You could soon see ads in Apple Maps when searching for places: Report

by Hansraj Agrawal | Mar 24, 2026 | Technology

Apple is reportedly planning to introduce ads in its Maps app, a move that could change how search results are displayed for users. This means users could soon start seeing ads while searching for places. According to TechCrunch, citing a Bloomberg report, the company may allow sponsored listings within the app, where brands can pay for better visibility. If implemented, this would mark a notable shift for Apple Maps, which has so far remained free of advertising and focused on a cleaner search experience.

Ads in Apple Maps: What to expect

According to the report, users may begin seeing ads in the iOS Maps app by summer. These could appear like search ads on other platforms, where certain results appear more prominently. For example, while searching for restaurants, bars, or stores, users might see sponsored listings at the top. The report noted that these placements would likely be based on a bidding process, where businesses compete for visibility within relevant search queries.

Other platforms like Google Maps already show ads, so bringing a similar model to Apple Maps would put it in line with how these services already operate. However, it remains unclear how ads, particularly those tied to search results, might affect the overall user experience.

The report mentioned that Apple had been considering this move for some time now, with reports highlighting similar plans back in October last year. However, the company has not officially confirmed anything so far.

The development may follow Apple’s push to expand advertising across its platforms. The company has already introduced ad placements in the App Store and is reportedly working on bringing more ads to the News app, while also making it easier to include ads within its Podcasts service.

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Apple WWDC26 starts June 8: New OS platforms, AI Siri overhaul expected

by Hansraj Agrawal | Mar 24, 2026 | Technology

Apple has announced that its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC26) will take place from June 8 to June 12, with the event being held primarily online. The conference will begin with the Keynote session, followed by the Platforms State of the Union on June 8, where Apple is expected to unveil the next generation of its software platforms, including iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS 27 and more.

In addition to the online sessions, Apple will also host a limited in-person event at Apple Park on June 8. Selected developers and students will be able to attend, watch the keynote and interact with Apple engineers and designers.

The event will be streamed via the Apple Developer app, website and YouTube, and will include over 100 video sessions, group labs and one-on-one appointments with Apple teams throughout the week.

Apple WWDC26: What to expect

Apple has not yet detailed any specifics but said that WWDC26 will “spotlight incredible updates for Apple platforms, including AI advancements and exciting new software and developer tools.” Here is what we can expect from Apple at its 2026 developer conference:

Next-generation operating systems

Apple is expected to preview iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS 27 and other platform updates at WWDC26. As with previous years, these updates are likely to enter beta testing soon after the keynote, with the final rollout expected later in the year alongside the next-generation iPhone lineup.

A recent Bloomberg report suggests that iOS 27 may focus on performance, stability and system optimisation, rather than introducing a major visual overhaul. Apple is said to be refining its existing software stack by removing legacy code, improving efficiency and addressing bugs that have surfaced after multiple feature-heavy updates.

AI-powered Siri

A major focus at WWDC26 is expected to be Apple’s delayed Siri overhaul, which was first announced at WWDC 2024 as part of its broader Apple Intelligence push.

At the time, Apple demonstrated a more advanced version of Siri capable of:

Understanding personal context from emails, messages and files

Interacting with on-screen content

Performing actions within apps without opening them manually

However, these features have faced repeated delays due to performance and reliability issues. Apple was then expected to roll them out with iOS 26 updates, but reports indicate that the timeline has now shifted toward iOS 27.

More recently, Apple has also partnered with Google to integrate a customised version of Gemini AI models into its ecosystem. This partnership will power the next phase of intelligence features for Siri.

As a result, WWDC26 could mark the first time Apple showcases:

A more chatbot-like Siri experience with support for longer conversations

Improved voice and text-based interactions

Deeper integration across apps and system-level features

These upgrades are expected to be rolled out gradually, potentially starting with early versions of iOS 27.

Apple Intelligence

In addition to Siri, Apple is also expected to introduce new AI-driven tools, including:

An AI health assistant, which could analyse user data and provide guidance on fitness and wellness

An AI-based search or “answer engine”, designed to deliver more conversational responses across Safari, Spotlight and Siri

Liquid Glass refinements

While a major redesign is unlikely, Apple is expected to continue refining the Liquid Glass interface introduced with iOS 26. A report by MacRumors suggested that the company may add more controls to adjust transparency and improve readability, following user feedback. This could include a system-wide slider to adjust the Liquid Glass effect.

