Hi friends, welcome to TechPP Daily Brief, where we bring all the latest tech updates from the last 24 hours. Today’s news is about OpenAI launching its latest GPT-5.6 models, which are currently in preview. Microsoft has extended support for Windows 10 security updates until 2027. Google is adding Gemini to the Play Store. Apple’s new M-series launch strategy, Google is capping Meta’s Gemini usage, and much more.

TechPP Daily Brief

As always, we publish TechPP Daily Brief every day, except on the weekends. If you want to stay updated with the latest tech trends, you can bookmark our TechPP Daily Brief page. With that in mind, let’s get started with today’s news.

The Daily Brief: June 29, 2026

AI News

OpenAI’s Latest GPT-5.6 Models Are Here

OpenAI's Latest Models Are Here

If you follow our TechPP daily briefs, we have been reporting that OpenAI will announce its next generation of GPT 5.6 models, and now they are finally here. Currently, they are in a limited preview because of U.S. government restrictions; OpenAI has to limit these models to a limited preview for now. However, CEO Sam Altman says that they are hoping to launch these models to all users in the coming weeks.

The Big Picture:
Now coming to the GPT-5, the new model family includes three models: GPT-5.6 Sol, GPT-5.6 Terra, and GPT-5.6 Luna.

GPT 5.6 Sol is the flagship model of all, and OpenAI calls it the strongest model yet. It has plenty of improvements in coding, science, cybersecurity, and genetic tasks.

GPT-5.6 Terra is a more balanced model designed for everyday work. It offers performance competitive with GPT-5.5 but is now 2x cheaper.

And finally, GPT 5.6 Luna is the affordable model of the three from OpenAI. It is the fastest and most cost-efficient model in the GPT 5.6 family, as per OpenAI.

However, as we said before, GPT 5.6 is not available to normal users. Currently, all the models are available in a limited preview and are only accessible through the OpenAI API and Codex to a limited group of trusted partners and organizations because of U.S. government regulations.

Now the models also come with the ability to support max reasoning for better answers, and they include an Ultra mode that uses more subagents for more complex tasks.

However, the biggest takeaway is OpenAI’s launch to a limited preview instead of rolling out to everyone like its previous models. And also, here are the benchmarks for those models. OpenAI models also beat Claude, Fable, and even Mythos. Unfortunately for us, there is no way to test its capabilities for now, but stay tuned to our TechPP as we will share more insights on testing.

Google Has Reportedly Capped Meta’s Use of Gemini AI Models

Google vs Meta Fight

According to the latest report by the Financial Times, Google has reportedly capped Meta’s AI usage of Gemini models. Google reportedly told Meta in March 2024 that it could not supply the full Gemini capacity that Meta wanted.

However, the interesting fact that we have obtained from this report is that Meta is heavily dependent on the Google Gemini models, and it has even delayed some of its internal AI projects because of these limitations. As per the report, Meta is internally using Google Gemini models for scam detection, customer support, advertising, and even for coding.

However, another concern for us is the growing AI demand, which is also limiting capacities for outsiders. Reportedly, Meta isn’t the only company affected, but it has been hit the hardest since it is heavily dependent on the Gemini models. The report also mentions that Meta wants to reduce its reliance on third-party models and intends to move to its own models by using its Muse Spark model.

Apple News

After the Recent Price Hike of Mac Products, Apple Is Also Expected to increase iPhone Prices

Apple iPhone price increase

Apple has increased prices of almost all its product categories, except for the iPhones. From MacBooks to HomePods, almost every product category saw a significant rise in prices, which are already live on Apple websites globally. And now, according to the latest industry predictions, Apple is also expected to raise iPhone prices soon.

The Big Picture:
Based on the current trend, those increased prices are not coming down anytime soon, at least until the RAM shortage is sorted. Apple, like other companies, blames AI for these price increases.

iPhones are the most sold product by Apple currently, and those are not affected by the initial price hikes. However, that might not be the case in a few days. According to the latest reports, Apple is also expected to raise the prices of the existing iPhone models.

iPhones also have to be in the expected price increase list since the beginning, because they are the ones that heavily depend on RAM, silicon, and storage, which are currently facing shortages.

Apple deliberately held back iPhone price hikes for obvious reasons: the iPhone is Apple’s major product line and its primary revenue-generating product. Obviously, increasing the price of already expensive iPhones can decrease their demand, especially when Apple is boosting good sales numbers globally. However, the RAM shortage is real, and the biggest companies, like Apple, which has the best supply chain, are also facing issues.

For us, it is very unsurprising if Apple increases the prices of the iPhone, too. However, we are not sure when this is going to happen, but we predict that it isn’t far away. Apple is also expected to announce the iPhone 18 series in the coming month of September, possibly on Sep 9th, where the upcoming iPhones are expected to launch with new, higher prices compared to existing models. If you are planning to buy an iPhone and need it, the best time is yesterday or even today, as per Nothing CEO Carl Pei.

