AI News — July 13, 2026

Policy

The fight against AI data centers is just beginning
Communities and local governments are increasingly pushing back against the rapid buildout of AI data centers, citing concerns over power consumption and infrastructure strain. The resistance echoes earlier fights over data center expansion before the current AI boom, but the scale and speed of today's buildout are unprecedented. The trend signals that opposition to AI infrastructure is set to grow as energy demands continue to rise.

Hardware

Apple's failed self-driving car program left a legacy of powerful AI chips
Apple's abandoned self-driving car project may have indirectly shaped the company's industry-leading chip performance, as the effort pushed Apple to develop powerful on-device AI processing capabilities early on. Although the dedicated car processor was never completed, the research and engineering work fed into the silicon that now powers Apple's devices. The legacy of the project lives on in chips like the M-series, which are now among the most capable AI processors available.

Culture

Lorde says Ray-Ban Meta AI glasses are 'not sexy'
Lorde used her performance at the Real Cool Festival in Madrid to speak out against AI glasses, likely targeting festival sponsor Ray-Ban, which has partnered with Meta on AI smartglasses. The pop star did not name any specific brand but made clear her disapproval of the wearable AI technology. Her comments add a cultural voice to growing public debate around AI-powered wearables.