Apple News 24-Hour Briefing
×Last updated: October 20, 2026, 5:10 PM ET
iPhone Duo and Hardware Launches
Apple is limiting iPhone Duo orders to two per customer in the U.S. as it tackles scalping, while Apple is also reportedly moving up delivery dates for some pre-orders. Ahead of the launch, MacRumors previews what Apple's apps look like on the device, and the company has announced a second wave of products for October 28.
Repairs and U.S. Manufacturing
Apple now sells repair parts for the iPhone 18 Pro and the latest Mac Studio and Mac mini models. The company says nearly 100 parts for the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Duo are made in the USA, with titanium and camera manufacturing expanding through new partnerships with American firms, and Mac mini assembly in the U.S. set to begin later this year.
Software Updates
iOS 27 adds an Impersonation Risk Detection feature to help users spot scams. iOS 27.2 launches next week with new features across six iPhone apps, and tvOS 27.2 brings three additions to the Apple TV 4K. Apple's HomePod 27.2 update also brings Sound Glow to existing Home Pod models. Meanwhile, iPadOS 27 has broken the ability to keep a presentation on screen while using other apps.
Privacy and Browsing
Safari's new cross-site tracking blocks protect user identity, and the EFF's Privacy Badger extension now arrives on Safari for mac OS. WhatsApp may soon let iPhone users open any link in an in-app browser.
Legal and Competition
Taction won a record-breaking $5.7 billion verdict against Apple and is now seeking more, including royalties on iPhone and Apple Watch sales through 2035. In the UK, regulators say Apple still makes it too hard for rivals to challenge Apple Pay. Samsung plans to counter the iPhone Duo by launching six foldable phones next year.
Stocks and Services
Loop Capital cut its Apple target to $330, citing a complicated 2026-2027 iPhone cycle. Apple's new App Store chief has discussed the company's gaming strategy, and Apple says its HomeView smart display's Siri AI is its killer feature.
Deals
The M5 MacBook Air has dropped to $1,149 in Amazon's latest sale, and OWC has 1TB M5 iPad Pros on sale for $1,499, $300 off. The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is down $299 at Amazon.
Coming Up
Apple's second wave of products arrives October 28, and iOS 27.2 and tvOS 27.2 launch next week.