Apple’s View on the Future of Large Language Models Contrasts with Industry Standards: Report

Apple’s AI Strategy: A Prudent Path Amid Criticism

Apple has encountered significant criticism regarding its artificial intelligence (AI) strategy, especially after the postponement of several major updates to Siri earlier this year. Nonetheless, a recent report highlights the reasoning behind Apple’s unique stance on AI, which departs from that of its competitors.

### Apple’s Prudent AI Expenditure

Despite the backlash, there is an increasing sense of hope surrounding Apple’s AI strategy as it approaches the new year. Wall Street analysts have started to propose that Apple’s prudent expenditure on AI could ultimately become an asset. A report from *The Information* supports this idea, suggesting that Apple’s leadership possesses a distinct viewpoint on the future of large language models (LLMs).

The report notes that some Apple executives are of the opinion that LLMs will eventually become standardized. This perspective might clarify why Apple has chosen to take a more conservative approach in funding its own AI models compared to competitors like OpenAI, Meta, and Google, which have invested heavily in LLM development.

### The Prospects of LLMs and Apple’s Stance

The notion that LLMs will transition into commodities indicates that Apple is setting itself up to harness existing technologies rather than heavily invest in creating proprietary models. This approach suggests that Apple’s success in AI will depend less on crafting custom models and more on its capability to integrate AI efficiently across its hardware, software, and services.

At present, Apple excels in these domains, which could lay a robust groundwork for its AI projects in the future. By concentrating on enhancing the ecosystem where AI operates, Apple may be able to take advantage of developments in AI technology without facing the substantial costs linked to developing proprietary models.

### Conclusion

While Apple’s AI strategy has faced criticism, the company’s cautious approach might ultimately turn out to be a strategic benefit. As the AI landscape continues to transform, Apple’s emphasis on integration and enhancement could place it in a favorable position in a future where LLMs are broadly available and commoditized. The ongoing trends in this field will be closely monitored by industry analysts and consumers alike.

iOS 26 Unveils New ‘Preview’ App for iPhone: Insights on Usage and Helpful Hints

# iOS 26 Unveils the Preview App: A Fresh Tool for Document Oversight

Apple’s iOS 26 has introduced thrilling enhancements to its platform, among which are two entirely new applications: Preview and Apple Games. Notably, the Preview app stands out as a significant upgrade for users who regularly work with PDFs and images. This article delves into the features and advantages of the Preview app, which is now accessible on both iPhone and iPad.

## Preview App: A Specialized Center for PDFs and Images

The Preview app draws inspiration from its Mac version, offering a dedicated environment for viewing, editing, and annotating PDFs and images. With iOS 26 and iPadOS 26, users can launch this app straight from their Home Screen, simplifying their document handling.

Apple characterizes the Preview app as a utility that empowers users to sketch quickly, view and modify PDFs and images, and make use of Apple Pencil or touch for annotating documents. Users can swiftly access their files from the Files app, create blank pages for notes, and leverage AutoFill to expedite PDF form completion.

## Improved Document Management

Prior to the release of iOS 26, PDFs and images were mainly managed through the Files app, which could be restrictive for users managing numerous documents. The Preview app transforms this situation by offering a more effective means to oversee and engage with these files.

A major benefit of the Preview app is its capacity to support multitasking. Users can open multiple documents at once, facilitating easier switching between them. For example, during a recent home purchasing experience, handling various PDFs became simpler with Preview. Users can have one PDF displayed in Preview while accessing another in the Files app via the Quick Look feature, enabling seamless document navigation.

## Tailored for iPadOS 26

The Preview app is especially advantageous for iPad users, particularly when paired with the new window management system launched in iPadOS 26. Users can organize their workspace by keeping Preview in a larger window on one side of the display while exploring the Files app in a narrower window on the opposite side. This arrangement boosts productivity by allowing quick access to various documents without the need for constant app switching.

Furthermore, Preview provides a comprehensive suite of editing tools that align it more closely with the capabilities found on the Mac. Users can insert and delete pages from PDFs, sign documents using Markup, and effortlessly fill out forms. This expanded toolkit makes Preview a formidable addition to the iOS and iPadOS landscape.

