Apple News 24 Hours

Last updated: August 14, 2026, 5:34 AM ET

Apple Leadership and Legacy

Tim Cook has announced he will step down as Apple CEO on September 1st. He has expressed a hope that his legacy will be defined by his character, stating he wishes to be remembered as a "good and decent man." This transition marks a significant moment for the company, as Cook has led Apple for over a decade.

App Store and Legal Battles

Apple is actively seeking settlement talks with Epic Games, indicating a willingness to negotiate terms regarding purchases made outside the App Store's in-app purchase system. In a recent court filing, Apple proposed a commission structure that would range from 5% to 15% for such external purchases. However, Epic Games has stated they will appeal any proposed value exceeding 0%. The Supreme Court has denied Apple's requests for a stay in these proceedings, as deadlines loom in the ongoing legal dispute. Apple's proposed commission rates have not satisfied Epic, who are demanding a complete absence of fees for external transactions. Apple has submitted its proposal for the fees it should be allowed to charge for purchases made outside of the App Store system in the Epic Games case.

Product Updates and Rumors

Apple has recently added the iPhone X and the 2018 15-inch MacBook Pro to its list of obsolete products. This classification means that official repairs and support for these devices will be discontinued. Meanwhile, anticipation is building for upcoming product releases. Rumors suggest the base iPhone 18 model will receive significant upgrades, including 12GB of RAM and the Dynamic Island, features previously reserved for Pro models. The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Ultra are also expected to be unveiled at Apple's annual September event. Furthermore, details have emerged about the potential design of the "iPhone Ultra," which may feature a staggered market rollout, initially launching only in the U.S. The long-awaited second generation of the HomePod mini is also reportedly in development, with an expected release in the near future. The iPhone 17 Pro is also being reviewed one year after its release.

Security and Threat Notifications

Apple has issued a fresh wave of mercenary spyware warnings to users across 110 countries. These threat notifications are designed to alert individuals who may have been targeted by sophisticated state-sponsored surveillance attacks. The company continues to enhance its security measures to protect users from such threats.

Entertainment and Services

The premiere of "Ted Lasso season 4 has achieved a record-breaking debut on Apple TV, drawing nearly 300 million U.S. viewing minutes in its first two days. This success makes it the most popular TV show launch to date for the platform, according to Nielsen data. Apple TV+ has also expanded its content library by adding a collection of classic movies available for subscribers to stream at no additional cost. In a separate development, Chase has integrated new benefits, including free Apple TV and Apple One perks, into its popular Sapphire Preferred credit card.

Manufacturing and Retail

Apple has officially opened its Advanced Manufacturing Center in Houston, Texas. This facility is intended to support advanced manufacturing processes, with initial production reportedly focusing on the Mac Mini. In retail news, Apple is closing its Basingstoke store in England in November 2026, while a nearby location in Reading will undergo a significant expansion and reopening.

Software and App Ecosystem

iOS 27 is set to bring several enhancements to Apple's software ecosystem. The Wallet app will feature a new ‘Discover’ section in beta, offering users a more integrated experience. Additionally, the Photos app in iOS 27 will include long-awaited features such as slideshow upgrades and improved shared album functionality. On the Mac, a new feature allows users to set different default languages for individual applications, offering greater customization. OpenAI has also introduced an opt-in "Computer History" feature for ChatGPT for Mac, which replaces the older Chronicle functionality and allows the AI to learn from user activity. However, concerns persist regarding the effectiveness of the App Store review process, with reports suggesting that "obvious" instances of ratings fraud are going undetected by Apple.

Other Apple News

Amazon is currently offering significant discounts on a range of Apple products, including Beats headphones and Nomad iPhone cases, with savings of up to $190. Additionally, discounts of up to $500 are available on select 2026 MacBook Pro models. In a move that may address privacy concerns related to its future augmented reality device, a patent filing suggests that Apple Glasses could provide an audio chime to the wearer when recording, alerting them to the active recording. Meanwhile, a new malware threat has been identified that targets Mac users by stealing sensitive data from Safari and Chrome browsers through fake GitHub downloads.

Third-Party Integrations and Accessories

The latest beta version of WhatsApp for iOS includes references to new chat customization options, such as animated wallpapers. In the realm of robot vacuums, Matic has introduced voice and gesture control through a software update called Matic Cues, allowing users to interact with their devices more intuitively.