Apple News 24 Hours

Last updated: July 21, 2026, 8:30 PM ET

Apple's Leasing Programs and Financial Services Evolve

Apple is reportedly preparing to launch a new "Apple Upgrade" leasing program next week, which will partner with Klarna for U.S. customers on July 28th according to Bloomberg. This new program is expected to signal the winding down of the long-standing "iPhone Upgrade Program," which has allowed users to afford newer models with bundled Apple Care for over a decade Apple Insider. The shift to the "Apple Upgrade" program, described as a pay-as-you-go plan, comes as Apple's principal chipmaker, TSMC, plans to increase prices by up to 10% starting in 2027 Mac Rumors.

iOS and mac OS Updates and Features

Code discovered within the iOS 27 beta suggests Apple is developing a system that could restrict leased devices if customers fall behind on payments 9to5Mac. In parallel, mac OS 27 Golden Gate is focusing on bug fixes and performance enhancements, with a notable Messages improvement for login processes 9to5Mac. Users looking to revert from the mac OS Golden Gate beta will need to erase their startup disk and reinstall the previous version, Tahoe Apple Insider. Additionally, the Test Flight app has been updated with a search field for easier access to beta-tested applications Mac Rumors.

Apple's Legal Battles and Patent Disputes

Apple's bid to overturn a $634 million patent verdict and request a new trial in its ongoing legal dispute with Masimo has been denied 9to5Mac. Separately, a vulnerability in Apple's Hide My Email feature, which could expose real email addresses, was reportedly fixed more than a year after it was first reported Mac Rumors. Despite Apple's claims of a fix around July 3rd, the flaw was reproduced two weeks later, indicating a persistent privacy risk beyond users of Apple's alias service Apple Insider.

Upcoming iPhone and Hardware Rumors

Rumors suggest Apple is working on an iPhone Air, aiming to address limitations of the current model 9to5Mac. The iPhone 18 Pro and its companion models are anticipated for an unveiling this fall, with display upgrades expected for the Pro lineup 9to5Mac. Apple is also reportedly prototyping a larger iPhone display, potentially reaching approximately 6.96 inches for a future anniversary model Mac Rumors. In terms of design, future iMac models might incorporate a removable dock or handle to improve portability Apple Insider.

Apple TV+ Content and AI Integrations

Apple TV+ has released trailers for the second season of "Women in Blue" 9to5Mac and the new Ben Stiller comedy, "The Dink" 9to5Mac. On the AI front, Anthropic's Claude Code for desktop has been updated to integrate with Apple's iOS Simulator, allowing for the building and testing of iOS apps Mac Rumors. Meta is also testing an AI iPhone app called Story Kit, which generates personalized children's stories with illustrations and narration 9to5Mac.

Apple Watch and Wearable Market

Apple has highlighted a success story featuring the SOS feature on the Apple Watch, showcasing its effectiveness during a mountain biking accident Mac Rumors. With the launch of competitors like Garmin Cirqa, a discussion has emerged regarding whether Apple should consider developing a fitness band or ring, given that not all users desire a daily-rechargeable smartwatch 9to5Mac.

Deals and Discounts on Apple Products

Customers can currently get $160 off all iPhone Air models during Best Buy's Black Friday in July event Mac Rumors. Amazon is offering $50 off Wi-Fi models of the 11th generation iPad, bringing the price down to $399.00 Mac Rumors. Additionally, deals include $100 off Air Pods Pro 3 and Air Pods Max, and an all-time low price on Air Tag 2 9to5Toys.