## Summary

The launch of the Preview app in iOS 26 represents a major advancement in document management for iPhone and iPad users. With its specialized features for viewing and editing PDFs and images, as well as improved multitasking abilities, Preview has rapidly become an indispensable resource for those who frequently manage documents. As users continue to discover its features, the Preview app is poised to transform how documents are handled on mobile devices.

What has your experience been with the Preview app in iOS 26? Share your thoughts in the comments.

watchOS 26 Brings Three Significant Enhancements for Apple Watch Faces

The watch face stands out as one of the most significant features of the Apple Watch, and watchOS 26 introduces substantial enhancements to watch faces in three key areas. Here’s what’s new.

## #1: Completely new watch faces

As is often the case with significant new versions of watchOS, Apple’s latest update brings a selection of entirely new watch faces.

watchOS 26 contributes a total of four new faces. According to Apple’s release notes:

– **Exactograph** reinterprets a classic regulator watch, distinguishing hours, minutes, and seconds for enhanced time accuracy.
– **Flow** features Liquid Glass numerals that refract a flowing orb of color responsive to wrist movement.
– **Waypoint** serves as a dynamic compass that indicates your position relative to saved locations in Maps or points of interest (Available on Apple Watch Ultra).
– **Hermès Faubourg Party** showcases animated shorts that emerge in accordance with the time of day or specific gestures featuring a range of characters (Available on Apple Watch Hermès).

It’s always exciting to have additional watch face choices, and I am particularly fond of the new Flow and Waypoint faces this year.

## #2: Enhancements to existing faces

Several watch faces that you are already familiar with received updates in watchOS 26 as well.

The Photos face, which Apple identifies as its most favored option, saw two enhancements this year:

1. Liquid Glass time
2. Featured photos option

In line with the systemwide Liquid Glass aesthetic, there’s now a ‘Glass’ color option for the clock on the face that allows more of your photo to be visible. Choosing ‘Featured’ for your image source guarantees you’ll view many of the top photos in your library.

In addition to the improvements for the Photos face, Apple has expanded support for ticking seconds with the always-on display to a broader range of faces.

Always-on seconds support was introduced last year with Apple Watch Series 10, but initially, only a handful of watch faces featured the capability. It has now extended to more devices and software.

Apple Watch Ultra 3 and Apple Watch Series 11 now provide ticking seconds in always-on mode, and the roster of supported faces has significantly increased.

## #3: Watch face ‘hints’

Upon installing watchOS 26 on your Apple Watch, you might spot a distinctive UI element on your watch face.

A new feature called ‘hints’ will materialize at the bottom of your display, resembling a Liquid Glass complication.

Hints suggest apps and actions linked to the Smart Stack.

Here’s how it operates, according to Apple:

> In watchOS 26, the Smart Stack enhances its prediction algorithms by utilizing more contextual data, sensor data, and insights from a user’s routine to deliver Smart Stack hints, a proactive prompt for actionable suggestions that are instantly useful. Crafted from Liquid Glass, Smart Stack hints will show on the display as a subtle visual cue. For instance, a hint for Backtrack may pop up when a user finds themselves in a remote area lacking connectivity, or a hint for a Pilates workout might appear when a user arrives at a studio around their typical time.

The Smart Stack has traditionally offered suggested data and actionable prompts, but users previously had to scroll the Digital Crown of their Apple Watch to manually access Smart Stack and locate them.

By bringing these suggestions directly onto the watch face, Apple aims to enhance their visibility and usefulness.

Which features of the new watch face options in watchOS 26 have you been enjoying on your Apple Watch? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Anticipated Launch of Shrinking Season 3: Fresh Trailer Highlights Thrilling Twists

**Shrinking Season 3: What to Anticipate from Apple TV’s Beloved Comedy**

Apple TV’s celebrated comedy series, *Shrinking*, is scheduled to make its return for the much-anticipated third season on January 28. Following the triumph of its earlier seasons, the show continues to win over audiences with its distinct blend of humor and heartfelt moments.

### Premiere Information

*Shrinking* Season 3 will begin with a unique hour-long episode, succeeded by weekly installments that will run until April 8. This structure enables fans to enjoy each episode while heightening excitement for the evolving plotlines.

