iPhone 17 Pro Launches with New Features; iPhone Air Delayed in China
Key Takeaways
- Apple's iPhone Air launch in China delayed due to eSIM policy issues.
- iPhone 17 Pro launched with A19 Pro chip, 8x zoom camera, Cosmic Orange color.
- OpenAI to transform for-profit arm into PBC, potentially paving way for IPO.
- Microsoft invests in its own AI chip cluster to reduce reliance on OpenAI.
- FTC investigates Alphabet, Meta, OpenAI on AI chatbot safety and testing.
Top Stories
Apple delays iPhone Air launch in China due to eSIM policy.
On September 12, 2025, Apple postponed the launch of the iPhone Air in mainland China due to eSIM policy approval issues. The iPhone Air, the company's thinnest model, was set to launch alongside other iPhone 17 series devices, which are already available for pre-order.
Apple launches iPhone 17 Pro with new features.
On September 12, 2025, Apple launched the iPhone 17 Pro, featuring a new Cosmic Orange color, an upgraded 8x optical zoom camera, and the A19 Pro chip, starting at $1,099. The device includes durable aluminum and Ceramic Shield construction and improved thermal management.
OpenAI plans to transform its for-profit arm into a PBC.
On September 12, OpenAI announced a non-binding MOU with Microsoft to transform its for-profit arm into a Public Benefit Corporation (PBC), potentially opening new funding avenues and paving the way for an IPO. Under the agreement, OpenAI's non-profit organization will receive shares in the new PBC, with a valuation exceeding $100 billion.
Microsoft invests in its own AI chip cluster.
On September 11, 2025, Microsoft AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman announced significant investments in building the company's own AI chip cluster to achieve self-sufficiency, signaling a move to reduce reliance on OpenAI.
FTC investigates AI chatbots.
On September 11, 2025, the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced it is seeking information from seven companies, including Alphabet, Meta, and OpenAI, on how they measure, test, and monitor the potential negative effects of AI chatbots.
Big Tech Insights
Report on AI data centers' resource consumption.
On September 12, 2025, Business Insider reported on the significant water and power consumption of America's AI data centers, highlighting their impact on local communities and environmental goals, with power companies potentially extending fossil fuel plant operations to meet demand.
US sues Uber for disability discrimination.
On September 11, 2025, the US Justice Department sued Uber Technologies Inc. in federal court, alleging the company discriminates against people with physical disabilities by refusing accommodations for service animals or wheelchairs.
Report on AI compute power by nation.
On September 11, 2025, TRG Datacenters released a report ranking the top AI nations, revealing that the United States leads in AI compute power with 50% globally, while China leads with 230 AI clusters; AI investment surged to $200 billion this year.
FTC investigates Amazon and Google.
On September 12, 2025, the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) began investigating Amazon and Google, looking into whether the companies misled advertisers about the terms and pricing of ads placed on their websites.
Culture Decode
Conservative activist Charlie Kirk shot dead.
On September 11, 2025, conservative activist Charlie Kirk was shot dead on a college campus, an event that sparked a broader critique of online violence and content moderation challenges.
Social media platforms announce content moderation policies.
On September 11, 2025, major social media platforms, including Meta, YouTube, Reddit, and Bluesky, announced content moderation policies following the shooting of Charlie Kirk, removing graphic content and adding warning labels.
Tech Today
Xfinity Mobile offers free iPhone 17 with trade-in.
As of September 12, 2025, Xfinity Mobile is offering the new iPhone 17, 17 Pro, and 17 Air for free to customers who trade in an eligible device and sign up for the Premium Unlimited plan, providing $1,100 in bill credits over 24 months.
Microsoft to end Windows 10 security updates.
Microsoft will discontinue security updates for Windows 10 PCs on October 14, 2025, unless users subscribe to the Extended Security Updates program, which may require a $30 payment. With 44% of users still on Windows 10, Microsoft advises upgrading to Windows 11 if possible.
TechRadar summarizes the week's tech news.
On September 13, 2025, TechRadar summarized the week's biggest tech stories, including Apple's iPhone launch event featuring seven devices and four new iPhones, the debut of Spotify Lossless, the launch of the Nikon ZR cinema camera, and the release of Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen).
Ant Group unveils humanoid robot R1.
On September 11, 2025, Ant Group Co. unveiled its first humanoid robot, R1, at the Inclusion Conference in Shanghai, showcasing its capabilities in guiding visitors and performing basic tasks, joining China’s push in frontier robotics.
US Energy Secretary on AI and nuclear fusion.
On September 11, 2025, US Energy Secretary Chris Wright stated that AI will enable nuclear fusion within five years, with the technology expected to power electricity grids in 8-15 years.
Study reveals security issues with free VPNs.
On September 12, 2025, a new study revealed that several popular free VPNs on the Google Play Store, with over 700 million collective downloads, exhibit shady security practices, suggesting users should be cautious when choosing free VPNs.
iPhone Air durability tested.
On September 12, 2025, journalist Mark Spoonauer tested the durability of the new iPhone Air, which bent slightly but did not break and returned to its original shape, also withstanding an accidental drop.
CNET advises turning off 'Find My' before upgrading iPhones.
On September 12, 2025, CNET advised users to turn off the 'Find My' feature on their old iPhones before upgrading to the new iPhone 17, which was announced on September 9 and will be available on September 19.
Protective cases available for iPhone Air.
Apple has launched the new iPhone Air, with preorders available now ahead of its September 19, 2025 release, and a wide range of protective cases from brands like Otterbox and Casetify are available.