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Technology
Phone-free restaurants are trending across the US
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You sit down for dinner. The menus arrive. And instead of everyone reaching for their phones, something different happens. People actually start talking. That is the whole point. Across the U.S., a growing number of bars and restaurants are asking customers to put their phones away. Some offer incentives. Others go further and lock devices in pouches. The goal stays the same. Create a space where people actually connect. This is not happening by accident. It reflects a broader shift in how people think about screens, attention and time together.
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COWBOY CHEF SAYS PHONES AND SCREENS AT DINNER ARE TEARING AMERICAN FAMILIES APART
More restaurants are asking diners to put phones away to encourage real conversation and reduce distractions at the table. (David Silverman/Getty Images)
Why phone-free restaurants are gaining popularity
The push toward phone-free spaces reflects a bigger change in how people think about technology. Research continues to link heavy smartphone use with lower attention spans, weaker memory and reduced social connection. As a result, schools, governments and businesses are rethinking when phones belong in the room. At the same time, daily habits show just how attached people have become. Recent data from Consumer Affairs shows Americans check their phones about 144 times a day and spend roughly 4.5 hours on them. That kind of constant interruption adds up. It changes how we experience meals, conversations and even live events. So people are starting to push back.
Who is driving the shift to phone-free dining
You might expect older generations to lead this shift. The opposite is happening. Gen Z is driving much of the change. A December 2025 survey from Talker Research found 63% of Gen Z say they intentionally disconnect from devices. Millennials follow at 57%. Generation X comes in at 42%, while baby boomers trail at 29%. That matters because Gen Z shapes culture, especially when it comes to social habits. When they decide something feels better offline, businesses notice. And businesses are adapting quickly.
Where phone-free restaurants are popping up
Phone-free policies are no longer rare. At least 11 states now have restaurants or bars experimenting with restrictions or incentives. Washington, D.C., leads with several venues, while others appear in Arizona, California, Illinois, Massachusetts, Tennessee, North Carolina, New York and Texas. Some places keep it simple. Put your phone away and enjoy the meal. Others take a stronger approach.
At a Charlotte cocktail bar called Antagonist, guests place their phones in locked pouches for about two hours. The idea is to remove the option entirely so people can focus on each other.
Meanwhile, upscale chain Delilah enforces a strict no phones, no posting policy across locations in cities like Dallas, Las Vegas, Los Angeles and Miami. The goal is privacy and atmosphere.
Even fast food is testing the concept. A Chick-fil-A location in Towson Place, Maryland, offers free ice cream to families who keep their phones off the table. Different approaches, same idea. Less screen time, more presence.
SOLO DINING SURGES 52% AS AMERICANS EMBRACE ‘ME-ME-ME ECONOMY’ OVER SHARED MEALS
A growing number of bars and restaurants are limiting phone use as Americans rethink screen time and social connection. (Mike Kemp/In Pictures via Getty Images)
What happens in phone-free restaurants
Something subtle shifts when phones are out of reach. People stay in conversations longer. Meals feel more intentional. Even simple activities like playing a game or sharing a story take on more weight. One diner described the experience as rare. No notifications, no pressure to document the moment, no distraction. Just time with another person. Food experts say phones can pull attention away from the dining experience itself. When that distraction disappears, people often leave feeling like something meaningful actually happened. That feeling is what keeps customers coming back.
What this means to you
You do not need to visit a phone-free bar to feel what this shift is about. It is already showing up in our everyday lives. Think about the last time you sat down for dinner. You check your phone for a second. Then a message pops up. Before you know it, the conversation pauses and the moment slips away. That is exactly what many people are starting to notice and question. Try putting your phone away for a meal, even at home. You may find the conversation lasts longer. Things feel a little slower in a good way. You walk away feeling like you were actually there, not half distracted. This is likely just the beginning. More places may start limiting phone use, especially where the experience matters most.
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AI DATING CAFES ARE NOW A REAL THING
Phone-free dining is on the rise, with some venues locking devices to create a more focused, social experience. (Photographer: Luke Sharrett/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Kurt’s key takeaways
For years, phones have quietly taken over shared spaces. Restaurants, concerts and even small gatherings started to revolve around screens. Now the pendulum is swinging back. People are realizing that putting the phone down can change how a moment feels. It does not require a full digital detox. Sometimes it is just one meal, one conversation, one evening without distractions. That small shift can feel bigger than expected.
