It’s been a while since our last “news of the week” segment, but Apple’s delivered a flurry of small announcements lately that are worth bundling together so you don’t miss them. We’ve already covered Alan Dye’s departure and the 2025 App Store Awards – here’s how the rest of the latest news fits around those bigger stories.
Apple reshapes its leadership across AI, design, and hardware
Apple announced a pair of major personnel updates this week, with longtime AI chief John Giannandrea set to retire and several other senior leaders moving roles across hardware, operations, and services. Coming so soon after the exit of Liquid Glass designer Alan Dye, we wonder how much it will dictate how the company will operate moving forward. Watch carefully to see if Apple’s DNA changes in the coming year or two.
Apple highlights its favourite podcasts and artists of 2025
In case you missed it, Apple rolled out a series of end-of-year picks across its media platforms. The Rest Is History claimed Apple Podcasts’ Show of the Year and topped a broader roundup of the most popular and fastest-growing shows of 2025 – Joe Rogan and Mel Robbins continue to dominate the numbers, but new shows from names like Amy Poehler and Kylie Kelce were recognised for their popularity too. Over on Apple Music, Tyler, The Creator was named Artist of the Year last month, recognised for a standout run of releases and cultural influence.
MLS expands its partnership with Apple – and this year’s Cup streams free
Apple confirmed that Major League Soccer is coming to Apple TV in full from 2026, ahead of the US co-hosting the next World Cup. More immediately, the 2025 MLS Cup will stream free this Saturday, with Inter Miami facing Vancouver in a first-time-champion clash. Apple is promising its most ambitious MLS broadcast yet, featuring more than 30 cameras, drone shots, iPhone 17 Pro Max angles, and full pre- and post-game coverage across the Apple TV app and Apple Sports.