By Siddharth Ahuja Humans first pressed pigment into cave walls 65,000 years ago. The same impulse that drove us then drives us today – from a child with crayons, to making sandcastles in the sand, to filmmaking, songwriting, and even grandiose architecture. Every child is a natural filmmaker, directing elaborate stories with action figures. Every child is a composer, humming melodies that have never existed. Every child is an architect, building impossible worlds with blocks. But somewhere between crayon drawings and adulthood, creation becomes *complicated*. Making a film means mastering complex software, understanding technical workflows, and navigating industry gatekeepers. Want to compose music? Study theory, afford equipment, learn intimidating interfaces. A game? Spend years learning programming languages and technical skills. The tools inevitably became the gatekeepers, building a wall of complexity. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Today, most creativity dies not from lack of vision, but from the complexity of tools. I recently released a project called “Blender MCP” that allows anyone to create 3D scenes using AI. Now someone can type in “make a lush forest with a house”, or “make a dragon game asset” and it will do the job for you. The project blew up, with over 250k+ users in just a matter of months, and skyrocketed to one of the most popular AI projects in the world with 13,000 stars on Github. Seeing the reaction to the project, I had a profound realisation – the distance between imagination and creation is getting smaller by the day, allowing everyone to be a creator. With AI, we’re approaching a fundamental shift in how we think about creation. Instead of asking*”What tool should I learn?” we’ll ask “What do I want to create today?” For example, with Blender MCP, you can sketch a level, describe its mood, and the AI brings your vision to life. Imagine humming a melody and having it arranged into a full symphony. Imagine describing a script for a movie and seeing it iterate in front of your eyes, as you make changes in real time. I’m sure you’ve heard the argument that AI is replacing artists. I believe that the opposite is true, AI is finally letting everyone become an artist. When tools get out of the way, we rediscover the childlike joy of creation; and it belongs to everyone. The barriers to creation are slowly dissolving. Creativity is no longer gatekept by your ability to navigate complex software. A teenager can now compete with major studios. A grandmother can finally write the novel she’s carried for decades. A mechanic can design the video game he’s always imagined. Everyone’s creative voice matters. And for the first time since childhood, the answer to “Who gets to create?” is simply: Everyone. (Siddharth Ahuja is the creator of Blender MCP, an AI tool with over 3 lakh downloads, which helps create and modify 3D scenes through simple text prompts in seconds. The views expressed in the article are those of the author. Zee News does not endorse or confirm them.)

Apple iOS 26 Release Date In India: Apple has officially launched the highly anticipated iPhone 17 series in India. During the event, the Cupertino-based tech giant also rolled out the Release Candidate (RC) version of iOS 26 to beta testers, marking the final pre-release of the software. All new iPhone models—including the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and iPhone Air will come equipped with iOS 26. Notably, Apple confirmed that iOS 26 will be available as an over-the-air (OTA) update starting September 15. Apple’s iOS 26 Software Update: Features The upcoming iOS update introduces a fresh design language called “Liquid Glass”, inspired by the translucent interface of visionOS. This new look revamps key user elements, including menus, options, notifications, Control Center, and several first-party apps such as Messages, Phone, and Camera, giving the interface a more modern, fluid feel. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source The Liquid Glass UI also brings enhanced Apple Intelligence features like Live Translation and introduces updates across CarPlay, Apple Music, Maps, Wallet, and Apple Games. Users will notice a redesigned time and date widget, along with a dynamic lock screen widget that adapts to the wallpaper. On the homescreen, Apple now allows icon customization, including translucent effects, ensuring a cohesive design that flows seamlessly across lock screens, notifications, widgets, and system apps, making the overall experience feel more immersive and refined. (Also Read: iPhone Air India Launch: Why Apple Dropped ’17’ From Its Slimmest Smartphone Ever; Check Camera, Display, Price, And Other Features) Apple’s iOS 26 Update: Eligible iPhone Models  Apple’s lineup of iPhones spans several generations, including the iPhone 11 series (iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max), iPhone 12 series (iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Mini, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max), iPhone 13 series (iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Mini, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max), iPhone 14 series (iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max), iPhone 15 series (iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max), and iPhone 16 series (iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max). Adding further, Apple continues to offer the iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd Generation) and the iPhone 16e, providing options for a wide range of users. iOS 26 Update: How To Download Step 1: Use your Apple ID to enroll for free. Step 2: Ensure your device is added to your Apple Developer account. Step 3: Navigate to Settings > General > Software Update on your iPhone. Step 4: Tap on Beta Updates to view available beta versions. Step 5: Select iOS 26 Developer Beta and follow the instructions to download and install. 

