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OpenAI Urges Federal Judge to Throw Out Apple's Trade Secrets Complaint
OpenAI has filed a motion asking a federal judge to dismiss Apple's trade secrets lawsuit, describing the claims as meritless. The dispute, which follows a July suit and this week's injunction request from Apple, highlights tensions after their prior partnership on Siri and OpenAI's hardware push.
Camera-Equipped AirPods Might Reach Market Earlier Than Planned
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reports that a faster-moving B790 camera AirPods project could reach production before the end of the year and may launch as soon as next month, while the more advanced B798 effort has slipped from 2026 to 2027. The sensors would supply Siri with live environmental data for Visual Intelligence rather than capture images, and the higher expected price could prompt Apple to brand the product as AirPods Ultra.
Tim Cook Marks End of His Tenure Leading Apple Earnings Calls
Tim Cook used Apple’s Q3 2026 earnings call to mark it as his final one as CEO and to confirm John Ternus will lead all future quarterly calls, highlighting a seamless leadership transition.
All-New Apple Home Hub Reportedly Launching as Soon as October
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reports that Apple intends to introduce a brand-new smart home hub sometime from October through the first months of next year. The unit will feature an approximately 7-inch screen, Siri AI at its center, facial recognition, adaptive interface scaling, and a range of smart-home tools in both tabletop and wall-mounted editions.
Apple Sets 'Upgrade' Leasing Launch and Subscription Price Increases
Apple is preparing an "Apple Upgrade" leasing program with Klarna for a July 28 debut in the U.S. while lifting Apple Music and related subscription costs. The period also delivered iOS 27 beta 4, plans for roughly a dozen new Macs according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, and hands-on impressions of Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold8.
Apple tests AI for Genius Bar, sends letters to ex-staff at OpenAI
A July 21, 2026 recap highlights Apple's testing of an AI note-taking system for Genius Bar use, scrapped Intel Mac Pro plans, legal letters to ex-employees at OpenAI, and up to 11% iPhone price hikes in Japan. These stories reflect ongoing AI development, hardware strategy shifts, talent retention efforts, and market pricing dynamics.
Apple to launch Upgrade leasing program on July 28
Apple will launch a new Apple Upgrade leasing program on July 28 according to a Bloomberg report, in partnership with Klarna, offering lower monthly payments on iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch purchases with 24- or 36-month terms. The move ends new signups for the existing iPhone Upgrade Program and arrives as the company has raised hardware prices.
iOS 27 public beta lands with Siri AI
Apple released iOS 27 and macOS 27 public betas this week alongside a lawsuit accusing OpenAI of trade secret theft. The moves give early access to Siri AI features while escalating legal tensions between the two companies.
Samsung reveals tougher Flex Titanium foldable screen
Samsung has introduced Flex Titanium, a thinner and mechanically stiffer foldable display that reduces visible creases and power consumption. The panel, built on experience from seven prior generations, will launch in the Galaxy Z Fold 8 series and may supply Apple’s expected folding iPhone.
Apple Intelligence Secures Chinese Regulatory Clearance
Chinese regulators have cleared Apple Intelligence for local deployment, allowing the on-device AI service to reach iPhones in the country for the first time. The rollout will draw on models from Alibaba and Baidu and follows a 24.4 percent year-over-year rise in iPhone shipments during the second quarter.
Apple accuses OpenAI of stealing secrets for AI hardware
Apple has filed a 41-page lawsuit accusing OpenAI and three former employees of stealing confidential documents and trade secrets to aid development of the startup's first AI hardware device. The claims include retaining company computers, exploiting network vulnerabilities, and coaching staff on evading security to obtain unreleased product details.
Apple Adds Child Safety Features to iOS 27
Apple announced new child safety features for iOS 27 during its June WWDC keynote, following years of advocacy and lawsuits over CSAM and app store practices. The updates represent a shift for the company, though advocates like Sarah Gardner of the Heat Initiative see them as positive but not transformative.
Foldable iPhone Ultra Faces Delayed Pre-Orders, iOS 27 Beta 3 Arrives
Apple's foldable iPhone Ultra faces production constraints that could push pre-orders into Q4 2026 after its September unveiling, while iOS 27 beta 3 delivers new Siri and Home features that require a 2TB iCloud+ plan. The updates also surface larger battery capacities for the iPhone 18 Pro lineup and a 2026 Apple TV 4K refresh tied to Siri AI.
