This week on AI: Glimpses at Apple's plans for new iPhones, iPads, VR & more

This week saw teases about the plans for next-gen iPhones and iPads, as well as Apple Pay, cross-platform services, and even virtual reality. Apple was also hit with a massive penalty in the VirnetX patent case however, and saw Alphabet overtake it as the world's most valuable company — at least temporarily.

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Everything you need to know:

• The "iPhone 7" may ditch a camera bump and visible antenna bands > >
• It may also sport a dual-lens camera, with Sony image sensors > >
• Apple's interest in VR has spiked in recent months > >
• The "iPad Air 3" may borrow the iPad Pro's Smart Connector > >
• A solid Q4 pushed Alphabet's market cap over Apple's > >
• A federal jury awarded VirnetX $625.6M in damages, saying Apple violated patents > >
• Apple CEO Tim Cook hinted that more services could come to platforms like Android > >
• Apple Pay is coming to more retailers, such as Crate & Barrel, Chick-fil-A & Au Bon Pain > >

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A roundup of all of our hottest stories this week:

'iPhone 7' to return to flat back without visible antenna bands - report

Sony says dual-lens camera tech launching with 'major smartphone players' in next year

Apple has become a regular at Stanford University's VR lab

Alleged 'iPad Air 3' case suggests Smart Connector coming to Apple's 9.7-inch tablet

Google surpasses Apple as world's most valuable company

Apple ordered to pay $625M in revived VirnetX patent trial

Apple CEO hints at more cross-platform services, says iPad revenue will rebound by year's end

Apple Pay accepted at more than 2M locations, coming to Chik-fil-A, other stores soon

Apple Stores reportedly stall growth at top US shopping malls

Japan Apple Stores roll out iPhone screen protector installation service

Apple acknowledges 'Error 53' glitch, says it's part of Touch ID security