Support for new hardware categories

iOS 27 is also expected to lay the groundwork for upcoming hardware, including Apple’s first foldable iPhone which is expected to debut this year. The foldable iPhone is expected to feature the new iOS version out-of-the-box and could introduce new multitasking behaviours or interface adjustments designed for larger or flexible displays, likely similar to iPadOS.

Release timeline

Following the WWDC keynote and Platforms State of the Union, Apple is expected to release developer and public beta versions of its new software.

The final versions of iOS 27 and other updates are likely to roll out later in the year, typically around Apple’s fall event, where the company is expected to introduce its next-generation iPhone models.

Apple has not yet shared detailed feature announcements, with more information expected during the keynote on June

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Instagram now lets you reorder carousel posts after publishing: How to use

by Hansraj Agrawal | Mar 24, 2026 | Technology

Instagram is rolling out a feature that lets users reorder photos and videos in a carousel even after the post has been published. The update was shared via Instagram’s creator page, confirming that users no longer need to delete and repost content just to fix the order.

Until now, once a carousel was posted, its sequence was locked. If a photo or video appeared in the wrong place, the only option was to delete the entire post and upload it again correctly. The company said this was not only inconvenient but also meant losing engagement, such as likes and comments.

Instagram reorder carousel feature: Details

The company said in its post, “Starting today, you can reorder photos and videos in your carousel posts after publishing them. With a simple long-press and drag, you no longer need to delete and re-upload your content.”

Instagram also explained how the feature is designed to work and what users can expect from it. According to the company, the update is focused on giving users more control over their posts. It said users can change the order of carousel content at any time, allowing them to better align posts with their intended layout or storytelling.

Instagram further said that reordering a carousel will not affect engagement. Likes and comments remain intact, so users will not lose traction on their posts while making changes. At the same time, the company clarified a limitation. While users can reorder or remove existing items in a carousel, they still cannot add new media after publishing.

As with most Instagram updates, this feature is rolling out gradually. If users do not see it yet, it should become available in the coming days.

User reactions to the feature appear to be largely positive, with many calling it a long-overdue update and saying it solves a common frustration of having to delete and repost carousels just to fix the order. At the same time, there are also requests for more flexibility. Some users say Instagram should allow editing other elements like music or making broader post changes after publishing.

Here’s how to reorder a carousel post:

Go to your Instagram profile and open a carousel post

Tap the three-dot menu in the top-right corner

Select “Edit”

Long-press a photo or video and drag it to reorder

(This long press works similarly to how you do the sequencing before publishing)

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Anthropic's Claude can now browse apps on your desktop to automate tasks

by Hansraj Agrawal | Mar 24, 2026 | Technology

Anthropic has announced an update to Claude AI, introducing the ability to carry out tasks directly on a user’s computer. With this update, Claude Code and Claude Cowork tools can now open files, browse the web, and use developer tools, moving beyond a purely chat-based experience. The feature is currently available as a research preview on macOS.

In a series of posts on X, Anthropic said users can enable Claude to “use your computer to complete tasks,” including opening apps, navigating the browser, and filling in spreadsheets. The company noted that Claude prioritises connected apps such as Slack, Calendar, and other integrations, and in cases where a connector is not available, it will ask for permission before directly accessing and operating an app on the user’s system.

The company also highlighted cross-device functionality as part of the update. Users can assign tasks from their phone and have them completed on their computer, while recurring actions such as scanning emails daily or generating weekly reports can be automated after being set up once. The feature is available to Claude Pro and Claude Max users and can be accessed by updating the desktop app and pairing it with a mobile device.

What can Claude do now

As shown in a video shared by Claude on X, the updated system can handle a range of tasks across devices. It can be controlled via a smartphone while executing actions on a computer, extracting a presentation file from a system, converting it into a PDF, and attaching it to a calendar invite.

It can also start a development server, capture screenshots based on user instructions, and send them within a set deadline. Additionally, Claude can process batches of photos, resize them, and apply edits such as adding logos.

