Tag: Source: 9to5mac.com

Apple Welcomes AI Acquisitions to Speed Up Advancement, States Tim Cook

### Apple’s Strategy on AI Acquisitions: A Change in Viewpoint

Whenever conversations emerge about Apple’s prospective acquisitions to bolster its artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities, a typical sentiment is that “Apple doesn’t pursue large companies like that.” Nevertheless, during the recent Q3 2025 earnings call, Apple CEO Tim Cook shared insights that point to a more adaptable stance regarding mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in the realm of AI.

#### If the Tech Fits, What’s the Concern?

In reply to a question from Citi analyst Atif Malik on the importance of Apple speeding up its AI roadmap, Cook recognized that the company has undertaken seven acquisitions this year, although not all were AI-focused. He stressed that Apple is receptive to M&A opportunities that can fast-track its technological progress, stating:

> “We’re very open to M&A that accelerates our roadmap. We’re not confined to a specific company size. (…) we essentially evaluate whether a company can assist us in speeding up our roadmap. If so, then we are interested. But we don’t have anything to disclose specifically today.”

This statement represents a significant departure from Apple’s customary position on acquisitions, which has typically preferred smaller firms.

#### Latest Acquisition Discussions

Cook’s comments coincide with reports from Bloomberg suggesting that Apple engaged in internal dialogues about acquiring Perplexity, an AI search startup that recently garnered $1 billion in funding, elevating its valuation to over $18 billion. Such an acquisition would not only become Apple’s largest to date, eclipsing the $3 billion Beats deal, but it could also surpass the total valuation of all prior acquisitions combined.

Nonetheless, financial analysts, including those from Morgan Stanley, have warned against the assumption that Apple needs to obtain an AI search engine, deeming it as “misguided.” This underscores the ongoing discussion among the investment community regarding the necessity and strategic importance of such a substantial acquisition.

#### A Fresh Roadmap for Apple

Cook’s remarks indicate a readiness to reevaluate the size and scale of prospective acquisitions, especially if they align with Apple’s strategic ambitions in AI. This opens opportunities for smaller firms with groundbreaking technologies that could assist Apple in addressing its current gaps in the AI sphere.

As Apple continues to maneuver through the competitive tech landscape, the focus on acquiring the appropriate technology, irrespective of the company’s size, may herald a new chapter for the tech titan. If the technology is suitable, Apple might be willing to invest considerably to enhance its capabilities and preserve its competitive advantage in the swiftly changing AI domain.

In conclusion, while Apple has traditionally been cautious concerning massive acquisitions, Tim Cook’s recent comments suggest a potential strategic change that could transform the company’s approach to AI and technological innovation in the future.

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Tim Cook Talks About iPhone Risks in Light of New Device Form Factors Influenced by AI

During the Q3 2025 earnings call today, Apple CEO Tim Cook tackled the rising speculation that advancements in AI, along with the new hardware form factors they enable, might eventually displace screen-based devices such as the iPhone.

### Complementary, Not Substitutes

When questioned if Apple envisions a future where reliance on smartphones decreases due to AI-influenced changes in how individuals engage with technology, Cook reacted strongly:

> “Considering all the functionalities an iPhone offers, from connecting individuals to enhancing app and game experiences, capturing photos and videos, assisting users in exploring the world and managing their financial activities, and facilitating payments, among numerous other capabilities, it’s hard to imagine a reality where the iPhone isn’t present.”

Although the inquiry didn’t directly reference OpenAI’s recent collaboration with Jony Ive’s company and the forthcoming AI-focused io product, it certainly lingered in the minds of those present during the exchange.

It’s also important to highlight that not too long ago, Apple’s Eddy Cue suggested that “you may not need” an iPhone by 2035. Nonetheless, the context was quite different: aimed at downplaying Apple’s collaboration with Google, in an effort to persuade the court to leave it unaffected in the ongoing antitrust proceedings against Google.

Curiously, Cook also hinted at potential future Apple products that might feature more profound AI integration, stating:

> “That doesn’t imply that we aren’t considering other possibilities as well, but I believe that these devices are more likely to be complementary, not replacements.”

