Apple News 24-Hour Briefing
×Last updated: October 21, 2026, 11:22 PM ET
iPhone Duo Launch
The iPhone Duo launches Friday, and early reviews are mixed-to-positive: reviewers praise the design, though some miss Face ID and describe the experience as fun but frustrating. A roundup of reviews finds opinions largely favorable, while 9to5Mac's review calls it the biggest change to the iPhone's form factor in nearly a decade. Heat has also drawn scrutiny, as reviewers report thermal concerns, and a hinge durability test ran the foldable through 32,000 folds. Separately, the hidden FaceTime camera has produced poor photos, and MagSafe stands can tip over when the phone is unfolded.
Supply will be tight at launch. Apple has confirmed limited walk-in availability and an extremely limited stock in stores on Friday. Giant iPhone Duo displays are being installed at Apple's Fifth Avenue store ahead of the launch, and first unboxing videos have already appeared. Accessory makers are also previewing cases and screen protectors for the device.
Software and Features
Apple says Reachability will arrive on the iPhone Duo later this year, and Apple Pencil support comes next week with iOS 27.2. The update also brings a Messages change users have long requested, and iPadOS 27.2 adds a feature borrowed from the Mac. An iOS 27.2 release candidate was also tested for Home Pod and Apple TV features. Apple has updated its Support app for the larger display, and the phone includes an edge light feature first seen on Macs last year.
Apple Music Rebrand
Apple Music has unveiled a new look, with a logo made by sound and visuals built on Liquid Glass. The new branding is now live on Apple's website, and Bluesound has added native Apple Music support to its speakers.
Legal and Regulatory
Apple and the Justice Department have reached an impasse over document collection in the antitrust case, filing a joint notice on a discovery cutoff date. Apple could owe more beyond a $5.7 billion patent verdict. In the UK, the competition regulator has proposed new steps to help Apple Pay rivals, and in New Mexico a judge hit Meta with a $25 billion penalty for misleading users about privacy.
Security
Apple has blocked eight compromised certificates on iOS and iPad OS, though a Mac vulnerability remains unaddressed. A severe PHP flaw threatens websites worldwide, and users are warned that an unexpected Apple Cash payment may be a scam.
Retail and Industry
Stores in France were looted during protests, with video showing a store emptied. Foxconn has expanded its Santa Clara operation for AI hardware. TikTok faces accusations of profiting from illegal child exploitation videos. Apple's App Store chief explained the push for premium games, and CEO John Ternus said good product design starts with improving the user's experience.
Deals
Amazon has cut $570 off the entry-level 16-inch MacBook Pro, and AirPods Pro 3 dropped to $199. Thunderbolt docks for Mac are discounted by up to $100.
Coming Up
The iPhone Duo goes on sale Friday, and iOS 27.2 arrives next week.