This week's episode of The Vergecast tackles OpenAI's claim that "the AGI era" has arrived alongside the launch of its new model, GPT-6 Astra, with senior AI reporter Hayden Field joining to unpack what that actually means and to discuss Nvidia's acquisition of Hugging Face. The panel also turns to Apple, with Joanna Stern discussing new CEO John Ternus, predecessor Tim Cook, and predictions for the format of Apple's upcoming keynote.

The episode further features a lightning round from Berlin's IFA electronics show, where reviewer Jennifer Pattison Tuohy and editor Dominic Preston each highlight five standout gadgets, plus segments covering producer Travis Larchuk's identity theft experience, an interview with Fairphone's CEO, reporting on the world's data centre capital, and a rundown of Apple Home rumours ahead of the keynote.