So here is the real question. When was the last time you had a meal where no one reached for their phone? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.
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The lawsuit primarily revolves around the alleged actions of three people:
- Tang Tan, a 24-year Apple veteran who recently served as the vice president of the Apple Watch. In 2024, Tan left to work on Jony Ive’s hardware company, io, which was acquired by OpenAI last year. OpenAI then appointed Tan as chief hardware officer.
- Chang Liu: A former Apple employee who worked as a systems electrical engineer on the iPhone for over eight years. Liu joined OpenAI in January 2026 as a member of technical staff.
- Yu-Ting “Alyssa” Peng: A former Apple employee who joined OpenAI in April 2026.
They’re accused of being part of an ongoing scheme to steal Apple’s secrets as OpenAI plans its first AI hardware device, which is supposed to be coming next year.
Here are the most surprising claims in Apple’s 41-page filing.
Liu allegedly kept an Apple-owned computer, allowing him to download dozens of confidential files
After announcing plans to leave Apple, Liu allegedly didn’t respond to requests to sign a confidentiality reminder, schedule an exit interview, or confirm that he returned company-owned devices, as is standard with departures at Apple. Instead, Apple claims Liu “failed to return at least one Apple-owned computer,” and told another employee, Peng, that he still has “another computer.”
Liu also allegedly accessed Apple’s cloud-based network storage weeks after he left the company, using an authentication vulnerability that Apple didn’t know about. “Mr. Liu celebrated his find with Ms. Peng and set about exploiting it: ‘LOL, I found out I can access the
[network storage], so funny,’” Apple claims. “Ms. Peng’s response was immediate: “‘I’m ready.’”
Apple accuses Liu of downloading dozens of confidential files from its storage system, including documents containing technical specifications, details about unreleased products, and engineering presentations, including one detailing the manufacturing and testing of Apple’s main logic boards.
Peng is accused of siphoning confidential Apple information to Liu
In the months following Liu’s departure, Peng allegedly kept Liu in the loop about Apple’s projects, engineering details, and vendor relationships. “Ms. Peng and Mr. Liu would engage in depth about those confidential projects, while Mr. Liu was working on developing OpenAI’s competing hardware,” Apple claims. “Mr. Liu’s work for OpenAI was informed by a steadily flowing stream of Apple’s trade secret information from Ms. Peng.”
Apple also claims that Liu informed Peng on how to access and copy files from Apple’s devices “to avoid trouble with the security team,” while pointing her to “specific Apple project folders and proprietary engineering data.” Peng departed Apple for OpenAI in April 2026.
OpenAI’s hardware head allegedly digs for confidential Apple projects during interviews
Tan is accused of soliciting Apple’s trade secrets during interviews with OpenAI job candidates — and quizzing them on it. Apple claims Liu told Peng about how another former Apple employee “fumbled” his answers to a question Tan asked about “a top-secret project for an unreleased new Apple product.” Liu then allegedly downloaded “some info” using his access to Apple’s network to help Peng prepare for her interview.
In another instance, Apple claims another former employee began “screenshotting and downloading files relating to a highly confidential Apple project” before an interview with OpenAI. Tan is accused of asking for more information about that same project during the interview. Last year, Tan admitted to receiving confidential information about an AI hardware startup before joining Ive’s io.
Tan asks former Apple employees to share parts and product samples for “show and tell”
Aside from asking for more information about Apple’s secret projects, Tan is accused of telling interviewees to bring hardware components and product samples from their work at Apple for “show and tell sessions:”
For example, messages left on an Apple-issued work device show that Mr. Tan instructed an Apple employee to “bring some parts [she] worked on” such as “Batteries,” “SIP” (Systems-in-Package), “mlb” (multi-layer or main logic boards), and “shields” and that it may “be good to show” other interviewers these Apple components.
Additionally, OpenAI is accused of asking interviewees to prepare “Technical Deep Dive” presentations, with slides revealing confidential information from their work at Apple.
OpenAI allegedly “coached” Apple employees on how to bypass security measures
Apple claims Tan kept an internal document that outlines employee offboarding procedures. OpenAI allegedly used this information to warn employees coming from Apple about the company’s security checks, and “coached” them on how to avoid it.
The AI giant also advised departing Apple workers not to disclose their new employer, and also offered tips on how to avoid a “dreaded walk out,” which would result in their immediate removal from the company, preventing them from accessing Apple’s systems for a standard two weeks, the lawsuit alleges. OpenAI is accused of telling Apple employees not to “sign anything at the exit interview,” and if they’re asked to sign a document, to tell OpenAI “asap.”
