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In a company the size and complexity of Apple, it’s probably not a good idea to give any one person credit for anything — except maybe Johny Srouji.
Srouji is Apple’s senior vice president of hardware technologies, the man in charge of Apple silicon. He’s the guy who looks like a mad scientist in his underground lair in all those videos showing Apple’s latest chip advances.
Apple recruited Srouji in 2008 to lead development of the A4, the company’s first system-on-a-chip. That in turn led to Apple silicon, the in-house processors that power all of Apple’s major devices today. And as you know, Apple silicon has been a gigantic home run.
Srouji joined Apple after holding senior chip design and development jobs at IBM and Intel (he’s even been floated as a potential candidate for Intel CEO).
Over the weekend, rumors indicated Srouji might leave Apple soon, which led to panic among Apple fans. Luckily, a Monday morning leak sounds promising. (Curiously, Srouji doesn’t seem to use Apple Intelligence to proofread his own memos. Look at all those caps!)
Also in today’s newsletter:
Rumors about the demise of Apple Fitness+ appear to be greatly exaggerated: The service is undergoing a pretty big expansion.
What’s going on with discounts on Apple products? Several major devices are now on sale at Black Friday lows or even lower, including the latest Apple Watch Series 11 and AirPods Pro 3.
This is good news, of course, if you’re shopping for Xmas presents. Talking of, we beefed up our annual holiday guide with some new gift ideas for the Apple fan in your life.
I’m constantly pinging my errant iPhone from my Apple Watch, but the other way around? I don’t think I’ve ever misplaced my Apple Watch (it’s either on my wrist or a charging stand). However, if you ever misplace yours, here’s an easy way to ping it from your iPhone.
— Leander Kahney, EIC.
A message from RAD Intel
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Meta boosted its AI budget to as much as $72 billion this year.
Google raised its estimate to $93 billion for 2025.
Microsoft is following suit, investing heavily in AI data centers and decision layers.
While Wall Street reacts, the message is clear: AI infrastructure is the next trillion-dollar frontier.
RAD Intel already builds that infrastructure — the AI decision layer powering marketing performance for Fortune 1000 brands. Backed by Adobe, Fidelity Ventures, and insiders from Google, Meta, and Amazon, the company has raised $50M+, grown valuation 4,900%, and doubled sales contracts in 2025 with seven-figure contracts secured.
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One more thing ...
The goal was never to beat the competition, or to make a lot of money. It was to do the greatest thing possible, or even a little greater.
Today’s poll
Do you use Apple Fitness+ for exercise?
Results from last Friday’s poll: AirPods auto-switching: Blessing or a curse?
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