Microsoft recently made a significant change to its Copilot Pro AI tool, integrating it directly into Microsoft 365 rather than offering it as a standalone subscription. Previously, users could access Copilot Pro’s AI-enhanced features for an additional $20 per month, which provided advanced assistance across Microsoft’s productivity suite, including apps like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. However, after nine months of gathering user feedback, Microsoft decided to incorporate Copilot Pro into its standard Microsoft 365 Personal and Family subscriptions, eliminating the separate subscription requirement. This integration means that Microsoft 365 users will now have access to Copilot Pro’s capabilities as part of their regular subscription, enhancing their experience with AI-driven features designed to streamline tasks, suggest content, and optimize workflows. Alongside Copilot Pro, Microsoft is also including its new Microsoft Designer app in the Microsoft 365 package, making both tools available at a slight increase in the subscription cost, though far less than the original Copilot Pro add-on price. Currently, these updates are being rolled out in select regions—Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, and Thailand. Microsoft’s limited regional rollout strategy allows the company to observe user engagement and fine-tune the integration before expanding globally, including in the United States. This shift marks a new phase in Microsoft’s approach to AI in productivity software, with an emphasis on providing accessible AI tools as part of its core suite of applications.

Apple’s ambitious plans for advancing its AI capabilities are set to make a major leap with the anticipated switch to M4 chip-powered servers, which could bring a new level of speed and efficiency to the infrastructure behind Apple Intelligence. Currently relying on the robust M2 Ultra chips—the same found in the powerful Mac Pro and Mac Studio—Apple’s servers perform a variety of complex AI tasks in the cloud. This design not only benefits from the power of Apple Silicon but also secures user privacy by processing data without ever storing it or sharing it with third parties. Apple’s collaboration with Foxconn could be key to this transition. By leveraging Foxconn’s expertise, particularly in Taiwan—a global hub for tech innovation—Apple aims to build a new generation of AI servers optimized for the demanding processing requirements of its AI-based services. With Foxconn already a significant player in the AI hardware market, supplying servers for Nvidia’s widely used GPUs, the new Apple collaboration could further position the company as a leader in advanced AI infrastructure. The M4’s enhanced Neural Engine promises to deliver unprecedented processing power, with early specifications suggesting the capability to handle up to 38 trillion operations per second. This massive increase in speed and efficiency could enable Apple to deploy its AI-driven features across a wider range of languages and markets worldwide. By enhancing the power and reach of Apple Intelligence, the M4 upgrade may open doors for entirely new applications and services within Apple’s ecosystem, potentially spanning everything from voice recognition advancements to expanded support for generative AI models. While Nvidia’s GPUs remain a popular choice across the tech industry, Apple’s dedication to developing its own chips reflects the company’s long-standing philosophy of creating highly customized hardware. This self-reliance is not only a cost-effective strategy but also helps ensure a tightly integrated and secure user experience. The enhanced performance of M4-powered servers could enable Apple to achieve greater operational efficiency and scale, positioning it to accelerate innovation in its AI services in ways previously limited by processing constraints.

Early Black Friday deals have started, and AirPods are seeing some of the best discounts yet. Whether you’re looking for the noise-canceling AirPods Pro 2 or the latest AirPods 4 models, these deals make it easy to snag a pair at fantastic prices ahead of the holiday rush. The AirPods Pro 2 are now just $189.99 on Amazon, down from $249—a $59 discount that brings them close to their all-time low. Known for their impressive active noise cancellation and spatial audio, these are a top pick for anyone wanting premium sound quality and performance. For the newest AirPods 4 models, Amazon and Woot have solid deals on both versions. The AirPods 4 without ANC are available for $119 at Amazon, matching the all-time low price. If you’re interested in the AirPods 4 with ANC , Amazon has them for $168.99, marking one of the best prices we’ve seen on this model. Here’s a quick look at the deals: AirPods Pro 2 : $189.99 at Amazon (was $249, $59 off) AirPods 4 (without ANC) : $119 at Amazon AirPods 4 (with ANC) : $168.99 at Amazon These early Black Friday discounts make it a great time to purchase AirPods at some of the lowest prices we’ve seen this year.

