Mobile menu toggle

AI - page 2

Tim Cook hints that new AI-enabled products are on the way — what to expect

By

Apple Tim Cook in AI-enabled smart glasses
We might see Tim Cook wearing Apple's AI-powered smart glasses later this year.
Product concept: ChatGPT/Cult of Mac

Apple CEO Tim Cook said he’s excited about the “new categories of products and services that are enabled through AI” during a meeting with company employees Thursday.

He didn’t go into specifics, but some of the new AI-powered devices reportedly on drawing boards at Apple headquarters have already leaked out. Here’s what’s coming.

If your AI prompts aren’t working, try this

By

Photo of AI prompts generator Prompting Systems opened on a laptop
Stop struggling to make AI produce your desired results.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

AI prompts generator Prompting Systems turns plain-text directions into effective directives that work with popular models like ChatGPT and Claude. 

It makes it simple to get the results you want without burning an afternoon iterating on prompts that don’t deliver the goods. And a lifetime subscription to this tool for AI mastery just dropped to $29.99 (regularly $360).

Apple CEO commits to ‘personal and private’ AI for users

By

Apple CEO commits to 'personal and private' AI for users
Apple's CEO is "very happy with the collaboration with Google" on AI.
Image: Apple/Cult of Mac

Apple CEO Tim Cook spoke publicly for the first time on Thursday about the collaboration with Google that will upgrade the Siri voice assistant with the Gemini AI. He emphasized that the new Siri will “maintain our industry-leading privacy standards.”
Cook also said the company will continue to develop its own artificial intelligence models, even as it’s using Google’s.

Apple acquires Q.ai in $2 billion bet on next-gen AI ‘silent speech’

By

Apple acquires Q.ai in $2 billion bet on next-gen AI 'silent speech'
Q.ai technology could make Siri much easier to talk to.
Image: ChatGPT/Cult of Mac

Apple just paid $2 billion for Q.ai, an AI company with technology that could dramatically enhance the Siri voice assistant. It’s a stealth-mode Israeli artificial intelligence startup that develops advanced technologies to improve human/computer communication beyond basic speech recognition.
It’s the second largest acquisition in Apple history.

Price drop: This AI speech-to-text tool for Mac and PC hits 99.7% accuracy

By

VoiceType AI opened on a laptop device
VoiceType AI is on sale right now, save 74%!
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Switching to an AI speech-to-text tool could be the best productivity shift you make. VoiceType AI is a desktop-based dictation tool that turns your spoken words into clear, well-formatted text with 99.7% accuracy.
Most people type at around 40 words per minute. But VoiceType AI captures speech at up to 360 words per minute, giving you a serious productivity boost without sacrificing quality. And right now, it costs just $24.99 for a lifetime subscription (regularly $154).

Apple works on AI wearable with mics, cameras and more

By

Apple AI Pin concept
An Apple AI Pin could look something like this concept design.
Concept image: Midjourney/Cult of Mac

Apple is reportedly exploring a new category of wearable hardware: an AirTag-sized AI pin designed to clip onto clothing and function hands-free without a screen.
After mostly sitting on the sidelines for years, Apple is apparently jumping into the AI game in a big way.

Apple may reinvent Siri as a conversational AI in iOS 27

By

Apple may reinvent Siri as a conversational AI in iOS 27
What if Siri was actually (gasp!) useful?
Image: Google Gemini/Cult of Mac

Forget the old, nearly useless Siri — Apple reportedly plans to upgrade the iPhone’s voice assistant into an AI-powered chatbot with iOS 27. Users will supposedly be able to converse with the new Siri, not just give it orders.

If true, this will let Apple compete directly against Android and Windows computers with built-in AI chatbots.

Some AI apps leak loads of your data — see the worst offenders

By

AI-generated image of a dark server room with glowing computers, with the words,
Now you can find out if your new AI apps leak your personal data all over the place.
AI image: Midjourney/Cult of Mac

New security research repository Firehound uncovered widespread data leaks affecting millions of iPhone users who downloaded AI-powered apps from the App Store.

If you’ve downloaded AI apps lately, as millions of others have, you might want to check to see if they made Firehound’s list.

