Apple News 24 Hours

Last updated: July 29, 2026, 2:30 AM ET

Apple's Software and Services Updates

iOS 26.6 is now available for iPhone users, bringing a host of new features and improvements. The Phone and Face Time apps in iOS 27 will receive several new capabilities designed to add utility and convenience, while the Apple Wallet app in iOS 27 significant enhancements. Additionally, iOS 27 introduces smarter location sharing for Apple Watch users within the Find My app and features an improved Siri that differentiates itself from other AI assistants. Apple has also clarified that its new "Restricted Mode" for the Apple Upgrade program is not intended for new lease agreements, and missed payments will not trigger this system according to Apple.

New Hardware and Accessory Rollouts

Twelve South has updated its Valet Mag Safe charger with improved performance and a new, smaller size that offers faster speeds and better integration into various spaces. A separate report indicates that Twelve South has debuted a smaller Valet tray featuring 25W Mag Safe charging capabilities. In the smart home sector, Apple is reportedly planning to release an all-new smart home hub between October and early next year as part of future hardware plans. New models of the Apple TV and Home Pod mini are also said to be "nearly ready to launch" and are expected to arrive this fall according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.

Apple's Business and Financial Outlook

Apple is poised to report its third-quarter financial results on July 30, with analysts anticipating strong performance, particularly driven by robust iPhone demand which has pushed the company's valuation to $5 trillion. Goldman Sachs has increased its AAPL price target to $370 ahead of the earnings report, citing expected good quarterly results and sustained purchase volumes despite price increases for hardware. Apple has also introduced changes to its Apple Care+ service in Canada, with monthly and annual subscription options now being available.

Upcoming Product and Program Launches

Apple is preparing to launch a new leasing program called Apple Upgrade, which will enable users to acquire Apple products through low-cost monthly payments, with details on subscription costs for various devices now available. This new program replaces the previous iPhone Upgrade Program and is backed by Klarna for leases on iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple Watches as detailed by Mac Rumors. The company is also rumored to be working on an "Apple Ring" that could potentially bind together various Apple hardware devices, building on existing patents for the technology as highlighted.

Apple Services and Content Updates

Apple has announced that its popular sci-fi series "Silo" will return for a fourth and final season in the summer of 2027 according to a recent announcement. The upcoming season of "Ted Lasso" will see the team return to Richmond with a new dynamic and a clear narrative direction as depicted in the latest trailer as shown by Apple Insider. The Granola meeting notepad app, known for its Mac integration, is expanding to the Apple Watch, positioning the device as an AI-enabled tool as reported by 9to5Mac.

Deals and Third-Party App News

Amazon is currently offering significant discounts on Apple products, with Air Pods 4 available for as low as $99 and Air Pods Pro 3 priced at $199 with up to $100 in savings on various Air Pods models. A 14-inch MacBook Pro with an M5 Pro chip and 2TB of SSD storage has seen a $500 price reduction on Amazon, bringing its cost down to $2,499 as noted. The Indie App Sales promotion is currently active, featuring hundreds of exclusive discounts on apps across iOS, iPad OS, vision OS, mac OS, and watch OS platforms until July 30 according to 9to5Mac. Instapaper has released version 10 of its iPhone and iPad app, introducing Liquid Glass, Home Screen widgets, new fonts, and a redesigned web platform with these updates.