### The Creative Forces Behind *Shrinking*

The series is co-created by Bill Lawrence, also recognized for his contributions to the cherished show *Ted Lasso*. Alongside Lawrence, *Shrinking* showcases the skills of Brett Goldstein and Jason Segel, both of whom enrich the show’s captivating storytelling and character arcs.

### Cast and Special Guests

The diverse cast of *Shrinking* is a key element of its charm. Season 3 is set to reintroduce familiar faces, such as Goldstein, Damon Wayans Jr., Wendie Malick, and Cobie Smulders. Furthermore, the new season will welcome prominent guest stars like Jeff Daniels and the multi-award-winning advocate Michael J. Fox, enhancing the storyline’s allure.

### Trailer Launch

The recently unveiled trailer for Season 3 highlights the show’s distinctive humor and poignant moments, teasing the obstacles and development the characters will experience. Fans can watch the trailer for an early glimpse of what lies ahead.

### Where to Stream

For anyone wishing to catch up on the initial two seasons of *Shrinking*, they can be streamed on Apple TV. The platform provides a subscription service priced at $12.99 monthly, featuring a range of popular shows and films, including *Ted Lasso* and *Severance*.

### Final Thoughts

As *Shrinking* gears up to make its comeback, fans are excited to witness the characters’ growth and the new hurdles they will face. With its strong creative team, talented cast, and compelling narratives, Season 3 is set to be another remarkable chapter in this cherished series.

iOS 27: Seven New Capabilities Anticipated to Be Unveiled

# Features Coming in iOS 27: What to Anticipate

The forthcoming significant iPhone software update, iOS 27, is scheduled to be revealed at WWDC in June, with various thrilling features rumored to be part of the launch. Below is a glance at seven expected upgrades that could enhance the iPhone experience.

## 1. Apple Health+

Apple is said to be developing an AI-driven health service known as Apple Health+. This new addition is designed to improve the current Health app by integrating features such as coaching, food tracking, and educational content. The objective is to offer users tailored advice to assist them in reaching their health and wellness goals. There is conjecture that Health+ may connect with Apple Fitness+, possibly unifying the two services into a holistic health ecosystem.

## 2. Multitasking Features for iPhone Fold

With the anticipated debut of the first iPhone Fold in September, iOS 27 is expected to introduce multitasking capabilities specifically for this new device. Users might experience a windowing system akin to that of iPadOS, facilitating a more adaptable and efficient use of the foldable screen, resembling an iPad mini when opened.

## 3. Siri Visual Overhaul

Siri is poised for substantial changes, including a visual overhaul in iOS 27. Following the major AI upgrades anticipated in iOS 26.4, the redesign seeks to modernize Siri and align it with the latest developments in AI technology. This two-stage rollout allows Apple to refine Siri’s features before presenting a complete visual update.

## 4. AI-Enhanced Web Search Functionality

Apple is reportedly crafting an AI-augmented web search tool for iOS 27. While information remains sparse, this feature is likely to expand on the current Spotlight search function, potentially incorporating AI capabilities to enhance search outcomes and user experience.

## 5. Upgraded Collections in Photos App

Enhancements are expected for the Photos app in iOS 27, particularly regarding collections. Leaked codes indicate advancements that could improve how users manage and share their images. A revamped Shared Albums feature is among the desired improvements, following significant revisions made in earlier iOS updates.

## 6. Innovative AirPods Pairing System

A novel pairing system for AirPods is also rumored to be part of iOS 27. This update, found in early internal builds, aims to bolster the already robust pairing features of AirPods, streamlining the connection process for users.

## 7. Overhaul of the Calendar App

Apple is reportedly focusing on a major redesign of the Calendar app, which has not received significant updates in recent times. Although specific details are limited, this revamp is expected to modernize the application and enhance its functionality across Apple’s devices.

## Bonus: Snow Leopard-Style Update

In addition to new features, iOS 27 is anticipated to prioritize bug fixes and performance upgrades, echoing the “Snow Leopard” update for Mac. This strategy aims to bolster overall software quality, guaranteeing a smoother and more dependable user experience.

As the launch of iOS 27 draws near, users are keen to discover which features will be finalized. The mix of groundbreaking new tools and a dedication to performance enhancements promises to render this update one of the most exhilarating yet.