Imagine your iPhone running on Google's AI! It sounds crazy, right? But that's the buzz this week, along with crucial updates you absolutely must install and a tantalizing glimpse at a potentially revolutionary iPhone model. Buckle up, because Apple's world is spinning fast! Let's dive into the week's top Apple headlines, from a surprising AI partnership to early whispers about the iPhone 17e and everything in between. We'll also touch on those all-important iOS updates and even some sweet deals on older iPhones.
First, remember you can also catch my weekly Android news roundup right here on Forbes, if you're interested in the other side of the mobile world.
Apple Turns To Google For AI: A Deal With the Devil (or a Stroke of Genius?)
Apple's struggle to create a truly competitive AI system has taken a dramatic turn. News has broken that Apple Intelligence, the company's much-anticipated AI suite, will reportedly leverage Google's Gemini AI at its core. Yes, you read that right – Apple is turning to its biggest rival for help. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman dropped the bombshell, revealing not only the partnership but also the staggering amount Apple is expected to pay Google. But here's where it gets controversial... Is this a sign of Apple admitting defeat in the AI race, or a savvy move to deliver the best possible experience to its users, regardless of who provides the technology?
According to Gurman's report, Apple will pay roughly $1 billion annually for access to Google's AI technology. That's a huge investment. Google will reportedly provide a customized version of Gemini, featuring a massive 1.2 trillion-parameter AI model. The current timeline points to a spring 2026 debut. And this is the part most people miss... given that spring 2026 aligns with Apple's Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC), it's highly likely that this initial release will be a beta, a test version for developers, rather than a full-fledged rollout to the wider iPhone user base. This allows Apple to gather valuable feedback and fine-tune the integration before unleashing it on the masses. What do you think? Is Apple making the right move partnering with Google? Or should they have stuck to their own in-house AI development?
Apple's Urgent iOS Update Warning: Don't Ignore This!
This week saw the release of iOS 26.1 (you can find more details about it here), but that wasn't the only iOS news. In a somewhat unusual move, Apple also pushed out an update to iOS 18, the previous version of the operating system. More importantly, Apple strongly urged users who are either reluctant to upgrade to iOS 26 or are using older iPhones that don't support the latest OS to urgently update to iOS 18.7.2. Why the urgency? As Forbes contributor David Phelan explains, this update is all about security.
"There are more than 25 security fixes in the new release, with issues affecting Find My, Safari, Notes, Mail and Camera. If you're still keen not to install iOS 26, then you should definitely upgrade to iOS 18.7.2 for all these security fixes. But, be warned, it's probably your last chance to stay up to date without going all in on iOS 26." Basically, if you're holding onto an older iPhone or resisting the upgrade to iOS 26, installing iOS 18.7.2 is absolutely crucial to protect your device and data from potential security vulnerabilities. Think of it as applying a fresh coat of armor to your digital castle. Don't delay – update now!
iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro Special Offers: Time to Snag a Deal?
With the iPhone 17 series dominating the headlines, it's easy to forget about last year's iPhone 16 models. However, these phones are still readily available at retailers and through network providers. They offer excellent performance, will continue to receive software support for years to come, and can run most of Apple Intelligence's features. Plus, given Apple's relatively incremental design changes, the iPhone 16 still boasts a modern and stylish aesthetic. And let's not forget the most compelling reason: they're getting cheaper.
You can find some particularly attractive deals, especially through programs like Amazon Renewed. For example, an iPhone 16 Pro with 256GB of storage, originally priced at $1,099, can now be found on Amazon for around $824.97 (prices may vary based on color and storage). That's a significant saving of over $270! If you're not obsessed with having the absolute latest model, the iPhone 16 series offers a fantastic combination of performance, features, and value. It's also worth bearing in mind that the 'renewed' program is often a good way to get a good-as-new phone for a fraction of the price.
Ceding Customization To Your iPhone: A Win for Freedom?
The latest iOS beta hints at exciting new customization options for iPhone users. iOS 26.2 includes code that potentially allows users to reprogram the side button – currently locked to Siri and Apple Wallet – to perform actions of their choosing. This would be a major step towards greater user control and personalization.
Filipe Esposito at Macworld has the inside scoop on this potential change. This change could be particularly significant in light of recent European regulations that push for greater user choice and interoperability. Apple has already made several adjustments to comply with EU requirements, including opening the iPhone to third-party app stores and allowing users to choose default browsers and payment systems. Allowing customization of the side button might be another step in that direction. Imagine being able to assign the side button to launch your favorite camera app, control smart home devices, or even perform custom shortcuts. This level of customization would empower users to tailor their iPhones to their specific needs and preferences. But how far will Apple go? And will these changes be enough to satisfy regulators and users alike? What would you map your side button to if you had the choice?
Here Comes The Second E: iPhone 17e on the Horizon?
While it wasn't a certainty that Apple would release a new iPhone SE model every year (the SE traditionally had a longer upgrade cycle), the appearance of "sixteen" in the iPhone 16e name strongly suggested it. Now, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has all but confirmed that the iPhone 17e will indeed be part of Apple's hardware lineup in the first half of 2026. This is welcome news for those who prefer a more compact and affordable iPhone option.
"I expect the early portion of the year to include the iPhone 17e, an entry-level iPad with the A18 chip and an iPad Air with the M4 processor. There also should be an M5 version of the MacBook Air, as well as MacBook Pros with the M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, and new Mac monitors." The iPhone 17e is expected to be a more budget-friendly option, potentially appealing to users who don't need all the bells and whistles of the flagship models.
WhatsApp Arrives On Your Apple-enabled Wrist: Finally!
After a decade of waiting, WhatsApp finally has an official Apple Watch app! This is a huge win for Apple Watch users who rely on WhatsApp for communication. Mark Wilson breaks down which Apple Watch models are compatible with the new app:
"The new WhatsApp app for the Apple Watch is available to download today – as long as you have an Apple Watch Series 4 or later that's also running watchOS 10 or later. The Series 4 came out in September 2018, so if you've bought an Apple Watch in the last seven years, you should be covered. The watchOS 10 update landed in 2023 and the Series 4 is the oldest model it supports." If you have a relatively recent Apple Watch, you can now seamlessly send and receive WhatsApp messages directly from your wrist. This eliminates the need to constantly pull out your phone to stay connected. It's a small change, but it makes a big difference in convenience and efficiency.
And Finally... Spreading Christmas Cheer the Apple Way!
It's that time of year again! Apple is getting into the holiday spirit by inviting the public to contribute to the digital Christmas tree displayed outside its London offices at Battersea Power Station. If you have an iPad, you can design a festive creation and potentially see it projected onto the building's iconic chimneys.
"Hosted by comedian and personality Munya Chawawa, this is your chance to design a Christmas tree on iPad and see it projected in stunning scale onto Battersea Power Station's iconic chimneys and wash towers. Alongside public entries, designs from famous contributors — including Sir Stephen Fry and David Shrigley OBE — will also light up Battersea for all to enjoy." It's a fun and creative way to get involved in the holiday celebrations and showcase your artistic talents. What's more festive than seeing your own digital Christmas tree design lighting up a London landmark?
Apple Loop delivers your weekly dose of Apple highlights every weekend here on Forbes. Be sure to follow me to stay up-to-date on all the latest Apple news and rumors. You can also check out last week's Apple Loop here, or dive into this week's edition of Android Circuit, our sister column, also available on Forbes. Now, let's hear from you! What are your thoughts on Apple's partnership with Google? Are you excited about the potential customization options in iOS 26.2? And are you planning to upgrade to the iPhone 17e when it arrives? Share your opinions in the comments below!
