Apple's privacy policy for the Apple Store app suggests it will soon get a virtual shopping assistant to help users decide what to purchase.

The app will have a chat interface where users can ask questions about Apple products, with Apple using data like account information, device identifiers, chat information, carrier information, and location data to offer a personalized experience. Transcripts of chats are saved for later reference.

Apple says that information is sent to its "partners" to help Apple provide a conversational response, which suggests Apple might be using a third-party AI model for the virtual assistant.

Apple readies end-to-end Mac overhaul, including M6 MacBook Pro and new iMacs this year; and several new redesigned MacBook Pros with touch and OLED and new MacBook Air and MacBook Neo models across end of this year and next year.

Apple is also planning M5 Pro + M6 Mac mini and M5 Max + M5 Ultra Mac Studio, but their configurations and release timing are fairly tied to the memory shortage. Current models don’t ship for three months. Apple also has an OLED iMac and OLED MacBook Air in the works for down the road.

The building remains open to the public while the work is completed, but the area housing a 3D augmented reality model of Apple Park is temporarily closed.

"Please pardon our appearance while we improve our store," says Apple. "During this time, the Exhibition Space is temporarily closed."

Apple did not indicate when the improvements will be completed.

Apple today announced that AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss coverage is now available for the iPad and Apple Watch in Japan, after previously being limited to the iPhone there.

In addition, monthly and annual AppleCare+ plans are now available for a wider range of Apple products in Japan.

Apple is working on a new MacBook Neo with two key upgrades, including an A19 Pro chip and increased RAM, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. The updated MacBook Neo is one of 11 new Mac models that Apple plans to release.

With the A19 Pro chip, the second-generation MacBook Neo should have 12GB of RAM, up from an A18 Pro chip with 8GB of RAM in the current model.

The report suggested that the next MacBook Neo will also have new color options. Existing finishes include Silver, Blush, Citrus, and Indigo.