Apple News 3 Days

Last updated: July 11, 2026, 8:30 AM ET

Apple's Software and AI Push

Apple is rolling out significant upgrades to its Mail app in iOS, introducing enhanced search capabilities and new AI features improving functionality. The Messages app also sees a revamped experience under the hood in iOS, making substantial changes to its operation under the hood. Further expanding its AI integration, iOS 27 is set to add nine new languages and accents to Apple Translate and is expected to bring Car Play improvements with over eight new features enhancing the experience. Code within iOS 27 also suggests expanded car key support for Lucid and Xiaomi vehicles. In terms of hardware integration, iOS 27 is poised to enable iPhones and Air Pods to function with gym equipment, replicating the functionality of Apple Watch's Gym Kit feature. Apple is also reportedly exploring methods to run much larger AI models directly on iPhones, holding discussions with Prism ML about integrating their technology. Meanwhile, the upcoming watch OS 27 update for the Apple Watch will see the removal of the Walkie-Talkie app, replaced by a push-to-talk functionality.

Apple Hardware and Supply Chain

Recent reports indicate that Apple has significantly reduced its demand forecasts for the standard iPhone 17 model due to escalating hardware costs. The component costs for the iPhone 18 Pro Max are projected to increase by almost $300 compared to the iPhone 17 Pro Max. In the realm of Mac shipments, IDC data shows Apple as the sole major PC vendor to achieve substantial growth in Q2 2026, while the broader PC market experienced a decline for the first time in over two years. Apple's M5 Pro 16-inch MacBook Pro, configured with 48GB of RAM, is now available for $3,049.99, representing a $550 discount off its original price. The MacBook Neo with 512GB storage has also seen a price reduction to $689.99 through Amazon. Separately, Apple's testing of memory chips from CXMT, a supplier blacklisted by the U.S. government, is seen as a temporary measure to address the RAM pricing crisis rather than a long-term solution. In an effort to avoid semiconductor tariffs, Apple reportedly made a deal with Intel last year, with Intel expected to manufacture some upcoming Mac and iPhone chips in the U.S. manufacturing U.S.. Apple is also among eight U.S. companies now authorized to bring advanced-computing chips and server technology into the UAE without requiring individual export licenses. India is becoming a more appealing location for iPhone manufacturing due to eliminated import duties on crucial smartphone components, which lowers assembly costs for companies.

Apple Services and Retail

Apple is expanding its smart home offerings with the LNDU HK01W, a budget-friendly lock that supports Apple Home Key and Wi-Fi. The company is also adjusting its retail presence, with two U.S. Apple Stores set to relocate a short distance from their current locations later this month. Apple TV is expanding its content reach, announcing the August schedule for "Friday Night Baseball" and preparing to take over Hall H at San Diego Comic-Con for the first time with previews of "Severance" and "Silo". The Apple TV app will now offer free 4K upgrades for select TV show purchases, extending a significant customer perk. In a move to enhance app safety, Apple has updated App Store Connect to include new questions about social media features in its age rating questionnaire. Apple has also stopped signing older iOS versions for several legacy iPhone and iPad models, limiting the ability to reinstall or downgrade the affected devices. The company is also moving away from encrypted Mac OS Extended (HFS+) volumes, with mac OS 28 no longer supporting them.

Industry News and Competitor Moves

Meta has removed a feature from its AI image generation tools that allowed users to create images from public Instagram posts, following a week where Meta AI also began powering features within WhatsApp and Instagram. Anthropic is introducing a new "Reflect" feature for its Claude AI, which allows users to review their usage patterns, similar to Spotify Wrapped. OpenAI is discontinuing its standalone web browser, Chat GPT Atlas, shifting its focus away from this product. The popular movie-tracking app Letterboxd is reportedly being considered for acquisition by several companies, including Netflix. Spotify has updated its Release Radar feature, adding new listening filters to give users more control over their music recommendations. In the smartwatch market, Apple Watch accounted for approximately 90% of all Edge AI-capable smartwatch shipments in the first quarter of 2026, according to Counterpoint Research. Nintendo is ending service for its Mario Kart Tour mobile game on Tuesday, September 30th. TV Time users can now migrate their data to Just Watch before the former app shuts down next week.

Rumors and Future Products

Speculation continues regarding the potential launch of an iPhone Fold, with conflicting reports about its production timeline and battery capacity. A lower-cost Apple Vision Pro model may be discontinued as Apple shifts its focus toward AI development, with Samsung Display reportedly halting development of a related component. There are ongoing discussions about the future of Apple's Mac lineup, with rumors suggesting the eventual introduction of a "MacBook Ultra". The company is also reportedly facing challenges with the development of a cheaper Apple Vision Pro, with component development being scrapped. Apple is reportedly exploring ways to run larger AI models directly on iPhones, potentially using technology from Prism ML. The iPhone 18 Pro Max is expected to see a nearly $300 increase in its bill of materials compared to the iPhone 17 Pro Max.

Deals and Discounts

Several deals are currently available on Apple products. The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is discounted by $140, and M5 MacBook Air models are $150 off. The M5 Pro MacBook Pro is also seeing discounts, with one configuration reduced by $550. Additionally, Air Pods are available at a discount of nearly 25% discounting AirPods. LG's 32-inch Ultra Fine evo 6K Thunderbolt 5 monitor is available for $700 less than its retail price, making it $240 cheaper than Apple's Studio Display. Amazon is also hosting a sale on accessories from brands like Anker, Sonos, and Sony.