Apple accuses OpenAI of trade secret theft in new lawsuit
Apple filed suit against OpenAI on Thursday, claiming the AI firm benefited from stolen proprietary information. The complaint identifies former executives Chang Liu and Tang Tan among the defendants and states the company received no response after raising concerns in February.
Chip Industry Roundup: Micron, Apple, Quantum Deals
Micron, Apple and quantum startups drove major capital commitments this week while global chip sales set a new record. Persistent workforce shortages and construction bottlenecks continue to challenge industry expansion.
Apple earns record 89 Emmy nominations
Apple secured a historic 89 nominations for the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards across 15 programs, leading all networks in major drama and comedy categories. The haul underscores the growing impact of its original programming following last year’s sweep of the top awards.
Apple commits over $30 billion to Broadcom in major US chip pact
Apple has disclosed a more than $30 billion agreement with Broadcom as its largest single pledge under the American Manufacturing Program. The partnership will generate over 15 billion domestically produced chips through an expanded Colorado plant while backing hundreds of U.S. positions.
EU Court Rejects Apple's Bid to Overturn Gatekeeper Label
The General Court dismissed Apple's 2024 challenge to the European Commission's gatekeeper designation for its App Stores and iOS under the DMA. Obligations on self-preferencing, data combining, alternative app stores, and interoperability remain in force while the iMessage claim was ruled inadmissible.
Apple asks California court to freeze Epic Games case during Supreme Court review
Apple has asked the Northern District of California to suspend remand proceedings in its antitrust dispute with Epic Games while the Supreme Court weighs the civil contempt finding. The filing contends that letting the lower court move forward now would waste resources if the justices overturn the Ninth Circuit’s decision on the commission Apple may charge for external purchases.
Supreme Court denies Apple's pause on Texas age verification law
The US Supreme Court denied a request to pause Texas's age verification law, so Apple must keep verifying iPhone users' ages in the state. The one-sentence ruling keeps enforcement in place while the broader constitutional challenge moves forward.
Broadcom and Apple Extend Custom Chip Partnership Through 2031
Broadcom will develop and supply custom chips for Apple through 2031 under an expanded partnership that covers wireless components and accounts for about 20 percent of the chipmaker's revenue.
iPhone Ultra faces severe supply limits at September launch
Ming-Chi Kuo reports that Apple's first foldable iPhone Ultra will have only 0.5-1 million units available in Q3 2026, making a September ship date improbable and initial supply extremely tight. The constraints echo the iPhone X launch and are expected to drive long wait times and significant resale premiums until early 2027.
Russia threatens Apple with fine over alleged app discrimination
Russia’s Federal Antimonopoly Service has given Apple until July 15 to fix alleged discriminatory practices against local search engines and software or face a fine of approximately $52 million. The demand revives a preinstallation rule for the state-backed MAX messaging app that Apple had sidestepped after halting sales in the country in March 2022.
Cloudflare to block mixed-purpose bots from ad-supported sites by default
Cloudflare will block mixed-use crawlers from ad-supported pages by default beginning September 15, 2026, aiming to protect publisher revenue from unpermitted AI training scrapes while still allowing search indexing. The policy affects bots from Apple, Google, and Microsoft that combine indexing with data harvesting and encourages clearer separation of those activities.
Apple Emerges as Biggest Winner From Memory Price Surge
Apple has raised MacBook and iPad prices amid a memory cost surge driven by AI demand, yet DIGITIMES analysis positions the company as the biggest winner rather than a victim of the trend. The distinction highlights Apple's supply chain advantages over peers forced to hike prices under margin pressure.
Supreme Court Agrees to Hear Apple's Epic App Store Appeal
The Supreme Court has agreed to hear Apple's appeal of a contempt ruling over its App Store linking fees for alternative payments. The case could determine whether injunctions must follow exact wording or their broader spirit and whether they can apply universally to all developers.
Apple asks Supreme Court to slash $502M Optis patent license bill
Apple is urging the UK Supreme Court to reverse a ruling that raised its patent licensing obligation to Optis Wireless from $56 million to $502 million, arguing the appellate methodology was flawed and arbitrary.
