Apple is now charging $49.99 for extra AI usage through its Intelligence Usage Packs, with Logic Pro being the first app to offer the option. The packs let users go beyond monthly limits on cloud-based AI features powered by OpenAI or Google Gemini. Other apps like Pages, Keynote, and Final Cut Pro are expected to add the same option soon. The feature is available in eight countries, though Family Sharing does not apply to these purchases.
Apple's Services segment pulled in $31.57 billion in its latest quarter, but it remains unclear how much the AI usage packs will contribute. Subscribers to Creator Studio apps face monthly caps, such as 50 images and 250 shapes, before needing to pay for more. Unused usage rolls over for up to 12 months.
Meanwhile, Anthropic has committed $3.4 billion to secure 1.7 gigawatts of gas-fired generator capacity for its AI data centers. The deal, which takes over equipment orders from OnePWR Solutions originally placed with Caterpillar, reflects a broader trend of AI firms turning to gas power to avoid long electrical grid wait times. New turbine delivery times in the US can stretch to six years, and used turbines now sell for $1.3 to $1.7 million per MW versus $2 to $2.5 million for new units.
SoftBank reported record revenue and operating income for the first half of fiscal year 2027, driven by strong performance in financial and AI-related enterprise segments. Higher taxes reduced net income despite the operational gains. The growth underscores continued investor confidence in AI-linked businesses even as some signs of a slowdown appear elsewhere.
Wall Street analysts suggest that stricter regulatory environments could benefit large cloud providers like Amazon, Microsoft, and Google. AI capital spending is expected to hold at pre-election levels despite recent tech stock volatility. At the same time, the AI investment boom is showing signs of cooling, with high-flying stocks feeling pressure as easy profits fade and companies beyond Silicon Valley see ripple effects.
On the government side, U.S. Customs and Border Protection is using AI tools to modernize older software about 40 percent faster, while the Department of Commerce applies AI for data analysis and system integration. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will discuss AI alongside Iran and Ukraine at the G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting in France. In a separate development, an AI detector scanning a Gmail inbox found 12 instances of machine-generated text, showing these tools can identify automated content even when it is not labeled. Globe Business and the Department of Trade and Industry in the Philippines are also helping small businesses adopt AI through seminars and 30-day trial promotions.
Key Takeaways
- Apple charges $49.99 for extra AI usage in Creator Studio apps, starting with Logic Pro, available in eight countries including the US and UK.
- Anthropic spends $3.4 billion to secure 1.7 gigawatts of gas-fired generator capacity for AI data centers due to six-year turbine wait times.
- Used gas turbines now cost $1.3 to $1.7 million per MW, cheaper than new units at $2 to $2.5 million, driving demand for refurbished equipment.
- SoftBank reports record H1 fiscal 2027 revenue and operating income, driven by financial and AI-related enterprise segments.
- Analysts believe Amazon, Microsoft, and Google could benefit from stricter regulatory environments and steady AI capital spending.
- The AI investment boom is slowing, with high-flying stocks under pressure and market corrections spreading beyond Silicon Valley.
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection uses AI to modernize IT systems 40 percent faster, with the Department of Commerce following suit.
- Marco Rubio will discuss AI policy with G7 allies in France alongside Iran and Ukraine topics.
- An AI detector found 12 machine-generated emails in a Gmail inbox, proving these tools can spot automated text effectively.
- Globe Business partners with the Philippines' Department of Trade and Industry to help MSMEs adopt AI through seminars and 30-day trial promotions.
Apple launches $50 intelligence usage packs for AI features
Apple has introduced one-time $49.99 intelligence usage packs for expanded AI access. The first app to offer this is Logic Pro through Apple Creator Studio. Users can buy extra AI usage after hitting monthly limits. Unused usage rolls over for up to 12 months. Family Sharing is not supported for these packs.
Apple makes major AI pricing move with new revenue plan
Apple now charges $49.99 for extra AI usage in Creator Studio apps like Keynote, Pages, and Logic Pro. Subscribers get monthly limits such as 50 images and 250 shapes before needing to pay more. The feature is available in eight countries including the US, UK, and India. Apple's Services segment earned $31.57 billion in its latest quarter. It remains unclear how much revenue these packs will generate.
