From: AppleInsider - Friday May 09, 2025 10:01 pm
AI-powered search options in Safari, Apple Glass rumors, more!
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This Week in Apple

Apple may one day replace Google as the default Safari search engine with a new AI-based search option. The rumor mill has some more details about the iPhone Fold. We’ve heard a few new claims about the long-rumored Apple smart glasses, as well as some details about the future of Apple’s M-Series chips.


Here’s what happened during the past week, and why it matters.

During court testimony over Apple's search deal with Google, Apple executive Eddy Cue said the iPhone maker was "actively looking" at implementing AI-based search solutions in Safari.


These could eventually replace Google as the default search engine on iPhone, which would lead to a revenue loss of $20B per year for Apple. Cue added that Safari searches were down for the first time in April, but Google says it "continues to see "an increase in total queries coming from Apple's devices and platforms."


Our take:

Cue offered that AI search providers will probably replace traditional search engines, and believes that the iPhone itself will one day be replaced by AI. Still, Apple seems keen on maintaining its $20B/year deal with Google for the time being, and the case has yet to conclude.


Related stories:

The Weather app has been around since the original iPhone, and it’s an essential tool for many of us. Whether you’re looking to plan a trip or you’re just curious about this week’s forecast, Apple’s Weather app has undoubtedly come in handy at some point.


The application has changed and grown over the years, as Apple has acquired and implemented features from third-party apps. To get the most out of the Weather app and its various options, check out this week’s newsletter-exclusive tip!


Related story:

Apple’s long-rumored smart glasses may finally launch around Christmas 2026, and they’ll reportedly feature custom Apple Silicon chips. The company’s M-series chips are also set to receive improvements with the M6, M7, and a new ultra-powerful AI server chip.


The iPhone Fold, meanwhile, may feature a touch sensor integrated into the display rather than as a separate layer. If true, this would make the device around 19% thinner than Samsung’s Z Fold. The first-generation iPhone Fold could debut in 2026, with a successor in 2027.


Our take:

It remains to be seen what exactly Apple’s smart glasses will look like, and whether or not they’ll have mass market appeal, unlike the Apple Vision Pro. Multiple reports have suggested a foldable iPhone will debut in 2026, and it makes sense for Apple to try and keep this device relatively thin.


Related stories:

On May 6, Epic Games’ CEO said that Fortnite would return to the App Store. Though the two companies have reportedly reached an agreement, Sweeney says Epic’s legal battle could ultimately cost the company more than $1 million in total.


Last week, Apple was forced to make changes to its App Store Guidelines, meaning that the company can no longer collect fees on external purchases, nor can it restrict link placement within apps. Though analysts believe this won’t get App Store users to buy from developers directly, Apple has still filed an appeal and has asked to stay enforcement during the appeal.


Our take:

Sweeney remains bullish in his claims that Fortnite will return to the App Store, but it remains to be seen whether or not it will actually happen. If Apple’s appeal is successful, developers would once again face restrictions and fees on purchases made outside the App Store.


Related stories:

According to a recent report, 39% of U.S. iPhone buyers in the first quarter of 2025 replaced phones that were at least three years old. That's up from 30% in the same period over the past few years. The increase was likely caused by iPhone panic-buying, a result of consumer fears over the tariffs imposed by President Trump.


Apple’s increased product imports during the second quarter of 2025 may not be enough to prevent a tariff-related price hike, according to a separate investor’s note seen by AppleInsider. Apple Watch sales, meanwhile, declined 19% in 2024 year on year, and it may have been caused by a lack of significant hardware updates in recent years.


Our take:

The tariff situation remains susceptible to change, and so do consumer attitudes. Apple was able to secure a temporary tariff exemption, but that doesn’t mean a price hike isn’t headed our way.


Related stories:

If Steve Jobs hadn’t introduced the iMac back in 1998, we wouldn’t have the iPhone or the App Store as we know them today. AppleInsider’s William Gallagher explains exactly how it all started and why the iMac turned out to be such a success for Apple.


AppleInsider’s Mike Wuerthele, meanwhile, reviewed the Vtoman FlashSpeed 1000 Power Station. It’s essentially a portable battery that can keep off-grid campers happy for a weekend, and it works great as a UPS for your Mac Studio, too. Check out the full review to find out more!


Vtoman FlashSpeed 1000 Power Station review score: 4 out of 5


Related stories:

Apple is working on a brand-new software platform called homeOS—and it could change how you control your smart home forever.


In this week’s video, AppleInsider’s Andrew O’Hara breaks down everything we know so far about Apple’s upcoming smart home operating system — how it’s built on tvOS, what features to expect, and how it could power Apple’s rumored iPad-smart speaker hybrid. Check out the video to learn more!

This week, William Gallagher and Wesley Hilliard look back at the legendary iMac on its 27th birthday, but also look ahead to rumors of a future shakeup over iPhone launches — and the present-day shakeup in the App Store. Check out the AppleInsider Podcast to find out more about this week’s events in the tech world!


Related story:

Amazon has a great deal on AirPods 4, which are available for the low price of just $99. That’s an impressive $30 off the retail price.


You can also get the Apple Watch Series 10, starting at $299! Amazon’s discounts can save you $100 on the 42mm Aluminum Case configuration with GPS. Check it out!

The long-rumored iPhone Fold is just around a year away, and it’ll be interesting to see just how thin it really is. The future of Apple’s App Store Guidelines, and the default Safari browser, however, remains uncertain, as the related lawsuits have yet to conclude.


At AppleInsider, our mission is to keep you up to date on all major developments in the area of technology, particularly related to Apple, its products, and endeavors.


We publish stories, guides, and reviews throughout the week, so be sure to check out AppleInsider.com.


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