While it should be expected that Apple is exploring beyond its current offerings as platforms for AI, it is less common for Cook to formally acknowledge prospective future product paths.

One of these anticipated products might be the speculated screen-equipped HomePod, which allegedly had its launch postponed due to Apple’s difficulties with the updated Siri, and is now anticipated to debut in spring 2026.

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Instructions for Managing Image Sharing Rights on Facebook and Instagram

### Managing Photo Access on iOS 17: A Guide to Enhanced Privacy

With the launch of iOS 17, Apple has made significant advancements in user privacy configurations, particularly in terms of photo access. This update enables users to exercise greater control over which applications can reach their photo albums, ensuring that sensitive data stays safeguarded.

#### Why Restrict Photo Access?

When an application is permitted to access your photo library, it can also interpret the metadata tied to those images. This metadata may encompass location information, timestamps, and other specifics that could disclose personal details about your daily activities. For example, an app with unrestricted access might infer your home address, place of employment, and daily routines based on the images you capture and their correlated data.

While the majority of applications emphasize user privacy, it remains crucial for users to retain the power to decide which apps can access their photos. Apple’s privacy configurations in iOS 17 enable users to make these determinations.

#### Selecting Which Photos Each App Can Access

To oversee photo access on your iPhone, head to **Settings > Privacy & Security > Photos**. In this section, you will find a compilation of apps that have sought permission to your photo library. You can choose the degree of access you feel comfortable granting to each app.

There are four available access levels:

1. **None**: The app will not receive permission to access your photo library whatsoever.

2. **Add Photos Only**: The app can add content to your photo collection but cannot view existing images.

3. **Limited Access**: You can designate particular photos or albums that the app can access, offering a customized level of access.

4. **Full Access**: The app can view all photos and videos in your library, with a notification indicating the total number of items available.

Moreover, you can modify photo access for an individual app via its specific settings by navigating to **Settings > Apps >

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Apple Announces Unprecedented Number of Upgraders as iPhone Sales Surge in China

**Apple’s Revival in China: An In-Depth Examination of Recent Expansion**

In light of recent market analyses indicating that iPhone sales were rebounding in China, Apple CEO Tim Cook affirmed today that the company successfully reversed the decline, with total revenue in the area increasing by 4% last quarter.

### Apple’s Collaboration with Government-Backed Subsidies in China Proved Fruitful

During Apple’s Q3 2025 earnings conference, Cook announced that iPhone sales surged across Greater China, with the company boosting revenue in the area by 4% in comparison to the previous quarter. He mentioned that the number of iPhone upgraders in mainland China reached a record high for the quarter ending June 28, although specific numbers were not revealed. Furthermore, Apple’s installed base in the region achieved a new peak.

Cook credited the recovery partly to government-supported subsidies on certain Apple products, while also emphasizing the strong demand for the rest of Apple’s product range in the area. He commented, “iPhone had the leading three models in urban China, which is remarkable. Additionally, if you examine the other products, Mac, iPad, and Watch, a significant portion of customers purchasing in mainland China were new to the product. The MacBook Air was the best-selling laptop model throughout China, and the Mac Mini was the best-selling desktop model nationwide.”

Apple CFO Kevan Parekh also highlighted that the iPhone was a best-seller in the U.S., urban China, the UK, Australia, and Japan during the June quarter, noting growth in all geographic segments and double-digit increases in Europe, Greater China, and the rest of Asia-Pacific.

### Conclusion

Apple’s strategic partnership with government-supported subsidies and its strong product portfolio have played a significant role in its notable growth in China. As the company continues to innovate and respond to market requirements, its performance in this crucial region remains a key focus for both investors and consumers.

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Apple Reaches Landmark with Sale of Three Billionth iPhone, As Per Tim Cook

**Apple Reaches Significant Achievement: Three Billion iPhones Distributed**

Apple has recently disclosed its fiscal Q3 2025 financial results, demonstrating remarkable growth and exceeding analyst predictions across numerous metrics, including revenue and earnings per share. A key highlight from the earnings conference was CEO Tim Cook’s announcement that Apple has officially distributed its three-billionth iPhone since the product’s launch in 2007.

