Apple News 24 Hours

Last updated: July 14, 2026, 11:30 AM ET

iOS 27 and Software Updates

Apple has launched the first public betas for iOS, iPad OS, mac OS 27 Golden Gate, watch OS, vision OS, and tv OS, offering users an early look at the upcoming software updates. The iOS 27 public beta includes significant new features, notably Siri AI and iPhone speed upgrades as the headline feature. For Apple Watch users, the watch OS 27 public beta also brings Siri AI and smarter device functionalities. Developers are also receiving updates, with the fifth developer betas of iOS 26.6 and mac OS.6 now out, alongside the fifth betas for watch OS 26.6, tv OS 26.6, and vision OS 26.6 for testing purposes. Additionally, mac OS Sonoma 14.8.8 and mac OS Sequoia 15.7.8 have received their public release candidates.

Gaming and Apple Arcade

Madden NFL 27 Arcade Edition is set to launch on Apple Arcade on August 6th, marking the return of the Madden franchise to Mac after a 19-year absence. This release is touted as the biggest football game in Apple Arcade history.

iPhone and iPad Rumors

Reports suggest that the upcoming OLED iPad mini may launch by the end of 2026, potentially featuring an 8.4-inch display panel with a 60Hz refresh rate continuing to flow. The iPhone 20 redesign is gaining credibility with claims of a return to a more glass-heavy design, with production sites reportedly ready for an all-glass aesthetic. This aligns with former Apple design chief Jony Ive's vision of a "single slab of glass" for the iPhone's 20th anniversary.

Apple in China and Market Performance

IDC reports indicate that Apple shipped nearly 1 in 5 smartphones in China during the second quarter of 2026. Apple achieved a 24.4 percent year-over-year increase in iPhone shipments in China, making it the fastest-growing smartphone brand in a declining market.

App and Service Developments

WhatsApp is developing its own alternative to iCloud for chat backups on iPhone, according to references found in its latest Test Flight build bringing an alternative. Apple TV+ has released the first trailer for its upcoming action-comedy "Mayday," starring Ryan Reynolds and Kenneth Branagh. WordPress has also launched a new Apple TV app called WordPress TV, offering video content on the platform. In other app news, navigation app Waze is rolling out an update to its iPhone and Android apps with new AI-powered features.

Industry and Legal Matters

Apple is facing scrutiny from a safety regulator regarding its efforts to combat sextortion. The company is also engaged in a legal dispute with Meta over how Apple plans to implement EU-mandated third-party device interoperability. Furthermore, Apple has responded to Epic Games' arguments against pausing legal proceedings related to App Store commissions. OpenAI could potentially draw former Apple design chief Jony Ive into Apple's lawsuit against the AI company.

Accessory and Smart Home News

Amazon is offering a $30 discount on Air Pods 4 models, bringing the price down to $99.00 available $99.00. Twelve South has introduced the Power Bug, a Mag Safe accessory designed to eliminate charging cables from countertops. Meanwhile, the smart home standard Matter is facing criticism for failing to fully address the complexity it promised to solve.