
Apple heads into annual showcase reeling from AI missteps, tech upheaval and Trump's trade war
After stumbling out of the starting gate in Big Tech's pivotal race to capitalize on artificial intelligence,
Apple
will try to regain its footing Monday at its annual Worldwide Developers Conference.
The presummer rite, which attracts thousands of developers to Apple's Silicon Valley headquarters, is expected to be more subdued than the feverish anticipation that surrounded the event during the previous two years.
In 2023, Apple unveiled a mixed-reality headset that has been little more than a niche product, and last year WWDC trumpeted its first major foray into the AI craze with an array of new features highlighted by the promise of a smarter and more versatile version of its virtual assistant, Siri.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Invest today with in Shriram's ULIP
Shriram Life Insurance
Undo
Apple had intended the planned Siri upgrade to herald its long-awaited attempt to become a major player in the AI craze after getting a late start in a phenomenon that so far has been largely been led by OpenAI,
Google
, Microsoft and an array of cutting-edge startups.
Instead, as Apple heads into this year's showcase, the company faces nagging questions about whether the nearly 50-year-old company has lost some of the mystique and innovative drive that turned it into a tech trendsetter. Instead of making a big splash as it did with the Vision Pro headset, Apple this year is expected to focus on an overhaul of its software that may include a new, more tactile look for the iPhone's native apps and a new nomenclature for identifying its operating system updates.
Live Events
Even though it might look like Apple is becoming a technological laggard,
Forrester Research
analyst Thomas Husson contends the company still has ample time to catch up in an AI race that's "more of a marathon, than a sprint. It will force Apple to evolve its operating systems."
Discover the stories of your interest
Blockchain
5 Stories
Cyber-safety
7 Stories
Fintech
9 Stories
E-comm
9 Stories
ML
8 Stories
Edtech
6 Stories
If reports about its iOS naming scheme pan out, Apple will switch to a method that automakers have used to telegraph their latest car models by linking them to the year after they first arrive at dealerships. That would mean the next version of the iPhone operating system due out this autumn will be known as iOS 26 instead of iOS 19 - as it would be under the current sequential naming approach.
Whatever it's named, the next iOS will likely be released as a free update in September, around the same time as the next iPhone models if Apple follows its usual road map.
Meanwhile, Apple's references to AI may be less frequent than last year when the technology was the main attraction.
While some of the new AI tricks compatible with the latest iPhones began rolling out late last year as part of free software updates, Apple still hasn't been able to soup up Siri in the ways that it touted at last year's conference. The delays became so glaring that a chastened Apple retreated from promoting Siri in its AI marketing campaigns earlier this year.
"It's just taking a bit longer than we thought," Apple CEO Tim Cook told analysts last month when asked about the company's headaches with Siri. "But we are making progress, and we're extremely excited to get the more personal Siri features out there."
While Apple has been struggling to make AI that meets its standards, the gap separating it from other tech powerhouses is widening. Google keeps packing more AI into its Pixel smartphone lineup while introducing more of the technology into its search engine to dramatically change the way it works.
Samsung
, Apple's biggest smartphone rival, is also leaning heavily into AI. Meanwhile, ChatGPT recently struck a deal that will bring former Apple design guru Jony Ive into the fold to work on a new device expected to compete against the iPhone.
"While much of WWDC will be about what the next great thing is for the iPhone, the unspoken question is: What's the next great thing after the iPhone?" said Dipanjan Chatterjee, another analyst for Forrester Research.
Besides facing innovation challenges, Apple also faces regulatory threats that could siphon away billions of dollars in revenue that help finance its research and development. A federal judge is currently weighing whether proposed countermeasures to Google's illegal monopoly in search should include a ban on long-running deals worth $20 billion annually to Apple while another federal judge recently banned the company from collecting commission on in-app transactions processed outside its once-exclusive payment system.
On top of all that, Apple has been caught in the cross-hairs of President Donald Trump's trade war with China, a key manufacturing hub for the Cupertino, California, company. Cook successfully persuaded Trump to exempt the iPhone from tariffs during the president's first administration, but he has had less success during Trump's second term, which seems more determined to prod Apple to make its products in the U.S..
"The trade war and uncertainty linked to the tariff policy is of much more concern today for Apple's business than the perception that Apple is lagging behind on AI innovation," Husson said.