This achievement is particularly remarkable as it highlights the iPhone’s lasting appeal and influence on the tech landscape. For reference, Apple achieved its one-billionth iPhone shipment in July 2016, nine years following the debut of the original iPhone. At that juncture, Cook underscored the iPhone’s position as “one of the most significant, transformative, and successful products in history.”

While Apple did not formally announce the shipment of its two-billionth iPhone, analysts estimate that this landmark was reached around September 2021. The absence of official announcements concerning unit sales since November 2018, when Apple stopped reporting these figures, has complicated the tracking of such milestones. The company’s then-CFO, Luca Maestri, noted that quarterly unit sales were not reflective of the overall health of the business.

During the recent earnings conference, Cook commented on the importance of the three-billionth shipment, stating, “We also recently marked a significant milestone. We shipped the 3 billionth iPhone since its launch in 2007.” This accomplishment showcases Apple’s ongoing innovation and the iPhone’s core role in the company’s product portfolio.

The iPhone continues to be a critical aspect of Apple’s business strategy, significantly influencing its revenue sources. As the company proceeds to enhance its product offerings and broaden its services, the iPhone’s legacy as a revolutionary device in the tech sector remains firmly established.

In summary, Apple’s accomplishment of shipping three billion iPhones stands as a testament to the device’s enduring impact and the company’s capability to adapt and prosper in a competitive landscape. As Apple progresses, it will be intriguing to observe how the iPhone continues to influence the future of technology and consumer electronics.

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Apple Announces $800 Million Rise in Costs Attributed to Tariffs Last Quarter, Expects More Than $1 Billion Effect in Q4

**Consequences of U.S. Tariff Conflict on Apple’s Operations: Insights from Q3 2025 Earnings Call**

In the current Q3 2025 earnings call, Apple CEO Tim Cook discussed the effects of the U.S. tariff conflict on the company’s business and offered forecasts for the next fiscal quarter, depending on the present tariff situation.

During the call, Cook disclosed that Apple faced about $800 million in costs associated with tariffs for the June quarter. Looking to the September quarter, he projected that, assuming global tariff rates and policies remain unchanged, the company might encounter an extra $1.1 billion in costs. Cook stressed that these projections should not be interpreted as fixed forecasts for future quarters due to the dynamic nature of trade regulations.

In the previous quarter, Apple had expected a $900 million impact from tariffs, making the $800 million for Q3 appear somewhat favorable. This decrease showcases Apple’s capacity to respond quickly to the changing circumstances, particularly by relocating a significant amount of U.S.-bound iPhone manufacturing from China to India.

Although Cook did not detail which products or areas experienced the most significant impact from the $800 million tariff cost, nor clarified if the anticipated $1.1 billion in Q4 expenses would be passed on to consumers, he mentioned that more information may come out later in the call.

In spite of the hurdles posed by tariffs, Apple announced a strong revenue of $94.04 billion for the June quarter, marking a 10% year-over-year increase, with significant growth in the iPhone, Mac, and Services sectors.

For a detailed analysis of Apple’s financial performance, additional information can be found in the complete earnings report linked in the original announcement.

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Apple Stock Sees Slight Rise After Q3 Earnings Surprise

**Apple’s Fiscal Q3 2025 Earnings Summary: A Mixed Reception for Shareholders**

Apple Inc. has announced its fiscal Q3 2025 earnings, showing revenue of $94.04 billion for the June quarter, marking a 10% increase compared to the previous year. This result exceeded Wall Street’s projections, resulting in a slight 3% uptick in Apple shares during after-hours trading. Nonetheless, the broader market reaction has been subdued, suggesting that investors might have had high expectations and are now keen on the insights from the ongoing earnings discussion.

Despite the favorable earnings report, Apple’s stock is down roughly 14% year to date, exhibiting minimal movement since April. This stagnation is attributed to multiple factors, including uncertainties regarding the company’s artificial intelligence (AI) strategy and persistent issues associated with tariffs and regulatory challenges. While Apple unveiled new AI features at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June, the pace of implementation has been slow, raising alarms about the company’s strategic direction amidst changes in leadership and employee departures.

