Daily Recap: Tech — 18 September 2026

Tech news centers on two competing impulses: governments and researchers push harder on AI oversight and security, while companies keep expanding ambitious products from robotaxis to premium smartphones. The day also shows how quickly brand and platform decisions can trigger broader public consequences.

California moves to tighten oversight of advanced AI after Gov. Gavin Newsom orders state officials to draft new safety recommendations, including whether frontier models should have a shutdown mechanism if they become dangerous. The order sets up a working group and broader review of how the state should regulate powerful AI developers.

Researchers at Hacktron AI say they used Anthropic’s Claude to uncover weaknesses in OpenAI systems, first reaching employee accounts and then accessing internal code repositories. They say the demonstration took less than 72 hours from discovery to proof of access, and that they disclosed the issues to OpenAI after confirming them.

Waymo says it plans to launch a commercial robotaxi service in Singapore by 2028, its first move into Southeast Asia. The company expects to bring vehicles in ahead of time for preparation and testing before starting paid rides, extending its push to turn autonomous driving from pilot programs into international transport businesses.

Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max go on sale in India with long lines outside stores in Mumbai, Delhi and Bengaluru. Some buyers wait overnight or for up to a dozen hours, reflecting both strong demand for flagship devices and the appeal of buying early through expanded in-store and delivery options.

Apple also widens sales of the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max across India through its online store, company-run retail locations and partner outlets. The broader rollout pairs launch-day excitement with aggressive retail distribution, making the new phones available well beyond the first queues at flagship stores.

Top Tech stories

• Newsom orders California to explore an AI “kill switch” for frontier models (17 sources)
• Hacktron researchers use Anthropic’s Claude to access OpenAI accounts and internal repositories (13 sources)
• Waymo to launch commercial robotaxi ride-hailing in Singapore by 2028 (11 sources)
• Oxford United apologises and withdraws ‘United 93’ merchandise after 9/11 backlash (11 sources)
• NYT alleges Microsoft and OpenAI knew training on news content was copyright theft (6 sources)
• School shooting in Banga National High School leaves multiple students dead and injured (5 sources)
• Philippine media watchdog CMFR to cease operations on Sept. 30 (5 sources)
• iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max go on sale in India with offers across Apple and retailers (5 sources)

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