Apple News 3 Days

Last updated: June 28, 2026, 5:30 AM ET

Apple's Price Hikes and Product Updates

Apple has implemented significant price increases across a broad range of its products, with many seeing hikes of 10-20 percent and some as high as 50 percent massive price hikes. The MacBook Neo now starts at $699, an increase from $599, while the MacBook Air has risen to $1299 from $1099 raising prices on many products. The Apple TV, Home Pod, and Home Pod mini have also seen worldwide price adjustments, despite not receiving hardware updates in several years Apple TV and HomePod. These price hikes have impacted the stock, though analysts have largely maintained their ratings and targets stock getting hit. The company's online store was temporarily down for updates before reappearing with the new pricing Apple Store down. Refurbished Macs and iPads have also seen price increases following the new product hikes refurbished Mac iPad prices.

iOS 27 and Software Enhancements

The upcoming iOS 27 is set to bring a more approachable Shortcuts app, making it less intimidating for casual users, and includes new features for the Photos app which appear well-suited for a potential "Home Pod" device Shortcuts app easier to use. Beta testing of iOS 27 continues, with over 200 features explored, including significant updates to Siri's AI capabilities iOS 27 beta 2. Siri will also gain the ability to summarize webpages and videos directly from within Safari and YouTube summarize webpages videos. Apple Notes is also receiving a power-user feature in iOS 27 that is uncommon in other applications power user feature in Notes. However, not all iPad models will receive the iOS 27 update, leaving some owners behind iPad models left behind. Meanwhile, watch OS 27 beta has been seeded for the Apple Watch Ultra 3 new watch OS 27 beta.

Hardware and Future Product Developments

Apple has reintroduced a $99 Mag Safe battery pack optimized for the new iPhone Air, though its capacity is noted as weak compared to Qi2 alternatives MagSafe battery pack. In anticipation of future releases, logic board schematics for the iPhone 18 Pro, along with A20 Pro data and C2 modem files, were reportedly stolen from Tata iPhone 18 Pro files stolen. The lower-end iPhone 18 models, expected in spring 2027, are projected to feature 9GB of DRAM and an A20 chip iPhone 18 and iPhone. Looking further ahead, 2027 Macs are expected to feature AI-focused M7 chips, with Apple reportedly skipping the M6 generation to accelerate AI development 2027 Macs to Get. Mass production of OLED panels for upcoming products, including an OLED iPad mini and OLED MacBook Pro, has reportedly begun iPad Mini OLED Panel. Future MacBook Pro models, possibly in 2027, are anticipated to include an OLED touchscreen and a redesign 2027 MacBook Pro overhaul. A new Mac Studio, potentially the M5 Ultra with up to 768GB of RAM, is also slated for release in 2026, despite broader price increases across the Mac line M5 Ultra Mac Studio RAM.

Industry Moves and Developer Tools

OpenAI has hired Paul Meade, formerly Apple's head of Apple Vision Pro and smart glasses development, signaling a shift in talent within the AR/VR and AI sectors OpenAI poaches Vision Pro. The Xcode 26.6 update now includes Google Gemini as a coding assistant within Apple's integrated development environment Google Gemini in Xcode. In the indie app space, "Mirage" allows users to display their Mac screen on iPhones, iPads, Vision Pro, and other Macs Mirage app displays Mac screen. For Mac users, the Elgato 4K S capture card offers robust video capture and streaming capabilities for platforms like Twitch Elgato 4K S capture card. The LG Ultra Fine 6K display is presented as a premium option for Mac users seeking high-resolution external monitors, particularly after the discontinuation of Apple's Pro Display XDR LG UltraFine 6K display.

Pricing and Promotions

The lifetime Plex Plan is set to increase from $249.99 to $749.99 on July 1, prompting a rush to purchase the pass before the price hike Plex lifetime pass price increase. Amazon's Prime Day sale has offered significant discounts, including $850 off a 16-inch MacBook Pro with an M5 Max chip, with the deal set to end soon MacBook Pro $850 off. Other Prime Day deals include discounts on Air Pods Pro, Series, and Air Tag 2 Prime Day deals continue. Apple's annual Back to School promotion is expected to launch around July 1, potentially helping students offset the recent increases in Mac and iPad prices Back School promotion. Despite price increases, an Amazon deal offers an iPad for $299, a $150 discount off Apple's new MSRP Amazon iPad deal.

Other News and Developments

Apple has petitioned the U.S. government to permit the purchase of Mac RAM chips from a Chinese supplier that is currently blacklisted, aiming to alleviate price pressures Apple petitions buy supplier. AI-generated knockoffs of Joanna Stern's book have continued to appear on Apple Books, with Stern calling out the company over the issue AI knockoffs on Apple Books. Apple is also donating to relief efforts in Venezuela following devastating earthquakes, as announced by CEO Tim Cook donating to Venezuela relief. Russian officials are demanding an explanation from Apple regarding the removal of several apps related to the internet company VK from the App Store Kremlin demands App Store. The Assa Abloy-owned Level, which produces Apple Home Key locks, has seen significant layoffs, raising questions about the future of its smart lock products Level Lock team gutted. WhatsApp is testing its "Liquid Glass" design for its iPad app, following its rollout on iPhone WhatsApp Liquid Glass on iPad. WhatsApp channels are also gaining search functionality for iPhone users WhatsApp channels get search. The second season of "Camp Snoopy" is now available on Apple TV Camp Snoopy season 2. Apple TV+ continues its streak of successful shows with a recent premiere Apple TV+ hit streak. A new report predicts Apple will achieve record market share in three major product categories in 2026 record market share predicted. Ron Johnson, who helped forge Apple Retail with Steve Jobs, shared his insights on making Apple Stores productive Ron Johnson on Apple Retail. Notion is shutting down its AI-powered email client, including its Mac and iOS applications, this fall Notion AI email client. Soulver 4 has been released with over 50 improvements and new workflows for iPhone, iPad, and Mac Soulver 4 update. Apple has also added the MacBook Neo and Studio Display 2 to its refurbished store refurbished Macs added. Apple is reportedly developing a smart ring, potentially named "iRing," to compete with existing offerings like the Oura Ring Apple 'iRing' rumor. Accessibility settings on iPhone are being highlighted for their utility in speeding up everyday tasks iPhone accessibility settings.