Apple Wants Permission from the Trump Administration to Buy RAM Chips from CXMT, a Chinese Memory Supplier

RAM chips from CXMT Apple sourcing

Apple is seeking alternative sources for its RAM requirement. According to the latest report, Apple is asking permission to buy RAM from the Chinese company CXMT. The US government blocked many Chinese companies from doing business with American companies. This list includes CXMT, which is blacklisted by the Pentagon because of alleged links to the Chinese People’s Liberation Army.

But now, to mitigate ongoing price increases and pressure on the Apple supply chain and to meet RAM needs, Apple is seeking permission to buy RAM from CXMT.

The Big Picture:
CXMT is currently the number four supplier with an 8% market share. Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron still lead the chart. However, similar to the other companies, CXMT also saw a huge revenue jump from these memory price increases. There is no information on whether the U.S. government will approve this request from Apple, as it is directly blocked by the Pentagon, citing that the company is linked to the Chinese military, according to reports. Due to the ongoing price increase, Apple has massively increased its product prices. Apple is looking for alternative RAM procurement methods.

Apple May Change Its Normal M-Series Launch Strategy

Apple new M series product launch strategy

Apple is reportedly changing its M-series launch strategy this year. According to the latest report by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is planning to launch only the base M6 chip, skipping the M6 Pro, M6 Max, and even the Ultra variant completely this year . Typically, after introducing the base variant, Apple then follows with Pro, Max, and Ultra versions. But this time, we are only getting the M6 variant.

The Big Picture:
If you are someone looking to buy a new MacBook with the M6 Pro or even higher variants, you should remember this: The base variant of M6 is coming in 2026. However, instead of the M6 Pro variants, Apple will skip M6 Pro, M6 Max, and M6 Ultra completely.

Instead, Apple will launch the M7 in 2027, and is also expected to launch the M7 Pro and M7 Max at the end of 2027, and will launch the M7 Ultra in 2028.

The reason for this on-device AI is that Apple wants to fast-track technologies originally planned for later processors. So, if you are planning to buy an Ultra or Pro variant of the upcoming M6, you have to wait until 2027. However, due to the ongoing price increase, those are also expected to launch at a higher price. However, despite all of this, Apple is initially expected to launch its new version of MacBook, the MacBook Ultra, this year. The report also says that the MacBook Ultra is still on schedule to launch this year, but with the M5 Ultra variant.

Windows News

Microsoft Has Extended Windows 10 Security Updates

Microsoft Windows laptops

Microsoft has extended Windows 10 security updates for personal users until October 12, 2027. Microsoft has officially ended Windows 10 support on October 14, 2025. There will no longer be regular security updates; however, Microsoft promised to offer ESU (Extended Security Updates), which will provide support for critical and important security updates.

Initially, it was expected to last until 2026, but according to Microsoft, they are now offering and extending ESU security updates until 2027. However, there are certain requirements to get these updates. As per Microsoft, a PC must run Windows 10 version 22H2 on Home, Professional, Pro Education, or Pro for Workstations.

To be eligible for this update, you must connect your Microsoft account to your existing Windows account.

Android News

Google Is Adding Google Play Store Integration Inside Gemini on Android

If you are using Android, the Google Play Store is getting a big upgrade. Google is adding Gemini integration to the Google Play Store. Now, using your natural language, you can search for Android apps and games inside the Play Store. The feature was initially announced at Google I/O 2026, and now it is starting to roll out. If you don’t see it, wait for a few days until it arrives on your phone.

Google is adding Gemini integration across its apps. It can be big news for us because, apart from making it easier for users to discover apps through natural language, it will hopefully limit the discovery of fake apps, misleading apps, and copycats.

Thanks to Play Store ads, many developers are creating clone apps of original applications, and due to the paid ad placement on top, even before organic results, these clones are often positioned above the original apps, leading many people to download them by mistake. The feature is currently rolling out, though we haven’t received it to test yet. We really hope that with this AI intelligence, Google finally solves this problem.

Launch Monitor

Now, coming to the launch monitor, here are the latest consumer products that have been launched:

  • Belkin launched a new 14-in-1 Thunderbolt 5 dock in China for 2,299 yuan. It supports high-speed Thunderbolt 5 bandwidth, 140W USB-C PD charging, multiple ports, and multi-display setups.
  • Moto launched its new Moto Pad 70 Pro in India for 36,999/-. It comes with a 13-inch 3.5K 144Hz display, Snapdragon 8s Gen 4, and a 10,200mAh battery. You can check the pricing and full specs of the card below.

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