Apple News 24-Hour Briefing
×Last updated: October 21, 2026, 6:40 PM ET
iPhone Duo and Hardware
The iPhone Duo is days from launch, with an unboxing video already surfacing ahead of the Friday release. Apple has capped orders at two per customer to curb scalping, and a first look at its apps has also appeared. Apple has begun selling DIY repair parts for the iPhone 18 Pro and two new Macs, while the company says nearly 100 US-made parts go into the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Duo. Apple also expects Mac mini assembly in the US to begin later this year.
Upcoming Products
An iPad mini 8 with an OLED display is reportedly due next week, and Apple is developing a high-end touchscreen OLED MacBook Pro. iOS 27.2 launches next week with new features for iPhone apps, and tvOS 27.2 is arriving with three new Apple TV 4K features. The fourth-generation Apple TV 4K adds whole-room audio with four Home Pods.
Home View and Siri
Apple's HomeView relies on the new Siri AI, which Apple calls the product's killer feature, while the company explains why it took until now to launch. Amazon has brought back its HomeView pre-order discount.
Software and Privacy
iOS 27 adds an Impersonation Risk Detection feature to help block scams, and Safari's new cross-site tracking blocks protect user identity. WhatsApp is testing an optional in-app browser for chat links on iPhone. Bluesound speakers now offer native Apple Music streaming. Perplexity Computer can run fully local on Apple Silicon Macs, with a notable caveat, and Skyrim has arrived on Apple silicon through an unofficial installer.
Regulation and Legal
The UK's competition regulator has proposed changes to make it easier for rivals to challenge Apple Pay, saying Apple still makes it too hard for third-party competitors. Apple could owe more on top of a $5.7 billion patent verdict. Apple's App Store chief defended the push for premium games.
Business and Markets
Loop Capital cut its AAPL price target to $330, citing a complicated 2026-2027 iPhone cycle. Samsung plans six foldable phones next year to compete with the iPhone Duo. Sony's sale of over 400 XR patents to Meta is a setback for Vision Pro gaming. Meta's Muse app topped 10 million US downloads in 40 days.
Design and Leadership
CEO John Ternus says design still means everything at Apple, and he discussed his involvement with design teams. Apple's Designers of Tomorrow program, run with Design Miami, highlights emerging talent.
Wireless and Connectivity
Apple is hiring 6G modem engineers as it plans for post-5G iPhones, and is seeking a cellular modem systems engineer to help shape the 6G transition. iOS 27.3 may bring RCS support to Telstra in December.
Deals
Apple's M5 MacBook Air fell to $1,149 in Amazon's latest sale, and the Apple Watch Ultra 3 hit a new low with a $299 discount. OWC is selling a 1TB M5 iPad Pro for $1,499, $300 off. Plugable's USB-C hubs support 4K 144Hz HDMI from $39.99.
Coming Up
The iPhone Duo launches Friday, and the iPad mini 8 is expected next week. iOS 27.2 and tvOS 27.2 both arrive next week.