Apple News 3 Days

Last updated: July 12, 2026, 2:30 AM ET

iOS 27 and iPad OS Updates

Apple's upcoming iOS 27 is set to bring significant improvements to the Mail app, with a revamped search function and new AI features announced. The Messages app also receives under-the-hood changes, promising a completely revamped experience detailed. Furthermore, iOS 27 will integrate Gym Kit functionality into iPhones and Air Pods, effectively turning them into Apple Watch equivalents for gym equipment interaction suggested. Car Play is also getting an upgrade with 8 new features designed to enhance the in-car user experience revealed. For iPad users, there's a call for simpler multitasking in iPad OS, with suggestions for improvements to the platform's windowing capabilities made. Apple has also stopped signing older iOS versions for legacy devices like the iPhone 5c and iPad Mini, limiting the ability to restore or downgrade affected models noted.

iPhone and Hardware Rumors

Rumors continue to swirl around the potential "iPhone Ultra," with questions surrounding its release timing and production volume emerging. Component costs for the iPhone 18 Pro Max could increase by nearly $300, impacting its bill of materials projected. Apple has reportedly lowered its demand forecast for the standard iPhone 17 due to rising hardware costs claimed. The possibility of an iPhone Fold is also being discussed, with recent rumors suggesting its battery may have less capacity than anticipated reported. In other hardware news, Apple may have secured a 100% tariff exemption on semiconductors through a supply deal with Intel suggested.

Apple Watch and Wearables

The Apple Watch has captured a significant share of the smartwatch market, accounting for approximately 90% of all Edge AI-capable smartwatch shipments in the first quarter of 2026 according to Counterpoint Research. The upcoming watch OS 27 update will remove the Walkie-Talkie app, replacing it with a push-to-talk functionality confirmed. In smart home news, the LNDU HK01W smart lock now supports Apple Home Key and Wi-Fi connectivity at a budget-friendly price point featured.

Apple's AI Initiatives and Software

Apple is reportedly exploring collaborations with Prism ML to integrate larger AI models directly onto iPhones according to The Information. Separately, a US class action lawsuit concerning Siri has resulted in Apple agreeing to pay $250 million to owners of specific iPhone models settled. Meta has removed a feature that allowed users to generate AI images from public Instagram posts disclosed. Meanwhile, Anthropic is highlighting Claude Code's in-app browser on the desktop announced and introducing a "Reflect" feature to track user activity updated. Duck Duck Go's browser now blocks most YouTube ads on iPhones and Macs by default implemented.

Apple TV and Content

Apple TV is expanding its presence at San Diego Comic-Con, taking over Hall H for the first time to preview shows like "Widow's Bay" and "Silo" announced. The streaming service has also revealed the August schedule for "Friday Night Baseball" published and released the first trailer for "There’s No Place Like Home, Snoopy" shared. Netflix is reportedly considering live TV and content bundles to boost engagement, with the Apple TV app integration being a potential avenue noted.

Deals and Retail

Several deals on Apple products are currently available, including discounts on Air Pods, Apple Watch Ultra 3 models, and M5 MacBook Air and Pro configurations listed. LG's 32-inch Ultra Fine evo 6K Thunderbolt 5 monitor is available with a $700 discount, making it cheaper than Apple's Studio Display offered. Two Apple retail stores in the US are scheduled to relocate later this month reported.

Manufacturing and Global Operations

India is becoming more attractive for iPhone manufacturing due to import duty cuts on key smartphone components, which lowers assembly costs stated. Apple is among eight US companies now permitted to bring advanced-computing chips and servers into the UAE without individual export licenses, easing restrictions on AI chips and data center equipment allowed. Separately, reports indicate that iPhones sold in the European Union will not feature removable back panels for battery replacement in 2027 clarified.

App Ecosystem and Developer News

Apple has updated App Store Connect to include new age rating questions for apps with social media features added. Indie app "Route," a social app for Pokémon collectors, is highlighted as an example of an emerging indie application featured. Memory price fluctuations are viewed as potentially beneficial for Apple, despite being detrimental to Android brands observed. Luxshare, a significant Apple supplier, saw its share listing reach a new record before retracting noted.

Accessories and Workflow

The SANDISK Phone Drive is presented as a solution for iPhones with low storage capacity recommended. For Mac users, the iVANKY Fusion Dock Ultra is highlighted as a Thunderbolt 5 dock designed for professional workflows reviewed. The M1 MacBook Air is recognized for having the longest usable lifespan of any Apple laptop to date stated.

Third-Party App Updates and News

Spotify has introduced new listening filters to enhance the customizability of its Release Radar feature announced. Strava users will now find an Events tab for discovering local races and group activities launched. TV Time users can now migrate their data to Just Watch ahead of the former's shutdown facilitated. Letterboxd, a movie tracking and social media app, is reportedly exploring a sale with Netflix showing interest reported. OpenAI is discontinuing its Chat GPT Atlas desktop browser announced.