Apple News 8 Hours

Last updated: May 17, 2026, 11:33 AM ET

Apple AI & Software

Apple is preparing significant AI upgrades for iOS, including enhanced Genmoji with automatic suggestion capabilities, according to Mark Gurman's Power On newsletter. The company is also finalizing a standalone Siri app that will launch with a beta label at WWDC 2026, featuring auto-deleting chat history to address privacy concerns. The revamped Siri represents a two-year delay from Apple's original timeline, yet the company remains cautious, releasing it as beta software despite the extensive development period.

Apple Hardware

The upcoming Apple Watch Series 12 will see minimal hardware improvements, with Apple planning only a new watch face as the primary change—a notable shift from typical annual upgrade cycles. Meanwhile, Amazon is currently offering discounts up to $109 on M4 iPad Air models, presenting all-time low prices for consumers this weekend.

Crime Blotter

An arrest has been made in the Morgan McSweeney stolen iPhone case, while a guilty plea was entered in the Beyonce stolen music case. In a separate incident, an Air Tag helped police recover a stolen Lamborghini, demonstrating continued utility of Apple's tracking device in criminal investigations.