Apple News 24 Hours

Last updated: July 29, 2026, 8:30 PM ET

Apple's Hardware and Software Development

Apple's reliance on Qualcomm for modem technology following Q4 2026, as the company accelerates the integration of its in-house C-series modem into future iPhone models. Concurrently, Qualcomm has acknowledged that supply chain constraints are impacting its Apple business more rapidly than anticipated this quarter. In other software news, Apple has released with various bug fixes and performance enhancements. iOS 27 is set to introduce, including a way to hide the frequently mistaken Messages button and an improved 'Suggested Places' feature in Apple Maps for iOS 27. The upcoming mac OS, codenamed "Golden Gate," will also bring to the Mac.

Regulatory and Legal Battles

Apple has stated that new UK App Store steering rules, asserting that regulators would gain an overly involved role in dictating business operations. Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Justice is challenging Apple's request for records from 14 federal agencies as part of an ongoing antitrust case against the company. In a separate legal matter, OpenAI's president Greg Brockman stated that the company "doesn't need Apple's secrets" regarding their ongoing lawsuit with the tech giant.

New Apple Services and Retail Offerings

A new Apple Upgrade leasing program launched yesterday for iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch, though its value proposition is being debated. Apple has also begun selling certified refurbished Studio Display XDR models in the U.S. for the first time since its initial release. The Apple One Premier plan is in iOS 27 by offering additional advantages within the bundled service.

Industry Trends and Competitor Analysis

Samsung's latest foldable smartphones, including the Galaxy Z Fold8, are being reviewed and offer a glimpse into potential future iPhone Ultra designs. Google is bringing its Gemini AI to the Mac through a new voice mode, allowing users to interact with the AI using spoken commands without leaving their current applications. The US government has updated its regulations to include advanced robotic devices in its list of banned foreign-made products.

Accessory and Service Deals

Amazon is currently offering significant discounts on Air Pods Max, bringing the price down to $449, and Air Pods Pro 3 remain available at their best price since Prime Day for $199.99 on Amazon. Best Buy's Back to School sale features markdowns on various Apple products, including Air Pods and Mac Books.

Other Notable Updates

The ability to add a digital driver's license to an iPhone is expected to expand to a 15th U.S. state soon. HBO Max is testing a new vertical video format called "Shorts" on select iPhone users in the United States. WhatsApp has introduced several enhancements to its platform, including web calling and call transfer capabilities across devices for users. A prototype smart ring developed by UC engineers shows promise for non-invasive blood sugar measurement.