Apple News 24-Hour Briefing
×Last updated: October 8, 2026, 6:00 PM ET
Apple Leadership
Apple is reshuffling its leadership as CEO John Ternus makes changes to the executive team, including a new M&A chief. Former CEO Tim Cook, now executive chairman of the board, says he is not meddling with his successor's decisions.
Apple Services and Media
Apple TV is expanding its slate into Australia with the acquisition of the crime drama Dustfall, following its rare purchase of a hit BBC comedy. Apple also marked a creative milestone as Tim Cook, Elton John, and King Charles launched Apple x King's Trust Creative Labs.
Wallet and Digital IDs
Several US states have rejected Apple Wallet driver's licenses, with Florida and Rhode Island declining the feature even as digital ID support keeps expanding elsewhere.
Competition and Hardware
Amazon unveiled a new lineup of Alexa Tablets designed to rival the iPad. Microsoft also launched its Surface Laptop Ultra at $2,599 to take on the MacBook Pro.
Mac and iPad Pipeline
A Mac mini deal starting at $779 remains available as Prime Big Deal Days offers were extended. Apple's entry-level 16-inch MacBook Pro also received a $563 discount on Amazon. Meanwhile, a new redesigned MacBook Pro leak suggests good news for professional users, while Mark Gurman now says the OLED MacBook Pro will not be significantly thinner. An OLED iPad mini is expected soon, though a rumor claims it may lack 120Hz support and instead use a 60Hz panel.
iPhone and Accessories
The iPhone Air 2 could be remarkably thin, approximately 0.4mm slimmer than its predecessor. Reviewers found Rhinoshield's iPhone 18 Pro bumper case minimalist yet protective. Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 scored just 4/10 for repairability from iFixit.
Software and Platforms
Apple released iOS 27 with several CarPlay upgrades worth trying. Release candidates for mac OS Sequoia 15.8.2 and mac OS Tahoe 26.7.2 are now available to testers, while changes to Full Disk Access prompted analysis of Apple's new privacy controls. Apple Home's partner ecosystem also extends beyond LG to other second-party manufacturers.
Gaming and Other News
Total War: Shogun 2 - Complete Edition is coming to macOS with all DLC included. The Elder Scrolls Online will go Apple Silicon native in summer 2027. WhatsApp also extended Liquid Glass design to its video player.
Deals and Entertainment
Samsung 2026 OLED TVs have dropped to $997.99 at Amazon during Prime Big Deal Days. Spotify began rolling out its audiobooks section to more than 180 markets, and Apple device discounts continued after Prime Day ended.