In the lawsuit, Apple says that OpenAI’s alleged tactics “appear to be having their desired effect.” Apple claims it has noticed “a recent trend of employees who are leaving Apple for OpenAI and taking steps to evade security measures,” including workers “ignoring outreach by security personnel to schedule exit processes and security reviews.”
Apple accuses OpenAI of stealing its metal-finishing technique
Apple claims OpenAI has used its confidential information to approach its “trusted partners,” including one that carries out a proprietary, multi-step metal-finishing technique for its products. OpenAI allegedly misled Apple’s partner, making the company believe that OpenAI had Apple’s permission to use the metal-finishing technique. “Apple has not given OpenAI or io permission to use or a license to any of Apple’s trade secrets or confidential information, including those it has entrusted with this partner,” Apple says.
Apple also accuses OpenAI of approaching “at least” one other supplier that works with Apple on manufacturing related to power and batteries. OpenAI allegedly used confidential information and internal codenames to ask “targeted questions” about Apple’s components “that would be useful in furthering OpenAI’s hardware ambitions.”
OpenAI spokesperson Drew Pusateri provided this statement to The Verge on Friday: “We have no interest in other companies’ trade secrets. We remain focused on building innovative technology that empowers people everywhere.”
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Robotaxi BLOCKS Ambulance: Is your SAFETY at risk?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is scrutinizing robotaxi safety, documenting multiple instances of autonomous vehicles driving into active emergency scenes and blocking first responders. NHTSA states an AV that cannot safely interact with first responders poses a danger to the public. They will meet with robotaxi developers this month to discuss solutions.
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Tesla’s robotaxi dream has rolled into Miami. That sounds like a big moment, especially if you have ever sat in South Florida traffic and wondered whether a car could do better without a tired human behind the wheel.
For now, though, the rollout looks careful and limited. Tesla says Robotaxi service is available in limited areas of Miami, Florida as well as Austin, Dallas and Houston, Texas. The Robotaxi app also shows a visual map of where rides are available based on your location.
That means Miami is now Tesla’s newest robotaxi market, but this is not a citywide launch yet. It also puts Tesla in a busy autonomous ride-hailing market where Waymo and Amazon’s Zoox are already trying to win over riders.
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TERRIFIED PASSENGERS FILM WAYMO AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE DRIVING INTO LIVE FIREWORKS IN SAN FRANCISCO
Tesla has expanded its Robotaxi service to Miami, making South Florida its first market outside Texas. The rollout is limited to a small service area as the company continues testing autonomous rides. (Photographer: Tim Goessman/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Why the Tesla Robotaxi Miami service area is limited
The biggest thing to know is that Tesla Robotaxi does not cover all of Miami. Tesla’s Miami geofence covers only a small slice of the metro area, mostly around West Miami and a strip toward Doral and Sweetwater. The early map leaves out downtown Miami, Miami Beach, Miami International Airport and most of Miami-Dade.
So, even though “Miami” is in the headline, your actual ride options depend on where you stand and where you want to go. If you are trying to get from Miami Beach to Brickell after dinner, Tesla Robotaxi may not help you yet. If you are inside the service zone, the app should show what is available before you book.
That limited map also tells you something about the challenge ahead. Miami is not an easy place to prove out robotaxis. Traffic moves fast, rain can hit hard and drivers do not always behave the way software might expect.
Tesla has been building toward this moment for years. CyberGuy previously covered how the Tesla Cybercab removes the steering wheel entirely, which shows how far Tesla wants to take autonomous transportation. For now, though, the Miami rollout still uses Model Y vehicles. That makes this launch another step in Tesla’s longer robotaxi push.
Tesla Robotaxi expansion is moving city by city
Tesla’s robotaxi rollout is still happening in careful stages. Austin came first, followed by Dallas and Houston. Miami now marks Tesla’s first Robotaxi market outside Texas.
CyberGuy previously reported that Tesla cleared Nevada streets for robotaxi testing, which showed the company was preparing for more markets before opening the app to more riders. Tesla has also named other planned cities, including Orlando, Tampa and Phoenix.
