Messaging platform WhatsApp has temporarily placed several user accounts in India and a few other countries under review, restricting access to messaging and calling features for up to 24 hours. The unexpected action prompted complaints from affected users, many of whom said their accounts were flagged without prior warning.

When users opened the application, they were greeted with a notification stating that their account was under review. The message noted that account activity and device information were being examined to verify compliance with WhatsApp's Terms of Service.

The issue triggered widespread discussion on social media, where users questioned why their accounts had been restricted despite claiming they had not violated any platform rules.

Users Report Sudden Restrictions

According to users, the issue began on Monday evening, with accounts suddenly becoming inaccessible for messaging and voice calls.

The review notification displayed a request date of August 3, 2026, along with information that WhatsApp was conducting an automated security review. No advance warning or notification was reportedly issued before the restrictions were applied.

WhatsApp Explains Review Process

Responding to the concerns, a WhatsApp spokesperson said the company continuously works to prevent misuse of its platform and safeguard users.

The spokesperson acknowledged that automated systems can occasionally make mistakes.

"We work constantly to stay ahead of those who misuse our services and take action to protect other users. Sometimes our systems make mistakes, and when that happens, we try to restore access as quickly as possible," the company said.

How the Review Process Works

According to information displayed within the application, the review process generally follows four stages:

• An "Account in Review" notification appears.

• A 24-hour review period begins, during which messaging and calling features remain unavailable.

• WhatsApp's automated systems review account activity, while users may submit an appeal if available.

• The account is either restored after verification or permanently restricted if violations are confirmed.

The review screen also provides links explaining responsible use of WhatsApp and guidance for users dealing with stolen phones or compromised accounts.

Users Voice Frustration Online

Several affected users shared their experiences on social media, saying their accounts had been restricted despite using only the official WhatsApp application.

One user wrote that the account had been disabled without explanation and that only a 24-hour review message appeared after an appeal was submitted.

Another user said the suspension had disrupted daily work because business communication depended entirely on WhatsApp.

Many users urged the company to improve transparency around its automated moderation systems and provide clearer explanations before restricting accounts.

What Users Should Do

Users whose accounts have been placed under review are advised to wait for the verification process to be completed.

If an appeal option is available within the application, users can submit their request for review. They may also contact WhatsApp Support through the official help channels.

In cases where no policy violations are found, access is generally restored automatically once the review process is complete.

The incident comes as digital platforms continue to strengthen automated safety systems while balancing security measures with user convenience.

The company says it can no longer absorb rising memory and storage costs, with industry experts warning iPhones could be next.

Apple has increased prices of its iPad and MacBook models by up to $300 in the US, with Indian consumers facing hikes of as much as ₹70,000 on select variants. The move, announced on Thursday, comes as the artificial intelligence boom continues to drive up memory and storage chip costs.

The company said it had been shielding customers from these rising costs for months but has now reached a point where passing on the increase is unavoidable.

"From dynamic RAM to storage chips, we have never seen such a sharp and steep increase in the price of any component," Apple said in a statement. "We have been absorbing these increased costs, but we have now reached a point where we have to start raising prices for our products."

 India Prices: MacBook Pro Sees ₹70,000 Hike

The price increases are steep across the board, with the MacBook Pro bearing the brunt of the hike in India:

| Model | Launch Price | New Price | Increase |

| MacBook Neo | ₹69,900 | ₹79,900 | ₹10,000 |

| MacBook Air 13-inch (M5) | ₹1,19,900 | ₹1,49,900 | ₹30,000 |

| MacBook Air 15-inch | ₹1,44,900 | ₹1,79,900 | ₹35,000 |

| MacBook Pro 14-inch (M5, 16GB RAM) | ₹1,69,900 | ₹2,39,900 | ₹70,000 |

iPad models have also seen significant price hikes:

| Model | Launch Price | New Price | Increase |

| iPad Air 11-inch (M4) | ₹64,900 | ₹89,900 | ₹25,000 |

| iPad Pro (256GB, M5) | ₹99,990 | ₹1,39,900 | ₹39,910 |

The price hikes affect Apple's best-selling MacBook Air and MacBook Pro configurations. The company also increased prices for its HomePod smart speakers and Apple TV set-top boxes.

 iPhones Could Be Next, Experts Warn

The iPhone has so far been spared from the price hikes. But analysts say that may not last.

"iPhone is not immune to this," said Nabila Popal, senior research director at IDC. "Prices are likely to increase soon."

