Apple News 24 Hours

Last updated: July 13, 2026, 8:30 AM ET

Software and Services Updates

Apple is reportedly preparing to release the first public betas for iOS 27 and mac OS Golden Gate this week. The upcoming iOS 27 is expected to feature new Siri enhancements, alongside improvements to the Messages app. Separately, the European Union is considering a ban on social media access for children under, with provisions for phased access for older teenagers. Apple has also acquired Sig Scalr, the developer of Sig Lens, a tool that will help Apple monitor and debug large-scale application processes.

Hardware Rumors and Deals

Speculation suggests Apple's next-generation M7 and M8 chips, expected to focus heavily on AI capabilities, could arrive as soon as six months after the M6 chip's release. These advancements are rumored to be partly derived from research conducted for the Apple Car project. In other hardware news, the Apple Watch Series 11 is currently available for $299 on Amazon, a $100 discount. Air Pods Pro 3 have also hit a new low price of $199.99 at Amazon. The European Union's regulations might also necessitate an upgrade to the Apple Pencil with more easily replaceable batteries by early 2027, coinciding with the expected release of the iPad Pro with M6.

Apple Retail and Connectivity

Apple Stores are expanding their use of the "Tap to Pay on iPhone" feature, allowing merchants to accept contactless payments directly on their iPhones. Meanwhile, a new free Mac app called What Cable has been released to help users identify the specific capabilities of their various USB-C cables, addressing a common point of confusion for consumers.