Apple News 3 Days

Last updated: June 29, 2026, 5:30 AM ET

Product Pricing & Deals

Apple has implemented significant price increases across a majority of its product lineup, excluding only the iPhone and Apple Watch. These hikes, detailed in announcements this week, range from 10–20 percent, with some products seeing as much as a 50 percent jump product prices rose. Despite these increases, substantial discounts remain available on certain MacBook Pro models. Amazon is offering up to $650 off M5, M5 Pro, and M5 Max configurations of the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros save up to $650. These deals have persisted beyond Prime Day, with some still offering record low prices on Air Pods, Air Tags, and Apple Watches grab record low discounts. A particularly steep discount of $850 was available on a 16-inch MacBook Pro with an M5 Max chip, though availability was tied to the end of Prime Day save $850.

Software & OS Updates

The upcoming iOS 27 is poised to simplify the Shortcuts app for casual users, making it more accessible makes Shortcuts easier. Developers are actively exploring the beta, with over 200 features and changes documented, highlighting 10 favorites for iPhone users 10 favorite features. Specific iOS 27 enhancements are also noted for their potential integration with the Home Pod, particularly within the Photos app features for Home Pod. Meanwhile, a guide has been released detailing how to create a mac OS Golden Gate USB installer create mac OS installer.

Hardware & Future Products

A unique project has successfully recreated the Apple II Plus entirely in hardware, bypassing emulation for a more authentic experience homebrew Apple II. the 2027 MacBook Pro is anticipated to undergo a significant overhaul, potentially featuring a redesign and an OLED touchscreen 2027 MacBook Pro overhaul. The 2027 iPhone 18 models are expected to include 9GB of RAM and the A20 chip, an upgrade from the current 8GB iPhone 18 RAM. Speculation also persists around an "iRing" device, which could rival existing smart rings like the Oura Ring Apple 'iRing' rumor. In the refurbished market, Apple has added the MacBook Neo and updated Mac models to its online store added Macs to refurbished.

Industry & Executive Moves

OpenAI has hired Paul Meade, a key executive formerly responsible for Apple Vision Pro and smart glasses development OpenAI poaches executive. Apple has also petitioned the U.S. government for permission to source Mac RAM chips from a Chinese supplier currently blacklisted, citing price pressures buy RAM from supplier.

Content & Services

Apple TV is offering free streaming of all its Formula 1 content in the United States this weekend as a special promotion watch F1 for free. The company has also announced its first theatrical film release of the year, "Tenzing," marking a return to cinemas after its 2025 slate skipped theaters first theatrical film. In a separate content issue, Joanna Stern has called out Apple Books for repeatedly featuring AI-generated knockoffs of her published work AI book knockoffs.

Accessories & Ecosystem

The Mag Safe battery pack, re-introduced with the iPhone Air, is priced at $99 but offers limited capacity, prompting consideration of Qi2 alternatives MagSafe battery banks. 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 review. In home automation, the Switch Bot Weather Station now integrates with Apple Home Kit, offering an e-ink display for climate data SwitchBot Weather Station. A recent development in smart home security sees the Level Lock team facing significant layoffs, though existing Apple Home Key locks are expected to remain functional in the short term Level Lock team gutting.

Miscellaneous

Apple CEO Tim Cook announced the company's donation to relief efforts in Venezuela following devastating earthquakes donating relief efforts. In a notable legal case, signals from Air Pods were instrumental in solving two separate crimes involving a woman refusing to leave an Apple Store and a stolen iPhone AirPods solved crimes. A project to build a hardware-based Apple II clone highlights a dedication to classic computing homebrew Apple II. Ron Johnson reflected on his time building Apple Retail with Steve Jobs, describing the stores as "the most productive in the world" Apple Retail with Jobs. Meanwhile, a lifetime Plex Pass subscription price is set to increase significantly from $249.99 to $749.99 on July 1, impacting users who stream to their iPhones Plex Plan price hike. Separately, discussions on the "9to5Mac Overtime" podcast are revisiting Siri's capabilities, particularly its new AI features in iOS 27 Siri redemption tour.