Apple News 3 Days

Last updated: July 8, 2026, 8:30 PM ET

Software & OS Updates

Apple is continuing its rollout of beta software, with the third developer betas for iOS, iPad OS, tv OS, and vision OS 27 now available. These updates refine features ahead of their planned September launch, including improvements to the Messages app with smarter and less annoying interactions in iOS 27, and new language and accent additions to Apple Translate within iOS 27. Developers are also testing mac OS Golden Gate beta, which includes new Golden Gate-themed wallpaper options for Macs. Public betas for iOS 26.6, mac OS Tahoe 26.6, and others have also been released, with a fourth beta for mac OS Tahoe 26.6 now available to developers. Separately, Apple has stopped signing older iOS versions for several iPhones and iPads, preventing users from restoring or downgrading to those specific software releases as of today.

Hardware & Product Rumors

The next-generation Apple TV 4K, which hasn't seen an update since 2022, is reportedly slated for a refresh in 2026, though Apple may delay its launch until then. Component development for a cheaper Apple Vision Pro model has reportedly been scrapped, with Apple potentially focusing its efforts elsewhere in the AI space. Meanwhile, rumors persist about the iPhone Fold, with conflicting reports suggesting it remains on track for production despite earlier delays. Apple's upcoming iPhone 18 Pro is expected to be noticeably thicker than its predecessor, with regulatory filings also revealing battery capacities for both the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max models later this year. Apple's M6 chip is anticipated this fall, though it may not appear in many new products initially.

Mac & Computer News

Apple saw its Mac shipments grow in Q2 2026, bucking a broader PC market decline for the first time in over two years, according to IDC data released this week. Significant discounts are available on Mac Books, with the 16-inch MacBook Pro featuring an M5 Pro chip and 48GB of RAM marked down by $550 to $3,049.99 currently. Amazon is also offering $150 off several M5 MacBook Air models this week, and the M5 Pro MacBook Pro is available for $449 off, with some configurations as low as $3,049 following a price drop. Older M4 Pro MacBook Pro inventory is being cleared out at B&H, with discounts up to $500 and prices starting at $1,799 for limited stock. Apple will stop supporting encrypted Mac OS Extended (HFS+) volumes in mac OS 28 next year, impacting users with older external drives according to a support document.

Audio & Accessories

Apple's Air Pods lineup is expected to see new additions, with rumors circulating about future releases of updated models. Beta firmware for Air Pods Pro 2 is being tested, potentially incorporating features from iOS 27 for enhanced functionality. In other accessory news, Beats charging cables are now available in a new "Power Pink" color option as of April 2025. A federal judge has dismissed most claims in a class-action lawsuit concerning condensation defects in Air Pods Max, ruling the headphones function as intended despite the issue.

Apple TV & Content

Apple TV+ has secured a record 89 nominations for the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards, marking a significant achievement across major categories announced this week. The drama series "Nocturne," starring Liev Schreiber, has received a premiere date on Apple TV, adding to the platform's slate of original content later this year. Additionally, the premiere episode of "Trying" season 5 is now streaming on Apple TV, continuing the feel-good comedy's run for its fifth season. Select TV show purchases on the Apple TV Store are now eligible for free 4K upgrades, extending a customer perk to more content this week.

AI & Services

Apple is integrating AI features across its platforms, with iOS 27 beta 3 allowing users to fine-tune Siri's voice, adjusting speaking pace and expressivity for personalized interaction. Siri AI is also gaining the ability to pull information from third-party apps latest developer beta. However, some AI features in the Home app will require a 2TB iCloud+ subscription to unlock according to beta notes. Apple is also using pop-up notifications to inform users when AI prompts send data to Google Cloud servers for features like image generation, similar to practices with other services like ChatGPT. The company's approach to AI is seen by some as a late but potentially dominant strategy, focusing on user needs and use cases where rivals may overlook them.

Automotive & Connectivity

Code within the iOS 27 beta suggests Apple is preparing to add car key support for Lucid and Xiaomi vehicles, expanding the integration of iPhones with automotive systems in the near future. Meanwhile, a third-party smart portable TV, the Apolosign 32-inch model, is noted as a difficult sell for Apple users due to a key omission, despite its battery-powered touchscreen design and $899 price tag.

Legal & Regulatory

Apple has lost a significant antitrust appeal in Europe, with all three of its claims rejected, maintaining its status as a "gatekeeper" in the region. In Texas, Apple must continue to enforce age verification for iPhone users, as the Supreme Court denied a request to pause the law's enforcement in the state. The company has also asked a judge to pause proceedings in its legal battle with Epic Games while the Supreme Court reviews a portion of the case this year. In India, Apple is reportedly bending to regulatory demands regarding credit and debit card payments for App Store and iCloud subscriptions, aiming to smooth the way for future launches in the country.

Mobile & iPhone

Despite rising memory prices impacting China's smartphone market, Apple's iPhone sales remain resilient, even with discounts offered during the annual 618 shopping festival this past quarter. The iPhone 17 Pro Max has been sealed in a time capsule for 250 years as part of America's Semiquincentennial celebrations this week. A report indicates that Apple is working on an iPhone Air, aiming to significantly boost battery life for a potential spring 2027 launch with an 11% increase.

Market & Financial

JP Morgan has increased its price target for Apple stock to $345, asserting that hardware cost increases driven by RAM prices will not impede long-term revenue growth for the company. Apple's Mac mini and Mac Studio are reportedly becoming the preferred machines for running AI agents, according to Apple's senior product manager for Apple silicon, Doug Brooks this week. The company has also renewed its partnership with Broadcom through 2031, securing a steady supply of custom chips from the supplier.

Gaming

Nintendo has announced it is ending service for its Mario Kart Tour mobile game on iOS, with service concluding on Tuesday.

Other Notable News

The Apolosign 32-inch Smart Portable TV is a battery-powered touchscreen on wheels, but its $899 retail price makes it a difficult sell for Apple owners due to a notable omission in its features. The Boox Go 6 Gen II e-reader has received a refresh, though its spec bump may not warrant an immediate purchase for existing users. Meanwhile, flight tracking app Flighty has introduced a new Connection Assistant to help travelers navigate connecting flights globally with greater ease. Lamborghini has launched an Apple Vision Pro app that allows users to explore its latest car models immersively both inside and out. Anthropic's Claude Cowork is expanding to iPhone and the web, with beta access rolling out to Max users first this week. Notion has launched a new iPhone app called Agents, following the discontinuation of Notion Mail last month. Microsoft has updated its Xbox Family Settings app for iPhone and iPad, adding enhanced console parental controls for users. Pocket Casts has released an update with three new features, including Car Play chapter artwork for podcast listeners on the go. Plex has introduced a new five-year subscription pass for $249.99, following a price hike for its lifetime pass to $749.99. Tony Fadell, the "father of the iPod," has published a column arguing that the choice of AI assistant significantly matters and raises important questions for users. Maestral, a free open-source Dropbox client for Mac, has been retired after seven years of service according to its maintainer.