HeyWhatsNew: Apple Tweaks iOS 26 After Liquid Glass Backlash, and Tesla’s Robotaxis Face Heat Over Traffic Violations
Hey there, and welcome to this week’s edition of HeyWhatsNew! From tech breakthroughs to entertainment buzz, we’ve got all the latest updates you need to know for the week beginning 23/06/2025.
WhatsApp Introduces AI Summaries for Private Chats
WhatsApp is rolling out a new feature that uses Meta AI to automatically summarize your unread private messages. Instead of scrolling through every unread chat, you can now tap a “Summarize Privately” button to get a quick, bulleted recap of what you missed. The best part? These summaries are just for you, and they won’t be visible to others in the group. Powered by Meta’s “Private Processing” tech, the feature ensures your messages stay secure and unread by Meta or anyone else. Currently launching in English for users in the U.S., the AI summaries will become available in more regions and languages later this year. While the feature is off by default and totally optional, it is part of Meta’s broader push to integrate more AI into WhatsApp.
Fortnite Player Fined $175,000 and Banned for Cheating in Tournament
Epic Games has won a lawsuit against a competitor who used both cheating software and hardware during a Fortnite tournament. The player tried to cover their tracks by switching between multiple accounts, but Epic's anti-cheat systems caught on quickly. The legal action, which began in December 2024, was part of Epic’s ongoing effort to crack down on unfair play in its competitive scene. On June 25, 2025, Epic announced that the court ruled in its favor after the defendant failed to respond to the lawsuit. The consequences were severe: a $175,000 penalty and a permanent ban from Fortnite. Epic emphasized that cheating has no place in the game and confirmed that any money recovered will be donated to charity.
Apple Refines Liquid Glass UI in iOS 26 Beta 2 Following Early User Backlash
With the release of iOS 26 Beta 2, Apple is addressing some of the early backlash it received over its new “Liquid Glass” interface, first introduced at WWDC 2025. This updated design brings a sleek, modern look to iPhones, iPads, and other Apple devices by mimicking the optical qualities of glass, such as light refraction and transparency. However, early testers of the first developer beta were quick to raise concerns about the design’s impact on usability and readability. One of the most significant issues highlighted was the Control Center, which became difficult to navigate due to its semi-transparent background that allowed Home Screen icons and widgets to interfere visually with the buttons and sliders. In response, Apple has adjusted the background blur in Beta 2, making the Control Center easier to read and more distinct from the content behind it.
Another common complaint involved the readability of notifications, particularly on brighter or lighter backgrounds. While Apple has sharpened the appearance of notifications in the latest beta, users still report that further improvements are needed to ensure clarity across different visual conditions. These updates are just part of Apple’s broader effort to refine the iOS 26 experience ahead of its public release this fall.
Fairphone 6 Promises Long-Lasting, Repairable Smartphones with a Modular Twist
Fairphone is back with the Fairphone 6—a lighter, smaller, and even more modular smartphone designed with sustainability and user freedom in mind. Swapping out the battery takes just seven screws, and the new 4,415mAh cell offers up to 53 hours of use. Alongside a 120Hz OLED display, Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chip, and expandable 256GB storage, the phone introduces clever new modular add-ons like a cardholder and finger loops that attach to a redesigned, more accessible back panel. It starts at €599 in Europe and $899 in the U.S.
Continuing its mission of repairability, the Fairphone 6 lets users replace up to 12 parts with just a standard screwdriver and comes with an impressive five-year warranty and eight years of software support. The new Fairphone Moments feature, activated by a side switch, introduces a minimalist mode to reduce distractions and promote intentional tech use. While its IP55 rating means it’s splash-resistant but not waterproof, the Fairphone 6 remains one of the most user-empowered smartphones on the market today.
Tesla’s Robotaxis Under Scrutiny After Footage Shows Traffic Violations
Tesla’s new robotaxis have caught the attention of U.S. safety regulators after videos showed the cars breaking traffic laws during their first test on public roads in Austin, Texas. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) confirmed it’s in contact with Tesla to get more information. Although the vehicles had safety drivers in the passenger seat, social media footage showed them driving poorly—abruptly stopping near a police car, swerving into the wrong lane, and speeding.
The launch was small, with only 12 robotaxis and a small group of invited riders. Tesla says the cars won’t drive in bad weather, avoid tricky intersections, and won’t carry passengers under 18. Critics say the small launch shows how far Tesla is behind competitors like Waymo and Zoox, which already offer self-driving rides in several cities. Unlike those companies, Tesla uses only cameras instead of radar and sensors, aiming for a cheaper system, but safety concerns remain.
That’s all for this week, Heyuppers. Be sure to tune in next week for a fresh rundown of all the biggest tech drops and future-forward innovations you won’t want to miss.
