Apple News 24 Hours

Last updated: July 29, 2026, 11:43 AM ET

New Leasing Program and Software Updates

Apple launched Apple yesterday, a new leasing initiative for iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch. The program offers products through a low-cost monthly subscription, with pricing detailed for each device. However, Apple has clarified that the "Restricted Mode" feature in iOS 27 will not be activated for missed payments on these new leases, 25. iOS 27 is slated for release this fall and will introduce several new features, including enhancements for the Phone, improved location sharing in the Find My app for Apple, and new functionalities for Apple Wallet. Three highly anticipated new iPhone features are also expected to be part of the iOS 27 update.

iPhone and Digital Identity Features

The capability to store a digital driver's license on an iPhone is reportedly set to expand to a 15th. In other iPhone news, sales of the device continue to rise in China despite a general decline in the overall smartphone market. Meanwhile, HBO Max is testing a new vertical video format called "Shorts" with select iPhone users in the US.

Retailer Sales and Accessory Updates

Best Buy is currently hosting its Back to School and Black Friday in July sales events, featuring significant discounts on Apple products, including AirPods. Amazon is also offering deals, with Air Pods 4 available for $99 and Air Pods Pro 3 for $199. Additionally, Amazon has reduced the price of the 14-inch M5 Pro MacBook Pro with a 2TB SSD by $500, bringing it down to $2,499. Twelve South has updated its Valet Mag Safe charger and catch-all with improved performance and a new size option.

Financial Performance and Market Analysis

Goldman Sachs has raised its price target for AAPL to $370, anticipating strong third-quarter results and sustained purchase volumes despite hardware price increases. Apple is scheduled to report its third-quarter financial results on July 30, with analysts expecting highlights from what is anticipated to be Tim Cook's final earnings report as CEO.

Apple TV+ and Content Updates

Apple TV+ has announced that its science fiction series Silo will return for a fourth and final season in the summer of 2027.

Industry Developments and Legal Proceedings

The trademark lawsuit filed by iy O against OpenAI and Jony Ive has been paused due to settlement talks, with a judge granting a seven-day pause in proceedings. In a separate development, a prototype smart ring developed at the University of California has reportedly achieved non-invasive blood sugar. WhatsApp has introduced several enhancements to its encrypted platform's group calling features, including web calling and call transfer. OpenAI's hardware roadmap is reportedly taking shape, with a smartphone expected as early as next year, alongside other devices.

App Updates and Performance Tracking

The exercise-tracking app The Outsiders has received an update that includes more detailed performance metrics and. Instapaper has launched version 10 of its iPhone and iPad app, featuring a redesign of its web platform and new additions like Liquid Glass and Home.

Apple Care+ and Leadership Changes

Apple Care+ subscriptions are now available on a monthly and annual basis in Canada. Apple is positioning John Ternus as a continuation of Tim Cook's leadership, suggesting no major reset is imminent.