World’s Best In-Ear Active Noise Cancellation Earbuds: Apple has launched the AirPods Pro 3 in India, bringing advanced features like Live Translation and heart rate monitoring. It is powered by computational audio and Apple Intelligence. The earbuds are designed to deliver smoother, more natural interactions across multiple languages. These earbuds also come with an IP57 rating for water and sweat resistance, making them suitable for use in diverse conditions. The company claims that the AirPods Pro 3 offer twice the noise cancellation compared to the previous generation, while also being four times stronger than the original AirPods Pro. Apple AirPods Pro 3 Features Add Zee News as a Preferred Source It features a new acoustic design with adaptive equalisation, delivering a more refined listening experience. They offer up to eight hours of playback with active noise cancellation switched on, which is a third longer than the previous generation. One of the standout additions is Live Translation, initially supporting real-time translation in English, French, German, Portuguese, and Spanish, with Italian, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese set to join by the end of the year. The earbuds also boast enhanced Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) through ultra-low noise microphones, advanced computational audio, and new foam-infused ear tips that provide superior passive noise isolation. (Also Read: Apple’s iOS 26 Release Date Announced In India: Check Features, Eligible iPhone Models, Major Upgrades, And How to Download) Adding to their versatility, the AirPods can function as a camera remote for the iPhone, while studio-quality audio support will soon arrive for AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 2, ensuring richer playback across music, videos, and podcasts. Apple AirPods Pro 3 Price In India The new AirPods Pro 3 will be available for pre-order starting September 9, with sales beginning September 19. The earbuds are priced at Rs 25,900, bringing Apple’s latest audio innovations to the Indian market.

New Delhi: Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as the defining technology of the 21st century, poised to add nearly $15.7 trillion to global GDP by 2030, a report said on Wednesday. “More than 66 per cent of developed economies already have national AI strategies, compared to just 30 per cent in developing economies and 12 per cent in least-developed ones,” a joint report of FICCI and Boston Consulting Group (BCG) stated. According to the report, the race of AI is based on four interdependent dimensions: compute, data, models, and talent. A few nations, like the US and China, have taken the lead, with many focusing on specific AI interventions; however, most economies have the potential to advance. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source According to the report, a few sectors, such as financial services and retail, are leading with rapid AI integration due to data-rich environments. However, socially critical sectors like agriculture and public services lag, constrained by fragmented infrastructure and funding challenges due to unclear Return on Investment. FICCI Director General Jyoti Vij said: “AI is not just a technological wave; it is a strategic race that will define economic and social leadership in the decades ahead. Together, we can ensure that AI is not just a race for advantage, but a collective pursuit of progress that unlocks value for the world.” The FICCI-BCG report highlighted that despite billions in investments, nearly half of AI pilots are scrapped before production, and fewer than one in eight prototypes reach deployment. Key barriers include siloed infrastructure, skills shortages, and cultural resistance, it said. According to the report, adoption of AI is more sociological than technical; 70 per cent of AI adoption obstacles stem from people and process issues, not technology. Organisations that invest in reskilling, cultural change, and empowering workforces are best placed to translate AI into real business outcomes, the report noted. “We are seeing significant divergence in the global AI race. The majority of developed economies have national AI strategies, while the less developed ones are yet to undertake this journey,” BCG Managing Director and Senior Partner Saibal Chakraborty said.

