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In conversation with VMLY&R’s Hari Ramanathan

Google’s AI Overviews feature has come under fire for inaccurately identifying the aircraft involved in the recent Air India crash near Ahmedabad. While initial reports and official confirmations stated that the ill-fated Flight AI 171 was a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, AI-generated summaries on Google Search incorrectly labeled it as an “Airbus A330.”

The error was first flagged by Ars Technica, which noted that the AI system likely confused contextual mentions of “Airbus” in competing industry coverage with the actual aircraft involved. The crash, which killed 241 people on board, is among the worst air disasters in India’s aviation history.

AI Overviews is designed to provide quick, summarized answers to user queries. However, the incident exposed a persistent limitation of such tools: a tendency to "hallucinate" or conflate unrelated details when processing large volumes of data.

Responding to the issue, a Google spokesperson acknowledged the mistake and said the incorrect response had been taken down. “As with all Search features, we rigorously make improvements and use examples like this to update our systems,” the statement read. “This response is no longer showing. We maintain a high-quality bar with all Search features, and the accuracy rate for AI Overviews is on par with other features like Featured Snippets.”

The mix-up underscores the challenges tech companies face in rolling out generative AI for real-time search—particularly when accuracy is crucial in sensitive news events.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/scale-ais-alexandr-wang-to-join-metas-superintelligence-mission-jason-dorege-to-be-interim-ceo-of-startup-70176.htm">Read More: Scale AI's Alexandr Wang to join Meta's superintelligence mission; Jason Dorege to be interim CEO of startup</a>

Google’s AI Overviews falsely link Airbus to Air India crash; company responds

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg is going full throttle on artificial intelligence—and he’s taking the hiring process into his own hands. According to a Bloomberg report, Zuckerberg is personally building a new elite AI team with a bold mission: to develop “superintelligence,” AI systems that could eventually surpass human reasoning.

And for the right talent, the pay is reportedly extraordinary—possibly reaching nine figures, positioning it as one of the most lucrative and highest paid AI jobs in the world.

The urgency behind this new push stems from Zuckerberg’s dissatisfaction with Meta’s AI progress so far, particularly the development of Llama 4, the company’s latest large language model. While Meta has made strides in deploying AI across its ecosystem—from Facebook and WhatsApp to Ray-Ban smart glasses—it continues to trail rivals like OpenAI, Microsoft, and Google in the race for true AI dominance.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/scale-ais-alexandr-wang-to-join-metas-superintelligence-mission-jason-dorege-to-be-interim-ceo-of-startup-70176.htm">Read More: Scale AI's Alexandr Wang to join Meta's superintelligence mission; Jason Dorege to be interim CEO of startup</a>

Zuckerberg has responded by going hands-on. He’s held direct meetings with top AI researchers at his homes in California and has reorganized Meta’s Menlo Park headquarters to house the new AI unit just steps from his own office. He plans to build a 50-member team of world-class AI researchers and engineers to drive Meta’s superintelligence ambitions forward.

One major figure reportedly involved is Alexandr Wang, CEO of Scale AI, a data labeling firm that may receive billions in investment from Meta to accelerate its AI efforts.

Funding for the initiative will come from Meta’s robust advertising business, insiders say, giving Zuckerberg the financial firepower to compete in what’s become a global AI arms race.

With companies like Google DeepMind, Apple, Microsoft, and Elon Musk’s xAI also gunning for breakthroughs in artificial general intelligence (AGI), Zuckerberg is betting Meta can distinguish itself by continuing to open-source its Llama models—similar to what Android did for mobile. It’s a strategic move designed to win developer mindshare and encourage widespread adoption.

Whether Meta’s all-in gamble pays off remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Zuckerberg wants Meta not just in the AI race—but at the front of it.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/with-ai-push-alphabet-amazon-and-meta-together-to-acquire-54-7-of-global-ad-market-warc-70220.htm">Read More: With AI push, Alphabet, Amazon and Meta together to acquire 54.7% of global ad market: WARC</a>

Mark Zuckerberg’s AI gambit: Superintelligence, nine-figure salaries, and a team of 50

French President Emmanuel Macron has announced that France will soon ban children under the age of 15 from accessing social media platforms, part of a broader push to address growing concerns about the impact of digital platforms on youth and rising violence involving minors.