Experts believe Apple strategically announced the price hikes ahead of its fall iPhone launch to ensure headlines at launch focus on the new phone's value rather than price increases.

 Market Reacts: Apple Shares Drop 5%

The announcement sent shockwaves through the market. Apple's shares fell nearly 5%, while competitor Dell's stock dropped over 8%.

 The 'RAM-geddon' Crisis

The price hikes stem from what industry experts are calling a 'RAM-geddon' — a massive supply crunch driven by AI data centre development.

Memory manufacturers like Micron have prioritised orders from AI chipmakers like Nvidia over the past several months, locking in long-term supply agreements. Micron announced on Wednesday that it had secured $22 billion in long-term commitments from customers seeking to guarantee their memory supply.

According to industry tracker TrendForce, DRAM prices surged by as much as 98% in the first quarter of 2026, with another 58% to 63% increase expected in the current quarter.

Impact on Device Sales

The rising costs are expected to hit device sales hard this year. IDC estimates the smartphone market could see its biggest annual decline — around 14% — while the PC market could shrink by 11.3%.

Apple's strong relationships with suppliers have provided some relief compared to competitors, according to experts. But even the world's most valuable consumer electronics company has not been able to escape the supply chain crisis entirely.

As AI hiring grows rapidly across industries, reports suggest nearly 70% of short-term AI courses fail to provide practical skills employers actually seek.

The race to build a career in artificial intelligence is accelerating across India. From students to working professionals, thousands are enrolling in AI certification programs with hopes of securing high-paying jobs in one of the world's fastest-growing sectors. However, industry experts and recent reports are warning that not all AI courses deliver on their promises, despite aggressive marketing and claims of guaranteed placements.

According to industry assessments, AI-related skills are now among the most sought-after competencies in the job market. Employers across technology, finance, healthcare, manufacturing, and consulting sectors are increasingly looking for candidates who can apply AI tools to solve real business problems. This demand has triggered a surge in short-term AI training programs, bootcamps, and certification courses.

However, a joint report by industry bodies and hiring platforms indicates that a significant percentage of these fast-track programs provide limited practical value. While many institutions advertise “100% job guarantees,” experts say such claims often come with conditions and may not reflect actual employment outcomes.

Growing Demand, Growing Concerns

Industry data suggests that AI skills are now listed as a requirement in a growing share of job vacancies across India. Companies are increasingly hiring candidates who can contribute immediately rather than waiting for traditional four-year degree graduates to gain practical experience.

This trend has encouraged the rise of three-to-six-month intensive AI programs. While some are designed in partnership with reputed institutions and technology companies, others focus primarily on issuing certificates without developing job-ready skills.

Reports indicate that employers place greater value on candidates who can demonstrate real-world AI experience through live projects, portfolios, and problem-solving abilities. Simply holding a certificate is often no longer enough to secure employment in competitive AI-related roles.

What Employers Actually Want

Recruiters say the hiring landscape has changed significantly over the past two years. Instead of evaluating candidates solely on academic qualifications, companies increasingly assess practical skills, project experience, and the ability to use AI effectively in workplace scenarios.

Experts recommend that learners build portfolios containing publicly deployed projects, AI applications, data analysis work, or automation solutions. Such evidence of hands-on experience often carries more weight than certificates alone.

Several categories of AI education are currently attracting attention. Premium institutional programs offered through leading universities focus on AI architecture, machine learning, and advanced technical skills. Global certifications from major technology companies provide tool-specific expertise recognized internationally. Meanwhile, non-coding business-focused programs are helping managers and entrepreneurs understand AI implementation strategies.

Beyond Certificates

Career advisors suggest that newcomers should avoid rushing into expensive technical programs without first understanding AI fundamentals. Many recommend starting with introductory AI literacy courses that explain core concepts, business applications, and ethical considerations.

According to workforce experts, courses centered on long-term concepts such as data literacy, problem framing, AI governance, and responsible AI use are likely to remain relevant even as technology evolves rapidly. In contrast, training focused exclusively on specific AI tools may become outdated within months as newer platforms emerge.

Industry representatives also note that professionals with genuine AI expertise continue to command salary premiums. Mid-level specialists working in areas such as Generative AI, Large Language Models (LLMs), and MLOps are increasingly securing lucrative compensation packages.

At the same time, AI is reshaping the broader employment landscape. Reports suggest routine entry-level tasks in software testing, customer support, and basic coding are experiencing growing automation pressures. Employers are now emphasizing analytical thinking, decision-making abilities, and effective AI prompt creation during recruitment processes.