Tech News — May 21, 2026

Tech News — May 21, 2026 | Trace

The day in brief

What connected the day

12 topics

01
2 sources · 2 updates
SpaceX Files for Record IPO Amid Significant Losses
SpaceX has officially filed for an IPO aiming to raise up to $75 billion at a staggering $2 trillion valuation. The filing reveals a net loss of $4.28 billion in Q1 2026, alongside a dramatic increase in losses from its AI division, which surged to $6.36 billion in 2025. Elon Musk will maintain 85.1% voting power post-IPO through a dual-class share structure.
- SpaceX plans to acquire AI startup Cursor for $60 billion, with a breakup fee of $1.5 billion.
- The company's AI division's losses rose from $1.56 billion in 2024 to $6.36 billion in 2025.
02
2 sources · 2 updates
Spotify to Reserve Concert Tickets for Superfans
Spotify has launched a new program called 'Reserved' aimed at rewarding dedicated fans by allowing them to purchase tickets to select concerts. Starting this summer, eligible Premium members in the U.S. can buy two tickets based on their streaming activity and engagement, ensuring that only 'real fans' benefit from the program.
- Eligible fans must be 18 years or older and will receive ticket offers via email and in-app notifications for a 24-hour window to purchase tickets.
- Spotify has facilitated over $1.5 billion in ticket sales for artists, highlighting its significant role in the concert ticket market.
03
1 sources · 2 updates
Apple Expands Health Features for Watch and AirPods
Apple has rolled out significant health feature expansions for its Apple Watch and AirPods, now available in India, Italy, and Taiwan. The new capabilities include a Hearing Aid feature for AirPods Pro and hypertension notifications for Apple Watch users in Taiwan, while Indian users gain access to Hearing Test and Sleep apnea notifications.
- Apple TV to air first major live sporting event shot entirely on iPhone 17 Pro. Apple TV broadcasts MLS match filmed entirely on iPhone 17 Pro.
- Apple Watch and AirPods health features get major new global expansions. Apple expands health features for Watch and AirPods globally.
04
1 sources · 1 updates
Spotify Studio’s AI agent creates a daily podcast just for you
Spotify is set to launch Studio, a new AI app that generates personalized daily podcasts and playlists based on users' listening habits and connected apps. This innovative tool will allow users to save AI-generated content to their Spotify library and includes a chatbot feature for Premium subscribers to interact with podcast episodes. The app is expected to be available in the coming weeks for users aged 18 and older.
- Spotify's new Studio app will generate daily podcasts and playlists based on user data.
- A chatbot for Premium users can answer specific questions about podcast content.
05
1 sources · 1 updates
Anthropic is about to become the first profitable AI lab
Anthropic is poised to become the first profitable AI lab, projecting an operating profit of $559 million for Q2 2026, fueled by a 130% revenue increase to $10.9 billion. This growth is largely attributed to the widespread adoption of its coding tools and the innovative use of its AI model, Claude, which has led to unprecedented demand and new data center partnerships, including one with SpaceX.
- Anthropic projects an operating profit of $559 million for Q2 on $10.9 billion in revenue.
- The company signed new data center deals, including one with SpaceX, due to high demand.
06
1 sources · 1 updates
OpenAI could file confidential IPO paperwork within days
OpenAI is on the verge of filing confidential IPO paperwork with the SEC, potentially within days, as it aims for a public listing in September. The company, recently valued at $852 billion, is being advised by Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley. A recent legal victory against co-founder Elon Musk, who accused OpenAI of abandoning its nonprofit roots, has cleared a major hurdle, although Musk intends to appeal.
- OpenAI was valued at $852 billion in its latest funding round.
- Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley are advising on the IPO prospectus.
07
1 sources · 1 updates
OpenAI improves Codex iOS experience with turn completion alerts, new commands, more
OpenAI has rolled out significant updates to the Codex feature in its ChatGPT app for iPhone and iPad, addressing a sign-in bug and introducing new functionalities. Users can now receive push notifications for task completions, allowing them to stay informed without constant monitoring. Additionally, new commands have been added, enhancing the overall user experience and productivity.
- Codex now supports push notifications for task completion on iPhone and iPad.
- The update resolves a sign-in bug affecting users with Apple accounts.
08
1 sources · 1 updates
Google is pitching an AI agent ecosystem to consumers who may not buy it
At its I/O developer conference, Google unveiled a new suite of AI agents designed to enhance how consumers interact with the web, including features like Information agents and Spark. However, the rollout is limited to subscribers of the $100-per-month Gemini Ultra plan, raising concerns about accessibility and the practical benefits of these tools for everyday users.
- Google's new Gemini Ultra plan costs $100 per month and targets heavy users.
- Information agents and Spark will initially be available only to select subscribers this summer.
09
1 sources · 1 updates
Anthropic Weighs Using Microsoft AI Chips, Information Says
Anthropic PBC is currently in talks to rent AI server chips from Microsoft as it seeks to enhance its computing power and meet growing demand for its services. This partnership would utilize Microsoft's Maia chips, which are part of the company's strategy to lessen its reliance on Nvidia semiconductors, similar to efforts by other tech giants like Google and Amazon.
- Anthropic is negotiating to rent Microsoft's Maia chips to enhance its computing capabilities.
- This move comes as Microsoft aims to reduce its dependence on Nvidia semiconductors.
10
1 sources · 1 updates
Spotify takes on Google’s NotebookLM with its new app
Spotify has unveiled a new desktop app called Studio by Spotify Labs, designed for users to create personalized podcasts by leveraging their email and calendar data. The app features an AI agent that can browse the web to fetch personal information, enabling users to generate tailored audio content, such as daily briefings or travel podcasts. Currently in research preview, the app is accessible to select users aged 18 and older across more than 20 markets, positioning Spotify to compete with similar offerings from companies like Google and Adobe.
- Spotify's new Studio app is available in research preview across more than 20 markets.
- Users can create personalized podcasts using their email and calendar data.
11
1 sources · 1 updates
Samsung’s next Galaxy Buds reportedly using the ‘clip’ open-ear style, Xiaomi too
Samsung's upcoming Galaxy Buds Able are set to feature a clip-style open-ear design, following a trend in the market that has seen increased popularity for such earbuds. A report from ETNews confirms that Xiaomi has also entered this space with its newly launched Clip earbuds, which offer 11mm drivers and an impressive 38-hour battery life when including the case. While Samsung has not officially announced the launch date, it is likely to coincide with the release of the Galaxy Fold 8 in late July.
- Samsung's upcoming Galaxy Buds Able will feature a clip-style open-ear design.
- Xiaomi has launched its own clip-style open-ear earbuds with 11mm drivers and 38-hour battery life.
12
1 sources · 1 updates
Netflix’s next great sci-fi show is set in a retirement community
Netflix's latest series, The Boroughs, reimagines classic 80s sci-fi by placing a group of seniors in a retirement community at the center of an alien conspiracy. The story follows Sam, played by Alfred Molina, as he navigates the unsettling environment of his new home, where he and his friends uncover a mysterious alien threat. With a mix of humor and suspense, the show stands out by featuring a cast of beloved veteran actors tackling themes of friendship and resilience in the face of danger.
- The series features a cast of seasoned actors including Alfred Molina and Geena Davis.
- The show consists of eight episodes, blending mystery with sci-fi elements.

