Apple News 24-Hour Briefing
×Last updated: October 17, 2026, 4:20 PM ET
iPhone Duo and Pre-Orders
Pre-orders for the iPhone Duo are already in, and Apple has described demand as "extraordinary" while shipping dates slip. Comparisons with the iPhone 18 Pro show where the two models diverge. An analyst note from GF Securities suggests Apple is gaining ground on rivals even as the Pro and Duo face headwinds. Accessories are also arriving, with Apple's $79 silicone case requiring adhesive to stay attached, a detail confirmed by MacRumors.
Handoff Pricing
Carriers are beginning to price the new iPhone Handoff feature. Verizon will charge $10 a month, matching a report from MacRumors, while EE has announced its own UK pricing alongside iPhone Duo preorders.
Home View and Smart Home
Apple's Home View smart home hub is sold out for now, with late orders facing extended waits. The company says the device ships November 13, and a list of day-one apps has been published. On the podcast, hosts discussed the reboot of Apple's smart home strategy, including the $299 price point. Deals are also circulating, with a weekend roundup covering Home View, the new Apple TV 4K, and Air Pods Pro 3 discounts. Mac Rumors' weekly recap pulled these threads together.
Accessories and Gear
UGREEN has released a 25W MagSafe battery with liquid cooling, a Qi2.2 pack that 9to5Mac reviewed in hands-on testing.
Legal and Policy
Apple has hired Meta VP Scott Tucker as its global litigation chief, a move first reported by Bloomberg. Antitrust talks with the DOJ have drawn developer concern that a settlement could be weak. On the platform side, Apple updated its App Review Guidelines to crack down on AI nudify apps and bait-and-switch apps, with 9to5Mac detailing the same changes. Apple Insider reported the same update as a crackdown on generative AI porn apps. Developers preparing for mac OS 27 are also being urged to plan for Rosetta's removal.
Coming Up
Home View ships November 13, and the iPhone Duo is set to launch following the October 28 event.