Tata Electronics leak is mostly Apple data
Tata Electronics confirmed a cybersecurity incident after extortion group World Leaks published more than 630 GB of data that is overwhelmingly Apple-related according to a file index. The breach affects an Indian contract manufacturer that assembles iPhones and supplies other global tech companies.
Apple Vision Pro and Smart Glasses Chief Paul Meade Departs for OpenAI
Paul Meade, Apple’s VP in charge of Vision Pro and smart glasses development, is leaving for OpenAI’s hardware unit by next week to work on its AI-powered devices. The departure, reported June 26, 2026, continues a pattern of executives exiting Apple for AI rivals and follows a 2025 restructuring of the company’s spatial computing teams.
Apple lifts prices on MacBook and iPad models as component costs climb
Apple announced price increases on several MacBook and iPad models after CEO Tim Cook warned last week that surging memory and storage costs driven by AI demand could no longer be fully absorbed by the company. The moves represent the first formal transfer of those expenses to customers and signal that further adjustments may follow.
Apple's Online Store Goes Offline
Apple's online store is currently down displaying the message "We'll be right back" with no official explanation provided. The outage comes as the company's Back to School promotion is overdue and price increases have been signaled as imminent by CEO Tim Cook.
App Store Connect experiences performance problems for certain developers
Apple’s System Status page reports performance problems with App Store Connect that began at 9:00 a.m. ET and are affecting some users. The outage has been independently confirmed by multiple developers on X who report errors while managing their apps.
Meta Debuts First $299 Own-Brand Smart Glasses
Meta introduced its first own-brand smart glasses with the $299 Adventurer and Fury plus a $399 Starfire model created with Kylie Jenner. The release targets expansion of the company's camera-equipped lineup before Apple's anticipated 2027 debut.
Confidential Apple Files Surface on Dark Web Following Supplier Breach
More than 200,000 files linked to Apple and Tesla reached the dark web after World Leaks targeted supplier Tata Electronics in India. The cache allegedly holds iPhone design specifications along with employee records, as Apple's security team conducts an internal review.
Samsung Display Wins Module Production Approval for Apple's Foldable iPhone OLED Panels
Samsung Display has secured Apple's approval to begin module production of OLED panels for the first foldable iPhone and activated Vietnamese lines for an initial run of approximately three million units. The panels will use CoE technology and the M16 material set under an exclusive three-year supply pact.
Apple revises iOS rules in Brazil after regulator pact
Apple has introduced iOS modifications in Brazil that open authorized alternative marketplaces and external payment tools under a CADE agreement while adding Notarization plus child-safety rules. The steps target newly created malware, fraud, and privacy hazards on the platform Apple still calls the most secure mobile option locally.
Tim Cook Calls Apple Price Hikes Unavoidable Amid Memory Crunch
Apple CEO Tim Cook has told The Wall Street Journal that price increases are unavoidable as the company can no longer absorb massive hikes in memory and storage costs driven by AI demand. The shift is expected to affect the iPhone 18 lineup and other devices later this year, marking the latest sign of industry-wide RAM shortages.
Italy opens EU DMA probe into Apple iCloud preferencing
Italy's competition regulator has opened an investigation into whether Apple preferences iCloud over rival cloud services in violation of the EU Digital Markets Act. The findings will go to the European Commission, adding to Apple's growing list of DMA-related antitrust battles across Europe.
Apple Brings Personalized Recommendations and Marketing Tools to App Store
Apple introduced Personalized Collections featuring explanatory App Notes to the App Store this week in the U.S., together with Creative Assets, a centralized Asset Library, and several workflow efficiencies for developers. The additions improve user discovery while simplifying marketing and submission steps, linking directly to new parental controls planned for iOS 27.
WWDC 2026 announcements include new Siri AI and iOS 27
Apple announced the next generation of Apple Intelligence, a new Siri AI, iOS 27 features, and more at WWDC 2026. The updates include child safety tools and an EU delay for Siri due to DMA regulations.
tvOS 27 Adds Hi-Res Lossless Audio to Apple Music on Apple TV 4K
Apple is adding Hi-Res Lossless Audio support to Apple Music on Apple TV 4K with the upcoming tvOS 27 update. The change raises the prior 24-bit/48 kHz ceiling to 24-bit/192 kHz for users with compatible external speakers, delivering what Apple calls studio-quality sound.
