This week on AI: Apple headphone struggles, cheaper HomePods, labor rights & more

Apple could make a further push into audio products later this year, assuming rumors and development pan out. It meanwhile turns out the company has plenty of work to do in cleaning up abuses in its supply chain.

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Everything you need to know:

• Apple's high-end headphones have undergone multiple redesigns > >
• A cheaper HomePod could be coming > >
• Apple's supply chain is still plagued by labor violations > >
• The company did take steps however, including cutting out some smelters and refiners completely > >
• Police can probably hack into your iPhone 8 or X — and for less money than previous iPhone hacks > >
• Apple could pounce on shows from Barack Obama if Netflix doesn't snap them up > >
• The iPhone X "notch" could be gone in 2019 devices > >

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A roundup of all of our hottest stories this week:

New Apple headphone project possibly hampered by multiple re-designs, coming no earlier than holiday 2018

Rumor: Apple working on cheaper HomePod for launch this year

Apple Supplier Responsibility Report reveals uptick in violations, announces new women's health program

Apple axed 10 smelters and refiners from supply chain in 2017, maintains 100 percent participation in conflict mineral audit

Grayshift becomes second service to promise forensic unlocks for Apple's iPhone 8 & X

Apple reportedly interested in streaming shows produced by Barack Obama

Supply chain makes claim that Apple is already planning to ditch the iPhone X notch in fall 2019 releases

Ireland picks Bank of New York Mellon to hold Apple's $18.6B tax payment in escrow

Apple's Face ID-equipped iPad Pros likely ready for production, shipping late next quarter

Apple VCSEL supplier suggests TrueDepth coming to multiple iPhones this fall

Apple slapped with patent suit over Siri's natural language abilities