“I am proposing banning social media for children under 15,” Macron posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday evening. “Platforms have the ability to verify age. Let’s do it.” He added that the law would come into effect in the “coming months.”

The announcement follows similar action in Australia, which earlier this year banned social media access for those under 16. France has joined Spain and Greece in backing an EU-wide framework to regulate children’s access to online platforms, citing growing evidence that social media usage negatively affects young people's mental and physical health. However, Macron said France would proceed alone if the European Union delays action. “We cannot wait,” he told broadcaster France 2.

The French government is also taking steps to address youth violence in the country. In a separate move, Macron said France will impose an immediate ban on the sale of knives to minors. The measure follows the fatal stabbing of a 31-year-old school assistant by a 14-year-old student during a bag search in Nogent in eastern France, an incident that has deeply shocked the nation.

"A 15-year-old will no longer be able to buy a knife online," Macron declared, adding that the government would enforce “massive financial sanctions and bans” on any violations.

Prime Minister François Bayrou confirmed that the decree banning knife sales to minors will be issued within the next two weeks and will take effect immediately. The list will include “any knife that can be used as a weapon,” he said in a televised interview with TF1. Bayrou also called for a trial run of metal detectors in schools to prevent further violence.

Both initiatives—targeting online exposure and physical weapon access—mark a new phase of Macron’s youth safety strategy as France grapples with issues of teen aggression and digital well-being.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/bombay-hc-denies-tiktoks-plea-for-well-known-trademark-status-70059.htm">Read More: Bombay HC denies TikTok's plea for 'well-known' trademark status </a>

France to ban social media for under-15 soon, Says French President Macron

Meta has rolled out a new generative AI-powered video editing feature across its platforms, allowing users to transform their short-form videos with just a few clicks. Available through the Meta AI app, the Meta.AI website, and the Edits app, this new tool lets users experiment with creative visual styles using preset AI prompts — no editing experience required.

Designed to be intuitive and accessible, the feature currently supports 10-second video transformations for free, as part of a limited-time offer. Users simply upload a video, browse through more than 50 AI-powered editing prompts, and select one that fits their creative vision. These prompts can completely reimagine a video’s look — whether it’s turning an everyday clip into a vintage comic book, adding dreamy sparkle effects, or applying a video game-inspired aesthetic.

For instance, Meta AI can enhance a gloomy, rainy-day video with soft pearlescent light and dreamy focus, or turn an ordinary street scene into a glowing, neon-lit battlefield. The tool is inspired by Meta’s Movie Gen models and marks a significant first step in the company’s broader plan to bring AI video generation and editing tools across all its apps and products.

Later this year, Meta plans to let users make highly specific edits using their own text prompts — enabling even more customized video transformations alongside Meta AI.

Once a video is edited, users can instantly share it to Facebook, Instagram, or the Discover feed within the Meta AI app and Meta.AI website, making the entire process from creation to distribution seamless.

The new feature is currently available in the U.S. and over a dozen other countries.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-marketing/quick-commerce-boom-faces-backlash-over-food-safety-failures-69885.htm">Read More: Quick commerce boom faces backlash over food safety failures</a>

Meta launches AI-Powered video editing feature for everyday creators

As India’s quick commerce industry surges ahead, driven by a digitally connected population and a mounting appetite for speed and convenience, a growing chorus of concern is beginning to cloud its glossy ascent. At the heart of the controversy: troubling lapses in food safety standards.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/gig-worker-attrition-hits-e-comm-quickcomm-platforms-31-of-employers-lament-voluntary-exits-67892.htm">Quick commerce faces high attrition challenge of gig workforce: TeamLease</a>

In a high-profile regulatory crackdown, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of Maharashtra suspended operations at several “dark stores” run by leading platforms Zepto and Blinkit, citing poor hygienic conditions, substandard cold storage monitoring, and staff operating without protective gear. The action comes amid a broader investigation into safety violations across the industry’s rapidly expanding network of fulfillment hubs.

What began as isolated complaints is now snowballing into a reputational crisis for the sector, raising urgent questions about the cost of India’s delivery revolution.

“This is not just a blip—it’s a systemic failure,” said Mohit Hira, co-founder of Myriad Communications and venture partner at YourNest. “Quick commerce platforms are leveraging tech to scale at speed, but in doing so, many are circumventing basic food safety norms. In a hyper-connected world, one violation can spark a trust deficit that’s hard to reverse.”

