Apple Opens Apple Intelligence to Developers, Keeps AI Rollout Cautious at WWDC

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At its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), Apple unveiled a series of incremental artificial intelligence updates, emphasizing practical features while keeping broader ambitions restrained compared to its tech rivals. The company announced that developers will now gain access to Apple Intelligence’s foundational on-device AI model, though cloud-based advanced capabilities remain out of reach.

Apple’s software chief Craig Federighi confirmed that third-party developers can integrate Apple’s on-device large language model (LLM), which operates at around 3 billion parameters. While this allows for enhanced privacy and offline functionality, it also limits the model’s capacity for more complex AI tasks that cloud-based systems can handle. Apple plans to supplement these with integrations from partners like OpenAI, allowing developers to use both Apple’s and OpenAI’s code completion tools directly within Apple’s developer platform, Xcode.

The updates reflect a shift from the sweeping promises made a year ago. Last year, Apple hinted at being a visionary in AI with talk of “AI agents.” This year, the company focused on concrete applications such as live translation during phone calls, call screening, and visual intelligence that helps users find products similar to those viewed online.

Federighi also announced a major design refresh across Apple’s operating systems, introducing a “Liquid Glass” aesthetic with semi-transparent icons and menus inspired by visionOS. Future OS versions will adopt year-based naming, replacing sequential version numbers.

While the AI additions may appear modest, Apple’s back-end infrastructure improvements suggest a longer-term strategy. The company prioritizes privacy-focused, on-device AI processing while allowing users to opt in when data is shared with third parties like OpenAI.

Despite these moves, analysts expressed mixed views. Some highlighted Apple’s cautious but practical approach, while others warned that Apple risks falling behind as competitors like OpenAI and Microsoft rapidly advance in AI development. Apple’s shares dipped 1.2% following the announcements.

In the broader context, OpenAI reported reaching a $10 billion annualized revenue run rate, underscoring the fast-paced evolution of the AI sector that Apple is cautiously navigating.

Atlassian Rival Linear Raises $82 Million at $1.25 Billion Valuation

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Linear, an enterprise software startup offering development and project planning tools, announced a successful $82 million Series C funding round, valuing the company at $1.25 billion. The round was led by venture capital firm Accel, with participation from existing backers 01A and Sequoia, as well as new investors Seven Seven Six and Designer Fund.

The 80-employee, remote-first company competes directly with Atlassian’s popular project management tool Jira. Linear reported a 280% profit increase last year and serves over 15,000 customers, including notable AI-focused companies such as OpenAI, Scale AI, and Perplexity.

CEO Karri Saarinen emphasized that Linear’s software targets specific software development workflows rather than broad customization, helping users avoid being overwhelmed by complex tools. Key features include a triage inbox for bug and feature requests and sprint management to streamline development cycles. The company also provides AI management capabilities, allowing AI to collaborate as a team member in software projects, reflecting the growing integration of AI in development.

Miles Clements, partner at Accel and Linear investor, praised the company’s focus on customer needs over flashy AI gimmicks, noting that many vendors flood the market with unwanted AI features, whereas Linear delivers practical solutions tailored to users.

Linear plans to use the fresh capital to expand its product lineup and attract larger enterprise clients.

Huawei CEO Admits Chip Technology One Generation Behind U.S. but Highlights Innovation Workarounds

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Huawei Technologies’ CEO Ren Zhengfei acknowledged on Tuesday that the company’s chips lag behind U.S. peers by one generation but emphasized that Huawei is overcoming this gap through innovative approaches such as cluster computing and compound chip designs. In an interview with the People’s Daily, the Chinese state media outlet, Ren stated that there is “no need to worry about the chip problem,” despite ongoing U.S. export restrictions.

Ren revealed that Huawei invests about 180 billion yuan ($25.07 billion) annually in research, with around a third allocated to theoretical research. He stressed the importance of theory for breakthroughs, noting, “Without theory, there will be no breakthroughs, and we will not catch up with the United States.”

U.S. export controls, introduced since 2019 to curb China’s access to advanced chipmaking technology, have limited Huawei’s ability to source high-end chips and manufacturing equipment. Nevertheless, Huawei’s strategy involves supplementing traditional chip advances (Moore’s law) with mathematical approaches, non-Moore’s law technologies, and cluster computing — where multiple chips or computers work together to boost performance.

Huawei’s Ascend AI chip series competes domestically with Nvidia, though U.S. restrictions bar Nvidia from selling its most advanced AI chips to China. Despite this, Huawei has developed AI systems like the “AI CloudMatrix 384,” linking 384 Ascend 910C chips in a cluster that, according to some analysts, can outperform Nvidia’s comparable offerings in certain metrics.

Ren also commented on perceptions of Huawei’s stature, saying the U.S. “has exaggerated Huawei’s achievements” and that the company still has work ahead to reach those high expectations.

This interview comes as top U.S. and Chinese officials resume trade talks in London, where technology export restrictions are key discussion points.