Apple News 24 Hours

Last updated: August 4, 2026, 2:31 PM ET

Apple's Product Pipeline and Updates

Apple is reportedly preparing for its significant September iPhone event, which is anticipated to unveil the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and an entirely new model. The iPhone 18 Pro is expected to feature three long-rumored upgrades. Additionally, a leaker suggests Apple is prototyping a larger 6.4-inch display for a future iPhone, potentially for the 20th anniversary model. Meanwhile, Amazon is offering discounts of up to $500 on various Apple products, including Macs, iPads, and Apple Watches, with prices starting at $27. Amazon has also discounted M4 iPad Air models by up to $69.

iOS and Software Enhancements

iOS 27 is set to bring substantial upgrades to Face Time, along with new features for the Messages and Apple Notes applications. The Apple Photos app will also see improvements in iOS, including enhanced slideshows and shared albums, alongside a much-needed camera roll feature. Separately, WhatsApp is rolling out updates for group chats, introducing an "@all" mention feature, three new poll enhancements, and a quicker method for creating new groups from existing ones. WhatsApp's Mac is also testing flexible update schedules, allowing users to choose between daily and weekly checks.

Services and Partnerships

Spotify has achieved a significant milestone by surpassing 300 million paying subscribers, intensifying its competition with services like Apple Music. Apple Card can now benefit from a new partnership with Booking.com, offering a faster way to earn loyalty rewards. Apple Pay has expanded its availability to the Philippines, allowing iPhone and Apple Watch owners in the country to utilize the payment service. India, Apple has set a new record for annual retail revenue, generating $10 billion in sales, bolstered by its second major iPhone manufacturing base.

Legal and Regulatory Scrutiny

A judge has permitted a multi-billion-dollar class-action lawsuit to proceed against Apple, alleging violations of Illinois' Biometric Information Privacy Act concerning Apple Photos' face recognition technology, with potential damages exceeding $30 billion. Separately, Apple is facing a civil lawsuit in Brazil seeking approximately $59 million in damages due to allegations that children can access casino-style games on the App Store without adequate age verification. Russia's antitrust regulator has initiated a formal case against Apple concerning the mandatory preinstallation of domestic applications.

App Store and Security Concerns

OpenAI is shutting down Chat GPT Atlas, its dedicated web browser for Mac, this weekend. A malware campaign is spreading through fake Zoom updates and business files, now targeting mac OS and enabling attackers to gain remote control of systems. Telegram was briefly removed from the App Store on Monday due to user-posted child sexual abuse material, but was restored after the content was addressed the app was temporarily removed after a review identified content violating its strict guidelines against child sexual abuse material.

Other Apple-Related News

Ted Lasso is returning for its fourth season tonight, and Apple is celebrating with a look-alike contest in New York to find the best Ted Lasso impersonator Upgrade program requires users to have a service plan with AT&T, T-Mobile, or Verizon for iPhone leasing. Incoming Apple CEO John Ternus is strengthening his team by rehiring Laura Legros, a former vice president of hardware engineering. Google Health, which collects information from wearables like Fitbit trackers, can now sync to Apple Health following an update to the Google Health app for iOS. LISEN Qi2.2 Mag Safe battery is being highlighted for its unique lanyard design and support for the Qi2.2 standard. Wikipedia iOS has introduced a new app widget for the Home Screen.