iPhone 17 Series: US tech giant Apple launched its latest iPhone 17 series — iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max — globally during the September 9 Awe Dropping event. It also launched the iPhone Air, the thinnest iPhone ever. In India, Apple’s latest iPhone 17 lineup is priced between Rs 82,900 and Rs 2,29,900. But what about the US, UK, Australia, Canada And Dubai? Let’s check out the latest iPhone 17 and Air prices there. iPhone 17 Series Prices In US ($1 = Rs 88.14) iPhone 17- $799 (Approximately Rs 70423) iPhone Air- $999 (Approximately Rs 88051) iPhone 17 Pro- $1099 (Approximately Rs 96865) iPhone 17 Pro Max $1199 (Approximately Rs 105679) iPhone 17 Series Prices In Australia (A$1 = Rs 57.84) iPhone 17- A$1,399 (Approximately Rs 80918) iPhone Air- A$1,799 (Approximately Rs 104054) iPhone 17 Pro- A$1,999 (Approximately Rs 115622) iPhone 17 Pro Max- A$2,199 (Approximately Rs 127190) Add Zee News as a Preferred Source iPhone 17 Series Prices In Canada (Canada $1 = Rs 63,68) iPhone 17- $1129 (Approximately Rs 71894) iPhone Air- $1449 (Approximately Rs 92272) iPhone 17 Pro- $1599 (Approximately Rs 101824) iPhone 17 Pro Max- $1749 (Approximately Rs 111376) iPhone 17 Series Prices In India iPhone 17- Rs 82,900 iPhone Air Rs 119,900 iPhone 17 Pro- Rs 134,900  iPhone 17 Pro Max- Rs 149,900 iPhone 17 Series Prices In Dubai (AED1 = Rs 24.03) iPhone 17- AED 3,399 (Approximately Rs 81677) iPhone Air- AED 4,299 (Approximately Rs 103304) iPhone 17 Pro- AED 4,699 (Approximately Rs 112916) iPhone 17 Pro Max- AED 5,099 (Approximately Rs 122528) iPhone 17 Series Prices In UK (£1 = Rs 119.21) iPhone 17- £799 (Approximately Rs 95248) iPhone Air- £999 (Approximately Rs 119090) iPhone 17 Pro- £1,099 (Approximately Rs 131011) iPhone 17 Pro Max- £1,199 (Approximately Rs 142932) Notably, all the aforementioned prices are of the base models and may increase depending on the variant chosen.

New Delhi: US tech giant Apple’s decision to manufacture its entire iPhone 17 range in India will enhance supply chain efficiency, reduce tax leakage, and make a stronger case for India as a premium device manufacturing hub, experts said on Wednesday. The ‘Make in India’ initiative, bolstered by Apple’s expanded footprint, is expected to generate substantial employment, boost exports, and enhance India’s credibility as a high-tech manufacturing powerhouse, according to Grant Thornton Bharat. By shifting production to Tamil Nadu and Karnataka through partners Foxconn and Tata Electronics, Apple avoids the 20 per cent Basic Customs Duty otherwise levied on imported, fully assembled devices. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Local assembly also insulates the company from potential tariff escalations in the US, said Krishan Arora, Partner – Tax Planning & Optimisation, Grant Thornton Bharat. After the US imposed higher tariffs on India, some of the country’s exports now face duties as high as 50 per cent, though smartphones remain exempt for now. The move by Apple also unlocked further gains under India’s Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, which offers 4–6 per cent cash incentives on incremental phone sales manufactured in India over five years, Arora said, adding that the company’s decision may not immediately lower prices for consumers in India. This has helped Apple’s contract manufacturers surpass $10 billion in iPhone exports in FY 2024–25, with exports surging 53 per cent year-on-year in H1 2025 to reach 23.9 million units, he added. In the first half of 2025, as much as 78 per cent of iPhones assembled in India were shipped to the US, up from 53 per cent a year earlier. The Tamil Nadu government has extended capital subsidies, fast-tracked environmental clearances, and dedicated electronics parks, while Karnataka has offered land at concessional rates, power tariff rebates, and skill development grants.

