Apple News 3 Days

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

Apple Ecosystem & Product Updates

Apple is facing significant price adjustments across its product lines, with many items seeing increases of 10-20% and some as high as 50% massive price hikes. This comes as the company has also added new Macs and the Studio Display 2 to its refurbished store. In anticipation of future hardware, rumors suggest an "iRing" smart ring is in development, potentially challenging Oura and Samsung. Meanwhile, the company is reportedly seeking to purchase Mac RAM from a Chinese supplier blacklisted in the U.S. to mitigate price pressures.

iOS 27 & Software Features

The upcoming iOS 27 is set to bring notable changes, particularly to the Shortcuts app, making it less intimidating for casual users. Apple Intelligence is integrated into this update, and early testing of the beta version has revealed over 200 new features, with 10 favorites highlighted for their impact on iPhone usability iOS 27 features. Specific enhancements are also slated for the Photos app, with some features appearing well-suited for a potential "Home Pad" device iOS 27 Photos app. Siri is also undergoing a significant update as part of the iOS 27 beta, with discussions focusing on a "redemption tour" for the voice assistant Siri AI features. However, not all iPad models will receive the update, as five older devices are expected to be left behind despite their owners deserving continued support iPad OS 27 models.

Hardware & Device Developments

The future of the MacBook Pro is rumored to include an overhaul with an OLED touchscreen expected by 2027 2027 MacBook Pro. For iPhone users, the lower-end iPhone 18 models are anticipated to feature 9GB of RAM and the A20 chip in spring 2027 iPhone 18 models, though concerns about the iPhone 18 Pro's pricing strategy are being discussed iPhone 18 Pro pricing. In accessories, the Mag Safe battery pack, re-introduced for the iPhone Air, is priced at $99 and offers a slim design but limited capacity, prompting a look at Qi2 alternatives MagSafe battery packs. For Mac users seeking high-resolution displays, the LG Ultra Fine 6K is presented as a premium option following Apple's discontinuation of the Pro Display XDR LG UltraFine 6K.

Apple TV+ & Content

Apple TV+ is offering a promotional window for Formula 1 streaming, making all races available for free in the United States this weekend without requiring a subscription watch Formula 1 free. The service has also added the second season of "Camp Snoopy" with all thirteen episodes now available Camp Snoopy season 2. In terms of original film releases, Apple has announced its first theatrical release of the year, following a string of movies that have bypassed cinemas in 2026 first theatrical film. The platform's foray into competitive shows like game shows is still being questioned, with no significant movement expected in that area Apple TV gameshows.

Developer Tools & Software

Apple has released Xcode 26.6, which now incorporates Google Gemini as a third coding assistant within its integrated development environment Google Gemini in Xcode. For Mac users, a guide is available on how to create a mac OS Golden Gate USB installer, a tool useful for system upgrades mac OS installer drive. The indie app world is highlighted with "Mirage," an application that allows users to mirror their Mac display to an iPhone, iPad, Vision Pro, or other Macs Indie App Spotlight Mirage.

Artificial Intelligence & Content Concerns

The field of artificial intelligence is seeing talent shifts, with OpenAI reportedly hiring Paul Meade, who led Apple's Vision Pro and smart glasses efforts OpenAI poaches Apple chief. Meanwhile, issues persist with AI-generated content on Apple Books, where knockoffs of Joanna Stern's book continue to appear, prompting her to call out Apple over the matter AI book knockoffs.

Deals & Discounts

Despite Prime Day concluding, select Apple device and accessory deals are still available, offering record lows on items such as Air Pods, Air Tag, Apple Watch, and MacBook Pro models record low Apple discounts. Notably, a significant $850 discount on a 16-inch MacBook Pro with an M5 Max chip was available, alongside deals on the MacBook Neo and Air Pods Pro 3 Prime Day MacBook Pro.

Home & Smart Devices

The smart home ecosystem sees continued development with the Switch Bot Weather Station, which integrates an e-ink calendar and climate dashboard into Apple Home SwitchBot Weather Station. Concerns have been raised regarding the Level Lock team, with layoffs leaving questions about the long-term functionality of their Apple Home Key locks.

Other Apple News

In a move that could impact device pricing, Apple is reportedly seeking permission to purchase Mac RAM chips from a Chinese supplier that is currently blacklisted in the United States Apple wants RAM. The company has also announced donations to relief efforts in Venezuela following devastating earthquakes Venezuela relief efforts. A look back at the history of Apple Retail reveals Ron Johnson's perspective on forging the Apple Store experience with Steve Jobs Ron Johnson Apple Retail. Signals from Air Pods played a role in solving two separate crimes, one involving an arrest at an Apple Store and another related to a stolen iPhone AirPods solve crimes. For those looking to stream PC VR games, ALVR is presented as a tool to stream from a Windows PC to the Apple Vision Pro over Wi-Fi play VR on Vision Pro. The popular streaming service Plex is increasing the price of its lifetime plan significantly on July 1, moving from $249.99 to $749.99 Plex lifetime plan price. The Elgato 4K S capture card is highlighted as an excellent peripheral for Mac streamers looking to capture and stream gameplay Elgato 4K S review. Finally, WhatsApp is rolling out its channel search feature to iPhone users, a year and a half after its initial release on Android WhatsApp channels search.