Assign a task from your phone, turn your attention to something else, and come back to finished work on your computer. Tell Claude once to scan your email every morning or pull a report every Friday, and it handles it from there. pic.twitter.com/HeaBKnPl8D

— Claude (@claudeai) March 23, 2026

What is Claude Cowork

Earlier last month, Anthropic introduced Claude Cowork, an agent-based AI workspace that allows its assistant to go beyond chat and actively handle tasks such as reading, editing, organising, and creating files within a user-designated folder. Available as a research preview for Claude Max users on macOS, it also includes multiple plug-ins to automate workflows across areas like legal, sales, marketing, and data analysis.

The system works by planning tasks step by step and executing them in parallel, aiming to function more like a digital coworker than a chatbot, though it has also raised concerns about potential disruption to traditional software tools.

What is Claude Code

Claude Code is an agentic AI coding tool that can read codebases, edit files, run commands, and integrate with development environments across terminal, IDE, desktop, and browser. As per Anthropic, it helps developers build features, fix bugs, and automate tasks by understanding entire codebases and working across multiple files and tools.

Claude Code recently made headlines when Anthropic introduced Claude Code Security, a capability built into its AI coding assistant that helps developers identify vulnerabilities by analysing how code behaves, rather than relying only on known threat patterns. Designed for developers and security teams, the tool aims to bring AI-driven insights directly into codebases.

The launch gained attention beyond the developer ecosystem after it triggered a market reaction. According to reports, shares of several cybersecurity firms, including CrowdStrike, Zscaler, Okta, Palo Alto Networks, and SailPoint, declined following the rollout, as investors assessed whether AI-driven tools could disrupt parts of the traditional application security market.

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Tech Wrap March 23: AirDrop on Galaxy S26, Realme 16, WhatsApp on iOS

by Hansraj Agrawal | Mar 23, 2026 | Technology

Samsung has revealed that the Galaxy S26 series will support interoperability between Android Quick Share and Apple AirDrop, allowing users to transfer files wirelessly to an iPhone without using third-party apps. The company stated that AirDrop compatibility will first roll out on the Galaxy S26 lineup, with plans to extend it to more devices later. The feature rollout begins March 23 in South Korea and will gradually expand to other regions.

Realme has confirmed it will soon introduce the Realme 16 5G, expanding its Realme 16 series lineup. After launching the Realme 16 Pro and Pro Plus in January, the company is now preparing to bring the base variant. According to Realme, the device will be India’s first “Selfie Mirror Phone,” featuring a function that enables users to preview selfies in real time by simply twisting the handset.

WhatsApp is reportedly developing a feature that will automatically translate messages, making it easier for users to communicate across languages. As per a report from WABetaInfo, the feature is expected to support translation in 21 languages, removing the need to manually translate each message. It was spotted in the latest WhatsApp beta for iOS 26.11.10.70. Currently, WhatsApp offers a manual “Translate” option, but the report notes that translating multiple messages can be time-consuming.

Microsoft has announced plans to allow users to bypass Windows updates during device setup and also restart or shut down their PCs without installing updates. These changes will be introduced through upcoming beta builds for Windows Insiders scheduled for release this month and through April. Another feature includes the return of taskbar repositioning, allowing users to move it to the top or sides of the screen—a capability that was removed with Windows 11 in 2021.

Google is reportedly experimenting with how headlines appear in Search results, with some publishers’ original titles being shortened or modified. According to a report by The Verge, the company has been showing reworded or condensed headlines in certain cases, which may change the original meaning. This development signals a shift away from the traditional “10 blue links” format, where users typically saw headlines exactly as written by publishers.

Amazon is reportedly developing a new smartphone, marking a potential return to the category more than a decade after its previous attempt. A Reuters report states that the project, internally known as “Transformer,” is being handled within the company’s devices and services division, with a focus on delivering a personalised experience closely integrated with its ecosystem. The launch timeline remains uncertain, and the project could still be shelved depending on strategic or financial decisions.

Sony is planning to introduce AI-driven frame generation technology to its PlayStation consoles in the future. According to The Verge, citing Digital Foundry, PlayStation’s lead system architect Mark Cerny explained that the technology uses machine learning to create additional frames between rendered ones, potentially resulting in smoother gameplay, though it may also add some latency.

