Apple shows off new iPhones, Gemini arrives on Windows, and ChatGPT’s GPTs are on the way out: This Week, Plainly #6

Hello again. This week Apple held its big autumn event, Google brought Gemini to Windows computers, and OpenAI gave early notice of a change that affects some ChatGPT users. Here’s what happened, in plain English, and whether you need to do anything.

1. Apple’s new iPhones, and a date for the new Siri

What happened: At its event on 9 September, Apple announced the iPhone 18 Pro (from £1,199) and iPhone 18 Pro Max (from £1,299). Pre-orders open on Saturday 12 September and they go on sale on 18 September. Apple also confirmed that iOS 27, the free software update for iPhones, arrives on Monday 14 September, and that its much more capable new Siri, called “Siri AI”, will come with it as a beta (an early, still-being-finished version), in English first.

Should you care? ⚪ Not yet, and you don’t need a new phone to benefit. The new Siri needs an iPhone that already supports Apple Intelligence (Apple’s name for its AI features), such as an iPhone 15 Pro or newer. Apple says Siri AI won’t be available in the EU at first; the UK isn’t affected by that. We’ll tell you what it’s actually like once it’s out.

Worth knowing: New iPhone launches always bring a wave of fake “deals”. Only buy from Apple, your mobile network or a shop you already know.

2. Gemini now has its own app for Windows PCs

What happened: On 10 September Google released a Gemini app for Windows (Windows 10 or newer). Press Alt + Space from anywhere on your computer and Gemini pops up beside whatever you’re working on, ready to answer a question, help write a message or brainstorm ideas. You can download it from gemini.google/desktop.

Should you care? 🟠 Only if you use Gemini and a Windows computer. It saves opening a browser tab each time. If you already use ChatGPT or Claude happily, there’s no need to switch. The skills are the same whichever one you pick.

3. ChatGPT is planning to retire custom GPTs

What happened: On 11 September OpenAI announced it plans to retire custom GPTs. These are the ready-made, specialised versions of ChatGPT that people build and share, such as a “recipe helper” or “CV checker”. They’ll be replaced by plugins, which OpenAI says can do the same job and also connect to other apps. You can keep using your GPTs until your retirement date, which may differ by plan. OpenAI hasn’t announced the dates yet.

Should you care? 🟠 Only if you use GPTs regularly. Most people just chat with ChatGPT directly, and nothing changes for them. If you do rely on a GPT, make a note of which ones, and copy any instructions you wrote yourself into a document so you don’t lose them. OpenAI says it will offer a way to move GPTs over to plugins.

4. 🔴 Scam watch: the “your PayPal account is closing” email

What happened: On 9 September Which? warned about a fake email that uses real PayPal logos. It claims your account hasn’t been used for three years and will be closed in 90 days, and asks you to click a link to “create a new account”. The link goes to a fake PayPal website built to steal your personal details.

Should you care? 🔴 Yes, this is the one to remember. Scam emails like this are more polished than they used to be, so a real-looking logo proves nothing.

Don’t click links in emails about your accounts
To check your account, type paypal.com into your browser yourself, or use the PayPal app
If you’re unsure whether an email is genuine, paste the text into ChatGPT or Claude and ask “what are the warning signs in this email?” (but never paste in passwords or account numbers)

Forward scam emails to [email protected]. If you’ve lost money, tell your bank straight away and report it at reportfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040.

💡 Tip of the week

Start a fresh chat for each new topic. AI tools pay attention to everything earlier in the same conversation, so if you switch from planning a holiday to asking about your boiler, old details can muddle the new answers. Click New chat (in ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini) whenever you change subject. Your old chats are still saved if you need them.

That’s it for this week. Know someone who’d find this useful? Forward it on. It’s free, and they can sign up at deadeasyai.com/news.