Apple News 24 Hours

Last updated: July 21, 2026, 11:30 PM ET

iPhone and iOS Updates

Apple's upcoming iOS 27 is poised to introduce significant changes, including a potential new system to restrict leased devices if payments are missed, as indicated by code found in the beta version suggests restrictions. Alongside this, iOS 27 recovery mode is being enhanced to offer a more user-friendly first step for troubleshooting iPhones and iPads, even without a computer nearby. In other software news, Apple Invites has been updated to allow hosts and guests to react to RSVPs with emojis, and Test Flight now includes a search field for easier navigation of beta apps. mac OS 27 is also seeing quality-of-life improvements, particularly a fix for the Messages app during login.

New Hardware and Service Programs

Rumors are circulating about new iPhone models, with the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max expected to feature display upgrades while maintaining current screen sizes. A larger 7-inch display is reportedly being prototyped for a future iPhone model, potentially for a 20th-anniversary edition. The iPhone Air 2 is also in development and may address limitations of the current model. In terms of services, Apple is preparing to launch a new "Apple Upgrade" leasing program next week, which will reportedly lead to the discontinuation of the existing iPhone Upgrade Program. This new program is a partnership with Klarna partnering with Klarna. Meanwhile, Apple Care+ is expanding its offerings in Japan, introducing theft and loss coverage and new plan options expanding coverage.

Legal and Content Updates

Apple has reportedly lost its bid to overturn a $634 million patent verdict from Masimo, and a new trial has also been denied. The company's Hide My Email service has been the subject of multiple reports regarding a vulnerability that could expose real email addresses; while Apple claimed to have fixed it on or around July 3rd, the flaw was reportedly still reproducible two weeks later, and another report indicates the fix was implemented more than a year after the issue was first reported. On the content front, Apple is promoting "Nido de Villanas," a Mexican microdrama shot entirely on an iPhone 17 Pro. Apple TV has also released the trailer for the second season of "Women in Blue" and a new comedy film titled "The Dink". Finally, Apple shared a success story highlighting the SOS feature on the Apple Watch.

Developer Tools and Industry News

The Mac app Claude Code has been updated to integrate with Apple's iOS Simulator, allowing users to build and test iOS apps directly within the application, currently available in public beta. Separately, Claude Code's Mac app now lets users test iOS apps in an interactive simulator pane if Xcode with the iOS platform is installed. In broader industry news, Apple's primary chip manufacturer, TSMC, is planning price increases of up to 10% starting in 2027, which could impact Apple's hardware costs.

Consumer Deals and Product Speculation

In a notable promotion, Best Buy is offering $160 off all models of the iPhone Air during its Black Friday in July event. Amazon is also offering a deal on the 11th generation iPad, with Wi-Fi models priced at $399.00, their best price since a June increase. Speculation continues regarding future Apple products, with discussions around a potential fitness band or ring to compete with devices like the Garmin Cirqa, and research into an iMac with a removable dock or handle for easier transport.