HSBC Report Suggests Apple’s AI Errors May Prolong iPhone Upgrade Interval

**Apple’s AI Release and Its Influence on iPhone Upgrades: Perspectives from HSBC**

In a recent bulletin to investors, HSBC has raised alarms about Apple’s gradual introduction of AI features unveiled at WWDC 2024. The bank suggests that this hold-up has not led to a notable improvement in user experience, which might cause users to delay their next iPhone upgrade. This article explores the consequences of these changes for Apple and its product sales.

### Status of Current iPhone Sales

HSBC’s analysis indicates that the iPhone remains a vital element of Apple’s income, representing around half of the company’s revenue. However, the initial enthusiasm regarding the incorporation of AI into Apple’s product range has diminished. The bank observes that the expected boost in the iPhone renewal cycle has yet to occur, as the AI features have not proven to significantly enhance user experience.

### Varied Perspectives on Upgrade Incentives

Interestingly, HSBC’s insights diverge from a recent study by CIRP, which showed that merely 13% of U.S. iPhone purchasers upgraded specifically to exploit new features. Conversely, the majority of users—40%—indicated they bought a new iPhone due to problems with their prior device, while 27% replaced phones that were either non-functional or lost. This indicates that pragmatic requirements might drive upgrades more than the appeal of new technology.

### AI’s Influence on Future Upgrades

HSBC cautions that setbacks in rolling out AI-enhanced features, especially an improved Siri, could encourage many users to postpone upgrading their devices. The bank recommends that Apple should concentrate on improving traditional hardware specs in the forthcoming iPhone 17 to boost demand. They expect that advancements in specifications could reflect the favorable response seen with the iPhone 16.

### Economic and Production Hurdles

Besides the worries about AI incorporation, HSBC points out increasing tariff-related challenges as a major threat to Apple. The bank highlights that Apple is having difficulty re-localizing production swiftly enough to lessen the impact of tariffs, estimating a 20% tariff effect on imports from China. This economic scenario complicates Apple’s sales strategy further.

### Stock Forecast

Considering these factors, HSBC has upheld a Hold rating on Apple stock, establishing a price target of $220. Presently, shares are trading around $211.18, remaining rather stable over the previous three months.

### Conclusion

As Apple navigates the obstacles presented by the sluggish rollout of AI features and external economic challenges, the company’s capacity to innovate and address consumer demands will be pivotal. The forthcoming iPhone 17 may prove to be a critical juncture for Apple, as it aims to rejuvenate sales and improve user experience amid a fast-changing technological environment.

Suggested Improvements for the Find My App: Three Essential Modifications for Apple to Evaluate

**Title: Reevaluating Location Sharing: Upgrades for the Find My App**

In recent dialogues surrounding privacy and technology, a significant trend has surfaced among Generation Z: a more laid-back perspective towards sharing their location. Many individuals in this group feel at ease continuously informing friends of their whereabouts, perceiving it as an inherent aspect of social engagement. Nevertheless, for those who favor a more prudent stance on location privacy, there are potential enhancements within the Find My app.

### The Existing Landscape of Location Sharing

The Find My app provides users with limited choices for location sharing: one hour, until midnight, or indefinitely. While these options fulfill basic requirements, they may show rigidity in specific instances. For example, after an evening out, friends may want to confirm that everyone gets home safely without the stress of ongoing location sharing the next day. Likewise, during group vacations, users might prefer to keep track of one another until their trip concludes, without having to remember to terminate indefinite sharing.

### Suggested Improvements

1. **Date and Time Selector**: Implementing a feature that enables users to designate a date and time for location sharing to finish would overcome many existing constraints. For instance, setting the sharing to stop at 6 AM rather than midnight would offer reassurance after a late night. For trips, a date selector could allow users to automatically terminate sharing at the end of their journey.

2. **“Until I Arrive Home” Feature**: A more user-friendly solution would be allowing users to share their location “Until I arrive home.” This would remove the necessity of contemplating specific timeframes. Once users reach their desired destination, the app would automatically halt sharing their live location while still reassuring the group that they have made it home securely.

3. **Automatic Group Sharing**: Rather than manually choosing friends to share location data with, a function that employs Bluetooth to detect which contacts are physically present could simplify the procedure. Users could merely choose to “Share with contacts nearby,” permitting the app to automatically include those in proximity without compromising privacy by sharing with individuals not in the contact list.