New Delhi: Apple, which is stepping up its manufacturing push in India, has spread iPhone 17 production across five local factories, which will be available in the country from September 19. According to analysts on Wednesday, the festive season is set to herald new sales records for the US-based giant. Apple is also expected to manufacture fewer units of the ‘Pro’ models in India, according to industry sources. Foxconn has started rolling out iPhone 17 units at its new $2.8 billion facility in Devanahalli, near Bengaluru. The plant, which is Foxconn’s second-largest iPhone factory outside China, is now running alongside its Chennai unit. Experts view the Bengaluru factory’s launch and the broader manufacturing shift as a major milestone in Apple’s diversification strategy. Moreover, despite inflationary and tariff pressures affecting global supply chains, Apple has largely maintained stable US dollar pricing, supported by expanded local manufacturing in India, which mitigates geopolitical risks. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Tarun Pathak, Research Director at Counterpoint Research, said that Apple now has the widest range of iPhone portfolio and is set to garner a major share in the upcoming festive season. “Around 60-65 per cent of iPhones in India are being purchased on EMIs, which would also work well for the new iPhone 17 series. From the form factor point of view, iPhone 17 Air looks stunning and will surely catch more eyeballs in the domestic market, especially with its Pro performance and best of the silicon,” he noted. “I think the camera remains the best for iPhones in this new lineup, especially on the 17 Pro Series,” Pathak added. While iPhone 17 (256 GB) starts at Rs 82,900, iPhone 17 Air (256 GB) begins from Rs 119,900; iPhone 17 Pro (256 GB) starts from Rs 134,900 and iPhone 17 Pro Max (256 GB) from Rs 149,900. iPhone Air features a breakthrough titanium design that is elegant and light yet strong. The back of iPhone Air is now protected with Ceramic Shield, and the front cover uses Ceramic Shield 2, delivering 3x better scratch resistance, making iPhone Air more durable than any previous iPhone. iPhone Air also features a stunning 6.5-inch Super Retina XDR display with ProMotion up to 120Hz. According to Prabhu Ram, VP-Industry Research Group (IRG), CMR, with the all-new iPhone 17 series introducing a refreshed design language, Apple is well-positioned for a strong festive season in India.  “The iPhone 17 Air brings notable design innovation, likely driving upgrades from loyalists of older models, while the iPhone 17 Pro lineup features a functional, performance-focused design reminiscent of the Apple Watch Ultra, the largest battery ever in an iPhone, and a major camera leap with an 8x telephoto lens and up to 40x digital zoom. Durability enhancements, including improved drop and scratch resistance, align with growing consumer demand for longer device lifecycles,” he said. Combined with the strong festive-season performance of older iPhone generations, the sizeable under-penetrated upgrade pool in India presents significant growth opportunities, provided Apple can convert consumer interest into sales, he maintained. Apple’s bet on India has already started to pay off. Between April and July this year, iPhones worth $7.5 billion were exported from India, compared to $17 billion in the entire previous fiscal year. Apple CEO Tim Cook also recently underlined India’s growing role in the company’s supply chain.

