Is Apple Losing Its Edge? The Week's Biggest Apple News, Explained
Apple, the tech giant we all know and love (or love to hate!), has had a busy week. But one thing is crystal clear: the company is facing some serious challenges, and they're making some surprising moves. From relying on Google for AI to issuing urgent update warnings, let's dive into the headlines and see what it all means.
Here's a recap of the top Apple stories this week:
- Apple Turns To Google For AI
- Apple’s iOS Update Warning
- iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro Special Offers
- Ceding Customization To Your iPhone
- Here Comes The Second E (iPhone 17e Details)
- WhatsApp Arrives On Your Apple-enabled Wrist
- Apple’s Christmas Tree Contest
And just like last week, you can also check out my weekly Android news roundup here on Forbes (https://www.forbes.com/sites/ewanspence/2025/11/07/android-news-headlines-pixel-10-sales-samsung-galaxy-unpacked-niagara-launcher-epic-v-play-store).
Apple Leans on Google for "Apple Intelligence": A Sign of Weakness?
The biggest shocker this week? Apple is reportedly turning to Google to power its "Apple Intelligence" AI suite. Yes, you read that right. The company that prides itself on innovation and vertical integration is outsourcing its AI brains to its biggest competitor.
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman dropped the bombshell, revealing that Apple plans to pay Google a hefty sum for access to its Gemini AI model. How much? Get ready for this: Roughly $1 billion annually!
According to Gurman's report (https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-11-05/apple-plans-to-use-1-2-trillion-parameter-google-gemini-model-to-power-new-siri), Google will provide Apple with a custom version of Gemini, boasting a massive 1.2 trillion parameters. This AI powerhouse is expected to debut in Spring 2026. But here's where it gets controversial... Given the timing, coinciding with Apple's Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC), could this just be a beta release for developers, rather than a full-fledged launch for all iPhone users?
What does this mean for Apple? Is this a smart strategic move to catch up in the AI race, or a desperate admission that they're falling behind? Let me know what you think in the comments!
Urgent iOS Update: Apple's Uncharacteristic Move
Apple usually pushes users to upgrade to the latest and greatest iOS version. But this week, they did something unusual: They released an update for iOS 18, the previous version, urging users who haven't upgraded to iOS 26 (or those with older, unsupported iPhones) to install iOS 18.7.2 immediately.
David Phelan explains in his Forbes article (https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidphelan/2025/11/06/apple-ios-1872-urgent-iphone-update-for-users-who-dont-want-ios-26/) that this update includes over 25 security fixes, addressing vulnerabilities in crucial apps like Find My, Safari, Notes, Mail, and Camera. Apple is essentially saying: "If you're not ready for iOS 26, at least protect yourself with this update!" And this is the part most people miss... David warns that this could be the last chance to stay secure without making the leap to iOS 26.
iPhone 16 Deals: Still a Solid Choice?
With all the hype around the iPhone 17, it's easy to forget about last year's models. But the iPhone 16 and 16 Pro are still powerful devices that will be supported for years to come. They also boast the current iPhone design aesthetic, thanks to Apple's famously slow design evolution. Plus, they're getting cheaper!
You can find some great deals, especially through the Amazon Renewed program. For example, David Phelan notes in another Forbes article (https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidphelan/2025/11/04/apple-iphone-16-pro-special-offers-hit-lower-prices-in-new-deal/) that an iPhone 16 Pro with 256GB of storage, originally priced at $1,099, is now available for around $825 on Amazon. That's a significant discount! Consider the iPhone 16 lineup if you are looking to save some cash.
iPhone Customization: Apple Finally Relenting?
For years, Apple has been criticized for its rigid control over its devices. But the latest iOS beta suggests a shift in approach. iOS 26.2 includes code that could allow users to customize the side button on their iPhones, remapping it to launch different apps or perform custom actions. Currently, this button is locked to Siri and Apple Wallet.
Filipe Esposito at Macworld (https://www.macworld.com/article/2962313/apple-tests-customizable-power-button-controls-in-ios-26-2-beta.html) points out that this change might be influenced by increasing pressure from European regulators demanding more user choice and interoperability. Apple has already made concessions, such as allowing third-party app stores and alternative payment systems. Could customizable buttons be the next step? Will this be enough to satisfy regulators?
iPhone 17e: The Budget-Friendly Option Returns
Good news for budget-conscious Apple fans! The iPhone SE line (or rather, the "e" line) is reportedly continuing with the iPhone 17e. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman (https://www.bloomberg.com/news/newsletters/2025-11-02/apple-s-nearly-140-billion-quarter-when-ios-26-1-will-be-out-ipad-mini-revamp-mhhpy1ax) expects it to launch in the first half of 2026, alongside other new Apple hardware, including a new entry-level iPad, an iPad Air with the M4 chip, and updated MacBooks. This is great news for people who want the Apple experience without breaking the bank.
WhatsApp on Apple Watch: Finally!
After a long wait, WhatsApp finally has an official Apple Watch app! Mark Wilson at TechRadar (https://www.techradar.com/health-fitness/smartwatches/whatsapp-finally-launches-official-apple-watch-app-heres-which-models-are-getting-it) reports that the app is available for Apple Watch Series 4 and later models running watchOS 10 or newer. So, if you've bought an Apple Watch in the last seven years, you should be good to go. Now you can send and receive messages directly from your wrist!
Spreading Christmas Cheer: Apple's Battersea Tree
Finally, Apple is embracing the holiday spirit with a festive project at Battersea Power Station in London. They're inviting the public to design digital Christmas trees on iPads, which will then be projected onto the building's iconic chimneys. Even celebrities like Sir Stephen Fry and David Shrigley OBE are contributing their designs! If you're in the area, be sure to check it out.
That's it for this week's Apple Loop! Don't forget to follow me for more Apple news and analysis. You can read last week's Apple Loop here (http://www.forbes.com/sites/ewanspence/2025/10/31/apple-news-headlines-iphone-17-pro-cases-macbook-pro-m5-benchmark-ipad-pro-oled/), and this week's Android Circuit column here (https://www.forbes.com/sites/ewanspence/2025/11/07/android-news-headlines-pixel-10-sales-samsung-galaxy-unpacked-niagara-launcher-epic-v-play-store).
Now, I want to hear from you: What do you think about Apple's reliance on Google for AI? Is it a sign of weakness, or a smart strategic move? And are you excited about the potential for more iPhone customization? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