You got Google in my Siri! And a fold in my iPhone! [Cult of Mac podcast No. 3]

By

An AI-generated comic book-style image of a person in a laboratory with their brain exposed and lightning bolts, used to illustrate a story about Ciri getting an AI upgrade powered by Google Gemini, as discussed on the Cult of Mac podcast #3.
Using Google Gemini to juice Siri is a shocker!
AI image: Midjourney/Cult of Mac

This week on the Cult of Mac podcast: It’s finally official — Siri is getting a long-awaited AI brain transplant, courtesy of Google Gemini.

We discuss the pros and cons of the deal, but more importantly, we express our sincere hope that Siri will actually work in the future.

Also on the Cult of Mac podcast:

  • The soon-to-launch Apple Creator Studio software bundle seems like an unbelievable deal — especially if you’re a student or teacher.
  • OpenAI’s first piece of Jony Ive-designed hardware sounds like a legit head-scratcher. Can it really compete with AirPods? It’s anybody’s guess, but we’re not big fans of betting against the former Apple design god. Lots of unanswered questions remain, but hey, at least now we know what an egg stone is!
  • And finally, Griffin wraps up the show with a hands-on demo of a 3D-printed mockup of the rumored folding iPhone. If the leaked specs prove true, this device is going to be a strange one. We’ve got plenty of questions (and not a few concerns).

Listen to this week’s episode of the Cult of Mac podcast in the Podcasts app or your favorite podcast app. (Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review if you like it!) Or watch the video stream, embedded below.

Steve Jobs would approve of building Google’s AI into Siri

By

An AI image of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs giving a thumbs up in front of Apple and Google logos, used to illustrate an opinion piece about how he would have approved building Google's Gemini AI into Siri.
If Steve Jobs were here, he'd sign off on the Apple/Google partnership to add Gemini to Siri.
AI mage: ChatGPT/Cult of Mac

The fact that Google Gemini will power the revamped Siri is drawing criticism from people convinced that Apple should have developed its own AI in-house to bring the voice assistant up to speed.

Some of the critics seem to think Apple always made its own software before now. Therefore they regard the deal with Google as a major policy shift — and a sign of weakness that would horrify Apple co-founder Steve Jobs.

No. Just … no. These critics will be shocked to learn that many Apple products are built on top of tech developed outside the company … and often, it was Steve Jobs who did it!

Tiny Soundcore AI recorder redefines note-taking for iPhone users [Updated] ★★★

By

Soundcore Work AI Note Taker review★★★
This tiny recorder can transcribe and summarize meetings.
Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac

Update: Anker renamed the Soundcore Work AI Voice Recorder reviewed below as Soundcore Work AI Note Taker to more directly reflect the main use of the product, the company said Tuesday. Its listings tend to put it down now as “note taker/voice recorder.” Soundcore also noted the problem I had with Find My functionality should be fixed now on production units. 

Original review: In an ecosystem where seamless integration matters most, the new Soundcore voice recorder and note taker arrives with a compelling proposition for Apple users. As this Soundcore Work AI Note Taker review finds, the coin-sized device promises to transform how iPhone and Mac users capture, transcribe and organize voice recordings.

After examining its features through an Apple-centric lens, here’s what you need to know about whether this $159.99 recorder deserves a spot in your productivity arsenal.

Price drop: Unrestricted AI generator lets you create NSFW images

By

AI-generated images produced by NSFW AI image generator Imagiyo
Secure a lifetime subscription to the Imagiyo AI image generator for just $29 and make any kind of images you want.
Image: Cult of Mac Deals

AI image generator Imagiyo lets you create all kinds of images — even NSFW ones. That’s how unbounded this new AI tool is.

It doesn’t matter if you’re designing for a business, crafting unique artwork, or just exploring the creative potential of AI, this powerful tool puts complete control at your fingertips. No subscriptions, no watermarks, no limits — just a simple, intuitive platform that transforms text prompts into stunning, high-quality visuals.

Right now, you can get lifetime access to Imagiyo for just $19.97 (down from $345). With this deal, the AI generator will let you create up to 250 images per month (including NSFW ones), in any resolution you choose. Unlike other AI image generators that lock features behind expensive monthly plans, this deal allows you to create professional-quality artwork (including for commercial use) without recurring fees.

