Apple Still Cares - Old Device Updates, Siri 2.0, & iOS 26.3

Apple reported record profits driven by strong iPhone 16 sales, while preparing for significant updates to Siri and new product releases including the iPhone Fold and M5 MacBook Pros.

• Apple achieved record earnings and strong iPhone 16 sales in 2025.

• Siri is undergoing a major upgrade using Google's Gemini AI, rolled out in phases.

• New Macs, an iPhone Fold, and expanded CarPlay Ultra are on the horizon.

Apple achieved record profits of $42.1 billion on $143.8 billion in revenue, with iPhone 16 being the world's bestselling smartphone in 2025. Major updates are anticipated for Siri, leveraging Google's Gemini-based AI with a phased rollout starting with iOS 26.4, ensuring privacy through private cloud compute. New products like M5 MacBook Pros, an iPhone Fold with a large battery, and even smart glasses are expected, alongside continued software support for older devices.

Record Earnings & iPhone Success

• 00:00:12 Apple announced record first-quarter profits of $42.1 billion on $143.8 billion in revenue, marking a 16% year-over-year increase, with Tim Cook highlighting 'staggering' iPhone demand. The iPhone 16 was the world's bestselling smartphone in 2025, contributing to Apple holding 19% of the market share and seven of the top ten spots for bestselling smartphones according to Counterpoint Research. Despite an increase in RAM and storage prices, Apple saw minimal impact on gross margins in late 2025, though future quarters may see some effect.

Siri 2.0 and iOS Updates

• 00:07:11 Apple confirmed a collaboration with Google to integrate a Gemini-based AI model into Siri, running on Apple's private cloud compute for enhanced capabilities while maintaining industry-leading privacy standards. This 'Siri 2.0' upgrade will roll out in two stages, with the initial Gemini-based enhancements arriving with iOS 26.4, followed by new features like a chatbot in iOS 27. The latest iOS 26.3 beta 4 or RC is expected soon, with a public release potentially in early February, while iOS 26 adoption has reached 50% of supported iPhones.

Upcoming Hardware Releases

• 00:08:44 Apple plans a split release strategy for the iPhone 18, with Pro models and an iPhone Fold launching later this year, and the base model pushed to early 2027. The iPhone Fold is rumored to feature Apple's largest-ever battery, exceeding 5,500 mAh, and new design elements like volume buttons on the top edge and a side Touch ID sensor. Additionally, M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pros are expected to launch within weeks alongside macOS 26.3, and updated Studio Displays with improved shipping times, possibly leading to OLED MacBook Pros with M6 chips later in the year.

Future Apple Ecosystem

• 00:01:40 Apple CarPlay Ultra, which takes over complete control of a car's interface including gauges, is expanding beyond the Aston Martin DBX to Genesis, Hyundai, and Kia vehicles later this year, offering users a choice between standard or CarPlay Ultra gauges. Furthermore, Apple is exploring other companies like Intel to produce lower-end chips, diversifying its supply chain beyond TSMC. Long-rumored home devices, potentially integrating an iPhone-like display for home management and FaceTime, could launch as early as spring, with smart glasses also in development for a late 2026 release, potentially similar to Meta Glasses with an assistant and camera.