President Joe Biden shared an unusual smartphone mockup on social media that featured extremely rounded edges, sparking humor and confusion online. The post aimed to address "drip pricing" on food delivery apps, but responses to it largely fixated on the peculiar design rather than the policy issue.

An antitrust lawsuit filed by the Department of Justice against Apple may result in significant changes to the iOS experience. There might be some similarities with what happened after the company had to conform to the European Union's Digital Markets Act (DMA) in promoting its services, running its App Store, and handling contactless payments. The main changes in the EU include adding options for downloading apps from other app stores inside iOS and more web browsing options besides Safari.

Apple has opened its iPhone repair process to include used components for the iPhone 15. Customers and independent repair shops will be able to fix iPhones starting this fall using compatible components, including the battery, display, and camera. Face ID will not be available when the feature first rolls out but will be implemented later. Apple has no plans to sell refurbished parts for user repairs.

Apple has renewed discussions with OpenAI to use its generative AI technology to power new features coming to the iPhone later this year. The companies were discussing a deal earlier this year, but work between the two parties has been minimal since then. Apple is still in discussions with Google about licensing the Gemini chatbot. It is unclear which provider Apple plans to eventually use.

Apple is nearing an agreement with OpenAI to integrate ChatGPT technology into the iPhone, potentially featuring it in the upcoming iOS 18 as part of its AI enhancements.

Apple has announced upcoming accessibility features leveraging AI and machine learning, such as Eye Tracking for iPad, iPhone navigation using the front-facing camera, and Vocal Shortcuts that enable Siri to execute tasks via custom sounds. Other upcoming features include Music Haptics for tactile music feedback and advanced speech recognition for atypical speech patterns.

Apple's Messages app will support RCS in iOS 18. It will replace SMS as the default communication protocol between Android and iOS devices. RCS offers typing indicators, read receipts, longer messages, and higher-quality images and videos. Apple likely integrated the protocol to appease EU regulators.

Apple is reportedly investigating 'electrically induced adhesive debonding' technology to make iPhone batteries more replaceable. The technology would allow a battery to be dislodged from its chassis with a small jolt of electricity to the battery. It could debut with at least one of the iPhone 16 models this year.

The Don Norman Playbook, authored by Felix Lee, delves into the influential ideas of Don Norman, a prominent figure in user-centered design. The piece highlights essential lessons from Norman's work, particularly emphasizing the importance of designing with a deep understanding of users' needs, behaviors, and emotions. This human-centered approach is crucial for creating successful products, as exemplified by the intuitive design of the iPhone, which revolutionized user interaction with technology. Norman's concepts of affordances and signifiers are also discussed, illustrating how design should naturally communicate usage without relying on written instructions. For instance, a well-designed door should intuitively indicate whether to push or pull, showcasing the significance of small details in enhancing user experience. The article further explores the iterative design process, where continuous prototyping and testing lead to refined products. The example of the Dyson vacuum cleaner, which underwent over 5,000 prototypes, underscores the value of persistence in achieving effective design solutions. Norman's perspective on design as a problem-solving tool is highlighted through his work on hospital signage systems, which improved navigation and reduced stress for patients and families. Additionally, the piece addresses the role of constraints in design, using the USB plug as an example of how physical limitations can guide user behavior and minimize errors. The discussion shifts to the future of design in the context of artificial intelligence (AI). Norman advocates for a human-centered approach to AI, emphasizing that technology should augment human capabilities rather than replace them. He warns against "black box" systems that lack transparency, arguing for AI that provides clear explanations for its decisions to maintain user trust. In conclusion, the insights from Don Norman serve as a masterclass in empathy, simplicity, and functionality in design. His teachings remind us that effective design goes beyond aesthetics; it is about creating products and systems that empower users. The article encourages readers to embrace these principles in their own work, fostering a deeper connection between design and the people it serves.