Apple News 24 Hours

Last updated: July 22, 2026, 2:30 AM ET

Apple's Leasing Programs and Device Management

Apple is reportedly winding down its long-standing and preparing to launch a new "Apple Upgrade" leasing program next week, a move that will shift to a pay-as-you-go model. This new program, a collaboration with Klarna, is slated to debut in the U.S. on July 28. In related news, code found within the iOS 27 beta suggests Apple is developing a system that could for users who fall behind on payments.

iPhone and iOS Updates and Features

The iPhone 18 Pro and its companion models are expected to be unveiled this fall, with rumors pointing to two key display upgrades for the Pro variants this year. Apple is also reportedly prototyping a larger, approximately 6.96-inch display for a potential "7-inch" iPhone model. Meanwhile, the upcoming iPhone Air 2 is said to address limitations of its predecessor, with a potential release in spring 2027 alongside the standard iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e models. iOS 27 introduces a new recovery screen that may offer a better first step for troubleshooting iPhones and iPads, even without a computer nearby initially. Furthermore, iOS 27 includes a rebuilt search architecture for Siri AI, requiring iPhones running the beta to undergo a re-indexing process upon installation.

Apple Services and Security

Apple Care+ is expanding its offerings in Japan, introducing new theft and loss coverage options and additional plan choices for customers there. In a legal setback, Apple's bid to overturn a $634 million patent verdict in its ongoing dispute with Masimo has been denied, with the company also failing to secure a new trial in the case. A vulnerability in Apple's Hide My Email service, which could expose a user's real email address, has been a point of concern. While Apple claims to have fixed the flaw around July 3, reports indicate the vulnerability was still reproducible two weeks later, and more than a year after it was initially reported by 404 Media.

Apple Ecosystem and Hardware Developments

The Aqara W200 smart thermostat is now available, marking the first device to leverage Apple's Adaptive Temperature technology within Apple Home for improved climate control. Apple continues to promote creative content shot on its devices, showcasing "Nido de Villanas," a microdrama produced entirely on an iPhone 17 Pro and available as 14 Shorts on YouTube today. In hardware research, Apple is exploring potential design changes for the iMac, including the possibility of a removable dock or handle to improve portability and ease of transport.

App Updates and Developer Tools

Apple has updated its Test Flight app, introducing a search field to help users quickly locate beta-tested applications, alongside performance enhancements and bug fixes. The Apple Invites app has also seen a minor update, enabling hosts and guests to react to RSVPs with emojis, and providing minor functional improvements for users. For developers, Claude Code's Mac app now allows for interactive testing of iOS apps directly within its interface, provided Xcode with the iOS platform is installed on their Mac.

Apple TV+ and Content

Apple TV+ has released the trailer for the second season of "Women in Blue," with the premiere scheduled for just a few weeks away from now. Additionally, a new Ben Stiller-directed comedy film, "The Dink," is set to premiere on Apple TV, with early reviews now available.

Promotional Offers and Industry Trends

Best Buy is offering a significant promotion, providing $160 off all iPhone Air models during its Black Friday in July event this week. Apple Watch SOS success stories are being highlighted, with one video featuring a man who utilized the feature after a mountain biking accident while with his young children. In a broader industry trend, Apple's primary chip manufacturer, TSMC, is planning price increases of up to 10% starting in 2027, a move that could impact the cost of future Apple devices and components.