Indeed, violations are stacking up. Last year, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) issued warnings to state regulators over the sale of near-expiry products via quick commerce platforms. Unscheduled national inspections may follow as regulatory scrutiny deepens.

Consumers have begun voicing frustrations online. In one widely shared LinkedIn post, Hyundai Motor India’s Lalit Devnani recounted receiving an expired ice cream tub from Zepto. The company refunded the product, but did not reimburse taxes and handling fees, he noted. Meanwhile, Bharat Jain, a principal at EFESO Management Consultants, detailed receiving expired dosa batter not once, but thrice, from Swiggy Instamart. “They acknowledged it. They apologized. They even replaced it. But the problem keeps recurring,” he said.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/quick-commerce-disrupts-indias-grocery-industry-kirana-stores-hit-hard-kearney-68991.htm">Quick commerce disrupts India's grocery industry, kirana stores hit hard: Kearney</a>

Such incidents have emboldened critics who say the industry is trading consumer safety for operational speed. “Brands are definitely prioritising convenience and profit over food safety,” said Saurabh Parmar, Fractional Chief Growth Officer said. “I don't think it comes from a deliberate effort to undermine food safety, but just that it's such a competitive space, government regulations for dark stores are not clearly defined," he added.

The numbers underscore the sector’s explosive growth. Quick commerce companies in India operated approximately 1,800 dark stores in FY24. That figure is projected to triple to 5,500 by FY26, according to HSBC Global Research.

But scale may be outpacing oversight.

A recent complaint by a Shiprocket employee exposed price inconsistencies on Blinkit, where the same product listed at different maximum retail prices depending on the user’s location. Blinkit attributed the issue to a technical glitch under investigation.

Further complicating the picture, the All India Consumer Products Distributors Federation (AICPDF) has alleged that some platforms are dumping near-expiry or slow-moving inventory through deep discounting tactics. The Competition Commission of India has requested formal evidence.

Brand experts say these developments risk eroding the very foundation on which quick commerce rests: consumer trust.

“Quick commerce brands are chasing quick turnover, but in doing so, they may be taking shortcuts that are anything but clean,” said Harish Bijoor, a business and brand strategy specialist. “Food safety isn’t optional—it’s existential.”

Recent industry reports signal massive upside. A Chryseum study projects India’s quick commerce market will triple in value from $3.34 billion in 2024 to nearly $10 billion by 2029. Kearney research shows food and household staples are leading categories in the shift to app-based commerce. But when it comes to fresh produce, a number of consumers interviewed by Storyboard18 report abandoning the category entirely, citing “rotten” or “spoiled” items.

Parmar believes rebuilding trust requires not just operational fixes but better communication. “What I'm surprised by is that none of these major businesses have a crisis communication team which takes a more immediate view when a concern like this arises, both from not just from a strategic perspective, but more from a communication perspective".

As the quick commerce sector matures, experts warn that the road ahead must balance speed with safety. If not, a race to the consumer’s doorstep may end in a reputational dead-end.

“In business, the one intangible that makes or breaks a brand is trust,” said Hira. “Lose that, and you’ve lost the market.”

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-marketing/inside-quick-commerce-brand-wars-smear-tactics-platform-fights-and-founder-feuds-67962.htm%20..%20This%20story%20has%20my%20quote">Inside quick commerce brand wars: Smear tactics, platform fights and founder feuds</a>

Quick commerce boom faces backlash over food safety failures

Meta Platforms and TikTok have escalated their legal battle against European Union tech regulators, challenging the supervisory fee imposed on them under the Digital Services Act (DSA) in Europe's second-highest court on Wednesday, Reuters reported.

Under the DSA, enacted in 2022, the European Commission charges 18 major tech companies, including Meta and TikTok, a supervisory fee equating to 0.05% of their annual worldwide net income. This fee in intended to fund the Commission's oversight and ensure compliance with the digital rules.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/digital/metas-agi-ambitions-intensify-as-zuckerberg-bets-big-on-scale-ai-talent-69785.htm">Meta’s AGI ambitions intensify as Zuckerberg bets big on scale AI talent</a>

Meta argued that while it does not oppose paying a fair share, it strongly objects to how the Commission calculates the fee. According to Meta's lawyer, Assimakis Komninos, the Commission wrongly based its levy on the group's total revenue instead of focusing specifically on the subsidiary directly regulated.

