Apple Completes Acquisition of Canadian Company DarwinAI, Major Updates Coming to iOS18


Apple announced a new App Store age rating policy: apps involving dating, romance, and virtual companion features must set a minimum age limit of 18+, further tightening compliance oversight for AI emotional companionship and social apps. The new rule will take effect on November 16, 2026. At that time, when developers fill out the age rating questionnaire in App Store Connect, they must mandatorily declare whether the app involves the related features.
According to The Information, Apple is delaying its smart home robot launch plan. The release may be postponed to next year, or even as early as 2028. The device is codenamed J595. Its hardware was completed about two years ago, but software development has not kept up, becoming the main obstacle. The software team plans to scale back some originally planned features and shift focus to FaceTime video calls and smart home automation control, such as using the robot to perform tasks like turning on lights.
Apple's July lawsuit vs OpenAI over trade secrets advances: a federal judge let Apple fast-track access to OpenAI recruiting materials, focusing on pre-interview contacts with Apple staff for hardware and robotics roles ahead of its first device launch.....
Apple will host a "Welcome home" smart-home event in NYC on Oct 13, its first major move under new CEO John Ternus. It will unveil a new hub with a ~6-inch square display, desktop or wall-mounted, plus performance-related products.....
Apple faces a US class action over delayed Siri AI features; a settlement site is live. Eligible US iPhone users can claim compensation. In May, Apple agreed to pay $250 million (~1.6 billion yuan) without admitting wrongdoing, citing avoidance of litigation costs and risks. Each device gets $25.....