ZOOX ROBOTAXI REDESIGN BRINGS BIG RIDER UPGRADES
Tesla’s Robotaxi service has arrived in Miami, but only in select neighborhoods. The expansion marks another step in the company’s push toward fully autonomous transportation. (Photo by Sjoerd van der Wal/Getty Images)
Tesla Robotaxi faces Waymo and Zoox in Miami
Tesla is not entering an empty market. Waymo and Amazon’s Zoox are also accelerating their autonomous vehicle efforts. CyberGuy recently covered how Waymo’s cheaper robotaxi tech could help driverless rides reach more cities faster. Zoox is also a major name to watch in this race. CyberGuy reported that Amazon’s Zoox updated its steering-wheel-free robotaxi with more rider comfort, larger cupholders and a calmer cabin design.
That competition puts pressure on Tesla. Tesla has the brand recognition and a massive base of vehicles on the road. Waymo has more experience with public driverless rides. Zoox is betting on a vehicle built from the ground up for autonomy. For you, that competition could lead to better service over time. More companies fighting for rides may mean wider coverage, better pickup spots and faster improvements.
Tesla Robotaxi safety questions remain
The safety questions are not going away anytime soon. According to a recent review of federal crash data filed with NHTSA, Tesla’s autonomous driving reports included 17 crash narratives tied to the Robotaxi program. That does not mean every reported crash points to a system failure. Still, riders should not ignore the data either.
Autonomous vehicles have to earn trust in everyday driving moments. A rough pickup, confusing stop or strange turn can make you nervous fast. CyberGuy has covered similar safety concerns across the robotaxi space, including a Waymo recall over construction-zone risk. That recall showed how work zones can challenge autonomous systems when signs, cones and lanes change quickly.
Tesla also faces broader scrutiny around Full Self-Driving behavior. CyberGuy previously reported on Tesla’s Mad Max mode in Full Self-Driving, which brought fresh debate over speed, supervision and driver-assist safety.
How to take a Tesla Robotaxi in Miami
To take a Tesla Robotaxi in Miami, you start in the Robotaxi app. Tesla says you need a mobile device to request a ride, and the ride can only be booked for you. Before you confirm, check the service area in the app. Do not assume Robotaxi covers the full city. A ride may work in one part of Miami and fail if your pickup or drop-off sits outside the current zone.
The app shows a price estimate before you confirm. During the ride, you can adjust things like climate, seat position and media through the app or the car’s touchscreen.
Also, keep your phone charged. That phone becomes a key part of booking, managing and finishing the ride.
Finally, pay attention during the trip. You may not be driving, but you should still stay aware of where the car stops and how it handles the ride.
ZOOX ROBOTAXI REDESIGN BRINGS BIG RIDER UPGRADES
Tesla is bringing Robotaxi rides to Miami while competing with Waymo and Zoox in the growing autonomous vehicle market. Service remains limited to a small section of the city. (Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman via Getty Images)
Kurt’s key takeaways
Tesla Robotaxi arriving in Miami is no doubt a big headline, but the fine print is important too. I would not treat this as a full Miami transportation option yet. The service area is limited, major destinations are missing and safety questions remain part of the story. That does not kill the excitement. It simply means Tesla still has to prove that Robotaxi can work beyond a small map. I like that Tesla is expanding beyond Texas. I can also see why people would want to try this. But for now, I would call this a significant step with a lot to prove.
Would you trust a Tesla Robotaxi to drive you through Miami traffic, or would you wait until the service has more miles under its belt? Let us know by writing to us at CyberGuy.com.
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Lorde was performing at the Real Cool Festival in Madrid on Thursday and took some time during her set to speak out against AI glasses. While she didn’t specify any brands in particular, it’s likely she was taking a shot at festival sponsor Ray-Ban, which has collaborated with Meta on a pair of AI smartglasses.
The comments were captured in videos shared to social media. After thanking the crowd for being there and taking part in “something real,” she said that it was increasingly hard to know is and isn’t real, before saying “You don’t know if someone is wearing sunglasses or if they’re wearing those fucked up fucking… Can I just say, for the record, fuck the glasses. Don’t get the glasses. Not sexy.”
The comments come as Meta faces renewed scrutiny over its smart glasses. And, even in the face of that backlash, it is still reportedly planning to launch a pair of “super sensing” glasses that are continuously recording.
According to Stereogum, Lorde was followed on stage by Blackpink’s Jennie, who is a Ray-Ban Meta AI ambassador and has been featured in advertising campaigns on Instagram and in a video screened between sets at Real Cool.
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