Komninos described the method as opaque and "absurd," adding that the company still doesn't clearly understand how the fee amount was determined, the report added.

TikTok echoed these criticisms. Bill Batchelor, representing ByteDance-owned TikTok, argued the Commission's approach employed inaccurate data, discriminatory practices, and even double-counted user figures. 

TikTok also accused regulators of exceeding their authority by setting a fee cap based on group profits rather than individual platform performance.

Responding to these claims, European Commission lawyer Lorna Armati defended the use of group profits, emphasizing that consolidated financial accounts reflect the broader resources available to a company. Armati maintained that the methodology was transparent, compliant with legal standards, and fair, the report added.

The General Court of the European Union is expected to deliver its judgment on the case next year.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-marketing/tiktok-fined-530-million-euros-by-eu-privacy-watchdogs-over-china-data-transfer-case-64285.htm">TikTok fined 530 million euros by EU privacy watchdogs over China data transfer case</a>

Meta and TikTok challenge supervisory fee in major EU court

Social media bots were once dismissed as spammy intrusions. They are now emerging as pivotal tools in the AI strategies of some of the world’s largest technology companies. Meta, Alphabet, Microsoft and Snap are increasingly embedding AI chatbot functionalities into flagship platforms like Instagram and WhatsApp, reframing these bots as personal assistants and digital companions. This strategic pivot is not just about convenience. It's about data and engagement.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/quantum-brief/metas-big-generative-ai-bet-chatbots-ai-characters-creative-tools-and-more-14912.htm">Read more: Meta's big generative AI bet: Chatbots, AI characters, creative tools, and more</a>

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/digital/us-senators-slam-meta-over-ai-chatbots-sexually-explicit-interactions-with-minors-63880.htm">Read more: US Senators slam Meta over AI chatbots’ sexually explicit interactions with minors</a>

In a recent podcast, Meta’s Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg described AI chatbots not as cold computational agents, but as emotionally responsive companions, even likening them to therapists. People are already tapping into AI to prepare for difficult conversations in their lives, he said. 

Zuckerberg's company has taken a notable step beyond automation: giving users the power to build their own chatbots, each with unique personalities and functions.

These personalities are proving popular, especially among young users. A dozen teenagers (between ages 14 and 18) told Storyboard18 that they often chat with bots “for fun” on Instagram. One 14-year-old described experimenting with chatbots to get predictions about her future, career and even romantic prospects.

Such engagement isn’t incidental. According to industry experts, Instagram - Meta’s photo-sharing app with the second-largest user base in its portfolio — has become a laboratory for testing new AI capabilities. Unlike passive data collection through scrolling and likes, AI conversations provide a rich stream of explicit user inputs, sharpening language learning models (LLMs) and enhancing personalization tools.

And with that personalization comes controversy.

An cursory look by Storyboard18 found a proliferation of AI accounts on Instagram with suspicious characteristics. Popular chatbots sport names like “The Perfect Astrologer,” “Hot English Teacher,” and “Madhuri Aunty” - many linked to accounts with inflated follower counts and bot-heavy interactions. Despite disclaimers warning users that messages are “generated by AI” and may be “inaccurate or inappropriate,” the platform frequently prompts users to engage with them, especially bots branded as therapists, doctors or spiritual advisors.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/digital/meta-plans-standalone-ai-app-amid-rising-competition-in-ai-space-57964.htm">Read more: Meta plans standalone AI app amid rising competition in AI space</a>

“Social media giants are not offering entertainment, they are building data empires at the expense of human emotions,” said Ritesh Bhatia, a cybersecurity consultant. Comparing user data to uranium, Bhatia warned of the explosive consequences of unregulated harvesting.

Some researchers worry that the rise of chatbots is coinciding with the deepening mental and emotional vulnerabilities of users, particularly teenagers.

“Bots are always available. They don’t judge. They mirror your tone and offer validation,” said Dr. Ranjana Kumari, Director at the Centre for Social Research. “When real relationships feel scarce or draining, these AI tools start to fill the void.”

Yet others caution that this emotional bond can easily be manipulated. “It’s a double-edged sword,” said cyberpsychologist Nirali Bhatia. “On one hand, they offer a safe space. On the other, they can reciprocate any conversation, no matter how harmful.”