The multi-dimensional gauntlet facing Apple is spooking investors, causing the company's stock price to plunge by nearly 20% so far this year - a decline that has erased $750 billion in shareholder wealth. After beginning the year as the most valuable company in the world, Apple now ranks third behind longtime rival Microsoft, another AI leader, and AI chipmaker
Nvidia
.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Time of India
21 minutes ago
- Time of India
Hybrid vertical take-off UAV successfully tested at Pokhran range
1 2 Nagpur: A hybrid vertical take-off and landing unmanned aerial vehicle (VTOL-UAV), which can cover a 50km radius with 8 kg ammunition — developed by Nagpur's Solar Aerospace and Defence Limited (SDAL) — was successfully tested at the Pokhran range on Wednesday. Named Rudrastra, this is a higher-range UAV that can penetrate deeper into enemy territory and come back to the original launch point. The current version has the capacity to hit troops and strike down armoured tanks. Sources said four players participated in the trials, and SDAL's UAV emerged successful. The UAV has a real-time video link and can successfully return to the original launch point. The total range, including loitering at target, exceeded 170km with an estimated endurance of 1.5 hours. Parameters like vertical take-off and landing, high endurance, precision targeting, and mission flexibility were evaluated during trials, said sources part of the development. One of the significant highlights was the successful deployment of a precision-guided anti-personnel warhead, which can target enemy troops. Dropped from medium altitude, the munition executed an airburst detonation at low height. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Thousands Are Saving Money Using This Wall Plug elecTrick - Save upto 80% on Power Bill Click Here Undo This achieved a lethal effect over a wide radius, meeting tactical effectiveness benchmarks, said a note about the trials. The systems have been manufactured in Nagpur, and the next step would be to supply them to the army. Based on the requirement by the army, around 40 entities took part in the development. However, only four could come up with the final product for the trials. The trials of Rudrastra follow the successful test-fire of the Bhargavastra — counter-drone system developed by SDAL held last month. This is dubbed to be the cheapest system that can bring down drone swarms with mini missiles. SDAL makes Nagastra Loitering Munition, which can carry up to 1.5 kg of payload and was also used in Operation Sindoor. Advanced versions of Nagastra are also being made as work on manufacturing Bhargavastra has also begun, said sources. The Rudrastra was developed at SDAL's plant in Nagpur and an internal evaluation was conducted here before taking it to Pokhran. Follow more information on Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad here . Get real-time live updates on rescue operations and check full list of passengers onboard AI 171 .


Hans India
25 minutes ago
- Hans India
Smash Deals on Mobiles + A Chance to Meet KL Rahul – Are You Ready? #KLRahulSeMilo
New Delhi [India], June 12: Imagine buying one of the latest mobile phones, settling your electricity bill, or setting up an automatic EMI payment and, in doing so, getting a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet KL Rahul! Bajaj Finserv turns that idea into reality with the 'KL Rahul Se Milo' campaign. From 1st June to 30th June 2025, every time you use the Bajaj Finserv Insta EMI Card to pay for daily essentials or new gadgets, you collect points. Finish in the top eleven, and you will shake hands with the cricket star in an exclusive meet-and-greet! Purchase a new smartphone on Easy EMIs You don't have to empty your savings account to buy the latest mobile phone . Use the Bajaj Finserv Insta EMI Card, choose a repayment tenure between 1 and 60 months, and purchase the smartphone. The Easy EMI options will help you spread the cost into small, affordable instalments. The digital card works at over 1.5 lakh partner outlets, so you can visit your nearest partner store to purchase the latest Apple phone or Samsung smartphone. Every transaction, including on mobile phone purchases, unlocks points that move you closer to KL Rahul! Get your hands on the latest Apple phones Many Indians opt for Apple phones due to their smooth performance and extended software support. The steep price, however, can make it difficult to own a top-tier iPhone. With the Bajaj Finserv Insta EMI Card, you pick the latest model—say the iPhone 15, select an Easy EMI plan that fits your budget, and leave the store in minutes. No hefty down payment that can interfere with your monthly expenses. Better still, every purchase of Apple phones earns campaign points, bringing you closer to the top eleven. Buy an Apple phone for yourself, your parents, or as a thoughtful wedding gift, and earn those points faster. Every transaction counts Shop for mobile phones: Choose any brand you love: Samsung, OnePlus, or Apple phones. Pay using your Bajaj Finserv Insta EMI Card in Easy EMIs and earn points instantly. Settle utility bills on BBPS: Use the Bajaj Finserv BBPS Platform to pay for electricity, gas, water, or broadband. Each bill payment adds more points to your tally. Turn on auto-debit for EMIs: Schedule your next EMI to auto-pay. The system credits points without you lifting a finger. Explore Pocket Insurance and other products on Hamara Mall: Activate low-cost covers or browse accessories such as cases for Apple phones. More transactions equal more points. Complete various other activities: Additional activities include: Enabling notifications for the Bajaj