### Conclusion

As location sharing becomes more embedded in social interactions, it is crucial for applications like Find My to advance. By integrating features such as a date and time selector, an “Until I arrive home” option, and automatic group sharing, Apple could improve user experience while accommodating diverse views on privacy. These enhancements would appeal to both the carefree tendencies of younger users and the more wary inclinations of others, cultivating a more adaptable and user-friendly app.

Are these upgrades something you would want to see in the Find My app? Share your opinions and engage in discussions on this developing topic.

WhatsApp Improves In-App Assistance Procedure for Users

**WhatsApp Shifts to AI-Enhanced Support: A New Chapter in Customer Care**

If you’ve ever sought in-app assistance on WhatsApp, you’re familiar with the process that began with completing a form, perhaps adding a few documents, and waiting for a support agent to eventually reach out. This conventional approach is now advancing, as WhatsApp transitions to an AI-driven support framework, which aims to simplify the user journey.

### Goodbye to the Form, Hello to AI

Navigating help databases can often lead to frustration, particularly when users urgently need support. The former method on WhatsApp could be especially stressful, as users filled out a contact form and dispatched it into oblivion, uncertain about when they would hear back. This lack of promptness was far from ideal, especially during critical situations.

As per reports from WABetaInfo, WhatsApp is rolling out a new assistance feature that enables users to seek help more directly. By going to **Settings > Help > Help Center > Contact Us**, users will be taken to a chat interface where an AI support bot will strive to comprehend the issue at hand. The bot can sift through WhatsApp’s help articles and direct users towards possible solutions using natural language.

If the bot needs additional details to provide effective assistance, it can pose follow-up inquiries before passing the conversation to a human representative. This update is anticipated to improve the overall support experience by offering quicker replies and more pertinent help.

Notably, this AI-powered support feature was recently incorporated into the TestFlight beta of WhatsApp, and some users have already indicated access to it within the regular app, suggesting a gradual rollout.

### AI-Driven Support is Unavoidably Becoming the Norm

WhatsApp is not the only player in this move towards AI-enhanced customer service. Numerous companies are acknowledging the advantages of incorporating generative AI assistants into their support frameworks. These AI solutions can autonomously handle common inquiries, freeing human agents to focus on more intricate issues that need personal attention.

When executed effectively, AI chatbots can markedly diminish the number of routine queries, resulting in more rapid resolution times for users. This transition not only boosts user satisfaction but also optimizes the workload for human support agents, creating a more streamlined support ecosystem.

As the realm of customer support continues to transform, the adoption of AI technologies like those being embraced by WhatsApp is likely to set a benchmark across numerous sectors, revolutionizing how businesses engage with their customers and meet their needs.

Apple is set to unveil three eagerly awaited products this autumn

Apple’s Imminent Fall Launch: Expected Products

Apple is preparing for a major fall launch period, with over 15 new products anticipated to be unveiled. Among these, three key products have sparked considerable enthusiasm due to their much-anticipated updates and innovations.

### 1. AirTag 2

The initial AirTag debuted more than four years ago, and it has not undergone any hardware updates since its introduction. However, speculation indicates that an upgraded version, AirTag 2, is finally in the works. Anticipated features for the new AirTag include improved tracking functionality and possibly fresh design elements. For those who have been delaying their purchase of AirTags, the wait for AirTag 2 may be nearing its end.

### 2. New Apple TV 4K

The Apple TV 4K has experienced an erratic release history, with updates happening at uneven intervals. The last two models launched in 2021 and 2022, but enthusiasts have been looking forward to a new version since then. Thankfully, a new Apple TV 4K is scheduled to debut this fall. While particular features remain mostly undisclosed, expectations include an upgraded A18 chip, support for Apple Intelligence, a potential integrated camera, and a custom Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip.

### 3. Ultra-slim iPhone 17 Air

The iPhone 17 Air is set to be transformative, substituting the Plus variant in Apple’s range with an ultra-slim profile. This model signifies a major design shift, representing the first substantial alteration in the iPhone’s form since the iPhone X in 2017. While it promises a cutting-edge look, there may be compromises in battery longevity and camera capabilities. Apple aims to align the iPhone more closely with Jony Ive’s vision of a unified “single slab of glass” design.