In some cases, that includes lewd exchanges or questionable advice. According to data from Statista, nearly 30 percent of global Instagram users are between the ages of 18 and 24, a demographic particularly vulnerable to influence and in many cases, manipulation.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-marketing/meta-tests-ai-generated-comment-suggestions-on-instagram-60258.htm">Read more: Meta tests AI-generated comment suggestions on Instagram</a>

India’s regulatory framework is racing to catch up. While the government has issued advisories on deepfakes and is in the process of finalizing the Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDP), experts argue the systems in place lack the capacity for real enforcement.

“AI models update weekly, but legal frameworks move at a glacial pace,” said Bhatia. “Only 1 percent of cyber fraud cases are resolved. The law isn’t ready.”

Technical audits remain thin on the ground. Legal guidance is fragmented across the IT Act, consumer protections, and sector-specific directives. And despite Meta’s claims of safety features, police and investigators often receive little cooperation from platforms when probing fake or malicious accounts.

The psychological impact may be even more profound. Constant validation from AI, experts say, could weaken young people’s ability to deal with rejection or form nuanced interpersonal connections.

“There’s a cognitive cost,” said Bhatia. “The more you engage with one-dimensional sources of information, the more you stop experimenting or thinking critically. That affects brain development.”

Governments worldwide now face a difficult balancing act: enabling innovation while safeguarding mental health, privacy and public safety.

“There needs to be a collective response - researchers, policymakers, tech companies and civil society must work together,” said Kumari. “Otherwise, we risk raising a generation that turns to machines not just for answers, but for affirmation.”

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/digital/metas-ai-ambitions-soar-mark-zuckerberg-frames-2025-as-a-pivotal-year-for-ai-54980.htm">Read more: Meta’s AI ambitions soar; Mark Zuckerberg frames 2025 as a pivotal year for AI</a>

A growing bond at what cost?: How AI chatbots are mining emotions on social media

Meta founder Mark Zuckerberg is hiring a team of experts that can scale up the artificial intelligence system on the social media platform.

According to a report by Bloomberg, Zuckerberg is recruiting among the team of AI researchers and engineers who he met recently at his homes in Lake Tahoe and Palo Alto.

The billionaire businessman is assembling the secretive AI team, referred to as the "superintelligence group" internally.

The report citing sources said that Zuckerberg has a bigger plan this time to outstrip other tech firms in achieving what's is known as artificial general intelligence (AGI), the notion that machines can perform as well as humans at many tasks.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/meta-in-talks-to-invest-over-10-bn-in-scale-ai-69317.htm">Meta in talks to invest over $10 bn in Scale AI</a>

The Meta CEO founder has aimed to hire 50 people for the new AGI team, including a new head of AI research. 

Zuckerberg has also rearranged desks at Menlo Park to sit close with new staff.

He is strengthening his AI team in tandem with a planned multi-dollar investment in Scale AI, which offers data services to help companies train their models. Microsoft and Open AI are among the list of clients of Scale AI. 

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/former-meta-marketing-exec-gary-briggs-named-interim-head-of-marketing-at-openai-69298.htm">Former Meta marketing exec Gary Briggs named interim head of marketing at OpenAI</a>

Notably, Scale AI founder Alexandr Wang will also become part of Zuckerberg's new team after the deal is done. According to media reports, Meta is in talks with Scale AI about an investment that could exceed $10 billion. It is said to mark Meta's largest-ever investment outside expenditure on AI.

Zuckerberg has made AI the company's chief priority, announcing to spend up to $65 billion on related projects. He has also aimed to male Llama AI model the global industry standard.

Meta's Zuckerberg aims to revolutionize AI with 'Superintelligence group', to hire 50 experts

Nihilent's Emoscape Emotion AI engine, unveiled in Pune, India, heralds a new era in emotion recognition, as per the company. This technology, deeply rooted in India's ancient Natyashastra, bridges centuries-old wisdom with modern AI, enhancing understanding and application of emotions across various fields. Utilizing advanced 3D motion capture and AI algorithms, Emoscape detects emotions with precision, requiring just a camera for non-invasive emotional analysis.