Finserv App Completing your Credit Pass Report (CPR) Activating or renewing your Bajaj Prime membership during the campaign period Getting a new loan or topping up your existing loan from Bajaj Finserv, and Updating the Bajaj Finserv App Once you complete these activities, you must comment '#KLRahulSeMilo' on the Facebook and Instagram posts of Bajaj Finserv to become eligible. Quick steps to participate in the campaign Shop – Visit any partner store and select from a wide range of mobile phones. – Visit any partner store and select from a wide range of mobile phones. Pay – Choose the Bajaj Finserv Insta EMI Card, pick the Easy EMI plan, and complete payment. – Choose the Bajaj Finserv Insta EMI Card, pick the Easy EMI plan, and complete payment. Upload proof – Fill the short entry form on the Bajaj Finserv website and attach a screenshot of your social media hashtag comment, #KLRahulSeMilo. – Fill the short entry form on the Bajaj Finserv website and attach a screenshot of your social media hashtag comment, #KLRahulSeMilo. Repeat – Pay bills, buy accessories, or even choose more Apple phones for family members. Every repeated action stacks more points. Transparent scoring, clear timelines Bajaj Finserv records every qualifying transaction, validates entries, and updates your score. On 20th July 2025, after careful review, Bajaj Finserv will announce the eleven highest scorers. Those names are added straight to the guest list to meet KL Rahul! Why 5G Apple phones make life easier Upgrading to Apple phones that support 5G boosts nearly everything you do online. Video calls stay crisp, movies download in minutes, and the Bajaj Finserv App refreshes your dashboard without lag. A quicker connection means faster bill payments, instant transaction alerts, and immediate point updates. Your new mobile phone pays you back with convenience long after the campaign ends. How can you earn points through everyday purchases? You can improve your chances of meeting the stylish Indian batsman by executing simple, everyday tasks: Use the Bajaj Finserv BBPS Platform to pay the broadband or gas bill. Set up an auto-debit mandate through the Bajaj Finserv App. Turn on notifications while using the Bajaj Finserv App. You did not change your routine; you just channelled everyday spending through the Bajaj Finserv Insta EMI Card. The leaderboard moves in your favour while you live life as usual. Make every transaction count You already plan to upgrade your handset, clear monthly bills, and maybe treat yourself to accessories. By using the Bajaj Finserv Insta EMI Card, each rupee gains a second purpose: bringing you closer to a personal meeting with KL Rahul! The campaign window is short, so start now. Shop for the latest mobile phones, especially those sleek Apple phones you have been eyeing. Turn to the Bajaj Finserv BBPS facility for your utility bill payments. Set your EMIs on auto-debit. Let every transaction push you up the leaderboard. Act now and get a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity A cutting-edge mobile phone, super-fast 5G speeds, stress-free EMIs, and the thrill of greeting KL Rahul await you, but only until 30th June 2025! Use the Bajaj Finserv Insta EMI Card to purchase a new mobile phone and make all your routine payments. Watch the points stack up, check your rank, and get ready for a once-in-a-lifetime selfie with India's favourite opener. Start shopping, start scoring, and claim your spot next to KL Rahul with Bajaj Finserv!


Time of India
38 minutes ago
- Time of India
Nothing Phone (3) will be company's first-ever flagship to be manufactured in India
Nothing has confirmed that its upcoming flagship smartphone, the Phone (3), will be manufactured in India . The Phone (3) will be the company's first-ever flagship phone to be produced at Nothing's existing manufacturing facility in Chennai. This facility currently employs over 500 people, with 95% of the workforce being women. This decision is part of the London-based phone maker's strategy to boost its presence in the Indian market. The company wants to use India's position as a developing hub for manufacturing and technological innovation. This move also signifies a stronger focus on local production as Nothing expands its manufacturing capabilities in the producing key products locally, Nothing intends to enhance efficiency, reduce lead times, and respond more quickly to market demand. What Nothing said about making Phone (3) in India Commenting on the development, Akis Evangelidis , co-founder and India President of Nothing, said, 'India has been an important market for us ever since the very beginning of Nothing. Every one of our smartphones has been manufactured here — and Phone (3) proudly joins that list. As we accelerate our growth here, we're doubling down on our investment in local manufacturing , talent, and innovation — fully aligned with the Make in India vision. Phone (3) marks a major milestone: our first true flagship, delivering the very best of Nothing. We can't wait for our Indian users to experience it.' Apart from this, Nothing is also expanding its post-sales support in India. The company now runs five exclusive service centers in Bengaluru, Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Chennai, plus 20 priority desks (with 10 more on the way) and over 330 authorized service centers nationwide. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo With these efforts, the company plans to improve customer experience and provide timely support across regions. Meanwhile, Nothing's retail footprint has grown from 2,000 stores at the start of last year to 10,000 at present, that can help the company to boost its postion in India's smartphone market.