Apple expands App Store bundles to include third-party subscriptions
Apple is expanding App Store bundles to include subscriptions from different companies and introducing Suites that combine subscriptions unavailable on their own. The changes, announced at WWDC alongside iOS 27, will roll out later this year with more details expected this summer.
Waymo buys Apple’s Arizona self-driving test site for $220M
Waymo acquired Apple’s former 5,500-acre autonomous vehicle proving ground in Arizona for $220 million, nearly double Apple’s 2021 purchase price. The site, once central to the now-canceled Project Titan, strengthens Waymo’s testing capabilities as it aims to reach 1 million weekly robotaxi rides by year-end.
Tim Cook Gives Farewell Remarks at Final Keynote as CEO
Tim Cook delivered farewell remarks at what is expected to be his last keynote as Apple's CEO, reflecting on highlights from his tenure and praising developers. John Ternus will succeed him in September.
Apple Announces tvOS 27 With Redesigned Podcasts App
Apple announced tvOS 27 during its WWDC 2026 keynote, adding a redesigned Podcasts app, smoother animations, faster AirPlay, smart downloads, larger text accessibility, and AppleCare details in Settings. The update received only a brief slide mention with no dedicated preview page yet available.
Siri Gains Customizable Voice Expressiveness and Pace
Apple announced a brand new voice experience for Siri AI that lets users customize expressiveness and pace with sliders on supported devices. The update also brings a significant improvement to systemwide dictation accuracy, allowing natural speech to be captured as polished text with automatic formatting.
Apple Overhauls Image Playground With Photorealistic AI
Apple has announced a major overhaul of Image Playground that adds photorealistic image generation via a new model on Private Cloud Compute, plus expanded editing tools and iOS integration. The update includes automatic SynthID watermarks on all AI images and opens the features to third-party developers through a new API.
visionOS 27 developer beta 1 rolls out after WWDC26
Apple released the first developer beta of visionOS 27 following its announcement at WWDC26. The update brings the Siri AI app, Visual Intelligence features, and system reliability improvements.
WWDC 2026 Bonus Live Blog: Tech Talk with Craig Federighi
Craig Federighi sits for a post-keynote Tech Talk at WWDC 2026, discussing Apple Intelligence, Siri improvements, privacy, and developer tools in a live blog format. The bonus session provides extra detail on the software announcements made earlier in the day.
New Siri AI Delayed on EU iPhones Due to DMA
Apple is delaying its new Siri AI features on iPhones and iPads in the EU, citing the Digital Markets Act. The features will still launch on Mac, Vision Pro, and Watch in the region while negotiations with regulators remain at an impasse.
iPadOS 27 compatible iPads: Full list and how to check
Apple released the official list of iPads that support iPadOS 27, dropping the 8th-generation iPad, iPad Air 3, and iPad mini 5 while adding M1-and-later models plus recent base iPads and the A17 Pro iPad mini. The update arrives in developer beta today with public release this fall.
Apple Adds Natural Language Shortcuts Creation
Apple announced natural language creation for the Shortcuts app, letting users describe automations in plain English for Apple Intelligence to build. The update lowers the technical barrier that previously limited the feature to advanced users.
iOS 27 Passwords App Will Automatically Change Compromised Logins
Apple unveiled an AI feature in iOS 27's Passwords app that can automatically change compromised passwords on users' behalf. The capability removes the need for manual fixes on flagged logins to keep accounts secure with minimal user effort.
Apple Unveils macOS 27 Golden Gate
Apple announced macOS 27 Golden Gate, focusing on performance optimizations, Liquid Glass refinements and search improvements rather than new feature additions. The update delivers up to 30% faster app launches, smoother animations and a rearchitected search index that indexes content almost instantly.
Apple unveils iOS 27 child safety features at WWDC 2026
Apple announced iOS 27 at WWDC 2026 with new restriction tools developed alongside health experts to protect children on iPhone. The features focus on child accounts, web browsing permissions and communications limits to promote healthy digital habits.
Apple announces visionOS 27 for Vision Pro
Apple announced visionOS 27 at WWDC with features including panoramas as immersive Environments, enhanced Apple Maps Flyover, next-generation Apple Intelligence, a new Siri, and curved windows. The update signals continued platform development for Vision Pro despite reported sales challenges.
