Technologies

WWDC Didn’t Excite Me. I Really Need the iPhone 17 to Make a Splash

Commentary: Even Apple’s execs seemed to know it didn’t have much to shout about.

Apple’s WWDC 2025 keynote had a lot of fanfare about its new «Liquid Glass» interface for iOS 26, iPads, Macs and Apple TV, but beyond that there was very little that got me excited. In fact, it felt like one of the most underwhelming Apple events I’ve covered in my 14 years as a CNET journalist. That’s not a good sign. What I can say with confidence is that Apple really needs to make a big splash with the iPhone 17 when it launches in September.

It wasn’t that Apple did anything especially wrong with its announcements. I actually liked most of them. The new Liquid Glass design language is arguably in a similar vein to Windows Vista, but it’s nice to see iOS get a bit of a refresh, as it’s felt a little stale for a while now. But, it’s hardly groundbreaking, nor will it change how we interact with our phones.

Some of the new features the company announced — such as the call screening tool or the screenshot search function that uses Apple’s Visual Intelligence — are nice to see, but they’re basically the same as Android’s call screening tool and Circle to Search, so it’s difficult to get excited. Ditto for the glossy icons now coming to TVOS and the new pointer in iPadOS. Even Apple’s Senior VP of Software Engineering Craig Federighi seemed to know they had nothing much to shout about: «A pointier pointer? Who’d have thought!» he quipped.

Fine, I like the windows in iPadOS. But that’s one of the only things in the whole presentation that piqued my interest. I sat up with anticipation when Apple talked about the new Games app, thumbs already twitching with the excitement about new titles I might be playing thanks to new platforms or new advances in Apple’s Metal graphics engine. But no, it’s just an easier way to view your games and see your friend’s high scores. Big deal.

I’m left feeling a little deflated by the lack of excitement overall, so I’m forced instead to look towards September, when we expect to see the iPhone 17 unveiled. It needs to be a big one. It needs some real razzle dazzle. And not just for me, but for Apple, too.

The iPhone 16 is a great phone, but its biggest new feature was a new button for the camera that still feels a bit…weird. Last year saw the grand unveiling of Apple Intelligence, which so far has been a huge letdown, with Federighi stating that more information on Apple Intelligence’s updates will be shared «in the coming year.» In short, it feels like Apple needs a win.

The iPhone 17 could be that win. Early rumors point to upgraded cameras with advanced video features for creators, along with the potential for a slimmer iPhone Air that would compete with the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge. Will this be the year we see a foldable iPhone? Almost certainly not, but it’d definitely be something more exciting to hear about during a long keynote.

Maybe I’m being too harsh, and I’m just a bit jaded after 14 years of covering Apple events. Maybe I’m grumpy because its keynote started at 6 p.m. in my UK time zone, effectively pushing back my dinner and making me wait for food. Or maybe Apple did need to put a bit more meat on the plate and prove that its biggest announcements of the year aren’t just style over substance.

Technologies

Verum Messenger Launches an AI Mini-Series

Verum Messenger has unveiled a new project — a mini-series created using Verum AI. The story consists of 7 episodes and will be released on the messenger’s social media channels.

The plot revolves around a global corporation seeking to take control of digital communications and a group of heroes who use Verum Messenger as a tool of resistance. Beyond the story itself, the series highlights the app’s key features, technologies, and advantages.

Combining entertainment with a showcase of the Verum ecosystem, the project presents a dynamic digital series designed for the modern era.

The first episode premieres today, with the remaining episodes to be released over time.

Stay tuned for more.

Watch on YouTube
Watch on Instagram

Technologies

Verum Finance: Earn While You Communicate — The Super App That Pays You

Verum has officially launched Verum Finance, an innovative financial application that transforms a private messenger into a true financial super app. News of the launch was also featured on the respected platform Dealroom.co.

Verum Finance can now be used both within Verum Messenger and as a standalone application for iPhone and iPad. When users sign in to Verum Finance with their Verum Messenger account, all balances, settings, and account data are automatically synchronized for maximum convenience.

Users can now do more than communicate securely and protect their data — they can also generate passive income directly within the ecosystem.

What Verum Finance Offers

• Top up your balance with a bank card, Apple Pay, or USDT
• Send money instantly anywhere in the world
• Issue and manage debit cards (virtual and physical)
• Full Apple Pay support
• Exchange assets and withdraw funds quickly

One of the most unique features is the built-in cryptocurrency mining system inside Verum Messenger.

The application utilizes your device’s resources and allows you to earn cryptocurrency in the background — passively, while chatting, traveling, or simply using the messenger.

Maximum Privacy + Real Freedom

• Registration without a phone number, email address, or passport
• End-to-end encryption and full control over your data
• Lifetime free VPN
• eSIM connectivity in more than 150 countries
• Reliable offline communication mode
• Support for 12+ languages for users worldwide

Everything is available in one place: secure communication, financial tools, earning opportunities, and privacy protection.

Users can access the full experience directly within Verum Messenger or switch to the dedicated Verum Finance app for iOS. All data is synchronized automatically between the two applications.

Why Download Verum Today

While many messaging platforms collect user data and expose users to restrictions, Verum offers greater independence and the opportunity to earn.

With a one-time purchase of the feature package, users receive lifetime access to privacy tools, VPN, eSIM services, cryptocurrency mining, and financial features.

This is more than just a messenger.

It is your personal tool for financial and digital freedom.

Download Verum Finance and Verum Messenger today — start communicating securely and begin earning tomorrow.

Download Links:

→ App Store (iPhone / iPad): Verum Finance
→ App Store (Verum Messenger): Verum Messenger

Technologies

Verum Finance: A Super App for Private Finance Integrated Into a Messenger

Verum Finance has announced the launch of a new financial application that allows users to manage their money directly within the secure Verum Messenger ecosystem.

The project has already attracted attention from major media outlets. A dedicated feature was published by Forbes Türkiye, while one of the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchanges, MEXC, covered the launch. Yahoo Finance had previously reported on the evolution of Verum Messenger into a comprehensive financial ecosystem.

What Verum Finance Offers

Verum Finance transforms a messenger into a complete financial platform. Users can:

• Manage their balance and top up using bank cards or USDT
• Send money instantly to other Verum users
• Issue and use debit cards, including Apple Pay support
• Exchange assets and withdraw funds
• Access all these services without installing separate banking applications

A strong emphasis is placed on privacy. The platform offers registration without a phone number or email address, end-to-end encryption, and full user control over personal data.

Recognition from Forbes Türkiye

In a dedicated article, Forbes Türkiye highlighted Verum Finance as a notable example of modern privacy-driven fintech. The publication emphasized the growing trend of financial services moving from standalone banking applications into unified messaging ecosystems — a model that has proven successful in Asia through platforms such as WeChat and Alipay and is now expanding globally.

Support from the Crypto Community

Alongside the Forbes Türkiye coverage, news about the launch of Verum Finance was also featured by MEXC, one of the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchanges. This reflects growing interest in the project from both traditional business media and the cryptocurrency community.

A Strategic Vision

“We are building more than a payments application and more than a messenger. Verum is a unified secure ecosystem where communication, finance, and privacy tools work together,” the company stated.

Verum Finance is now available for iPhone and iPad users. The application complements Verum Messenger, which offers anonymous chats, voice and video calls, VPN services, eSIM connectivity, and other tools designed to enhance digital freedom.

Verum Finance: https://finance.verum.im

Verum Messenger: https://verum.im