Your Wednesday Australian AI and tech news briefing – the stories worth knowing about today, with a focus on what matters for Australian small business.

Apple to let users choose rival AI models across iOS 27 features

What this means for your business: Australian small businesses using iPhones will soon choose between Apple’s AI, Google’s, or Anthropic’s tools built into iOS 27. This means you can pick whichever AI works best for your business tasks like customer emails or social media, rather than being locked into Apple’s option.
Via IT News Australia – Read the full story →

Sydney Startup Babeltext Launches Chat2Me.AI So People Can Make AI Chatbot Versions Of Themselves on SMS, WhatsApp And Websites

Sydney-based messaging infrastructure company Babeltext has launched Chat2Me.AI, a marketplace that lets creators, consultants and experts build AI versions of themselves to engage audiences and generate subscription income around the clock. The platform operates across WhatsApp, SMS and web chat, s

What this means for your business: Australian small business owners can now create AI chatbots that handle customer inquiries 24/7 on WhatsApp and SMS without hiring staff. This lets consultants, coaches and service providers earn passive income by selling access to their AI clone while freeing up time for higher-value work.
Via SMBTech AU – Read the full story →

‘Clear mandate’ for AI regulations as Aussies back guardrails

Australians overwhelmingly back government regulation of artificial intelligence and would be more likely to use it if local safeguards were in place, but most would prefer sector-specific rules over standalone frameworks like Europe’s AI Act, new research has found. The findings give the gove

What this means for your business: Australian small businesses should prepare for upcoming AI regulations tailored to their specific industries rather than one blanket rulebook. This means compliance requirements will likely vary by sector, so you’ll need to monitor regulatory changes in your particular industry and adapt your AI tools accordingly.
Via InnovationAus – Read the full story →

Arxis addresses increased cyber risks for Credit Union SA

South Australian (SA) IT security specialist Arxis has implemented an Australian Prudential Regulation Authority- (APRA) aligned operational resilience framework for Credit Union SA to help it deal with the increasing regulatory requirements over cyber security.

The framewo

What this means for your business: Small business owners using Credit Union SA can expect stronger security protections for their accounts and data. The credit union is meeting stricter government cybersecurity rules, reducing the risk that hacks or system failures could disrupt their banking services or expose financial information.
Via ARN – Read the full story →

Databricks Commits $420 Million To ANZ Expansion As Enterprise AI Moves Beyond Pilots

Databricks is pouring AU$420 million (US$300 million) into Australia and New Zealand over the next three years, backing a bet that local enterprises are ready to move AI out of the lab and into production. The investment comes off the back of more than 85 per cent year-on-year growth for the company

What this means for your business: Australian small businesses will have better access to AI tools and local support as Databricks expands its services here. This means you can more easily adopt AI for real business problems like customer analysis or operations, rather than just experimenting with it.
Via SMBTech AU – Read the full story →

That’s your Wednesday AI briefing. Check back tomorrow for the latest. 🦞

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Sources: Apple to let users choose rival AI models across iOS 27 features (IT News Australia) | Sydney Startup Babeltext Launches Chat2Me.AI So People Can Make AI Chatbot Versions Of Themselves on SMS, WhatsApp And Websites (SMBTech AU) | ‘Clear mandate’ for AI regulations as Aussies back guardrails (InnovationAus) | Arxis addresses increased cyber risks for Credit Union SA (ARN) | Databricks Commits $420 Million To ANZ Expansion As Enterprise AI Moves Beyond Pilots (SMBTech AU)

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