Apple News 3 Days

Last updated: July 2, 2026, 5:30 AM ET

Hardware & Devices

Apple is reportedly preparing to launch approximately 10 million foldable "iPhone Ultra" models, representing a significant increase from prior expectations orders 10M foldable. The device is anticipated to lead a rebound in foldable smartphone panel shipments for 2026, capturing an estimated 29% of the market's screen orders iPhone Fold screens. Concurrently, Apple is exploring sourcing RAM from two Chinese suppliers, Chang Xin Memory Technologies Co. (CXMT) and Yangtze Memory Technologies Co. (YMTC), amidst a global memory shortage and rising costs Apple weighs RAM. This move could draw scrutiny from U.S. lawmakers Apple in talks.

New iPad Pro models are slated for a spring 2027 release, with both 11-inch and 13-inch configurations expected new iPad Pro. These devices will be joined by redesigned entry-level MacBook Pro models in early 2027, featuring a new M7 chip entry-level MacBook. An updated 14-inch MacBook Pro with an M6 chip is scheduled for late 2026, preceding the M7 model M6 MacBook Pro. These hardware refreshes come as Apple faces potential price increases impacting global laptop shipments, with a projected 13.6% drop attributed partly to MacBook price hikes MacBook price hikes. However, deals remain available, with significant discounts on M4 iPad Air and M5 iPad Pro models noted iPad Air deals.

Software & Services

Apple is rolling out iOS 27 with several feature enhancements, including significant changes to the Notification Center, breaking a 15-year-old convention iOS 27 breaks. The update also introduces new functionalities to Apple Maps Maps features and Mail applications Apple Mail iOS 27, alongside a new copy-and-paste feature for the iPhone keyboard that supports text, photos, and links new copy-paste. Safari is also receiving an upgrade with a new MCP server designed to allow coding agents to inspect and debug websites directly within the browser Safari MCP server.

In security, Apple is accelerating the release of security updates to combat AI-powered hacking threats security updates faster. Recent updates, including iOS 26.5.2, patch over 25 vulnerabilities, addressing issues related to web browsing and overall system security iOS 26.5.2 fixes. Despite these efforts, a flaw in Apple's "Hide My Email" service reportedly remains unaddressed for over a year, potentially exposing real email addresses Hide My Email bug. Three Air Drop vulnerabilities have also been discovered, with Apple working on comprehensive fixes AirDrop vulnerabilities.

Legal & Regulatory

Apple is seeking to pause proceedings in its ongoing dispute with Epic Games, requesting the court to await a Supreme Court ruling on related matters Epic Games proceedings. The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear Apple's appeal concerning a contempt ruling in the App Store fight Supreme Court appeal. Separately, Apple faces a potential $52 million fine in Russia for allegedly failing to preinstall state-required applications on devices sold in the country Russia fine. In the UK, regulators are considering compelling Apple and Google to open their App Stores to third-party payment systems and rival payment options UK App Store rules. Apple is also contesting a $502 million LTE patent infringement ruling in the UK, with the case heading to the UK Supreme Court Optis patent case.

Artificial Intelligence & Competition

Anthropic's Claude Fable 5 model is once again available after the U.S. lifted export controls, with users now able to access it globally through various Claude platforms Claude Fable 5. The company has also introduced Claude Sonnet, offering performance close to its Opus model at a lower price point Claude Sonnet 5. OpenAI is expanding personal finance features for Chat GPT Plus customers in the U.S., making the functionality available on its $20/month plan ChatGPT finance features. Meanwhile, Google's Gemini Spark is now available for mac OS, enabling the AI assistant to access local files and automate desktop workflows Gemini Spark mac OS.

SpaceX is reportedly developing an AI hardware prototype described as "slimmer than an iPhone," signaling a potential new competitor in the AI hardware space SpaceX AI hardware. OpenAI has teased an upcoming collaborative hardware project, potentially involving a keyboard maker for a Codex-branded input device OpenAI hardware. The open-source AI agent Open Claw has also launched a native iOS app, following its acquisition by SpaceX OpenClaw iOS app.

Market Trends & Consumer Tech

Apple's entry into the foldable phone market with its anticipated iPhone Fold is expected to significantly boost foldable smartphone panel shipments in 2026 iPhone Fold shipments. The company is also reportedly testing new iPad Pro models and redesigned entry-level MacBook Pro configurations for a 2027 release testing new iPad. In a notable shift, American Express is enabling cardholders to use Membership Rewards points directly during Apple Pay checkouts Amex Apple Pay.

Apple's online refurbished store has added the iPhone 16e, starting at $419 refurbished iPhone 16e. Deals on Apple products continue, with significant savings on iPad Air and iPad Pro models iPad deals, as well as Air Pods 4 priced at $99 AirPods deal. The company's Beats brand has launched a retailer-exclusive orange color for its Solo Buds at Best Buy in the U.S. and Japan Beats Solo Buds.

Industry & Development

Apple is reportedly considering acquiring RAM from two Chinese suppliers, CXMT and YMTC, which are currently on U.S. export control lists, a move that could attract legislative attention Apple considers Chinese RAM. Apple's Creator Studio apps have received updates, including new AI-powered features for Final Cut Pro and Pixelmator Pro, enhancing capabilities like masking and editing Creator Studio AI. The company's Final Cut Camera app has also been updated with a new feature exclusive to iPhone 17 Pro models Final Cut Camera.

Browser vulnerabilities are also being addressed, with Opera's new Paste Protect feature designed to block suspicious commands copied from websites to the clipboard Opera Paste Protect. Safari Technology Preview has been updated to include an MCP server for AI agent integration Safari Technology Preview. The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that detailed cellphone location data is protected by the Fourth Amendment, requiring police to obtain probable cause for such data cellphone location data.