that not only reflects your personality but also enhances your productivity. Performance and Efficiency Under-the-hood improvements in iPadOS 26 ensure a faster and smoother user experience: Reduced app launch times: Apps now open more quickly, minimizing delays and improving responsiveness. Apps now open more quickly, minimizing delays and improving responsiveness. Optimized battery usage: Extends battery life, allowing longer periods of uninterrupted use. These enhancements make the iPad a more reliable tool for both work and leisure, making sure consistent performance throughout the day. Accessibility Innovations Accessibility remains a cornerstone of iPadOS 26, with new features designed to make the device more inclusive: Voice Control: Expanded with additional commands for hands-free operation, improving usability for all users. Expanded with additional commands for hands-free operation, improving usability for all users. Magnifier: Now includes advanced detection modes for identifying objects and text with greater accuracy. Now includes advanced detection modes for identifying objects and text with greater accuracy. Live Captions: Provides system-wide real-time transcription for audio content, benefiting users with hearing impairments. These tools ensure that the iPad is accessible to a broader audience, empowering users with diverse needs. Advanced Security and Privacy iPadOS 26 introduces robust security measures to protect your data and privacy: Lockdown Mode: Adds an extra layer of protection against sophisticated cyber threats, enhancing device security. Adds an extra layer of protection against sophisticated cyber threats, enhancing device security. Transparent app permissions: Offers detailed reports on data usage, giving you greater control over your privacy. Offers detailed reports on data usage, giving you greater control over your privacy. Upgraded Safari Private Browsing: Blocks trackers more effectively, making sure a safer online experience. These updates provide peace of mind, making sure that your personal information remains secure in an increasingly digital world. Seamless Integration Across Devices iPadOS 26 strengthens its integration within the Apple ecosystem, making it easier to work across multiple devices: Universal Control: Use a single keyboard and mouse to control your iPad and Mac, streamlining multitasking. Use a single keyboard and mouse to control your iPad and Mac, streamlining multitasking. Handoff: Seamlessly switch between devices while working on the same task, maintaining continuity. Seamlessly switch between devices while working on the same task, maintaining continuity. Improved AirDrop: Enables faster file sharing and introduces collaborative iCloud Drive folders for teamwork. These features enhance connectivity, making sure that your Apple devices work together harmoniously to support your productivity. Final Thoughts iPadOS 26 represents a well-rounded update that balances functionality, performance, and personalization. From its enhanced multitasking capabilities to its advanced security measures, this update caters to a wide range of users. Whether you aim to boost productivity, personalize your device, or enjoy a more seamless experience, iPadOS 26 delivers tools and features that elevate what your iPad can achieve. Enhance your knowledge on iPadOS 26 features by exploring a selection of articles and guides on the subject. Source & Image Credit: Brandon Butch Filed Under: Apple, Apple iPad, Guides, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
