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The Unexpected Surge in Mac Sales Apple's recent quarter saw iPhone sales and Services revenue take center stage, but the Mac segment quietly outperformed expectations. The tech giant reported $8.4 billion in Mac revenue for Q2, ended March 28, beating Wall Street's estimate of $8 billion. AI-Driven Demand Mac sales were up 6% year-over-year, defying expectations of flat growth. CEO Tim Cook attributed the growth to customers using Macs for local AI models, such as OpenClaw. The Mac mini and Mac Studio devices sold out in recent weeks, contributing to the surprise demand. The Role of New Product Launches Apple's recent product launches, including the MacBook Neo, played a significant role in the Mac sales growth. Cook described customer demand for the Neo as "off the charts" and higher than expected. Enterprise Demand and Market Trends Enterprise demand for Macs was a contributing factor, with companies like Perplexity turning to Macs for building AI assistants. The Mac mini was the top-selling desktop in China, a market experiencing high demand for AI-related products. School systems, such as Kansas City Public Schools, are also adopting Macs, with some dropping Chromebooks for the MacBook Neo. The Future Outlook Despite the strong demand, Mac revenue was flat on a quarter-over-quarter basis. Cook warned that it may take Apple "several months" to reach supply-demand balance on the Mac mini and Studio models.

Baselitz as a Living Thread of HistoryGeorg Baselitz (born 1938) died in 2026, leaving behind a body of work that directly channels the trauma of the Third Reich. Having been seven when the Nazi regime fell, he retained vivid personal memories that later fueled his most confrontational paintings.Born in East Germany, experienced both Nazi and communist oppression.Moved to West Germany in the early 1960s, shocking the post‑war art scene.Artistic Confrontations: The ‘Heroes’ Series and Zombie HitlerBaselitz’s early 1960s pieces, such as Die große Nacht im Eimer, depicted grotesque, semi‑nazi figures that forced viewers to confront lingering shame. His zombie Hitler woodcarving was displayed in the German Pavilion at the 1980 Venice Biennale, alongside Anselm Kiefer, turning the neoclassical building into a site of deliberate historical provocation.Series “Heroes” – uniformed youths with blood‑spattered limbs, symbolising the violent myth of the German soldier.Upside‑down German eagles – visual metaphor for a nation turned on its head.Impact on German Cultural MemoryBaselitz’s relentless exposure of Nazi imagery challenged West Germany’s post‑war desire to forget. By embedding the trauma in high‑profile venues, he compelled institutions and audiences to reckon with the past, influencing subsequent generations of artists who address collective guilt.Set a precedent for confronting historical atrocities in major exhibitions.Inspired debates on the limits of artistic provocation versus perceived fascist sympathies.Future Outlook: The Enduring Relevance of Baselitz’s ProvocationWith Baselitz now part of history, curators and scholars are tasked with preserving his confrontational legacy. Upcoming retrospectives and academic symposia are expected to re‑examine his work as a template for how art can serve as a moral compass in societies wrestling with dark chapters.Planned major retrospective at the Berlin State Museums in 2027.Increased scholarly focus on the ethics of representing trauma in visual culture.

