Apple News 24 Hours

Last updated: July 20, 2026, 11:30 PM ET

Software Updates and New Features

Apple released iOS 27 beta, introducing an "Automatic Downloads" feature to the Apple TV app. This update, part of ongoing tweaks for the September launch, also includes a hidden popover interface for Siri AI in the mac OS 27 Golden Gate beta, offering writing tools and contextual actions when text is selected Mac Rumors. Further software developments include the fourth beta for vision OS 27 Mac Rumors, iPad OS 27 9to5Mac, tv OS 27 Mac Rumors, and mac OS 27 Golden Gate 9to5Mac, alongside release candidates for iOS 26.6 and iPad OS 26.6 Mac Rumors, and mac OS Tahoe 26.6 Mac Rumors. A fix for Mac "beach ball" and unresponsive trackpad issues is also emerging for mac OS 26.5 users 9to5Mac.

App Store and Content Expansion

The App Store saw a significant surge in new app releases during the first half of 2026, nearly matching the total for all of 2025, though download increases were more modest at 2% 9to5Mac. In entertainment, Apple TV+ is set to premiere a new film from the director of "CODA," focusing on disability activist Judy Heumann Apple Insider. Apple Music is also expanding its reach, being added to over two million Volvo vehicles via an over-the-air update, with options for up to three months free 9to5Mac. The Apple Sports app has been updated to include additional soccer leagues in Asia and Europe and display team formations Mac Rumors.

Hardware and Real Estate

Rumors surrounding the iPhone 18 Pro suggest its new A20 chip may bring two significant upgrades 9to5Mac. Additionally, code references within the latest iOS 27 beta point to an iPhone model potentially featuring two batteries Mac Rumors. In a move indicating continued expansion, Apple has leased a 126,000-square-foot office building in Sunnyvale 9to5Mac. Meanwhile, deals are available on various Apple products, including Air Pods Pro, Air Pods Max 2 at $100 off, Air Tag 2 at an all-time low of $22 each, and M5 MacBook Pro models with $400 off 9to5Mac. Air Pods Max 2 are currently priced at $449.00 on Amazon Mac Rumors, and Air Tag 2 is available for $89.00 for a 4-pack Mac Rumors.

Industry Trends and Security

Samsung has entered the fintech space with its own credit card, mirroring the Apple Card and offering potentially compelling cashback incentives Apple Insider. Price increases on Macs, iPads, and other Apple products and services are anticipated to slow down upgrade cycles among consumers Mac Rumors. On the security front, a new Mac malware called Click Lock Stealer has been identified, which manipulates system behavior to coerce users into revealing passwords Apple Insider. Concerns are also rising about AI-generated content on Apple Books, with some books reportedly being "written" in mere hours 9to5Mac.

Retail and Internal Development

Four Apple retail stores in the U.S. are relocating this month, though all moves are to nearby locations Mac Rumors. Internally, Apple reportedly shelved two Mac Pro models during their development, including one based on Intel processors Mac Rumors. Mark Gurman suggests Apple intentionally excluded Jony Ive from its OpenAI lawsuit filings Mac Rumors, and the company is testing a new AI-powered "Live Notes" feature at Genius Bar appointments to transcribe customer interactions Mac Rumors.