Donald Trump’s return to the presidency is expected to bring significant shifts that could impact Apple’s business operations and strategic priorities. Given Trump’s previous focus on reducing dependence on China, Apple may face renewed pressure to diversify its supply chain. While the company has already started to expand manufacturing into countries like India and Vietnam, additional tariffs or restrictions on Chinese imports could prompt Apple to accelerate this transition. Such a move would help mitigate risks but could also lead to increased production costs, potentially impacting device pricing and profit margins. A Trump administration could also mean favorable tax policies for corporations, allowing Apple to benefit from lower tax rates and potentially freeing up capital for increased investments in research and development. With access to additional resources, Apple might deepen its focus on cutting-edge technologies like augmented reality, artificial intelligence, and custom silicon chips, enhancing its competitive position. On privacy and data security, Trump’s presidency could bring heightened scrutiny over user data, particularly in the name of national security. Apple, known for its commitment to user privacy, may face pressure to adopt more transparent data practices or even collaborate with government agencies, challenging its existing stance on data security and user trust. Internationally, shifting diplomatic relations and trade agreements could affect Apple’s global market strategy. Trump’s approach to foreign policy could influence Apple’s access to certain markets, potentially requiring the company to adjust its product offerings or pricing to navigate new regulations and tariffs. In essence, Trump’s presidency could prompt Apple to rethink its supply chain, leverage potential tax benefits for innovation, and navigate evolving data policies, all while adapting its global strategy to a changing geopolitical landscape. Disclaimer: The Apple Square is a dedicated tech news website focused solely on delivering the latest insights and information about technology and innovation. This article is intended to explore potential impacts on the tech industry and is not an endorsement or support of any political figure or agenda. Our goal is to keep our readers informed on how global events may influence technology, independent of any political perspective.

Amid a push to expand its presence in Southeast Asia, Apple is reportedly planning a significant investment in Indonesia, potentially bringing manufacturing closer to its fast-growing customer base in the region. Sources indicate that the company has submitted a proposal for a $10 million manufacturing plant near Jakarta, aiming to meet the country’s recent regulatory demands on domestic content in smartphones. The proposal arrives at a pivotal moment for Apple in Indonesia. The country, a substantial market with over 280 million people and more than 350 million active mobile phones, recently blocked iPhone 16 sales due to new protectionist policies. Enforced by President Prabowo Subianto’s administration, these policies mandate a 40% local content in smartphones sold within Indonesia. Apple’s inability to comply with this threshold led to a temporary sales halt, prompting the tech giant to rethink its approach to the Indonesian market. Apple’s planned facility, potentially located in the city of Bandung, would primarily focus on producing components and accessories for Apple devices. In collaboration with its existing suppliers, the new site would help the company align with local content requirements, potentially easing restrictions on iPhone 16 and other devices. The Ministry of Industry is currently evaluating Apple’s proposal, which, if approved, would mark Apple’s first direct manufacturing investment in Indonesia. The sales restrictions have highlighted Indonesia’s growing importance to major tech companies. Besides Apple, Google’s Pixel phones have also been impacted by the domestic content regulations. In recent years, Apple has taken steps to deepen its connections in the country, establishing four developer academies that provide local students and engineers with training in app development. These academies are part of Apple's broader strategy to engage with and contribute to the Indonesian tech ecosystem, yet officials are increasingly vocal about the need for tangible investments in local production. Despite the ban, Indonesian consumers continue to find ways to acquire iPhone 16 models, with approximately 9,000 units entering the country through personal imports. However, current regulations prevent these devices from being sold commercially, limiting them strictly to personal use. As the Ministry of Industry considers Apple’s proposal, the decision could set a precedent for other tech firms operating in Indonesia, paving the way for a new era of manufacturing in one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic markets.

Apple is enhancing its news experience just in time for the 2024 U.S. presidential election, introducing real-time election updates directly to iPhone and iPad Lock Screens. This new feature, available through Apple News, lets users follow electoral results live without needing to constantly open apps or browse websites, offering a streamlined way to stay informed on Election Day. As voting progresses, Apple News will update users throughout the day with the latest electoral counts. Users with iPhone 14 Pro models or later can view these updates directly in the Dynamic Island, enabling quick access to detailed election insights without pausing other activities. Additionally, both iPhone and iPad users running the latest iOS and iPadOS versions can activate these live updates by selecting the "Follow Live" option within the Apple News app. The Lock Screen widget and Dynamic Island updates are designed to provide a seamless experience for those wanting immediate election information. This Live Activities support underscores Apple’s commitment to integrating timely news updates, making it easier than ever for users to track pivotal moments as they unfold, all from a glance at their device.

