Apple's AI chief steps down as company falls behind in tech race

Apple has achieved record sales in 2025, driven by the popularity of the iPhone 17, despite forecasts indicating a potential market decline in 2026. This surge in sales reflects strong consumer demand and Apple's competitive positioning in the smartphone market.

Apple has rejected India's directive requiring smartphone manufacturers to pre-install the state-run 'Sanchar Saathi' cyber safety app on all new devices, which must remain enabled and cannot be disabled. This move reflects ongoing tensions between the tech giant and Indian regulatory authorities.

Apple is facing potential class action lawsuits in the European Union over its App Store fees, which have drawn criticism for being excessively high. This legal challenge reflects ongoing tensions between tech companies and regulators regarding fair pricing practices in digital marketplaces.

The Bank of England has issued a warning regarding the risks associated with a multi-trillion dollar spending boom in artificial intelligence infrastructure that is largely financed through debt. The central bank highlighted that current stock market valuations are 'materially stretched', raising concerns about the sustainability of this growth.

John Giannandrea, Apple's head of artificial intelligence, has announced his departure from the company, with Amar Subramanya set to take over his role. This change comes as Apple has struggled to keep pace with competitors in the generative AI space, particularly regarding its voice assistant, Siri. Giannandrea's seven-year tenure was acknowledged by CEO Tim Cook, who emphasized his contributions to the company's AI advancements.