Apple News 24 Hours

Last updated: July 17, 2026, 5:30 PM ET

Apple Ecosystem and Services

Apple has once again claimed the title of the world's most valuable company, surpassing Nvidia in market valuation. This surge comes as Apple moves to increase prices on iPhone models in Japan, following similar adjustments to Mac and iPad pricing globally last month. Additionally, iCloud+ prices have seen an uptick in eight countries, including Japan, New Zealand, and the Philippines. Despite these price hikes, Apple One continues to offer substantial savings for users invested in Apple's suite of services. In other news, Apple's Car Keys feature is reportedly expanding to support future TANK SUVs from Chinese manufacturer Great Wall Motor.

Software Updates and Betas

The iOS 27 public beta is now available, offering users a glimpse into new features like an all-new app for the iPhone's Home Screen and enhanced Siri and Apple Intelligence capabilities following its release. For those who have installed the beta, instructions are available back to iOS 26 if stability or usability issues arise. The beta also brings several CarPlay improvements. On the Mac front, the first mac OS 27 Golden Gate public beta has been released, with official availability expected in the fall for testing.

Hardware and Product Rumors

Rumors suggest Apple is for vapor chamber cooling components, potentially for upcoming foldable iPhone and 20th-anniversary iPhone models. Meanwhile, Apple has started selling refurbished iPad mini models with the A17 Pro chip at a discount in the U.S. and Canada. Amazon is offering a $200 discount on the 512GB M4 iPad Air 13-inch as part of a weekend sale providing savings. The entry-level iPad, previously expected this year, may now have a delayed launch according to reports.

Legal and Regulatory Developments

Apple and the U.S. Justice Department are reportedly in early discussions regarding a potential settlement for a 2024 antitrust lawsuit concerning the iPhone as the case progresses. In a separate development, Apple and Google have received cease-and-desist letters demanding the removal of 13 AI "face-swap" apps capable of generating nonconsensual nude images according to WIRED. The European Commission has formally ordered Google to grant third-party AI services the same Android access as its own Gemini following an investigation.

Industry Trends and Data

Existing iPhone owners continue to demonstrate strong loyalty, with new research indicating that nearly nine in 10 surveyed U.S. purchases come from current iPhone users, showing Apple's customer base is not dwindling. iPhone loyalty has reportedly climbed to 87% for the first quarter of 2026, a higher rate than the previous year according to CIRP. Apple's chip supplier, TSMC, has pledged an additional $100 billion for U.S. chip investments, bringing its total commitment to $265 billion confirming the expansion.

App Updates and Features

OpenAI has updated its Chat GPT app for Mac to improve chat accessibility following a redesign. WhatsApp has begun rolling out its new username feature to a limited number of users. Password management app 1Password has added support for Claude, allowing the AI service to access stored credentials without directly viewing passwords. Apple TV and Apple Music for Android are receiving updates that include homescreen widgets and WhatsApp sharing capabilities as part of the rollout.

Promotions and Deals

Apple's annual Back to School promotion has gone live in select countries across Asia, including China, India, and Malaysia. Deals are available on Air Pods Pro 3 with a $50 price drop, and Air Pods 4 with ANC starting from $119 at a discounted rate. Amazon is still offering notable sales on the 2026 MacBook Pro, with savings of up to $500. Apple has also updated its website to list products eligible for tax-free holidays in 10 U.S. states for shoppers.

Other Apple News

Apple has shared a new Advertising Services policy outlining ad categories that will not be permitted in the Maps app. Carrier-financed iPhones purchased directly from Apple will now be locked to the carrier, ending a previous workaround for purchasing unlocked devices on a payment plan due to a rule change. Apple's Journal app is highlighted for its potential to support mindful daily routines, aligning with psychological research on reflective writing as a beneficial practice. Apple Insider has confirmed that while it's possible to find real email addresses behind Hide My Email, its intended use as a spam filter means this is not a significant concern.