Price drop: This AI-powered app takes notes for you, then summarizes them

By

Man working in front of a computer using AI note taker app My Noes AI
Get a lifetime of unlimited transcriptions and summaries for one low price.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

If you ever endured a long lecture or an hours-long all-hands meeting, you know this to be true: There’s no way you can jot down every single word your professor or colleague utters. Rather than scramble and stress about missing certain parts of a presentation, you could add an AI note taker like My Notes AI to your productivity tool kit.

This AI-powered note transcription and summarization app works with your iPhone, iPad and Mac to help you catch every single word. Think of it as your very own personal assistant! You can snag a lifetime subscription to My Notes AI for just $27.97 (regularly $299) with code NOTE. That’s the best price you’ll find online.

Price drop: Generate images, text, logos and more with lifetime access to this AI platform

By

AI tools for business: AI MagicX
Fulfill all your AI needs with a single suite of AI tools, for a low one-time payment.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

With the wealth of AI tools available, the problem isn’t finding one that will get the job done. The real issue is finding the best fit for your budget. You might be able to find independent AI tools like ChatGPT or Dall-E for generating copy, creating logos, building stories and more, but AI MagicX does it all under one subscription, and you only have to pay for it once. That makes it a perfect suite of AI tools for business.

This robust AI platform includes tools for designing logos, generating art, creating chatbots, writing articles and creating stories. There’s even a document editor. And for a limited time, you can get a lifetime subscription on sale for just $59.97 (regularly $972).

4 top executives who ditched Apple to join Meta in 2025

By

top executives left Apple for Meta
Four top executives migrated from Apple to Meta in 2025 -- part of a larger exodus.
AI image: Grok/Cult of Mac

In 2025 an unprecedented talent exodus decimated Apple’s leadership ranks, with Meta Platforms emerging as the primary beneficiary of the iPhone maker’s retention struggles. The social media giant has successfully lured away four high-profile executives from Apple’s artificial intelligence and design divisions, raising serious questions about the Cupertino company’s competitive position in the rapidly evolving AI landscape. Find out more about the top executives left Apple for Meta below.

Your calendar just got smarter: Grab this AI upgrade for just $30

By

Photo of a person scheduling an event on the calendar of n iPhone using Smart Calendars AI
Make adding calendar events effortless with this AI-powered tool.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Organize your week the fast and easy way with Smart Calendars AI, an app that works like your personal scheduling assistant. It works on iPhone, iPad and Mac and makes it simple to plan out your personal agenda.

This isn’t just another planner app. It’s an AI-powered assistant that thinks the way you do — capturing ideas, interpreting context and turning them into organized plans without the mental gymnastics.

And right now, you can bag a three-year subscription to Smart Calendars AI for just $29.99.

Use Nano Banana Pro to create amazing AI images on your iPhone

By

How to use Nano Banana Pro on iPhone
Use Google's latest image editing AI model to create amazing images on your iPhone.
AI Image: Google Gemini

From wild concept art to polished edits, Google Gemini’s Nano Banana Pro image creation and editing tool can spin up impressive visuals from a single prompt on your iPhone.

The featured image of this article itself serves as an amazing example of Nano Banana Pro’s capabilities. And it also showcases just how far behind Apple is in the AI race. (Sorry, Image Playground.)

If you’re itching to use Google’s Nano Banana Pro on your iPhone, this guide will show you how.

New Apple rules keep apps from sending data to third-party AI

By

Apple App Review Guidelines on AI
Apple is making sure apps don't just send your data to third-party AI services.
Photo: Apple/Rajesh Pandey

Apple rolled out updated App Review Guidelines Thursday that require developers to explicitly disclose when they’re sharing your personal information with third-party artificial intelligence services — and get your permission first.

Build better ChatGPT prompts in seconds with this powerful AI tool

By

Lady working with her laptop on a desk using AI prompt engineering tool PromptBuilder.
Make AI work for you the smarter way with PromptBuilder.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

AI prompt engineering tool PromptBuilder helps you create, optimize and manage prompts for all the major AI tools. It works with OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Google Gemini and more to make sure you get the results you envision.
If you’ve ever spent 20 minutes rewriting the same ChatGPT prompt hoping for better output, you already know how frustrating prompt crafting can be. But with a one-time payment of just $199 (MSRP $1,764), this lifetime subscription to PromptBuilder’s Unlimited Plan can make that pain go away.

