Apple News 24-Hour Briefing
×Last updated: October 19, 2026, 4:30 PM ET
Apple Hardware & Product Launches
The iPhone Duo battery capacity has now been published, landing between the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max. Pre-orders went live last Friday and sold through quickly, and some orders are being moved up to earlier dates. Demand is expected to keep Apple Store stock tight on Friday, and analysts describe the constrained supply as both an irritant and a mixed blessing for Apple. Apple's first smart home display, Home View, is also drawing comparisons, with one review calling it an interesting smart home experiment and another pitting it directly against the Amazon Echo Show 8 in a smart home screens comparison.
Deals & Discounts
Retailers are discounting Apple hardware heavily. Amazon is offering $900 off the 16-inch MacBook Pro with the M5 Max chip, while Apple's own listing offers the lowest price of the season on the Space Black model. Mac mini and Mac Studio units are also marked down, with the Mac mini cut by up to $149. Reviewers were less enthusiastic about the $299 Apple TV 4K, with one arguing few should buy it at that price.
Services, Software & Ecosystem
Apple Wallet is set to support digital car keys from more manufacturers, with GM confirming Wallet car keys for a set of vehicles in a late September announcement. Apple also acquired AI audio firm Samplab, a move likely to strengthen Logic Pro with new editing tools. Meanwhile, Apple continues to refine the iPhone's Phone app, and a guide covers features worth enabling now.
AI, Legal & Corporate
Apple marketing chief Greg Joswiak has pushed back on AI hype, a stance that comes amid a growing public backlash. In litigation, a $32.5 billion class action over Photos faceprints under the Illinois Biometric Privacy Act has been pared down but will continue. Separately, two Apple stores were looted during French protests that involved roughly 600,000 demonstrators.
Entertainment
Jason Sudeikis says he hopes for more Ted Lasso, though he is unsure whether the show will return, and offered an update on seasons 5 and 6.
Coming Up
iPhone Duo delivery dates are still being estimated, with some orders already moved earlier. The iPhone 18 Pro and Duo successor lineup is expected next year.