FDA Clearance Marks a Milestone for BioticsAI's Ultrasound AI CopilotRobhy Bustami, co‑founder and CEO of BioticsAI, announced that the company obtained FDA approval in January 2026, unlocking the ability to launch its fetal‑abnormality detection system in clinical settings.From Scrappy Prototype to Regulatory SuccessThe team built a functional prototype for under $100,000, an unusually low cost for a medical‑device startup. That early version helped them win TechCrunch Startup Battlefield 2023, providing visibility and credibility that accelerated investor interest.Prototype cost: $100kTechCrunch Battlefield win: 2023FDA approval received: January 2026Financial and Timeline Metrics Behind the ClearanceWhile the article does not disclose full fundraising numbers, the rapid prototype and battlefield win suggest a capital‑efficient path. Early regulatory engagement—pre‑submission meetings with the FDA— reduced uncertainty and compressed the typical multi‑year approval timeline.Early regulator meetings: pre‑submission phaseTypical FDA device timeline: 18‑36 months (compressed by early alignment)Why FDA Approval Shifts the AI‑Healthcare LandscapeGaining clearance validates the technical approach and signals to hospitals that the product meets rigorous safety standards. It also demonstrates a repeatable model for other AI‑driven diagnostics, encouraging more founders to embed regulatory strategy from day one.Creates a trusted entry point for hospital adoptionSets a precedent for AI‑based fetal imaging toolsHighlights the need for cross‑functional teams (engineers, clinicians, regulators)Looking Ahead: Expansion Beyond ObstetricsWith the FDA hurdle cleared, BioticsAI plans to deploy its technology across obstetric units and later broaden into other reproductive‑health applications. The founder emphasizes continued data collection, partnership growth, and potential international regulatory filings as the next growth levers.Phase 1: Hospital rollout in obstetrics (2026‑2027)Phase 2: Expansion into broader reproductive health diagnostics (2028+)Long‑term goal: Global market penetration with localized regulatory approvals

The Journey from Prototype to ClearanceBuilding a medical device is fundamentally different from standard software development. This week on Build Mode, host Isabelle Johannessen sat down with Robhy Bustami, co-founder and CEO of BioticsAI, to discuss the arduous path from a $100,000 prototype to FDA clearance. Bustami, a Startup Battlefield winner, detailed how his team is building an AI copilot for ultrasound designed to detect fetal abnormalities. The conversation revealed that the traditional startup mantra of 'move fast and break things' is obsolete in the medical sector, replaced by a necessity for extreme precision and coordination.Market Validation and Resource AllocationThe episode provides a strategic look at the 'data' driving medtech success. BioticsAI's recognition as a Startup Battlefield winner serves as a key validation of their technology's potential. However, Bustami emphasized that the primary data point for founders is not just market traction, but the successful navigation of complex regulatory pathways. This requires a significant reallocation of resources—shifting focus from rapid feature deployment to ensuring safety, reliability, and compliance with FDA standards.Shifting the MedTech CultureThe core impact of this discussion lies in the cultural shift it highlights for the industry. As timelines for FDA approval remain uncertain, the ability to maintain team morale and investor confidence becomes a critical operational metric. Bustami noted that building in a regulated industry requires a foundation of trust rather than speed. This signals a broader trend where medtech startups must balance the pressure of hyper-growth with the ethical and legal responsibilities of patient safety.The Future of AI in Healthcare RegulationLooking ahead, the medtech landscape will likely see a consolidation of companies that prioritize long-term compliance over short-term hype. As more AI copilots enter the market, the winners will be those founders who master the art of 'slow and steady' innovation. The next wave of medical breakthroughs will depend not just on algorithmic superiority, but on the ability to build sustainable organizations capable of weathering the regulatory storm.

Stripe Launches Link, a Wallet Built for Autonomous AI AgentsStripe introduced Link at its annual conference, positioning it as the first consumer‑grade wallet engineered for the AI era. The service lets users connect cards, bank accounts, crypto wallets, and buy‑now‑pay‑later options, while granting AI agents permissioned access to spend without exposing raw credentials.How Link Integrates Payment Methods and AI Agent ControlsSupports cards, bank accounts, crypto wallets, and BNPL services.Provides a unified view of spending, recurring subscriptions, and 90‑day purchase protection.Agents gain access via an OAuth flow, creating spend requests that require user approval before credentials are shared.Built on Issuing for agents, issuing virtual cards or Shared Payment Tokens (SPT) for autonomous transactions.Future controls will include spend limits and conditional approvals without user interaction.Monetary Implications and Early Adoption SignalsWhile Stripe has not disclosed revenue forecasts for Link, the launch taps into a rapidly growing market of autonomous AI agents—evidenced by the recent sell‑out of Apple’s base‑model Mac Minis used for running such agents. If even 1% of the estimated 200 million active AI‑assistant users adopt Link, the wallet could process billions in transaction volume within its first year.Why the AI‑Powered Wallet Could Redefine Digital PaymentsBy abstracting payment credentials behind programmable tokens, Link addresses a core trust barrier that has slowed AI‑agent commerce. Enterprises building agents (including OpenClaw and similar platforms) can now embed a ready‑made wallet, accelerating time‑to‑market and reducing development overhead.Future Roadmap: Expanded Tokens, Spending Limits, and Wider Agent EcosystemStripe says support for agentic tokens, stablecoins, and additional payment rails is “coming soon.” Planned enhancements include user‑defined spending caps, conditional auto‑approval for trusted agents, and broader SDKs for developers to integrate Link into custom AI assistants.