Apple's $50 Intelligence Usage Packs extend AI feature access
Logic Pro is the first Apple app to charge for extended Apple Intelligence usage. The Intelligence Usage Packs help users access cloud-based AI features from OpenAI or Google Gemini beyond limits. Users can buy more usage through the Intelligence Features menu in Logic Pro. Other apps like Pixelmator Pro, Final Cut Pro, and Pages are expected to add this option soon. The packs cannot be shared through Family Sharing.
Anthropic secures $3.4 billion gas turbine deal for AI data centers
Anthropic agreed to spend $3.4 billion to secure 1.7 gigawatts of gas-fired generator capacity for AI data centers. The deal takes over equipment orders originally placed by OnePWR Solutions from Caterpillar. New turbine wait times in the US can reach six years. Anthropic follows other AI firms turning to gas power to avoid grid delays. The move raises environmental concerns.
Used turbines gain popularity for powering AI data centers
Used and refurbished gas turbines are in demand for AI data centers due to long wait times for new equipment. Delivery times for new turbines in the US can reach six years. Used units cost between $1.3 and $1.7 million per MW compared to $2 to $2.5 million for new ones. Companies like Crusoe are buying adapted aircraft engines for power. Some projects now use over 100 smaller turbines across a single site.
SoftBank records record H1 revenue amid AI investment surge
SoftBank reported record revenue and operating income for the first half of fiscal year 2027. The growth was driven by strong performance across financial and AI-related enterprise segments. Higher taxes reduced net income despite the positive operational results.
AI trade unwinding brings wider market consequences
The AI investment boom is showing signs of slowing down. High-flying stocks are being affected as the easy profits disappear. Companies outside Silicon Valley are also feeling the impact of this market correction.
Wall Street sees cloud giants benefiting from AI regulatory changes
Analysts believe the recent tech stock decline after midterm elections was unwarranted. A stricter regulatory environment could benefit large cloud providers like Amazon, Microsoft, and Google. AI capital spending is expected to remain at pre-election levels.
CBP and Commerce use AI to speed up IT modernization
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is using AI tools to modernize older software components about 40 percent faster. The Department of Commerce is also applying AI to advance its IT modernization efforts. Both agencies are using AI for data analysis and system integration.
Rubio to discuss Iran, Ukraine and AI with G7 allies in France
Secretary of State Marco Rubio is traveling to France for G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting. The talks will cover Iran, Ukraine conflict, and artificial intelligence. Rubio will meet with allies from Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, and Japan.
AI Detector Scans Gmail Inbox for Machine-Generated Emails
A writer tested an AI detector by sending the pangram sentence 'The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog' to their Gmail inbox. The detector found 12 instances of machine-generated text in the inbox. The tool uses natural language processing and machine learning to identify whether emails are human-written or machine-generated. The experiment showed that AI detectors can effectively spot automated text even when it is not clearly labeled.
Globe Business and DTI Partner to Help Small Businesses Adopt AI
Angeline Po, Globe Business vice president for product management, highlighted the need for government and private sector collaboration to help MSMEs adopt AI and IoT technologies. Many small businesses struggle not from lack of interest but from limited knowledge of how to integrate these tools. Globe Business partnered with the Department of Trade and Industry to offer face-to-face and online seminars for business owners. The company also provides 30-day promotions so MSMEs can test technology offerings at low cost before committing.
Sources
- Apple launches $50 'intelligence usage packs' for select AI features
- Apple Makes Major AI Pricing Move as New Revenue Opportunity Emerges
- Apple’s $50 Intelligence Usage Packs extend access to some AI features
- Anthropic skips six-year waitlist with massive $3.4 billion gas turbine generator deal — firm takes over OnePWR's orders, secures 1.7GW of capacity to power AI data centers
- Turbines used to power AI data centers
- SoftBank: Record H1 revenue and operating income drove higher FY2027 guidance amid accelerating AI investment
- View: The unwinding of the AI trade will have bigger consequences than we think
- AI Stock Rout Called 'Unwarranted.' Why Wall Street Sees Post-Midterms Edge For Cloud Giants.
- CBP, Commerce Apply AI to Advance IT Modernization
- Rubio will discuss Iran, Ukraine, AI and more with G7 allies in France
- I Let Pangram Loose on My Gmail Inbox. Here’s How Much AI It Found
- Exec cites importance of private-gov’t tie-up for MSMEs’ AI adoption
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