Apple News 24 Hours

Last updated: July 30, 2026, 8:30 AM ET

Apple Hardware and Software Updates

iOS 27 is slated to include a new setting to adjust the "Liquid Glass" interface effect, and users will be able to hide the frequently mis-tapped Messages button. Further enhancing the user experience, iOS 27 three new frequently used iPhone features and improve the "Suggested Places" functionality in Apple Maps. mac OS, codenamed "Golden Gate," is set to introduce five new Mac-specific features. In hardware news, Apple has begun selling refurbished Studio Display XDR models in the U.S., offering savings of up to $540.

iPhone Lineup and Related Industry News

Apple's next flagship, the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Ultra, is expected to be unveiled in September, with the 20th anniversary iPhone arriving in fall 2027 featuring a significant redesign. The iPhone 18 Pro is rumored to receive twelve changes. Meanwhile, Qualcomm anticipates a faster-than-expected decline in Apple-related modem revenue, citing increased use of Apple's in-house C-series modem and supply constraints. Samsung's new Galaxy Z Fold8 is seen as a potential benchmark for Apple's iPhone Ultra.

Apple Services and Business Operations

Apple pledged support for communities affected by wildfires in southern Europe through donations to relief efforts. The company is also facing pressure from US senators urging it to abandon plans to use Chinese-made memory chips for products sold in China. Apple has stated that new UK App Store steering rules would be "highly intrusive," giving regulators a significant role in managing its business. In a separate development, Apple is reportedly preparing to enable Bee Card support within the Wallet app for iPhones. Users can now or change their home address in Apple Maps.

Third-Party Software and AI Developments

OpenAI president Greg Brockman commented on Apple's lawsuit, stating the company "doesn't need your secrets," and admitted the new Chat GPT desktop app is "kind of a mess." Google is bringing Gemini's AI assistance to the Mac with a new voice mode. Separately, research suggests AI chatbots are becoming more adept than humans at perpetrating romance scams. Tapbots launched Pastebot 3 for Mac, featuring rule-based organization and powerful paste filters. The Runna app now offers an "Adapt for Heat" feature that automatically adjusts training paces based on environmental conditions.

Retail and Financial Updates

Best Buy's Back to School and "Black Friday in July" sales are offering discounts on Apple products, including Air Pods and Mac Books. Amazon has discounted Air Pods Max 2 to $449 and continues to offer Air Pods Pro 3 for $199.99. Apple launched a new Upgrade program in the U.S. allowing users to lease iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple Watches, with analysts debating its value proposition. Apple will report its third-quarter financial results on July 30, with analysts anticipating key highlights.

Regulatory and Legal Actions

The US Department of Justice is contesting Apple's request for records from 14 federal agencies in its ongoing antitrust case. In other regulatory news, the U.S. government has updated its list of banned foreign-made products to include "advanced robotic devices." Apple services, including the App Store and iTunes Store, experienced temporary outages for some users but have since been resolved.