Apple News 3 Days

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

Foldable Phones & Market Entry

Apple's anticipated entry into the foldable smartphone market is expected to significantly impact pricing trends. Analysts predict that the iPhone Fold will contribute to an 18% increase in the average sale price of foldable devices by 2026. This projection is supported by reports indicating that Apple has ramped up production orders for its foldable device to approximately 10 million units, a substantial increase from earlier forecasts of 7-8 million. The so-called iPhone Fold Ultra is poised to capture a significant portion of the foldable phone screen orders, estimated at 29% for 2026, and could command prices around $2,500.

Software Updates & Features

Apple is preparing for the release of the first public beta for iOS 27 this month, offering users a preview of upcoming features. The new operating system is noted for introducing changes that could encourage upgrades, with a significant portion of features likely to be exclusive to newer iPhone models, potentially leaving those with an iPhone 15 or older at a disadvantage iOS 27 Public Beta. iOS 27 also brings notable enhancements to Apple Mail iOS 27 Apple Mail and Apple Maps, including updates to Flyover and other functionalities iOS 27 Maps Features. Additionally, a new copy-and-paste feature is being introduced to the iPhone keyboard, simplifying the transfer of text, photos, and links iOS 27 Copy-Paste. The Shortcuts app is also receiving an AI-driven upgrade with a new 'describe a shortcut' feature iOS 27 Shortcuts. For Apple TV users, tv OS 27 is set to introduce four new features, contingent on upcoming hardware upgrades for the Apple TV 4K tv OS 27 Features.

Hardware Rumors & Speculation

Details continue to emerge regarding future iPhone models. The iPhone 18 Pro is rumored to feature a slower QLC NAND storage on higher-capacity models, a potential callback to similar reports for the iPhone 16 Pro iPhone 18 Pro SSD. Modem chip configurations for the iPhone 18 Pro may vary by region, with some models potentially using Qualcomm chips and others Apple's in-house C2 chip iPhone 18 Pro Modems. Leaked information suggests the iPhone 18 Pro Max could house a significantly larger battery iPhone 18 Pro Max Battery, and color options might be limited to three, including a potential "dark cherry" hue iPhone 18 Pro Colors. The iconic notch design, introduced with the iPhone X, may see its retirement with the launch of the iPhone 18 Pro iPhone Notch Retirement. Production for the iPhone 17 lineup has reportedly been scaled back amid slowing demand iPhone 17 Production Cut.

In the Mac lineup, Apple is reportedly testing new iPad Pro models and a redesigned entry-level MacBook Pro for release in early 2027 New iPad Pro, MacBook. A 14-inch MacBook Pro with an M6 chip is slated for late 2026, followed by a redesigned M7 model in the first half of 2027 M6, M7 MacBook Pro. Rumors persist about a high-end "MacBook Ultra" featuring an OLED touchscreen, which could also influence the design of future MacBook Pro models MacBook Ultra, Pro Redesign.

Apple Wallet & Car Play

Apple Wallet is expanding its automotive integration, with Volkswagen planning to offer Car Keys on iPhones in future vehicles, following recent additions like Toyota and Porsche VW Car Keys. Car Play in iOS 27 is set to receive new features, though some users note that a useful addition from iOS 26 has arrived nearly a year late CarPlay iOS 27.

Apple Arcade & Content

Apple Arcade continues to expand its game library with new additions, including "Pocket City 2+" and "Family Feud Pocket" Apple Arcade Games. Apple TV+ is also bolstering its content with the upcoming premiere of "Silo" season 3 Silo Season 3 and the teasing of a new sci-fi series, "Neuromancer" Neuromancer Series.

Security & Privacy

Recent security research has identified malware spreading through sponsored ads on X Malware on X. A newly discovered mac OS infostealer is capable of verifying Mac login passwords before exfiltrating data Mac Infostealer. Furthermore, three Air Drop vulnerabilities have been discovered, potentially impacting both iPhone and Mac devices, though Apple is reportedly developing fixes AirDrop Vulnerabilities. A privacy flaw in Apple's "Hide My Email" service has persisted for over a year, reportedly allowing real email addresses to be exposed Hide My Email Bug.

Legal & Regulatory Matters

Apple faces significant regulatory scrutiny in Russia, with the country threatening fines of up to $52 million for not preinstalling Russian applications on devices sold within the country Russia Fine. In a separate legal battle, the US Supreme Court has agreed to hear Apple's appeal in its ongoing dispute with Epic Games regarding App Store policies Supreme Court Epic Games. The UK's competition regulator is also considering implementing EU-like rules that could force Apple to allow third-party app payments and NFC rivals UK App Store Rules. Apple is also contesting a $502 million judgment in the UK related to LTE patent infringement from Optis Wireless Optis Patent Case.

Deals & Pricing

Despite recent price increases on Macs and iPads due to rising component costs, several deals remain available. Savings can be found on Air Tags, with a 4-pack of Air Tag 2 available for $89 AirTag 2 Deal. Significant discounts are also present on iPads, with savings up to $400 on iPad Air and iPad Pro models iPad Deals. MacBook Pro models are also seeing price reductions, with offers up to $650 off MacBook Deals. Air Pods 4 are available at nearly 25% off, with some retailers offering them for $99 AirPods 4 Deal.

Other Developments

The popular TV show tracking app TV Time is scheduled to cease operations on July 15 TV Time Shutdown. In the AI space, Anthropic's Claude Fable 5 model is once again available after U.S. export controls were lifted Claude Fable 5, and the company has also launched Claude Sonnet, offering performance comparable to Opus at a lower price point Claude Sonnet 5. Google has brought Gemini Spark to mac OS, enabling the AI assistant to interact with local files and automate desktop tasks Gemini Spark mac OS. Elon Musk's SpaceX has reportedly shown investors a prototype for an AI hardware device, though Musk has denied reports of its development SpaceX AI Prototype. A study has controversially suggested that the iPhone's introduction may be a factor in the decline of U.S. birth rates iPhone Birth Rate Study. Apple's stock price experienced a dip following recent product price hikes but has since begun to recover Apple Stock Recovery.