Apple News 24 Hours

Last updated: August 4, 2026, 5:31 PM ET

App Store and Messaging Updates

Telegram briefly was removed from the Apple App Store on Monday night after a review found content that violated its guidelines against child sexual abuse material. Apple stated that it briefly removed Telegram after its review found content violating its strict guidelines prohibiting child sexual abuse material. A takedown extortionist reportedly planted AI-modified child sexual abuse material to prompt Apple to remove Telegram from the App Store. Telegram removed then returned to the App Store after the content was removed. The encrypted messaging service Signal is making it easier to use the app across different iPhones and more with its latest iOS update that expands its multi-device feature for iPhone users. WhatsApp announced a series of updates to group chats, including an "@all" mention feature, three new poll upgrades, and a faster way to spin off new groups from existing ones. iOS 27 brings exciting new features to Messages and Apple Notes, among other improvements.

Apple Product News and Pricing

Apple recently raised prices across much of its product lineup, and even more increases are expected next month for the iPhone and other devices. Amazon is offering deals with savings of up to $500 off across Mac, iPad, Air Tag, and Apple Watch categories, with prices starting at just $27. Amazon has also brought back notable discounts on the M4 iPad Air, with a trio of markdowns available. Apple is getting ready for its big September iPhone event, which is expected to see the debut of the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and an all-new model. The iPhone 18 Pro is coming very soon and is expected to feature three upgrades that have been rumored for years. Apple is prototyping a second new iPhone display, measuring around 6.4 inches, which could be destined for the 20th-anniversary iPhone. Apple has waited a very long time to launch its first foldable iPhone, with Samsung's timing for such a device appearing to be optimal.

New Apps and Services

Following last sunsetting of TV Time, one of the app’s co-founders, Antonio Pinto, announced Bingers, a new TV and movies tracking app that leans more heavily on social features. Revenue Cat’s annual Shipaton mobile hackathon is officially back, running August 1st through September 30th with major prizes available for winning apps. OpenAI has shared details about what happens when Chat GPT Atlas, OpenAI’s dedicated web browser for Mac, shuts down this weekend. Apple Card users have a new way to get more value out of Booking.com without spending months climbing its loyalty ranks.

Apple Services and Legal Matters

Apple Watch users in China can participate in the next National Fitness Day challenge this weekend to unlock virtual rewards. Ted Lasso is back tonight for season four, and to celebrate its debut, Apple is hosting a Ted Lasso look-alike contest in New York. Apple has set new annual sales in India, with its second main iPhone manufacturing base generating a record $10 billion in sales despite currency and other challenges. Apple is facing a civil lawsuit in Brazil seeking R$300 million (roughly $59 in damages over allegations that children can download and access casino-style games on the App Store without any age verification. A judge is allowing a $32 billion lawsuit to proceed, alleging that Apple violated Illinois’ Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA) with its Photos face recognition feature. Russia’s antitrust regulator has opened a formal case against Apple over the mandatory preinstallation of domestic apps.

Hardware and Software Betas

Apple today released a fourth version of the beta firmware it is testing for the Air Pods Pro, which includes features from iOS. One of the favorite iPhone cases is back with a new look, as GAMEBABY’s new translucent case turns an iPhone into a Game Boy with real buttons. Apple is working on a new feature that will support cross-device copy and paste between iOS devices and Windows PCs, a request made by Microsoft.

Industry Competition and Growth

Spotify has crossed 300 million paying subscribers, a major new milestone for the audio subscription service as it competes with Apple Music. A malware campaign is using fake Zoom updates and business files to install Screen Connect, giving attackers remote control through software that can resemble legitimate IT activity, and this campaign has expanded its reach to mac OS. A T-Mobile outage last week left many iPhone users across the US without service for several hours, and some Redditors are discussing potential compensation ranging from $10 to $80.