The Challenges of FDA Approval Surviving the long road to FDA approval isn’t just about building great technology — it’s about keeping your team motivated, finding the right investors, and learning how to operate when timelines are uncertain. Lessons from BioticsAI This week on Build Mode, Isabelle Johannessen sits down with Robhy Bustami, co-founder and CEO of BioticsAI, a Startup Battlefield-winning company building an AI copilot for ultrasound to help detect fetal abnormalities. From a $100,000 prototype to FDA clearance, Bustami shares what it actually takes to build in one of the most regulated industries in the world. Building a Medtech Startup In this episode, they break down what it really looks like to build a medtech startup, including where you can’t “move fast and break things” and that every milestone takes time, coordination, and trust. Key Takeaways Team motivation is crucial during the long FDA approval process Finding the right investors is essential for medtech startups Adaptability is key when dealing with uncertain timelines Future Outlook As the medtech industry continues to evolve, startups like BioticsAI will play a critical role in shaping the future of healthcare technology. With the right approach and mindset, these companies can overcome the challenges of FDA approval and make a lasting impact.

The Lead A new social enterprise called Build, launched by EnviroCentre in Ottawa, aims to train immigrants in retrofitting homes to combat the climate crisis. The program provides training in insulation installation, air sealing, and other retrofitting skills to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Immigrants Learning to Retrofit Homes John Mava, an immigrant from Nigeria, and Allan Kanobana, an immigrant from Rwanda, are among the first mentees of Build. They are learning the fundamentals of health and safety, PPE use, and other theories, while also getting their warehouse ready for opening. The warehouse is where mentees will learn practical skills, such as insulation and drywall installation and conducting pre- and post-retrofit home assessments. The Data Analysis Buildings are one of the top-five greenhouse gas emitters in Canada, according to the federal government’s most recent overview of Canada’s GHG emissions. To achieve its goal of net zero emissions by 2050, Canada needs to retrofit about 600,000 homes each year. The construction industry is facing a shortage of skilled workers, with more than 245,100 construction workers projected to retire by 2032, leading to a shortage of more than 61,400 workers. The Impact Analysis The program aims to create a positive and welcoming space for mentees, particularly in an industry that has historically been male-dominated and lacking in diversity. Build also plans to provide a toolkit for employers to help them remove toxic behaviors in the construction environment. The program expects to take on two more mentees by the end of the year and retrofit the homes of hundreds of clients in the Ottawa area. The Prediction The success of Build's program could have a significant impact on reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Canada. With the right training and support, immigrants can play a crucial role in addressing the climate crisis. As Mava said, 'We’ll reduce the emissions and then the kids will be happy in the future.'