OnePlus is set to unveil its new compact flagship smartphone, the OnePlus 15T, in China on March 24. The device will succeed the OnePlus 13T, which shares several similarities with the OnePlus 13s that launched in India later. The company is expected to follow a similar strategy this year by introducing the OnePlus 15s in India with comparable display, processor, and camera specifications.

Motorola is reportedly preparing to launch its book-style foldable smartphone, the Razr Fold, in India soon. According to a Digit report, the Lenovo-owned brand may introduce the device across multiple markets, including India, the US, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East, positioning it against competitors like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold and Vivo X Fold series.

Apple is reportedly preparing to launch a refreshed version of its entry-level iPad, after skipping an update during its recent round of product announcements. According to a report by 9To5Mac, the new base iPad is still on track to arrive in the first half of 2026. The device is expected to bring a performance upgrade along with support for Apple’s AI features.

The MacBook Neo challenges many assumptions typically associated with entry-level laptops. Its performance exceeds expectations for an 8GB configuration, while the battery delivers reliable all-day usage. At the same time, it continues to have limitations in areas such as memory expansion, port selection, display quality, and input features.

Despite this, with a starting price of Rs 69,990, it becomes accessible to a wider audience. The device does not attempt to redefine its category but instead operates within its limitations while offering steady performance. For users whose needs align with its strengths and compromises, it presents a balanced computing option.

Indian enterprises are reportedly ahead of global peers in adopting Artificial Intelligence at scale, with many organisations planning to increase their AI investments next year, according to a Deloitte report. However, this rapid adoption is accompanied by a notable skills gap, as India has lower levels of specialised AI expertise compared to the global average.

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Wipro expands South Korea presence with new innovation lab in Seoul

by Hansraj Agrawal | Mar 23, 2026 | Technology

Wipro, an IT services and consulting company, on Monday announced the expansion of its business operations in South Korea, reinforcing the country’s position as a strategic growth market for the firm.

The expansion includes an enlarged office footprint in Seoul, the launch of a new Innovation Lab as part of the Wipro Innovation Network (WIN), and continued investment in local talent to support South Korean clients locally and globally.

South Korea has emerged as a major global innovation hub, with leadership across semiconductors, advanced technology, automotive engineering, and industrial manufacturing. Wipro’s expanded presence reflects the growing importance of Korea in shaping global innovation and the increasing demand from South Korean enterprises for AI-led transformation that can scale across markets.

Wipro employs several hundred professionals in South Korea and continues to make sustained investments in the local ecosystem. The company serves South Korean clients through a strong local presence, complemented by its global Wipro Delivery Network. This integrated delivery model enables Korean enterprises to access specialised skills, industry expertise, and scalable global capabilities while retaining close local engagement. In parallel, Wipro is partnering with leading academic institutions to upskill talent and create opportunities for early-career professionals to work on advanced technology and innovation programmes.

Vinay Firake, chief executive officer of APMEA (Asia Pacific, India, Middle East, and Africa) Strategic Market Unit, Wipro Limited, said, “South Korea is a strategic growth market for Wipro and an increasingly important centre of global innovation. Our expanded presence reflects our long-term commitment to the region. By strengthening local capabilities, connecting Korea more deeply into our global delivery and innovation network, and co-innovating closely with clients, we aim to help enterprises translate innovation into measurable business outcomes.”

The Seoul Innovation Lab will operate as part of the Wipro Innovation Network (WIN), Wipro’s global network of innovation facilities. This will serve as a space for close collaboration with South Korean clients and ecosystem partners, enabling co-creation, rapid experimentation, and solution development. It will also showcase Wipro Intelligence — a unified suite of AI-powered platforms, solutions, and transformative offerings — to demonstrate how AI can be applied across real-world business scenarios.

The lab will focus primarily on technology, automotive, and industrial sectors, supporting use cases such as intelligent product engineering, software-defined vehicles, smart manufacturing, supply-chain optimisation, and AI-enabled operations.

With the launch of the Seoul Innovation Lab, Wipro now operates nine innovation facilities globally, including five across the APMEA region.

The expansion also builds on Wipro’s acquisition of the Digital Transformation Solutions (DTS) business unit of HARMAN, a Samsung company, completed last year.

As part of the integration, more than 5,000 professionals, including senior leaders across South Korea, the Americas, Europe, and India, have joined Wipro.

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