Apple News 24 Hours

Last updated: July 21, 2026, 5:30 AM ET

Software Updates and Beta Testing

Apple released iOS 27 beta, introducing an "Automatic Downloads" feature within the Apple TV app. This update, alongside mac OS 27 beta, tv OS 27 beta, and watch OS 27 beta, continues Apple's pre-launch testing for its operating systems announced. Further code in iOS 27 beta 4 suggests the potential for an iPhone model equipped with two batteries. In parallel, mac OS Golden Gate beta 4 has been seeded to developers, featuring a hidden popover interface for Siri AI that offers writing tools and contextual actions upon text selection revealed. The release candidates for iOS 26.6, iPad OS 26.6, and mac OS Tahoe 26.6 are also now available distributed.

App Store and Content

The App Store saw nearly as many new app releases in the first half of 2026 as it did in all of 2025, with downloads increasing by only 2%. Meanwhile, Apple Books is grappling with AI-generated fake versions of books appearing rapidly after their legitimate counterparts emerging. On the entertainment front, Apple TV+ is set to premiere a new film from the director of "CODA," focusing on disability activist Judy Heumann announced.

Hardware and Services

Rumors surrounding the iPhone 18 Pro indicate its new A20 chip may bring two significant upgrades. Volvo is integrating Apple Music into over two million vehicles via an over-the-air update, offering up to three months of free access adding. Apple is also expanding its physical footprint, leasing a 126,000-square-foot office building in Sunnyvale securing. In the realm of accessories, deals are available on 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 offered. The Air Pods Max 2 are specifically listed at $449.00, down from $549.00 discounted.

Financial and Retail

Samsung is entering the fintech space with the Samsung Galaxy Card, a product described as a direct mirror of the Apple Card launching. Apple's retail presence is shifting, with four U.S. stores relocating this month to nearby locations moving. A recent poll suggests that increased Apple product prices may lead to slower upgrade cycles, even among dedicated customers impacted.

Security and System Issues

A new Mac threat, Click Lock Stealer, has been identified that manipulates system behavior to compel victims into revealing passwords discovered. Users experiencing "beach ball" issues and unresponsive trackpads on Macs running mac OS 26.5 may find a specific fix for these problems addressing. For those looking to revert, rolling back mac OS Golden Gate on Apple Silicon requires erasing the startup disk and reinstalling mac OS Tahoe requiring.

Other Developments

Apple Sports has been updated to include additional soccer leagues from Asia and Europe, along with the capability to display team formations expanded. The Apple Music app is receiving new features within iOS, alongside updates to Apple Wallet and Calendar enhanced. Mark Gurman of Bloomberg suggests Apple intentionally excluded Jony Ive from its OpenAI lawsuit omitted. A new iPad mini is anticipated soon, marking the device's first update in two years and expected to be substantial imminent.