Apple News 24 Hours

Last updated: July 15, 2026, 5:30 PM ET

Apple Expands Product Offerings and Services

Apple has updated its website to list eligible products for upcoming sales tax holidays in 10 U.S. states 2026. The company’s annual Back to School promotion has also gone live in select Asian countries, including China, India, and Malaysia. Additionally, Apple Care+ will see a price increase for new Mac and iPad plans, with monthly and annual costs rising by approximately $0.. For cellular iPads, a new 36-month financing plan is available, though consumers are advised to explore external deals as Apple's program offers no direct discounts.

Apple Maps and Content Updates

Ads are set to arrive in Apple Maps for the U.S. and Canada this summer, with certain categories excluded at launch. In anticipation of the 2026 World Cup's conclusion, Major League Soccer is returning to Apple TV, accompanied by new Apple Maps guides and Apple Music playlists. Apple TV+ is also premiering new content, including season two of the German dark comedy ‘Where’s Wanda?’ and the limited series ‘Lucky’ starring.

Software and AI Developments

The public beta for iOS 27 has been released, bringing with it significant changes to Notification Center, a feature present. While Apple Intelligence and Siri AI are prominent additions, iOS 27 also includes. Apple Intelligence has now been approved by Chinese regulators, clearing the way for its rollout on iPhones in the country.

Legal and Regulatory Matters

Apple is facing new scrutiny from Brazilian officials regarding betting apps accessible to minors, with the company given five business days to provide further details. In the U.S., a judge has sided with Apple in its discovery dispute, allowing the company to obtain documents from 14 federal agencies as part of its defense against the. Meanwhile, the European Commission has granted exemptions to its Batteries Regulation, removing the requirement for battery removal in Apple Watch and AirPods.

Industry Competition and Product Rumors

One Plus is reportedly exiting the U.S. and European smartphone markets as part of a restructuring at its. OpenAI is developing its first AI hardware product, a portable smart speaker without a display, which may compete with Apple's AirPods. Apple is also reportedly looking to acquire AI chip companies to reduce its reliance on Nvidia for AI workloads. Rumors suggest the upcoming Apple Watch Series 12 will feature four new functionalities.

Third-Party Accessories and Product Deals

Nomad is celebrating its anniversary with a sitewide sale offering up to 30 percent off . Amazon is offering a $150 discount on select M5. Other deals include up to $130 off the Apple Watch Series 11 and discounts on Air Pods Pro, M5 MacBook Air models, and HomeKit lamps. The programmable macro keypad is highlighted as a significant productivity hack for Mac users.

OpenAI Trade Secret Lawsuits and Workarounds

Tang Tan, a former Apple VP of product design, is central to two trade secret theft lawsuits filed by Apple against OpenAI. OpenAI attributes its lack of response to Apple's complaints to an. Apple has also closed a popular workaround that allowed customers to purchase unlocked iPhones.

Other Apple-Related News

The LEGO Group is considering a Bondi Blue iMac G3 set for its "Ideas" platform. Opera reports significant growth in its iOS browser user base in the UK and U.S. during Q2. Suno's song generation app is now directly accessible to iPhone users within the iMessage app.