As the launch date nears, excitement mounts around these groundbreaking products. Which of these forthcoming releases are you most eager about?

Spotify Launches Shared Audiobooks for Family and Duo Plans with Restrictions

**Audiobook Access on Spotify: Fresh Additions for Premium Subscribers**

Access to audiobooks on Spotify has traditionally been limited to the account holder, which meant that even with Premium Family or Duo memberships, only the main user could make use of the designated audiobook hours each month. However, Spotify recently revealed a major update to this policy, broadening access to audiobooks for more users in specific markets.

### Two New Add-Ons for Individual, Duo, and Family Plans

Previously, the audiobook feature on Spotify was restricted to the main user with a limit of 15 hours monthly. This week, Spotify launched two new add-on subscriptions designed to improve audiobook access for Premium subscribers:

1. **Audiobooks+:** This add-on is open to Premium Individual subscribers as well as the administrators of Family and Duo plans. It offers an extra 15 hours of audiobook listening each month, ideal for enthusiasts who seek more time for their preferred titles, particularly longer narratives.

2. **Audiobooks+ for Plan Members:** In a first, additional participants of Premium Family and Duo plans can enjoy 15 hours of monthly audiobook listening through this new recurring add-on. Plan members may request audiobook access from their plan manager, who can acquire the add-on on their behalf. Moreover, a one-time 10-hour top-up option is accessible if members use up their hours prior to the monthly billing cycle renewing.

At present, these add-ons are offered in the U.K., Australia, New Zealand, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein, along with Canada and Ireland, where they were first tested. Spotify has indicated that pricing for these add-ons will differ by market, with more information available at

All We Understand Regarding Silo Season 3 Launch and Information

Apple’s most successful endeavor yet, Severance, is not the only sci-fi triumph within the Apple TV+ library. The dystopian drama Silo concluded its second season last autumn, and season 3 is progressing well. Here’s all we know about Silo season 3 so far.

## Season 3 Broadens the Narrative Beyond the Silos

Silo season 2 wrapped up with a notable cliffhanger. While the series has primarily unfolded inside the underground silos, the season 2 finale introduced some changes. Creator and showrunner Graham Yost confirmed that this hints at what’s ahead:

“Yes, we’ll be outside, and we will be in the world, and there will be sunshine,” Yost stated, referring to the brighter elements of Season 3.

As anyone familiar with the complete series of books that Silo draws from understands, it’s safe to assume that many non-silo scenes are on the horizon for season 3.

## New Leading Actors Join the Ensemble

In relation to that finale cliffhanger, Silo season 3 is set to bring two new lead actors to the ensemble. As first depicted in the closing scene of season 2, Ashley Zukerman and Jessica Henwick will significantly join the cast next season. Juliette and the familiar faces from Silo will remain, but some new characters will also be introduced.

## Total of Four Seasons on the Way, with Full Apple TV Approval

Silo is inspired by a trilogy of novels by Hugh Howey, providing the show’s creators with a ready-made blueprint. The narrative of Book 1 was divided across both seasons 1 and 2 of the series. It is anticipated that books 2 and 3 may not be strictly adhered to chronologically in the adaptation. Instead, events from both books will be interwoven in the forthcoming seasons 3 and 4.

Apple TV+ has granted the green light for all four seasons of Silo. Once season 4 is released, the series will reach its conclusion.

“It has been a profoundly rewarding journey to adapt Hugh’s monumental novels alongside our partners at Apple, and we are excited to bring this complete story to the screen over four seasons,” remarked showrunner and executive producer Graham Yost. “With the concluding two chapters of ‘Silo,’ we can barely wait to offer fans an incredibly fulfilling resolution to the numerous mysteries and unanswered questions that lie within the confines of these silos.”

## When to Anticipate Silo Season 3 on Apple TV+

Silo enthusiasts will be pleased to learn that season 3 is progressing well. Apple TV+ has just announced today that season 3 has officially finished filming. There’s still a significant amount of post-production work left before the new episodes can be launched. However, it’s a positive indication that production is moving forward without delays.

While things can change, it appears that Silo season 3 will likely premiere by late 2025 at the earliest, and more probably in early 2026—roughly 12-18 months after the last season’s release.

Apple TV+ costs $9.99 per month and features popular TV series and films like Ted Lasso, Severance, The Morning Show, Silo, and Shrinking. There are also several options to watch for free.