The LeadIsrael's attacks on southern Lebanon have killed at least nine people, according to the country's National News Agency (NNA), despite a three-week extension to the United States-mediated "ceasefire" announced last week.Escalating Violence in Southern LebanonIn the municipality of Jebchit, three people were killed and seven wounded in an attack that destroyed a residential building. In the municipality of Toul, four people were killed and six wounded. While in the municipality of Harouf, two people were killed, and the attack also destroyed a house.Israeli forces have intensified their attacks in southern Lebanon over recent days, with artillery shelling reported in the towns of Zawtar al-Sharqiyah, Yohmor al-Shaqif, and Bayt al-Sayyad.In the past 24 hours alone, Israeli air attacks have killed more than 20 people, including two families, two Lebanese army soldiers, and three paramedics. More than 70 others, including children, were injured in the attacks.Rising Casualties and Displacement ThreatsThe Israeli army has also issued more forced displacement threats for 15 southern Lebanese towns and villages, including Jebchit, Toul, al-Samanieh, Sahel al-Hnieh, Qlailah, Wadi Jilo, al-Kanisa, Kafr Jouz, Majdal Zoun, and Seddiqine.Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz promised that southern Lebanon's fate will be like Gaza's, despite a temporary US-mediated "ceasefire" deal agreed between Israel and Hezbollah almost two weeks ago that was extended by three weeks last week.International Response and Regional ImplicationsLebanese President Joseph Aoun denounced the "continuing Israeli violations" in southern Lebanon on Thursday, saying they were occurring "despite the ceasefire, as do demolitions of homes and places of worship, while the number of killed and wounded rises day by day"."Pressure must be exerted on Israel to ensure it respects international laws and conventions and ceases targeting civilians, paramedics, civil defence, and humanitarian health and relief organisations," the Lebanese president added.Meanwhile, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri called for "the swift formation of an international fact-finding committee on the crimes of the Israeli occupation".Future Outlook and Diplomatic ChallengesReporting from Beirut, Al Jazeera's Malcolm Webb said "Lebanon's President Aoun has asked the US for a date for negotiations to restart but has also said that Israel must fully implement the ceasefire."The Lebanese government, Israel and the US have sought to distance the talks from the US talks with Iran. But with the fighting continuing to escalate, it seems the only thing that would slow it down is further pressure from Trump on Israel to stop," he said.Israeli attacks since March 2 have killed at least 2,576 people in Lebanon, with 7,962 wounded, according to the latest figures from the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health.

The Cosmic Vision of Nancy Holt Land artist Nancy Holt (1938-2014) was a master at using her work to place the body, and wider humanity, in a global, cosmic context. Holt and the other land artists of her generation wanted to break out of the restrictions of traditional art forms, using land, nature, and the world itself as their medium. Goodwood's Expansive Exhibition Goodwood provides a fitting setting for the biggest UK exhibition of Holt's work to date – an expansive, lush estate in the middle of the rolling West Sussex countryside. The exhibition features two major sculptural installations placed around the grounds: Ventilation System and Hydra's Head. Architectural and Cosmic Connections In Ventilation System, a huge metallic mechanism pokes out of the vegetation around the main gallery, with tubular aluminum pipes snaking through the landscape and back into the building. This installation exposes the hidden structures of our built environment, making the building's respiratory system visible and giving it a bodily quality. The Hydra's Head Installation Visitors walk through an idyllic meadow down into a gleaming white chalk quarry to find six concrete pools filled with water, arranged like the head of the Hydra constellation. These pools create a profound experience of outer space, reflecting trees, birds, the sky, and even the viewer's own face – essentially creating a portrait of the individual within the vast universe. Indoor Works and Their Limitations The gallery space contains photographs, diagrams, and poems that struggle to match the imposing power of the outdoor installations. Series of photos document waymarkers in the countryside and an English forest where Holt buried a poem for her partner Robert Smithson. Other works include light installations and documentation of her famous Sun Tunnels in the Utah desert. The Legacy of Land Art Holt's work represents a significant shift in artistic expression, moving beyond traditional mediums to engage directly with the environment and cosmic themes. Her installations challenge viewers to consider their place within the vastness of the universe, creating a dialogue between the individual and the cosmos. Future of Cosmic Land Art While this exhibition provides valuable insight into Holt's vision, there's opportunity for future shows to more fully embrace the monumental scale that defined her most powerful works. As environmental and cosmic concerns continue to gain prominence, land art that connects humanity to the universe may see renewed interest and appreciation.