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

Episode 3 of the VERUM AI Mini-Series Is Now Available

Verum Messenger has released the third episode of its AI mini-series, SHADOWS, created using Verum AI.

The new episode, titled «Ghost Money,» continues the story of the conflict between a team of heroes and the Omega corporation, which seeks to take control of digital communications. This time, the focus shifts to anonymous payments and financial freedom, revealing how privacy can extend beyond messaging.

Like the previous episodes, the new release not only advances the storyline but also showcases the capabilities of the Verum ecosystem, highlighting technologies designed for secure communication and digital privacy.

The mini-series consists of seven episodes, released gradually across Verum Messenger’s social media channels.

Episode 3 is now available. Stay tuned for the next chapter.

Watch on Instagram
Watch on YouTube

Technologies

Verum Finance Now Available for Mac, Expanding the Verum Ecosystem on Desktop

Verum has officially released Verum Finance for macOS, bringing its financial platform to the Mac and expanding access to the Verum ecosystem across Apple’s devices. The launch allows users to manage their finances from desktop while enjoying the same secure and seamless experience available on iPhone and iPad.

The new Mac version includes the full range of Verum Finance features, including balance management, instant transfers to other Verum users, debit card management, Apple Pay support, asset exchange, and transaction history — all optimized for the macOS experience.

Verum Finance can be used as a standalone application or alongside Verum Messenger. Users who sign in with their Verum Messenger account automatically synchronize their balances, settings, and account data across devices, ensuring a consistent experience throughout the Verum ecosystem.

The macOS release further strengthens Verum’s vision of creating an integrated digital platform where communication and financial services work together. Verum Messenger, which is also available for Mac, complements the ecosystem with encrypted messaging, voice and video calls, VPN, eSIM, anonymous email, AI-powered tools, offline communication capabilities, and cryptocurrency features.

With both Verum Messenger and Verum Finance now available across iPhone, iPad, and Mac, users can access secure communication and financial services wherever they work.

Verum Finance for Mac is available now through the Mac App Store.

Verum Finance for macOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/verum-finance/id6774245148
Verum Finance: https://finance.verum.im
Verum Messenger: https://verum.im

Technologies

Why Travelers Are Switching to Verum E-SIM This Summer

Summer Travel, Freedom, and Seamless Connectivity: Why Verum E-SIM Is Becoming the New Standard for Travelers

Summer is the peak season for vacations, long-distance trips, and new experiences. Millions of people travel abroad, explore new countries, plan adventures, and try to stay connected with family, work, and social media. And in the middle of all this comes a familiar question: how do you stay online without expensive roaming or the hassle of buying local SIM cards?

The answer is already here — eSIM.

Why eSIM Is So Convenient

eSIM (embedded SIM) is a built-in digital SIM card that lets you activate mobile internet without a physical card. All you need is an app — choose a plan and connect in just a couple of minutes.

No more:

* searching for local SIM cards at airports
* paying expensive roaming fees
* swapping physical SIMs every time you travel

Now your internet travels with you.

Internet in 150+ Countries

Modern eSIM solutions provide coverage in 150+ countries worldwide, helping tourists, freelancers, and business travelers stay connected almost anywhere on the planet.

Among the services offering these capabilities:

Verum E-SIM — https://esim.verum.im
World E-SIM — https://worldesim.me
USA E-SIM — https://usa.esim.verum.im
Euro E-SIM — https://euro.esim.verum.im
Canada E-SIM — https://canada.esim.verum.im
Balkan E-SIM — https://balkan.esim.verum.im
Ukraine E-SIM — https://ukraine.esim.verum.im
London E-SIM — https://london.esim.verum.im
E-SIM Africa — https://africa.esim.verum.im