From the feed · 58
August 12 is the date for Google's Made by Google event. The Pixel Watch 5 teaser is already out and takes direct shots at Apple and Samsung.
Apple is reportedly skipping the M6 Pro, M6 Max, and M6 Ultra. Only the base M6 chip will reach production as development shifts to the M7.
James Marsden is confirmed for his third Apple TV project after playing billionaire Owen Ashe in Your Friends & Neighbors season two.
iOS 27 includes a targeted fix for network transitions that Apple says will make iPhones more responsive and reliable during wireless handoffs. The update is part of broader stability improvements in the release.
OpenAI's smart speaker will use moving parts to appear more alive. A report says the company confirmed the device is not an Apple ripoff.
Google's Pixel Watch 5 teaser video claims the device has the decency to look like a watch, taking a direct jab at Apple and Samsung designs.
Apple told a federal court it has not heard from Jon Prosser's legal team in a month as discovery drags on in the trade secret lawsuit. The joint status report notes repeated unanswered attempts to resolve outstanding issues.
Apple is said to be preparing an M6 MacBook Pro and an all-new MacBook Ultra for release this fall.
Apple added rare M5 MacBook Pro configurations to its Certified Refurbished Store this week, along with high-end M5 MacBook Air models, the Studio Display XDR, and Apple TV 4K.
Apple is internally testing iOS 26.6.1 after shipping macOS 26.6.1 with a Screen Sharing security fix. The iOS update is expected to carry similar bug and security patches.
Apple expanded its Account Card in Wallet to four new countries this week: Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Malta. The feature shows an Apple Account balance and works for purchases at physical Apple Stores.
iOS 27 adds physical pass import to Apple Wallet. The change lets users digitize existing cards without re-entering details.
iPad shipments fell 8% in Q2 2026 as the global tablet market contracted. Apple had already posted a 5% year-over-year drop in iPad revenue for the June quarter.
ClickFix attacks are reportedly pushing a Go-based macOS infostealer that steals cryptocurrency assets, browser passwords, Apple Keychain data, and cached credentials.
Apple's joint status report in the Jon Prosser leak case states it has received no response from his lawyer in a month. Counsel cited Prosser caring for his newborn as the reason for the delay.
Widow’s Bay, Apple TV’s surprise hit series, is screening in theaters for one night only in select venues.
Apple published security details for its macOS Tahoe, Sequoia, and Sonoma updates, confirming each one patches a Screen Sharing vulnerability.
Apple released macOS Tahoe 26.6.1 with security fixes. The update arrives a little over a week after version 26.6.
Apple's next MacBook Pro overhaul is reportedly planned under the MacBook Ultra name, with an OLED display, touchscreen, and Dynamic Island.
Apple raised Mac Studio trade-in values by $260 to $1,305 in its latest update. • MacBook Pro now $855, up from $690 • Mac Pro now $2,195, up from $2,045 • Several Android phones also added to the program
iOS 27's CarPlay update reportedly brings two new features to Apple Music and Apple Podcasts. The changes are part of a broader set of improvements to the in-car system.
iOS 27 code references a new Apple Home security camera. The strings suggest an upcoming product distinct from existing HomeKit accessories.
Apple raised trade-in values for most iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch models, plus select Android phones.
Four more countries now support Apple's Account Card in Wallet. • Estonia • Latvia • Lithuania • Malta
Apple's attempt to qualify CXMT DRAM as leverage against Samsung and SK Hynix has reportedly strengthened the Korean suppliers' pricing power instead.
$1 billion worth of iPhone 18 processors reportedly remain stuck ahead of packaging, short on mobile DRAM as Apple and its partners scramble to lock down supply.
Abode added two new sensors to its Apple Home lineup for monitoring garage doors, gates, sheds, and similar entry points. The devices expand the company's DIY security options beyond standard door and window contacts.
T-Mobile introduced three new student wireless plans that bundle Netflix, Apple TV, and Hulu. The plans target streaming-heavy users with discounted rates tied to education verification.
Three years after season 3 ended, Ted Lasso season 4 is now streaming on Apple TV+. Jason Sudeikis returns to coach a second-division women's team, with Hannah Waddingham, Juno Temple, and Brett Goldstein among the cast.
