Apple News 3 Days

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

iPhone and Mac Rumors Heat Up

Speculation is mounting regarding Apple's next-generation iPhones, with whispers of an "iPhone Ultra" and potential production issues surfacing. The bill of materials for the iPhone 18 Pro Max may increase by nearly $300 compared to its predecessor. Meanwhile, Apple has reportedly slashed its demand forecast for the standard iPhone 17 due to rising hardware costs. In other hardware news, the M1 MacBook Air is claimed to have the longest usable lifespan of any Apple laptop to date. The M5 MacBook Air and M5 Pro MacBook Pro are also seeing notable discounts at some retailers.

iOS 27 and Software Updates Emerge

iOS 27 is set to bring significant enhancements to the Mail app, focusing on improved search functionality and new AI features as detailed in a roundup. Messages are also receiving a revamped experience under the hood in iOS, despite initial appearances suggesting otherwise. Beyond the iPhone, Apple Watch is losing its Walkie-Talkie app in the upcoming watch OS 27 update, replaced by a push-to-talk function raising questions. The Mail app will also benefit from expanded language support in iOS, adding nine new languages and accents to Apple Translate according to an announcement. Furthermore, iOS 27 will introduce new features for Car Play, aiming to enhance the in-car experience. Older Apple devices, including the iPhone 5c and iPad Mini, will no longer be able to restore to specific iOS versions as Apple has stopped signing them. mac OS 28 is slated to drop support for encrypted Mac OS Extended drives next year as warned in a support document.

Apple TV+ and Entertainment News

Apple TV+ is making a significant mark at San Diego Comic-Con, taking over Hall H for the first time to host panels and previews. The service has also announced the August schedule for "Friday Night Baseball" as released by the league. In a notable achievement, Apple TV+ has secured a record 89 nominations for the upcoming Emmy Awards according to the Academy. The service has also released the first trailer for "There’s No Place Like Home, Snoopy". Separately, Netflix is reportedly exploring live TV and bundles as a way to increase engagement, with Apple TV app integration being a potential avenue according to a new report.

Smart Home and Accessories Updates

The LNDU HK01W smart lock is bringing Apple Home Key and Wi-Fi support to a more budget-friendly option. Meanwhile, a review of the Govee 21-inch Smart Ceiling Light Ultra notes its decent design but limited Apple ecosystem functionality according to the assessment. The Apolosign 32-inch Smart Portable TV, while interesting, is described as a hard sell for Apple owners due to a significant omission in its feature set. In accessory deals, there are significant discounts on Air Pods, Apple Watch Ultra, Mag Safe chargers, and more. A 32-inch LG Ultra Fine 6K Thunderbolt 5 monitor is also available at a $700 discount, making it cheaper than the Apple Studio Display.

AI, Chips, and Regulatory Matters

Apple is reportedly exploring methods to run larger AI models directly on iPhones, having held discussions with Prism ML about their technology as reported by The Information. Apple has also been granted an exemption from 100% semiconductor tariffs, potentially influenced by a supply deal with Intel. The company is among eight U.S. firms now permitted to bring advanced computing chips and servers into the UAE without individual export licenses. Apple's testing of RAM from CXMT, a supplier blacklisted by the U.S. government, is seen as a temporary measure to address RAM pricing issues rather than a long-term solution.

App Store, Services, and Industry Shifts

Apple is introducing new age rating questions within App Store Connect for apps featuring social media functionalities as announced by the company. The Apple Card is marking its seventh anniversary, facing its first major change with a move to JP Morgan Chase according to a report. In the smart device sector, Apple Watch accounts for approximately 90% of all Edge AI-capable smartwatch shipments in the first quarter of 2026. Memory price increases are presenting challenges for Android brands but could potentially benefit Apple as noted in market analysis. Meanwhile, Meta has removed a feature that allowed users to generate AI images from public Instagram posts following its introduction. Nintendo is ending service for its Mario Kart Tour mobile game on iOS as announced by the company.