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TechCrunch tracks a group of artificial intelligence projects and products that were shut down, reintegrated, or failed to meet expectations, from Relay and Notion Mail to Siri and Recall. These cases reveal that competition from major platforms, weak demand, operating costs, and privacy and security problems can bring down a project despite funding or initial hype.
A TechCrunch writer says that rebuilding Siri in iOS 27 has made the assistant more useful for multi-step requests and understanding on-screen content, after years of limited use. The ecosystem also introduces new tools for Shortcuts, privacy, and safety, while some limitations remain in accuracy and app integration.
Apple is adding features to its watches that use live audio processing to rephrase what was said or summarize conversations, while emphasizing that raw audio recordings are not saved. But these functions raise practical and legal questions about obtaining others’ consent, the potential use of the resulting transcripts, and the effect of normalizing devices that listen continuously on people’s behavior.
Apple announced AirPods 5 with Active Noise Cancellation, which it says removes up to 50% more external noise than the ANC-equipped AirPods 4, along with audio improvements, Siri AI features, and Live Translation. Preorders start at $129, while the model with a wireless charging case costs $149.
Apple introduced the foldable iPhone Duo, featuring a 7.6-inch internal Super Retina XDR display, an A20 Pro chip, iOS 27, and camera capabilities designed to take advantage of its foldable form factor. Pre-orders begin on October 16, 2026, and the phone will be available on October 23.