General Motors is sticking firmly to its decision to move away from CarPlay in its electric vehicles, pursuing a vision of an entirely integrated, GM-designed infotainment experience. Despite early challenges—especially with models like the 2024 Chevy Blazer EV—GM’s leadership believes this shift will ultimately provide a more cohesive, seamless in-car environment. In a recent interview, Baris Cetinok, GM’s senior vice president of software and services, elaborated on the reasoning behind this approach. Having joined GM after the CarPlay phase-out was announced, Cetinok brought insights from his previous role at Apple, where he managed products like Apple Pay and iCloud. He clarified that the decision wasn’t solely about excluding CarPlay; rather, it was rooted in the belief that GM can best deliver a superior, fully optimized experience by controlling all aspects of the software, including potential innovations like a GM-specific voice assistant. While acknowledging that maintaining CarPlay would have been the easier route, Cetinok highlighted that GM’s long-term vision is to build an infotainment system designed and maintained entirely in-house. Though the decision has met resistance from CarPlay enthusiasts, GM remains confident that this independent approach will ultimately redefine how drivers engage with their vehicles. As GM continues to refine this platform, the company aims to set itself apart with a distinctive, fully integrated system that blends vehicle control and digital interaction, creating a unique, personalized experience for customers across its EV lineup.

A fresh rumor hints that Apple may soon enhance its display technology, bringing a 90Hz refresh rate to its mid-tier devices like the iPad Air, 24-inch iMac, and Studio Display. The rumor, shared by an anonymous source on the Upgrade podcast with hosts Myke Hurley and Jason Snell, has stirred interest in what could be a significant improvement for these products, which currently feature 60Hz displays. The anonymous source suggests that Apple is working on a new "liquid motion" LCD panel, set to debut with the M3 iPad Air. This screen, fixed at around 90Hz, would bring smoother motion and enhanced clarity, potentially offering a middle ground between the existing 60Hz standard and Apple’s ProMotion displays, which are capable of 120Hz refresh rates. If successful, Apple could gradually roll out the 90Hz display technology to its 24-inch iMac and Studio Display models as well. Apple has long reserved its higher refresh rate displays for premium products like the iPhone Pro models and iPad Pro lineup, where ProMotion’s 120Hz refresh rate delivers fluid motion and responsiveness. This is reportedly set to expand further with the iPhone 17 series, according to industry analyst Ross Young, who suggests that ProMotion displays will be standard across that lineup. The rumored 90Hz displays, however, signal a potential shift, bringing a balance between performance and efficiency to more accessible Apple devices. As for release timelines, Bloomberg reports that the next-generation iPad Air could arrive in early 2025, with the 24-inch iMac likely receiving another refresh in late 2025. The future of the Studio Display, on the other hand, remains uncertain, as Apple has yet to release any official roadmap for its next version. The addition of 90Hz displays could mark a new chapter in Apple's approach to display technology across its ecosystem, hinting at an era where even mid-range devices benefit from smoother visuals and responsive interaction.

OpenAI’s recent upgrade to ChatGPT transforms it from a standalone AI chatbot into a powerful search tool, marking a bold step into real-time, web-powered AI. With the integration of search engine capabilities, users can now receive up-to-date information directly within ChatGPT, whether they’re looking for sports scores, news updates, stock prices, or weather forecasts. This integration allows ChatGPT to go beyond traditional static responses, accessing live information across the web and linking to relevant sources to answer questions that were previously outside its scope. By offering a cleaner, ad-free interface compared to traditional search engines, ChatGPT's updated homepage allows users to search efficiently while highlighting key sources. The layout shares a resemblance to search results on platforms like Google, but with a simpler, ad-free display. This minimalist approach could be a refreshing alternative for users looking for essential information without extra clutter. Unlike a separate search engine product, OpenAI has incorporated these features directly into ChatGPT, making it accessible to paying subscribers first, with plans to expand to free users. Through a new web search icon, users can manually enable real-time search capabilities or set them as default, allowing flexibility based on individual needs. The integration also enables websites and publishers to choose to appear in ChatGPT’s results, signaling OpenAI’s commitment to fostering relationships with content creators and publishers. CEO Sam Altman expressed excitement about this enhancement, calling it his “favorite feature” on ChatGPT since its launch. Altman noted that search has made it significantly easier for him to find information quickly, underscoring OpenAI’s shift towards building an intuitive, fast-paced information tool that meets the evolving demands of online search. As OpenAI moves into this space, questions are emerging about the startup’s strategy alongside its major investor, Microsoft, which is simultaneously working to broaden the reach of its Bing search engine. The addition of search doesn’t come without cost, as OpenAI’s computing demands are expected to surge. Yet, with backing from influential investors like Microsoft, Nvidia, and SoftBank, OpenAI is poised to expand its presence on the internet and explore the long-term potential of AI-enhanced search.