**Tariff Impacts Affecting Financial Projections**

Alongside the hurdles presented by AI, Apple has acknowledged an $800 million effect from tariffs in Q3, with a possible $1.1 billion impact expected in Q4 if present trade policies stay the same. CEO Tim Cook warned that these projections should not be extrapolated for future forecasts, as various elements, such as tariff rates, could considerably shift the financial outlook.

Though investors have gained a clearer perspective on the immediate financial implications of tariffs, the long-term outlook remains ambiguous. The interplay of robust earnings, tariff-driven costs, and internal company dynamics creates a complicated scenario for Apple as it maneuvers through the rest of the fiscal year.

**Conclusion**

To summarize, while Apple’s fiscal Q3 2025 earnings report demonstrates a significant revenue boost, the performance of the stock indicates a wary market attitude. Investors are keenly observing the company’s strategic initiatives, particularly in AI, and the potential effects of ongoing tariff challenges. As Apple adapts to these hurdles, the emphasis will continue to be on its capacity to achieve steady growth and innovation in a competitive environment.

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Proton Launches Two-Factor Authentication Application for Improved Security

**Proton Authenticator: A New Contender in Two-Factor Authentication**

Proton, a firm celebrated for its dedication to privacy, has recently broadened its array of services with the debut of Proton Authenticator, an open-source, multi-platform two-factor authentication (2FA) application. This rollout follows the unveiling of their AI chatbot, Lumo, underscoring Proton’s continuous initiatives to bolster user security and privacy.

### What is Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)?

Two-factor authentication (2FA) is a security mechanism that adds an extra layer of defense when accessing online accounts. By necessitating a secondary form of verification beyond merely a password, 2FA greatly diminishes the chances of unauthorized access. Typically, after inputting a password, users must supply a code produced by a 2FA app. This implies that even if a hacker obtains a user’s password, they cannot log in without also having the user’s 2FA app, which is generally safeguarded by a password or biometric security.

### Introducing Proton Authenticator

Proton Authenticator is crafted to operate across various platforms, including iOS, macOS, Android, Windows, and Linux. This flexibility enables users to safeguard their accounts, irrespective of the device they are utilizing. The application is free, open-source, and utilizes end-to-end encryption, guaranteeing that users’ 2FA codes stay confidential and secure. Furthermore, Proton Authenticator facilitates the synchronization and backup of 2FA codes, simplifying the management of authentication necessities for users.

### How to Set Up Proton Authenticator

Setting up Proton Authenticator is a simple endeavor. Here are the official instructions provided by Proton:

1. **Download the Authenticator App**: Users can download Proton Authenticator for their specific devices. Signing into a Proton Account is optional for syncing codes across devices.

2. **Enable 2FA on Your Accounts**: When activating 2FA on an account, the service will display a QR code or a secret key. Users can either scan the QR code or manually input the key into Proton Authenticator. The app also offers the option to import tokens from other authenticator applications.

3. **Use Codes to Securely Log In**: Proton Authenticator creates a new 6-digit code every few seconds. Users must input this code when logging into their accounts, adding an extra layer of security.

### Conclusion

Proton Authenticator signifies a notable advancement in improving online security for users. With its open-source character, cross-platform accessibility, and robust privacy features, it serves individuals seeking a dependable and secure approach to managing two-factor authentication. For additional details and to download the application, users can visit

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Apple Q3 2025 Financial Report: Revenue Hits $94.04 Billion, Signifying a 10% Growth (Charts Attached)

### Apple Q3 2025 Earnings Report

Apple has just released its earnings report for fiscal Q3 2025, which ended on June 29. The company recorded a stunning revenue of $94.04 billion, showing a 10% rise compared to the same quarter last year and exceeding the expected revenue of $89.22 billion. Below is a comprehensive overview of the financial performance.