Sunbird has restored its iMessage app for Android after a privacy incident forced it offline. The tool had served as one of the main bridges before Apple added RCS support.
Apple's September iPhone event is unlikely to feature a fully live keynote, though more live segments are expected than in the pre-recorded shows of recent years.
T-Mobile is introducing a 3-year payment plan for iPhones as prices rise across the lineup. The carrier is positioning the longer term as a direct response to Apple's upcoming models and its own Upgrade program.
A filing in Apple's lawsuit against OpenAI states that iCloud access issues played no role in a former employee's retrieval of confidential documents.
Book-style foldables are gaining ground on flip designs as Samsung expands its lineup. The next major demand test arrives in Q4 2026, with an Apple entry expected to accelerate the shift.
Pavel Durov blamed a "takedown extortionist" for Telegram's brief delisting from Apple's App Store. He warned of "a potential systemic risk" for platforms hosting user-generated content.
Further price increases are expected next month for the iPhone and additional Apple products, following recent hikes across the lineup.
Apple capped rewards in its bug bounty program after a surge of AI-generated submissions. The change limits payouts for lower-severity issues that now dominate the queue.
Apple released new beta firmware for the AirPods Pro 3 and additional models. The update is expected to reach all users alongside iOS 27 next month.
Apple Watch users in China can join the National Fitness Day challenge this weekend to unlock virtual rewards. The event returns for a limited window focused on activity streaks.
Apple says more ex-employees may have taken confidential data to OpenAI. The disclosures follow earlier reports of similar departures to the startup.
Apple is reportedly planning an in-person iPhone event for the first half of September, with retail employees asked to enter a lottery for staffing roles.
Technicians in Huaqiangbei now lack the parts to clone Apple's latest phones exactly. A leak tied to the smaller "Baby iPhone" model reportedly prompted China's latest supply chain shifts.
One stay or rental now unlocks Booking.com Genius Level 2 for Apple Card users, versus the standard five bookings in two years. Level 2 adds 10-15% discounts on select stays and rentals plus free breakfast or room upgrades at participating properties.
$200K macOS full-takeover flaw went unreported after a Milan startup hit Apple's new bug bounty submission cap while using ChatGPT to surface it.
Spotify now counts 300 million Premium subscribers, three times Apple Music's base.
OpenAI has published a point-by-point rebuttal to Apple's industrial secrets complaint, supported by screenshots that address each allegation.
OpenAI posted internal messages and legal correspondence in a public rebuttal hours after Apple sought a preliminary injunction barring two former employees from using its alleged trade secrets. The filing also requests expedited discovery in the escalating case.
Apple cleared $10B in annual sales in India for the first time last fiscal year, despite iPhone prices running higher than in the US.
OpenAI published a detailed blog post rebutting Apple's trade secrets claims from last month's hardware lawsuit, including specific evidence against the allegations.
Russia's antitrust regulator has opened a formal case against Apple for refusing to preinstall the state-backed MAX messenger and RuStore marketplace on its devices.
Apple proposed a project plan on June 26 to add iPhone-to-Windows copy and paste in the EU. Microsoft had requested the feature through Apple's DMA interoperability system, with evaluation underway since March.
Apple has capped the number of security reports each researcher can submit to its bug bounty program. The change follows a surge in low-quality AI-generated findings.
A judge has cleared a class-action suit alleging Apple Photos face recognition violated Illinois BIPA, exposing the company to more than $30 billion in potential damages.
Google Health 5.05 now routes Fitbit workouts, steps, and vitals straight into Apple Health. Users tap the profile icon, open Partner apps, and select Apple Health to complete the link.
Apple’s Upgrade leasing program requires iPhone users to connect through AT&T, T-Mobile, or Verizon at enrollment. The restriction appears tied to how carrier financing agreements are structured.
Apple's Photos app in iOS 27 reportedly adds a 'Captured by Me' view that isolates device-taken shots from shared albums. The update also tweaks slideshows and shared album handling.
Apple Pay launched in the Philippines today, letting iPhone and Apple Watch users add supported cards from UnionBank, GoTyme, Metrobank, and Chinabank to the Wallet app for contactless payments. Cards are verified by SMS or phone call.