Apple’s Gemini SoS ♊️🍏

👀 TLDR

In this week’s What’s Appening, we cover the report that Apple will lean on Google’s Gemini to power its revamped AI Siri. A big admission that it’s losing - or lost - the AI race? Or just a case of playing it safe? We also have news on Nvidia becoming the world’s first $5 trillion company, a WhatsApp companion app finally coming to Apple Watch, backlash against Coca-Cola’s AI-generated Holiday advert (again), and plenty more!

🎬 Our Top Take

📱📵 AI Siri – Apple Reportedly Will Lean on Google Gemini

A lot of column inches have been devoted to Apple losing the AI race over the past few years, and with the muted rollout of Apple Intelligence, it doesn’t feel like it’s making up any ground. Yet, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reports that Apple is taking an “if you can’t beat ‘em, pay ‘em” approach, asking Google to develop a bespoke model of Gemini to support the launch of Apple’s revamped AI Siri. Gurman is usually on the money with all things coming out of Cupertino, so this is likely not just a rumor. The new AI Siri should arrive alongside a host of Siri-powered products (HomePods, a new Apple TV) next year. It could be, of course, viewed as a case of ‘playing it safe,’ perhaps even myopic, for Apple to be forced to ‘lean’ (Gurman’s words) on a rival’s tech, yet few bat an eyelid at Apple and Google’s deal on Google Search for Safari, and that seems to benefit both parties. The consensus remains that Apple should have been rolling out its own AI infrastructure by now, yet global iPhone sales are booming and Apple’s lucrative services revenue is also through the roof, so maybe playing it safe feels comfortable. For now. #SiriSOS Read more here.

📲 App of the Week: MD Vinyl

We’ve noticed a lot of new apps released with the intent of doing something different with your digital music collection, often playing into the nostalgic trend for physical media. MD Vinyl is tapping into that market, allowing users to combine listening with visuals. In essence, it can turn your phone screen or iPad screen into a turntable, playing your online music (it’s compatible with Spotify and Apple Music) on a virtual record player, which also allows you to explore album artwork, etc. It’s gone somewhat viral with the kids on TikTok and Insta, too. The app is free for iOS (available here) and Android (here), but do be aware that they nudge you toward paying $4.99 for the Pro version.

🧐 Stat of the Week: 25,000 sq ft

📈📉 Dataland – World’s First Major AI Museum Will Open 2026

It’s fair to say that AI’s presence in the arts makes some people uneasy. Even AI adverts (see our Coca-Cola story below) can cause backlash. Yet, the technology is being embraced in some corners, including in LA. The Museum of AI Arts/Dataland will open next spring, covering over 25,000 square feet and inclusive of five galleries. The museum will feature everything from trippy visuals to new scents, all created by AI, of course. #AIArt Read more here.

🗞️ Other Stories

📍 Meanwhile at 3Advance in Washington, DC

Huge congrats to Seema, Rachel, and the whole DC Startup & Tech Week team on an incredible milestone this year. With more than 9,000 attendees and national coverage to match, it’s amazing to see how far the event (and the DC startup scene) has come. We’ve been longtime supporters of DC Startup & Tech Week, and we’re really proud to see the impact this community continues to make - not just here in DC, but across the country.