Apple News 24 Hours

Last updated: June 18, 2026, 8:30 PM ET

Hardware and Security

Security researchers at Paradigm Shift have uncovered a new, unpatchable Boot ROM vulnerability affecting devices equipped with A12 and A13 chips. The exploit, dubbed usbliter8, enables arbitrary code execution on hardware including the iPhone XR, bypassing previous security mitigations established by the checkm8 exploit. This SecureROM vulnerability poses a long-term challenge for device integrity, as the underlying hardware flaw cannot be rectified through standard software updates.

Market Performance and Pricing

Despite a broader smartphone industry slump that has seen global sales decline for nine consecutive weeks, Apple and Huawei have bucked the trend with double-digit year-over-year gains. This performance is bolstered by strong demand for high-end wearables, as Apple Watch shipments surged 21% in the first quarter of 2026. However, consumers should anticipate higher costs as Apple confirmed price increases are necessary to mitigate the rising expense of memory components, with some projections suggesting the iPhone 18 Pro could start at $1,399 or higher.

Software and Ecosystem Updates

Apple is refining the user experience in the upcoming iOS 27 release, which introduces long-requested features for the Wallet app and new enhancements to the Find My service, including a privacy-focused hide location setting. Concurrently, the watch OS 27 update is rolling out new single-handed control schemes, specifically a convenient tap gesture that improves accessibility for Apple Watch users. For desktop users, mac OS 27 Golden Gate brings meaningful improvements to iPhone Mirroring, though the update has faced technical friction with legacy hardware, as some users reported that it bricked Time Capsules.

Strategic Partnerships and Regulation

In a significant shift for domestic manufacturing, President Trump confirmed that Apple and Intel have agreed to a partnership to produce chips within the United States. While specific deal terms regarding volume and timelines remain undisclosed, the announcement pushed Intel stock up 9% in premarket trading, with the President framing the move as manufacturing chips in America. Meanwhile, Apple is adjusting App Store rules in Brazil to comply with local antitrust regulations, allowing developers to distribute apps through alternative marketplaces and utilize third-party payment systems, similar to recent changes mandated in the European Union.

Media and Entertainment

Apple is expanding its media footprint by streaming the Austrian Grand Prix for free on the Apple TV app for U.S. viewers, covering every session from June 26 to June 28 without requiring a subscription. This follows a broader push into live sports and original content, as the company announced a new comedy series titled "Brothers," featuring Woody Harrelson and Matthew McConaughey, which is set to premiere on September 23. In the music sector, Chart Data revealed that Drake, Taylor Swift, and Future currently rank as the three most-streamed artists in the history of the platform.

Retail and Promotions

Retail activity remains high as early Prime Day offers drive consumer interest, including rare price drops on the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and significant discounts on the M5 MacBook Pro, which is currently available for $1,529 using a B&H coupon. Other hardware accessories are seeing similar price adjustments, with the Beats Pill dropping to $72 as part of a wider seasonal sale. Despite these promotional efforts, the company faces labor challenges, as the Towson store closure continues to draw criticism from local officials who are urging Apple to provide more favorable transition options for unionized employees.