Tim Cook Gifts Trump 24K Gold “Made in USA” Plaque as Apple Pledges $600B U.S. Investment

Apple's forthcoming iOS 26 update will offer Adaptive Power, an AI-based battery optimization tool designed to extend daily runtime on iPhone. Unlike Low Power Mode, which kicks in at 20% battery to halt background activity, Adaptive Power makes incremental adjustments—slightly dimming the screen or delaying less critical tasks—when the device detects higher-than-usual power usage.

Users must opt in via Settings > Battery > Power Mode, and the feature appears limited to iPhone 15 Pro and later models supporting Apple Intelligence. Apple plans to refine Adaptive Power through the iOS 26 beta program ahead of a full release later this year.

Apple's iPadOS 26 update has pushed the tablet closer to a Mac alternative, adding desktop-style windowing, a beefed-up Files app and real background tasks. Central to this leap is the device's lone USB-C port, which now does far more than charge.

From slim multiport hubs that bring HDMI, Ethernet, MicroSD and USB-A to external SSDs harnessing Thunderbolt 3's 40 Gbps speeds, to driving up to 6K monitors, reverse-charging an iPhone or Apple Watch, and enjoying hi-fi audio through a USB-C dongle—these five uses showcase just how versatile the iPad's port can be.

At a high‐profile White House gathering, President Trump lauded Apple CEO Tim Cook as "one of the great…innovators," as Apple announced a record $600 billion investment in U.S. manufacturing over four years. Cook capped the visit by gifting the president a custom glass plaque inscribed "Made in USA," mounted on 24-karat Utah gold and designed by a former Marine now at Apple.

The symbolic offering comes on the heels of Trump's announcement that U.S.-made tech products could avoid new 100% tariffs on imported chips—an exemption that appears linked to Apple's domestic commitment. Financial expert John Ehrlichman told CTV News that the gift was a strategic olive branch to secure favorable trade treatment.