L. C. Singh, Founder of Nihilent, emphasized the platform's potential: "Technology should serve a higher human purpose. With Emoscape, we introduce AI that respects the emotional core of human interaction, merging classical Indian emotional theory with AI innovation. This offers new ways for industries to interact with human emotions, bringing clarity, empathy, and awareness to healthcare, education, sports, and workplace wellness."

Beyond these domains, Emoscape's understanding of human behavio impacts advertising and marketing. Emotion AI can revolutionize these fields by offering deeper insights into consumer sentiments, enabling more personalized and effective marketing strategies. By recognizing subtle emotional cues, brands can craft campaigns that resonate emotionally, fostering stronger connections with audiences.

Incorporating Emoscape into advertising campaigns allows companies to assess real-time emotional responses to content, refining approaches to better meet consumer needs and expectations. Similarly, in marketing, understanding nuanced consumer emotions can drive engagement, loyalty, and retention by aligning products and messages with emotional triggers.



Nihilent unveils Emoscape AI to decipher emotions, drawing on ancient Indian principles

Apple Inc. on Monday introduced the biggest software redesign in its history at its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), rolling out a new visual interface called Liquid Glass across its iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, TV, and Vision Pro lineup, according to media reports.

The move signals an effort to deliver a more cohesive user experience across Apple's ecosystem - but it did little to quiet concerns over the company's slow progress in the AI area.

While Apple's tech peers are unveiling cutting-edge AI features at breakneck speed, Apple's showcase of Apple Intelligence - its in-house platform - offered most incremental updates.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/digital/apple-set-to-rename-all-its-operating-systems-67875.htm">Apple set to rename all its operating systems</a>

Liquid Glass Interface

The centrepiece of the update is a new visual design language called Liquid Glass, which brings shiny, reflective, and translucent interface elements to Apple's software.

The look and feel of screens will now adapt more naturally to the surrounding environment - shifting between light and dark tones based on content - while elements like alerts and context menus will behave more fluidly in response to touch.

These design changes span the newly rebranded iOS 26, watchOS 26, visionOS 26, and macOS 26 "Tahoe," creating a more cohesive experience across iPhones, iPads, Macs, Apple Watches, and the Vision Pro headset.

On the AI front, Apple confirmed it will open its Apple Intelligence foundation models to third-party developers, enabling app creators to build new features atop it AI tech. The company also introduced live call translation and a Genmoji feature allowing users to merge emojis into new creations.

However, Apple's AI offerings continue to lag behind the headline-grabbing released from Alphabet's Google and OpenAI.

Even Apple's collaboration with OpenAI, now including image-generation features and enhanced personalized mapping - is seen by many as a patch rather than a game-changing move. More substantial AI innovations are expected in 2026, according to Bloomberg.

iPad, iPhone, Apple Watch upgrades

Still, WWDC 2025 delivered wins for the Apple faithful. iPad users, for instance, will finally see software upgrades that make the device feel more like a Mac. This will include multitasking improvements, a PDF manager, and better file handling.

The iPhone got a revamped Phone app integrating voicemails, recent calls, and favourites into one unified view, while Vision Pro headset users will soon be able to pin digital widgets to walls and use PlayStation VR controllers for gaming.

A new Buddy feature for Apple Watch will use AI to enhance workout tracking and motivation, and Mac users will see a redesigned transparent menu bar and deeper iPhone integration.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-marketing/apple-jumps-to-ios-26-triggers-internet-meltdown-and-meme-fest-67914.htm">Apple jumps to iOS 26, triggers internet meltdown and meme fest</a>

AI partnerships

In an attempt to close the AI gap, Apple deepened its partnership with OpenAI. The companies will collaborate on new image-generation capabilities, while Apple also teased AI-driven mapping features that adapt to users' routines and a new gaming app with social features.

Vision Pro's visionOS now supports more realistic virtual avatars for videoconferencing, another incremental step toward more immersive experiences.

The software updates - now in developer beta and entering public beta in July, are expected to be available to all consumers this fall.

Apple is hoping this new round of features gives users more reasons to upgrade, particularly as prices may rise amid production shifts and ongoing tariffs, the report added. Facing geopolitical tensions and US tariffs, Apple has already started moving US-bound iPhone production to India. 

Also Read: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/who-is-jony-ive-the-design-legend-behind-apple-devices-and-openais-next-big-leap-67457.htm">Who is Jony Ive? The design legend behind Apple devices and OpenAI’s next big leap</a>

TECHNOLOGY