Apple News 3 Days

Last updated: May 21, 2026, 2:40 PM ET

iPhone and Hardware Rumors

Apple is reportedly testing a quad-curved display for the upcoming iPhone 19 Pro, marking a radical design change that could set a new industry standard for foldable devices. The curved screen around all four edges comes as Apple also develops similar hinge technology for an anticipated foldable iPhone, suggesting the company is preparing to enter the foldable market with a seamless design. Meanwhile, rumors indicate Apple may return to titanium for future Pro models after the aluminum iPhone 17 Pro, potentially reintroducing material tradeoffs while addressing weight concerns. In satellite connectivity, the iPhone 18 Pro is expected to offer significant improvements, potentially transforming life-saving niche features into everyday assets for users in remote areas.

iOS and Software Updates

Apple's upcoming iOS 27 previewed several major features that could significantly enhance user experience, including automatic captioning for personal videos and an AI-powered voice control system that hints at a substantial Siri upgrade. The Shortcuts app is also set for a major transformation with the introduction of Shortcuts Playground, which allows users to create automation workflows using natural language commands. Additionally, iOS 27 will reportedly include improved writing tools, generated wallpapers, and easier shortcut creation. Meanwhile, Apple's BBEdit 16 expanded Shortcuts integration, bringing deeper automation capabilities to the popular text and code editor, while mac OS 27 will drop support for four older Mac models as part of its annual compatibility refresh.

Apple Services and Content

Apple TV is preparing to make history by airing its first major live sporting event shot entirely on the iPhone 17 Pro, with coverage of the LA Galaxy versus Houston Dynamo FC MLS match on May 23. The streaming service also renewed Knife Edge: Chasing Michelin Stars for a second season following its acclaimed first run, while early reviews suggest Apple TV's new thriller "Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed" could be another winner for the platform. In recognition of his leadership, Apple's SVP of Services and Health Eddy Cue was named Entertainment Person of the Year at the upcoming Cannes Lions festival. The Apple Sports app expanded to 90 new countries, while Apple Design Awards 2026 nominees include major titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Civilization VII.

Health and Fitness Features

Apple Watch and Air Pods health features received major global expansions, with the company announcing sleep apnea alerts and hearing test capabilities now available in India. A woman's life was saved by iPhone Crash Detection after her vehicle fell 330 feet down a mountain, with the phone automatically calling emergency services. Meanwhile, the Oura Smart Ring can now detect sleep apnea and refer users to doctors, while Strava completely overhauled its strength training experience with new workout logging, automatic muscle mapping, and expanded sharing tools. Apple Watch also offers hidden features for tracking healthy habits that have been working quietly in the background for years.

AI and Machine Learning

Spotify is developing an AI tool that will allow subscribers to remix songs and create covers, while Perplexity's Comet AI browser for iOS received eight major improvements in a recent update. OpenAI enhanced the Codex iOS experience with turn completion alerts and new commands, while Adobe Photoshop brought on-device AI processing to its Remove tool, albeit with steep hardware requirements. Apple Music shared its guidelines for keeping music fair in an AI world, requesting labels to identify AI-generated content. Meanwhile, Apple struck a talent and IP deal with Animato, a startup specializing in virtual avatar software for video chats and tutoring, potentially enhancing Apple's future communications and educational offerings.

Deals and Pricing

Amazon offered record-low prices on the 15-inch M5 MacBook Air during Memorial Day weekend, dropping the price to $1,099.99—a $199 discount from the retail price. The e-commerce giant also slashed $250 off every 2026 16-inch MacBook Pro it sells, while other deals included a $400 discount on the M3 iPad Air and a $320 reduction on 24GB M5 MacBook Pro models. Best Buy kicked off its annual Memorial Day sale with notable markdowns on Apple devices, including the Air Pods Pro 3 at $199. Additionally, Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses went on sale with discounts up to 25% across multiple retailers.

Security and Privacy

Apple's App Store prevented over $2.2 billion in fraudulent transactions in 2025, with AI-powered security measures playing a crucial role in protecting users. The company stopped signing iOS 26.4.2, preventing users from downgrading from the latest iOS 26.5 update. Discord implemented end-to-end encryption by default for all voice and video calls across platforms, including desktop, mobile, web, and consoles. WhatsApp began rolling out a redesigned media share sheet on iOS and is testing read-triggered disappearing messages that vanish after being read. Meanwhile, an Indian court ruled that Apple must cooperate with a government investigation into App Store practices, rejecting the company's attempt to pause the antitrust case.

Third-Party Ecosystem

Airbnb upgraded its iOS and Android apps with three key enhancements for travelers, following a major redesign from the previous year. Steel Series released the Arctis Nova 7X Gen 2, an updated version of a popular headset with Mac support that has immediately become the Mac gaming headset to beat. Nintendo announced Pictonico, a new iOS game that turns photos into minigames, set to launch on May 28. Spotify confirmed a Car Play bug causing wrong song information to appear on screens and acknowledged the issue. Meanwhile, accessory maker Ugreen debuted pocket-sized chargers specifically designed for Apple devices, including the