7 exciting features to expect from Siri’s 2026 AI upgrade

By

Siri 2026 AI upgrade
Tim Cook confirmed AI-enhanced Siri should arrive in 2026. Here's a reminder of what that will mean.
AI image: ChatGPT/Cult of Mac

Apple’s long-delayed AI-powered Siri upgrade remains on track for a 2026 debut, CEO Tim Cook said Thursday. That offers some reassurance to users after multiple setbacks pushed the originally planned 2024 release back by more than a year.
So, what can we expect from a smarter Siri voice assistant when it finally arrives? 

Hands-on with new ChatGPT Atlas browser: Safari is falling behind fast

By

AI image of a MacBook Pro with the ChatGPT Atlas browser on its screen, in a dimly lit room with UV lights.
ChatGPT Atlas and other AI-enhanced web browsers might eat Safari's lunch.
AI image: Midjourney/Cult of Mac

Going hands-on with the new ChatGPT Atlas browser for Mac makes it crystal clear that Safari risks becoming irrelevant. Our browsing habits are evolving fast, and Apple’s browser just isn’t keeping up

For years, Safari has been my go-to browser on the Mac due to its speed and power efficiency. But with Apple falling behind in the artificial intelligence wars, and a new breed of AI-boosted browsers coming on strong, that could change. I went hands-on with ChatGPT Atlas to see what the future of internet browsing looks like.

It’s AI madness! [The CultCast]

By

The CultCast logo with image of Pikachu in World War II soldier uniform, created by Sora
Things are getting weird in AI land.
Image: Cult of Mac

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: After OpenAI’s Sora app races to the top of the App Store charts, it’s time to consider how fantastic and terrifying it really is.

The iPhone-only app produces startlingly photorealistic videos of wacky things like Pikachu as a World War II soldier and iJustine wrestling an elephant. Will we ever be able to believe our eyes again?

Also on The CultCast:

  • Former Apple design chief Jony Ive and his new BFFs at OpenAI reportedly run into some serious problems as they work to create an AI device to take on the iPhone.
  • iOS 26 lets you screen iPhone calls even more efficiently than before. Griffin shows us how it the upgraded features work.
  • A switcher lands a great deal on a MacBook Air, then goes all in on the Apple ecosystem. Talk about the halo effect!
  • And finally, the latest iOS 26.1 beta brings some interesting new features — Griffin tells us all about them.

Listen to this week’s episode of The CultCast in the Podcasts app or your favorite podcast app. (Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review if you like it!) Or watch the video version, embedded below.

OpenAI struggles to create its iPhone killer

By

OpenAI companion AI
The AI companion from OpenAI might look something like this concept.
AI concept: ChatGPT

OpenAI’s efforts to create and sell an “AI companion” device reportedly have serious obstacles to overcome. These are existential, including how the company can find enough computing resources to enable the artificial intelligence devices to function.

That’s good news for Apple, as there have been predictions that products designed specifically for AI might someday take the place of the iPhone and other smartphones.

Sora rockets to No. 1 on App Store: What Apple users love about OpenAI’s new AI video app

By

Sora app
The Sora app uses AI to generate fun, very realistic videos from user prompts.
Screenshot: OpenAI

OpenAI introduced the Sora iPhone app Tuesday, and by Friday, it had already hit the No. 1 spot on Apple’s Top Free Apps list. The secret of the new AI video app’s appeal? It’s a lot of fun, letting users create hilarious short videos with a simple text description.

Watch some of the hilarious (and amazing) videos people have already created, there go make your own.

iPhone 17 desperately needs these Pixel 10 AI features

By

An image of Google's Pixel 10 lineup, with the words,
When it comes to AI, the iPhone severely lags Google's Pixel phones. Swiping these AI features would be a great start.
Image: Cult of Mac

Google’s new Pixel 10 lineup shows just how much fun (and just how useful) AI can be on a phone. If Apple really wants the iPhone 17 lineup to shine, it should steal a few pages from Google’s playbook.

The iPhone 17 needs more than impressive new hardware to stand out from the crowd. It needs new AI features to make an impact, especially with the Pixel 10 raising the bar.