Apple News 24 Hours

Last updated: June 23, 2026, 11:30 AM ET

Deals & Discounts Abound During Prime Day

Amazon's Prime Day event has unleashed significant price reductions across a wide array of Apple products. Shoppers can find the M5 MacBook Air with discounts of $150, matching all-time low prices on select configurations, including the 15-inch model with 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage now available for $1,349.00. Similarly, the M4 iPad Air is experiencing steep price cuts, reaching all-time low figures. Apple's premium over-ear headphones, the AirPods Max 2, are also seeing a record low price of $399, though inventory is quickly depleting. Further savings are available on AirPods Pro 3 for $179 and AirPods 4 starting at $99. Belkin is also participating, offering up to a 42% discount on MagSafe chargers, while the Apple Watch Ultra is available for as low as $499. The Mac mini M4 has also returned to its discounted $769 price point. Shoppers should remain vigilant, however, as Prime Day also brings an increase in potential scams.

iOS 27 Beta 2 Introduces Refinements and New Features

Apple has released the second developer beta for iOS 27, bringing a host of refinements and new capabilities. This update includes enhancements to the Messages app with support for RCS inline replies in iPhone-to-Android chats. The Photos app gains an "Extend" tool, leveraging Apple Intelligence to help expand images. The Wallet app receives a new "Insights" feature for tracking finances in the US, and the Home app now allows for remote updates to Apple TV software. Additionally, the beta includes the first look at "Write with Siri," an advanced AI writing tool. Notably, the Air Port Utility app will be removed from the App Store in an upcoming update. Air Pods are also set to receive customizable EQ settings and improved precision finding with the upcoming iOS 27 release as per rumors. The advanced AI dictation feature, while present in the beta, is not enabled by default.

Vision Pro Development and Third-Party Accessories

The development ecosystem for Apple's spatial computing device continues to evolve. The latest beta of Reality Composer Pro, a tool for building spatial experiences for the Apple Vision Pro, has revealed traces of the defunct game engine "The Machinery." Meanwhile, third-party accessories are emerging, including a case that adds a customizable e-ink display to iPhones. On the competitive front, Meta has launched its own $299 smart glasses, positioning itself ahead of potential future Apple hardware releases in the wearables space.

Legal and Regulatory Challenges Persist

Apple faces ongoing legal and regulatory scrutiny in various markets. In China, a group of 48 developers has filed an antitrust complaint against the company's App Store fees. Meanwhile, a significant class-action lawsuit in the UK, accusing Apple of overcharging for iCloud services, has been certified for trial, potentially leading to a £3 billion ($4 billion) payout for affected users. The trial is anticipated to begin in October 2028. Separately, a lawsuit filed by Apple against leaker Jon Prosser, concerning leaked information about iOS, has seen a default ruling set aside by a judge, allowing Prosser to participate in discovery.

Hardware Rumors and Industry Developments

Speculation continues regarding future Apple hardware. Reports suggest that a foldable iPhone could experience a significant depreciation in value within its first year, potentially losing nearly $1,300. The iPhone Ultra also faces warnings about its potential resale value. The possibility of an iPhone Air 2 is being discussed, with questions arising about whether it will feature an ultrawide or telephoto second camera. In the audio space, new Apple TV 4K and HomePod hardware are rumored to arrive this fall, with code in tv OS beta hinting at integrated Siri AI capabilities. Apple's SVP of Services and Health, Eddy Cue, was recognized as the 2026 Entertainment Person of the Year at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, acknowledging his leadership of the Apple TV streaming service.

Cybersecurity Concerns and Supplier Breaches

Confidential Apple documents have reportedly been leaked onto the dark web following a cyberattack on Tata Electronics, one of Apple's manufacturing partners in India. The breach is said to have compromised approximately 630GB of confidential data related to both Apple and Tesla. This incident highlights ongoing cybersecurity risks within the supply chain.

Software Updates and App Deprecations

Beyond iOS, Apple has also released the second developer betas for mac OS 27 Golden Gate, tv OS, and vision OS. These updates are part of Apple's ongoing beta testing cycle for its upcoming operating systems. In a notable deprecation, the AirPort Utility app is slated for removal from the App Store with iOS.

Third-Party Software and Services

Speechify has rolled out its voice typing feature to all iPhone and Mac users at no additional cost. Meanwhile, during Prime Day, LG is offering early Fourth of July deals on various products, including OLED TVs and monitors. The competitive landscape for smart glasses has intensified with Meta's new offering.