Apple News 24 Hours

Last updated: August 4, 2026, 8:31 PM ET

Apple Product Launches and Updates

Apple is gearing up for its annual iPhone-centric event next month, where at least five new devices are expected to be announced. There's a possibility that other devices, which have been awaiting Siri updates, may also be unveiled. The company is also preparing for its major September iPhone event, which is anticipated to debut the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and an entirely new model. The upcoming iPhone 18 Pro is rumored to feature three long-anticipated upgrades. Apple is currently prototyping a second new iPhone display, measuring approximately 6.4 inches, which could be intended for the 20th-anniversary iPhone.

Apple has released a fourth beta version of firmware for the Air Pods Pro. This beta firmware is being tested for the Air Pods Pro, Air Pods Pro, and Air Pods. iOS 27 is bringing significant upgrades to Face Time, including a powerful new feature for Messages. The iOS 27 update also introduces new capabilities for Apple Notes.

App Store and Developer News

Revenue Cat's annual Shipaton mobile hackathon has returned, running from August 1st to September 30th, with substantial prizes available for winning applications. In a separate development, a malware campaign is expanding its reach to mac OS, utilizing fake Zoom updates and business files to install Screen Connect, which grants attackers remote control. This software can mimic legitimate IT activity.

Telegram experienced a brief removal from the Apple App Store on Monday night following a review that identified content violating guidelines against child sexual abuse material. the app was briefly removed after a review found content violating strict guidelines prohibiting child sexual abuse material. An extortionist reportedly manipulated Apple into removing the app by planting AI-modified child sexual abuse material. Telegram was restored after the offending content was removed.

Industry Trends and Competitor News

Spotify has surpassed 300 million paying subscribers, marking a significant milestone for the audio subscription service as it competes with Apple Music. Apple Music also preparing for upgrades with the upcoming iOS 27 release.

Master Craft Boat has announced that Car Play is coming to pontoon boats, with Crest Marine and Balise Pontoons partnering with Savvy Navvy on this industry-first integration.

Antonio Pinto co-founder of the now-sunsetted TV Time app, has launched Bingers, a new app for tracking TV shows and movies that emphasizes social features.

Legal and Regulatory Matters

Apple is facing a civil lawsuit in Brazil seeking R$300 million (approximately $59 in damages. The lawsuit alleges that children can download and access casino-style games on the App Store without adequate age verification. A judge has allowed a $32 billion lawsuit to proceed, which alleges issues with Apple Photos' face recognition technology. Russia's antitrust regulator has opened a formal case against Apple regarding mandatory app preinstallation.

Consumer Deals and Services

Amazon is currently offering discounts of up to $500 on various Apple products, including Macs, iPads, Air Tags, and Apple Watches. These deals include discounts of up to $69 on new M4 iPad Air models. Apple Card users can now receive accelerated loyalty rewards when using Booking.com.

Apple Watch users in China can participate in the National Fitness Day challenge this weekend to earn virtual rewards.

A T-Mobile outage last week left many iPhone users in the US without service, and some Redditors may be eligible for $10 to $80 in compensation.

Other Technology News

OpenAI has provided details about the shutdown of Chat GPT Atlas, its dedicated web browser for Mac, which is scheduled to occur this weekend. Signal has expanded its multi-device feature for iPhone users, making it easier to use the app across multiple devices. WhatsApp has introduced updates to group chats, including an "@all" mention feature, three new poll upgrades, and a quicker method for creating new groups from existing ones. A new translucent case for the iPhone, called GAMEBABY, turns the device into a Game Boy with physical buttons. Apple has achieved a record $10 billion in annual retail revenue in India, with its second major iPhone manufacturing base contributing to this figure despite currency challenges.