Apple News 24 Hours

Last updated: July 8, 2026, 11:30 AM ET

Apple's Mac Shipments Rise Amidst Broader PC Market Decline

Apple has bucked the trend in the personal computer market, with new data from IDC indicating that the company was the sole major vendor to achieve significant shipment growth in Q2 2026 Mac shipments grow. This stands in contrast to the broader market, which experienced its first decline in over two years. This growth trajectory for Mac devices suggests a continued strong consumer and professional demand for Apple's hardware ecosystem.

MacBook Deals Emerge as M5 Chip Configurations See Price Drops

Consumers seeking Apple's latest M5 chip technology can find notable discounts on MacBook models. The 16-inch MacBook Pro, configured with an M5 Pro chip and 48GB of RAM, is available for $3,049.99, representing a $550 reduction from its retail price M5 Pro MacBook Pro. Additionally, Amazon is offering a $150 discount on various M5 MacBook Air models M5 MacBook Air, with the 15-inch variant with an M5 chip specifically reduced to $1,349 by both Amazon and B&H 15-inch MacBook Air. The 512GB MacBook Neo is also seeing its first significant post-price-hike discount on Amazon, available for $689.99 512GB MacBook Neo.

Apple Testing Chinese Memory Chips Amidst Regulatory Scrutiny

Apple is reportedly testing DRAM memory chips from China's state-backed Chang Xin Memory Technologies (CXMT) testing Chinese memory chips. This development follows Apple's lobbying efforts with the U.S. government for approval to use these chips, which are from a supplier previously considered banned Apple lobbying US government. The move comes as the tech giant navigates complex global supply chains and international trade relations.

Apple Vision Pro Development Shifts Focus from Lower-Cost Model

Work on a lower-cost version of the Apple Vision Pro appears to be winding down, with reports indicating that development on a key component for this model has ceased lower-cost Vision Pro development. Samsung, a supplier for this component, has reportedly suspended its work on the display for the cheaper, lighter variant of the Vision Pro, which was initially planned for release cheaper Vision Pro display. This shift suggests Apple may be re-evaluating its strategy for the mixed-reality headset, potentially prioritizing other areas.

iPhone Fold and Ultra Production Remain On Track Amidst Rival Launches

Despite persistent rumors of delays, Apple's foldable iPhone, the iPhone Fold, is reportedly on schedule for production and a fall launch iPhone Fold production on time. This comes as rivals Samsung and Google are preparing to unveil their own foldable devices earlier in the summer, with Samsung announcing a July 22 event for its latest Galaxy smartphones, including a foldable rival to the iPhone Fold Samsung Galaxy Unpacked. Supply chain sources also indicate that the iPhone Ultra is on track for a September release, with mass production already underway and no delays anticipated iPhone Ultra production.

Apple's U.S. Manufacturing Investment Grows with $30 Billion Broadcom Deal

Apple has announced its largest U.S. manufacturing investment to date, a $30 billion multiyear partnership with Broadcom to design and produce custom chips and radio components Broadcom chip contract. This agreement represents the largest single-company commitment under Apple's American Manufacturing Program, which aims to bolster domestic production Apple's American Manufacturing Program. This investment underscores Apple's commitment to expanding its U.S.-based manufacturing capabilities.

Apple Loses Key Antitrust Appeals in Europe

Apple has faced significant setbacks in its legal challenges against European Union regulations. The company has lost a major antitrust appeal in Europe, with all three of its claims being rejected by the EU's top court Apple loses antitrust appeal. Consequently, Apple's App Stores and iOS platform will continue to be designated as "gatekeepers" under the Digital Markets Act App Store gatekeeper label. This ruling means Apple's attempts to exempt iMessage and its App Store from certain regulations have been unsuccessful, reinforcing the EU's regulatory stance on major tech platforms Europe rejects App Store.

Executive Movements and Industry Conferences

Apple CEO Tim Cook and his successor, John Ternus, were in attendance at the exclusive Sun Valley Conference Cook Ternus Sun Valley. The conference, a gathering of prominent business leaders, is often a venue for significant industry discussions and potential deal-making. In a separate engagement, Cook and Ternus also held a virtual meeting with Markus Söder, the Minister-President of Bavaria Cook and Ternus meet Bavarian Minister.

Software Updates and New Features Roll Out

Apple has released the fourth public betas of iOS 26.6, iPad OS 26.6, mac OS Tahoe 26.6, watch OS 26.6, and tv OS 26.6 to testers public betas released. Among the notable software improvements, the Messages app in iOS 27 is receiving enhancements aimed at making it "smarter and less annoying" with several quality-of-life updates iOS 27 Messages app. Additionally, beta firmware for Air Pods Pro, Air Pods Pro, and Air Pods 4 is now available, incorporating features expected in iOS 27 AirPods beta firmware. mac OS 28 will also introduce a change, dropping support for encrypted Mac OS Extended volumes, requiring users to decrypt or reformat affected storage mac OS 28 volume support. The company is also reportedly planning to charge for new AI features within the Home app, requiring a 2TB iCloud+ subscription AI Home app features.

Third-Party App Updates and New Offerings

Beyond Apple's ecosystem, third-party applications are also seeing updates and new releases. The popular flight tracking app Flighty has introduced a new "Connection Assistant" to help travelers navigate connecting flights Flighty Connection Assistant. Lamborghini has launched an immersive Apple Vision Pro app, allowing users to explore its vehicles in full size Lamborghini Vision Pro app. In the productivity space, Anthropic is bringing its Claude Cowork feature to mobile and web platforms, with beta access for Max users Claude Cowork expands. Notion has also released a new iPhone app called Agents, following the discontinuation of its AI-powered email client Notion launches Agents app. On the streaming front, the fifth season premiere of the comedy "Trying" is now available on Apple TV Trying season 5 premiere.