Apple News 24 Hours

Last updated: July 16, 2026, 5:30 PM ET

iOS 27 and AI Features Roll Out

Apple has released the public betas for iOS, allowing users worldwide to test the latest software, including significant advancements in Siri AI. This update makes AI-generated game creation within Roblox much more accessible on iPhones, enabling users to turn written ideas into playable experiences without needing Roblox Studio. Furthermore, a long-requested feature has arrived for Air Pods in a new public beta, though details on its specific functionality are not fully elaborated beyond its arrival alongside the iOS 27 public beta for AirPods. Apple Music's Auto Mix feature also receives a substantial upgrade in iOS, building upon its debut in the previous year's iOS 26 to offer an even better user experience for music lovers.

Apple's Legal and Policy Updates

A class action lawsuit has been filed seeking payouts related to a flaw in Apple's Hide My Email feature, though the suit does not allege that the vulnerability was exploited in any attacks or that the plaintiff's email was compromised. In other policy news, Apple has outlined its new Advertising Services policy, specifying categories of ads that will be prohibited within the Maps app. Apple is also tightening its policies on carrier-financed iPhones purchased directly from the company; these devices will soon be locked to the carrier, ending a previous workaround that allowed customers to purchase unlocked phones on a payment plan to secure financing.

Hardware and Future Product Rumors

Apple is reportedly ramping up orders for vapor chamber cooling components, which are expected to be integrated into upcoming foldable iPhone models and potentially 20th-anniversary iPhone releases, according to a Chinese leaker for new devices. The company is also preparing its 2026 smart home lineup, which is anticipated to include a new Apple TV, Home Pod, and a Home Hub, coinciding with the launch of Siri AI in iOS, iPad OS, and mac OS for smart homes. Separately, Apple has added the iPad mini with an A17 Pro chip to its U.S. and Canadian refurbished stores, offering the device at a discount for refurbished options.

Promotions, Pricing, and Warranty Changes

Apple's annual Back to School promotion has commenced in select Asian countries, including China, India, and Malaysia for educational discounts. While Apple has launched its own Back to School deals, other resellers are offering significantly better discounts than Apple's current promotions for students. In the U.S., Apple has updated its website to list products eligible for upcoming sales tax holidays in ten states to save on purchases. Conversely, prices for some Apple Care+ subscription plans for Macs and iPads are increasing, making the Apple Care One warranty bundle a more attractive value proposition by comparison for bundled warranties.

Deals and Accessory News

Deals are currently available on Air Pods, including Air Pods Pro 3 with a $50 price reduction and Air Pods 4 with active noise cancellation at their best price in months on Amazon for audio deals. MacBook Pro prices have also seen increases, aligning with Apple's recent price hikes, though notable sales are still available on some models for laptop savings. Satechi has released new color-matched accessories for the MacBook Neo, adding extra ports and functionality to the popular laptop for MacBook users.

Industry and Chip Supply Chain

TSMC, a key chip supplier for Apple, has announced an additional $100 billion commitment to its U.S. chip manufacturing plants, bringing its total investment in the United States to $265 billion for chip production. In related news, a class action lawsuit seeks payouts over an alleged flaw in Apple's Hide My Email service, though the suit does not claim any actual attacks occurred. Meanwhile, the password management app 1Password has introduced support for Claude, allowing the AI service to access stored credentials without direct exposure of passwords for AI access.

Software and Gaming Developments

The public beta for mac OS 27 Golden Gate is now available for testing ahead of its official fall release, offering users an early look at the new Mac operating system for Mac users. In the gaming sphere, AI-generated game creation is becoming more accessible on iPhones through Roblox's mobile app, allowing for faster development of playable experiences from written ideas for game developers. On the entertainment front, Apple TV has announced the release date for the fifth season of its mindfulness series, "Stillwater" for streaming content.

Competitive Landscape and App Updates

While Apple Watch models can measure blood pressure to generate alerts for potential hypertension, they do not provide actual readings, unlike the Signal Ring device for health tracking. WhatsApp has rolled out new in-call settings for its iPhone app, enabling users to switch between the iPhone's various Mic Modes, including Voice Isolation and Wide Spectrum for call quality. Meta has announced that its AI can now alert parents if their teenagers discuss self-harm or suicide on platforms like Instagram for parental safety.