Apple’s Q4 2024 earnings report revealed $94.9 billion in revenue, up 6% year-over-year, despite a dip in profit due to a $10.2 billion EU tax settlement. CEO Tim Cook noted strong demand for the iPhone 16, with iPhone revenue rising to $46.2 billion, outpacing last year’s iPhone 15 launch. Apple Intelligence, the company’s new AI feature, has seen swift adoption, with users adopting iOS 18.1 at twice the rate of iOS 17.1. Cook shared that AI development remains a priority, with significant resources now focused on expanding Apple Intelligence globally. Mac and iPad sales grew modestly, while wearables revenue dipped to $9 billion, although Apple Watch saw an install base milestone with many first-time buyers. Services revenue set a record at nearly $25 billion, reaching $95 billion for fiscal 2024, driven by a billion paid subscriptions. Apple anticipates continued growth into the December quarter, with services revenue projected to see double-digit gains. In a leadership update, CFO Luca Maestri announced his departure effective January 1, 2025, with Kevan Parekh stepping in as his successor. Cook praised Maestri for his decade-long impact on Apple’s financial strategy and growth.

The iPhone 16’s Camera Control makes snapping photos and videos more convenient. Here’s how you can use it: Opening the Camera To quickly access your camera, press the Camera Control button on your iPhone 16. You can customize whether a single or double press opens the camera by going to Settings > Camera > Camera Control . Taking Photos or Videos Once the camera is open, tap the button to capture a photo. To record a video, press and hold the control. If your camera is set to video mode, tapping will immediately begin recording. Adjusting Camera Settings The Camera Control also provides quick access to essential settings. Lightly press the control to open a menu where you can: Adjust exposure to brighten or darken your shot. Change depth for portrait mode background blur. Zoom in or out for the perfect frame. Switch cameras to change your angle or field of view. Modify style and tone to match your photo’s mood. Save Your Settings Any adjustments you make are saved automatically, so they’ll be available next time you use the Camera Control. Customizing Accessibility You can also change the sensitivity and pressure of the control button by going to Settings > Accessibility > Camera Control for a personalized experience. With these simple steps, you’ll master the iPhone 16’s Camera Control for faster, more efficient photo-taking!

The AirPods Pro 2 include a built-in Hearing Test feature that can help you understand your hearing levels. Here’s a quick tutorial on how to use it. 1. Prepare for the Test Ensure your AirPods Pro 2 are charged. Find a quiet room where you won’t be interrupted, ideally for about 5 minutes. 2. Start the Hearing Test With your AirPods connected to your iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > Your AirPods . Alternatively, open the Health app and navigate to the hearing section. Select Take a Hearing Test and follow the on-screen prompts. 3. Adjust Your Environment if Needed If prompted, make sure there are no background noises, like fans or air conditioning. The test may pause if the environment is too noisy. 4. Respond to the Test Tones During the test, listen for a series of tones and tap the screen when you hear one. The tones will pulse three times to give you a chance to respond, but only tap once per tone. 5. View Your Results At the end, you’ll see your hearing test results, including hearing levels in decibels (dBHL) and a classification of your hearing health. For a more detailed view, tap Show Details to see an audiogram of your hearing across different frequencies. The data will be securely stored in the Health app. Understanding Results 0-25 dBHL : Little to no hearing loss. 26-40 dBHL : Mild hearing loss. 41-60 dBHL : Moderate hearing loss. 61-80 dBHL : Severe hearing loss. For mild to moderate hearing loss, try Apple’s Hearing Assistance features on your AirPods. If you notice significant hearing difficulties or sudden changes, consult a doctor.