The archive

What moved

The Verge

Spotify Studio’s AI agent creates a daily podcast just for you

Spotify introduces AI-generated personal podcasts and chat features.

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The Verge

AI video is moving beyond clip slop

AI video technology is evolving beyond simple clip generation.

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The tech day has moved on.

What connected the day

SpaceX Files for Record IPO Amid Significant Losses

Spotify to Reserve Concert Tickets for Superfans

Apple Expands Health Features for Watch and AirPods

Spotify Studio&#8217;s AI agent creates a daily podcast just for you

Anthropic is about to become the first profitable AI lab

OpenAI could file confidential IPO paperwork within days

OpenAI improves Codex iOS experience with turn completion alerts, new commands, more

Google is pitching an AI agent ecosystem to consumers who may not buy it

Anthropic Weighs Using Microsoft AI Chips, Information Says

Spotify takes on Google’s NotebookLM with its new app

Samsung’s next Galaxy Buds reportedly using the ‘clip’ open-ear style, Xiaomi too

Netflix’s next great sci-fi show is set in a retirement community

What moved

Spotify Studio&#8217;s AI agent creates a daily podcast just for you

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Spotify adds AI-powered Q&A and briefing generation features to podcasts

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Anthropic Weighs Using Microsoft AI Chips, Information Says

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Perplexity’s Comet AI browser for iOS upgraded with 8 major improvements

OpenAI improves Codex iOS experience with turn completion alerts, new commands, more

Apple Watch and AirPods health features get major new global expansions

Spotify is going to reserve concert tickets for ‘real fans’

Texans Hate Data Centers So Much They Are Asking Jesus for Help

Anthropic’s Code with Claude showed off coding’s future—whether you like it or not

YouTube TV Live Guide bug breaking the ‘live’ part, for some

Coding agents are giving everyone decision fatigue

Samsung’s next Galaxy Buds reportedly using the ‘clip’ open-ear style, Xiaomi too

Spotify Studio’s AI agent creates a daily podcast just for you

Spotify Studio’s AI agent creates a daily podcast just for you