iPhone 17 Pro Max India Launch: Apple has launched the iPhone 17 Pro Max in India at its September 9 Awe Dropping event, following the launch of the ultra-thin iPhone Air in the country. The new Pro lineup introduces a redesigned camera system, and the longest-ever battery life on an iPhone. The iPhone 17 Pro Max are powered by Apple’s latest and greatest 3-nanometre A19 Pro mobile processor. The iPhone 17 models support Apple Intelligence, Apple’s AI-powered suite that adds on-device generative features to the iOS experience. It is offered in cosmic orange, deep blue, and silver colour options. The 2025 iPhone lineup now brings a 120Hz refresh rate to all models, a feature that was earlier limited to the Pro versions. Apple has also reintroduced the aluminum frame design with the iPhone 17 Pro Max. For the first time, the Pro Max model offers a 2TB storage option. However, as always, iPhones in India are priced higher compared to markets like Dubai and the US. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source iPhone 17 Pro Max Specifications The iPhone 17 Pro Max comes with a massive 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, now reaching an impressive peak brightness of 3,000 nits, a jump from 2,000 nits on its predecessor. It supports ProMotion with refresh rates up to 120Hz and an Always-On display for seamless viewing. The phone is equipped with the Ceramic Shield 2 on both front and back, offering three times more scratch resistance and four times more crack resistance than earlier models. At its core lies the powerful A19 Pro chipset paired with iOS 26, supported by a new vapor chamber cooling system for better thermal management. (Also Read: iPhone Air India Launch: Why Apple Dropped ’17’ From Its Slimmest Smartphone Ever; Check Camera, Display, Price, And Other Features) Apple claims this model delivers the longest battery life of any iPhone to date, with 50% charge in just 20 minutes using the 40W USB-C adapter. A 16-core Neural Engine enables advanced AI tasks like on-device translation, screenshot recognition, and real-time machine learning, with Apple Intelligence designed to run offline for added privacy. On the camera front, the iPhone 17 Pro Max debuts a triple 48MP “Fusion” system, enabling up to 8x optical zoom. The main and ultra-wide lenses benefit from Photonic Engine enhancements for improved low-light shots, while the 18MP “Centre Stage” front camera supports dual-capture video and adaptive framing for both portraits and landscapes. C On the connectivity front, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is equally advanced, with Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 powered by the N1 wireless chip, while Apple Intelligence further boosts AirDrop and Personal Hotspot performance. iPhone 17 Pro Max Price In India, Pre-order And Sale Date The iPhone 17 Pro Max starts at Rs 1,49,900 for the 256GB model, followed by Rs 1,69,900 for the 512GB variant. The 1TB option is priced at Rs 1,89,900, while the top-end 2TB model comes in at Rs 2,29,900. The pre-order begins from September 12 across 63+ countries, including India, the U.S., UK, Australia, Canada, China, Japan, Germany, France, and the UAE. Shipping starts from September 19 in the initial markets, followed by availability in 22 additional regions from September 26. 

Apple iPhone 17 Series: US tech giant Apple launched its much-awaited latest iPhone 17 series at a starting price of Rs 82,900 during the September 9 Awe Dropping event. The iPhone 17 series includes iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max. Along with the 17 series, the company also launched the iPhone Air, the thinnest iPhone ever built, at Rs 1,19,900. Customers in India can pre-order their favorite iPhone model from September 12, while the sales start from September 26. The pricing for Apple’s latest iPhone 17 lineup ranges between Rs 82,900 and Rs 2,29,900. The iPhone 17 (256 GB) is priced at Rs 82,900, while the ultra-thin iPhone Air (256 GB) starts at Rs 1,19,900. The iPhone 17 Pro (256 GB) is available at Rs 1,34,900, and the iPhone 17 Pro Max (256 GB) is priced from Rs 1,49,900, which goes to Rs 2,29,900 for the top-end 2TB variant. Apple iPhone 17 Series Prices Add Zee News as a Preferred Source iPhone 17 (256 GB)- Rs 82,900 iPhone 17 (512GB)- Rs 1,02,900 iPhone Air (256 GB)- Rs 1,19,900 iPhone Air (512GB)- Rs 1,39,900 iPhone Air (1TB)- Rs 1,59,900 iPhone 17 Pro (256 GB)- Rs 1,34,900 iPhone 17 Pro (512GB)- Rs 1,54,900 iPhone 17 Pro (1TB)- Rs 1,74,900 iPhone 17 Pro Max (256 GB)- Rs 1,49,900 iPhone 17 Pro Max (512GB)- Rs 1,69,900 iPhone 17 Pro Max (1TB)- Rs 1,89,900 iPhone 17 Pro Max (2TB)- Rs 2,29,900 Offers And Sales Date The latest Apple iPhone lineup comes with several offers, such as up to 6 months of No Cost EMI and Rs 5000 instant cashback with eligible cards. Additionally, customers can get benefits of Rs 3,590 to Rs 64,000 under the trade-in program for a new iPhone. While pre-orders start at 5:30 PM on September 12, the new iPhone lineup is available from September 19.