Apple News 3 Days

Last updated: July 9, 2026, 11:30 AM ET

AI and On-Device Processing

Apple may be interested in Prism ML, a startup focused on shrinking large language models for on-device use, potentially bringing more advanced AI capabilities to iPhones without relying on servers. This technology could allow for more complex AI functionalities directly on devices like the iPhone. Separately, Apple is warning users when AI prompts are sent to Google's servers, similar to how it handles Chat GPT, with popups appearing in iOS 27 and iOS 26 to notify users and request permission for features that use Google Cloud. Tony Fadell, known as the "father of the iPod," has written that the choice of AI assistant is significant and raises broad questions.

iPhone 18 and Future Hardware

Reports suggest the rumored iPhone 18 Pro Max could be Apple's heaviest iPhone to date, with a new leak indicating a substantial improvement in battery life, though this comes at the cost of increased weight and thickness. The iPhone 18 Pro Max is expected to be noticeably thicker and heavier than its predecessor, with the aluminum frame and camera housing set to grow. Meanwhile, claims of delays to the iPhone Ultra production have been rejected by supply chain sources, with the device reportedly on track for a September release and already in mass production.

Software Updates and Features

Apple has released the third developer betas for iOS, mac OS, and other operating systems, continuing to refine upcoming software releases before their planned September launch. iOS 27 beta 3 introduces several new features, including improvements to the Messages app, making it smarter and less annoying, and allowing users to fine-tune Siri's voice with separate controls for speaking pace and expressivity. The upcoming iOS 27 will also add nine new languages and accents to Apple Translate, alongside keyboard and typing improvements. Additionally, code within iOS 27 beta 3 suggests that Apple is preparing to add car key support for Lucid and Xiaomi vehicles.

Apple TV and Media

The Apple TV 4K is due for a refresh in 2026, though Apple is likely to delay its launch. Apple is also bringing its free 4K upgrade policy to select TV show purchases in the Apple TV Store. The drama series "Nocturne," starring Liev Schreiber, has received a premiere date on Apple TV. In other media news, Apple TV has secured a record 89 nominations for the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards, series premiere.

Legal and Financial Matters

Apple has lost a significant antitrust appeal in Europe, with all three of its claims being rejected, maintaining its status as a 'gatekeeper.' In the U.S., Apple has agreed to pay $250 million to settle a class action lawsuit concerning Siri. Separately, a federal judge has dismissed most claims in a proposed class action lawsuit regarding condensation defects in Air Pods Max. Apple must also continue to perform age verification for iPhone users in Texas, following the Supreme Court's denial of a request to pause enforcement of the law, AirPods Max. JP Morgan has increased its price target for Apple's stock to $345, asserting that RAM-driven hardware cost increases will not impact long-term revenue.

Accessory and Peripheral Updates

Duck Duck Go's browser now blocks most YouTube ads by default on iPhone and Mac. Apple has stopped signing several older iOS versions for legacy iPhone and iPad models, preventing reinstallation or downgrades to those specific software versions DuckDuckGo blocks. Apple is also ceasing support for encrypted Mac OS Extended (HFS+) volumes in mac OS, impacting external drives. Beats charging cables are now available in a new "Power Pink" color. Apple has released beta firmware for Air Pods Pro, incorporating features from iOS, and new beta versions for watch OS 27 include three health-related improvements for Apple Watch users, AirPods beta.

Market Trends and Sales

New data from IDC indicates that Apple was the sole major PC vendor to achieve significant shipment growth in Q2 2026, while the broader PC market experienced a decline. Rising memory prices have negatively impacted China's smartphone market, causing a 13% drop in sales during the 618 shopping festival, even with Apple offering discounts. Apple's Air Pods lineup is reportedly strong, with rumors circulating about future releases. Amazon is offering significant discounts on various MacBook models, including the M5 Pro MacBook Pro and MacBook Air, as well as iPad Mini 7 models, new AirPods.

Other Apple News

Apple CEO Tim Cook and incoming CEO John Ternus attended the Sun Valley Conference together, and also held a virtual meeting with the Minister-President of Bavaria. Apple is testing memory chips from CXMT, a supplier blacklisted by the U.S. government, potentially to address the RAM pricing crisis, though this is seen as a temporary measure. Lamborghini has launched an Apple Vision Pro app offering an interactive look at its car models. Apple is also reportedly testing new AI features for its Creator Studio that rely on Google servers, with user permission requested, launches app.