#### Key Financial Metrics

– **Total Revenue**: $94.04 billion
– **Earnings Per Share (EPS)**: $1.57
– **Net Income**: $23.43 billion

#### Revenue Breakdown by Product Category

– **iPhone Revenue**: $44.58 billion
– **Mac Revenue**: $8.05 billion
– **iPad Revenue**: $6.58 billion
– **Wearables, Home, and Accessories Revenue**: $7.4 billion
– **Services Revenue**: $27.42 billion

#### Leadership Commentary

Apple’s CEO, Tim Cook, voiced his pride in the company’s accomplishments, stating, “Today Apple is pleased to announce a record revenue for the June quarter with double-digit growth in iPhone, Mac, and Services, alongside growth across all geographic regions. At WWDC25, we were thrilled to showcase a stunning new software design that spans all of our platforms, and we introduced even more outstanding Apple Intelligence features.”

CFO Kevan Parekh remarked, “We are extremely satisfied with our record business performance for the June quarter, yielding an EPS growth of 12 percent. Our installed base of active devices has also reached a historic high across every product line and geographic area, due to our exceptional levels of customer satisfaction and loyalty.”

#### Visual Representation

Apple’s Q3 2025 performance can be better understood through various charts that depict revenue growth and performance by product category.

#### Upcoming Events

For those keen on exploring the earnings call in detail, 9to5Mac will offer full coverage of the discussion featuring Tim Cook and Kevan Parekh. The live stream will be accessible [here](https://www.apple.com/investor/earnings-call/) starting at 2:00 p.m. PT / 5:00 p.m. ET. Furthermore, Apple’s full earnings release can be found in

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Tim Cook Declares Boosted Commitment to AI and Possibility for Speedier Mergers and Acquisitions to Improve Roadmap

**Apple’s Q3 2025 Earnings Report: A Robust Performance and AI Aspirations**

Today, Apple disclosed its quarterly earnings, illustrating an exceptional performance that significantly surpassed Wall Street projections. The firm registered a notable 10% increase in year-over-year revenue, amounting to $94.04 billion. This favorable financial result demonstrates Apple’s resilience and agility in a competitive landscape.

Alongside the earnings announcement, Apple CEO Tim Cook highlighted the company’s escalating investments in artificial intelligence (AI). In a discussion with CNBC, Cook remarked, “We are substantially increasing our investments. We’re integrating it throughout our devices, platforms, and the company as a whole.” This declaration underscores Apple’s dedication to incorporating AI into its ecosystem, potentially enhancing user experience and operational productivity.

Cook disclosed that Apple has acquired about seven companies this year, although he pointed out that none of these acquisitions were particularly large in terms of financial ramifications. He conveyed a willingness to pursue mergers and acquisitions (M&A) that could expedite Apple’s AI roadmap, suggesting a strategic mindset to strengthen its capabilities in this vital sector.

Cook described AI as “one of the most significant technologies of our era,” emphasizing its capacity to revolutionize various sectors and daily life. However, these remarks arrive at a time when Apple is under scrutiny about its AI endeavors. Reports have emerged indicating difficulties within Apple’s AI initiatives, including a recent high-profile departure from its foundational models team to Meta’s “superintelligence” division. This marks the fourth significant exit from the team, raising worries about the stability and trajectory of Apple’s AI approach.

Apple Intelligence, which debuted last year, is poised to receive a variety of new features in the forthcoming iOS 26. Nevertheless, industry consensus indicates that Apple has considerable ground to cover in the AI arena, especially when contrasted with the progress made by rivals like OpenAI and Google. Setbacks in improving Siri’s capabilities have further intensified this perception, highlighting the urgency for Apple to innovate and close the gap.

As Apple continues to maneuver through the intricacies of AI development, the tech community remains keen to observe how the company will utilize its resources and expertise to achieve significant advancements in this transformative sector. Tim Cook’s remarks reflect a vision for a future where AI holds a central position in Apple’s offerings, but the journey ahead will demand strategic execution and creativity.

In summary, while Apple’s latest earnings report attests to its financial viability, the company’s aspirations in AI will be closely monitored as it aims to position itself as a leader in this swiftly changing landscape.

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