Apple News 24 Hours

Last updated: July 29, 2026, 11:30 PM ET

Apple Services and Hardware

Apple's services experienced disruptions for some users, marking the affecting platforms like the App Store and iTunes Store. In hardware news, Apple has begun selling the refurbished Studio Display XDR, offering users savings of up to $540. This move follows the recent launch of Apple's new Upgrade program for iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple Watches, which offers a leasing option and is currently available in the U.S. with pricing details.

Industry and Regulatory Landscape

US senators have expressed concern over Apple's plans to source Chinese-made chips for products sold in China, urging the company to abandon these plans amidst an AI-driven memory shortage. Separately, Apple has stated that new UK App Store rules, which would dictate how the company operates its business, would be "highly intrusive" to regulators and its operations. In the realm of antitrust, the US Department of Justice is contesting Apple's request for records from 14 federal agencies in an ongoing antitrust case, seeking to.

Upcoming and Potential Product Developments

The 20th anniversary iPhone, anticipated for fall 2027, is expected to feature the most significant redesign since the iPhone X, potentially including. Meanwhile, Qualcomm anticipates its revenue from Apple modem sales to decline faster than previously projected, citing supply constraints and Apple's increasing use of its in-house C-series modem, with a significant shift expected after Q4 2026 and beyond.

Software and Service Updates

iOS 27 is set to introduce several new features for iPhone users, including improvements to Apple Maps' 'Suggested Places' functionality and the ability to hide the often-mistakenly pressed Messages button. Apple One's Premier plan is also set to become more appealing in iOS 27 with new advantages for bundled service subscribers at a discount. On the Mac front, mac OS, codenamed Golden Gate, will bring five new features to the platform including. Safari Technology Preview has received its 249th update, focusing on bug fixes and performance improvements for the experimental browser.

Market and Sales Performance

Despite a general decline in China's smartphone market, iPhone sales have reportedly seen a significant increase, indicating a strong performance for Apple's devices in the region. In accessory news, Amazon is offering discounts on Apple audio products, with Air Pods Max 2 available for $449 and Air Pods Pro 3 priced at $199.99, representing significant savings.

Other Tech News

OpenAI's president Greg Brockman acknowledged that the company's new Chat GPT desktop app is "kind of a mess" but teased a tab-free design, while also addressing Apple's lawsuit against the company, stating they "don't need your secrets". Google is bringing Gemini's AI assistance to Mac with a new voice mode, allowing users to interact with the AI through spoken requests without leaving their current applications and disrupting workflow. In health tech, a prototype smart ring has reportedly achieved non-invasive blood sugar measurement, a significant breakthrough for wearable health devices and data collection. WhatsApp has enhanced its platform with new features including web calling and the ability to transfer calls across devices seamlessly.