Apple News 3 Days

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

Apple's AI and Chip Development Accelerates

Apple's next-generation M7 and M8 chips will reportedly draw significantly from research initially intended for the Apple Car project, focusing on enhanced artificial intelligence performance. This M7 era is expected to be brief, with the M6 chip's lifespan lasting only about six months before Apple shifts its focus to the AI-centric M7 processors. The M7 Ultra model could feature as much as 1.5TB of RAM, a capacity that would finally match the 2019 Mac Pro. Meanwhile, the U.S. is easing restrictions on Apple's access to advanced computing chips and data center equipment in the UAE, allowing the company to import these items without individual export licenses.

iOS 27 and Software Updates on the Horizon

The first public betas for iOS, and mac OS Golden Gate are reportedly arriving this week. iOS 27 is set to bring notable updates to the Mail app, including major search enhancements and new AI features. The Messages app is also undergoing a significant overhaul in iOS, with a revamped experience under the hood. Additionally, iOS 27 will introduce over eight new Car Play features aimed at improving the in-car experience. Users can also expect changes in the iOS 27 beta, along with details on Siri AI for Apple Watch and mac OS Golden Gate features. iPad OS 27 is also expected to address multitasking, with a focus on simplifying the user experience.

Hardware Rumors and Product Updates

Speculation continues regarding a potential "iPhone Ultra" and its availability, with Apple's annual iPhone event two months away. The bill of materials for the iPhone 18 Pro Max may increase by nearly $300 compared to the iPhone 17 Pro. Reports also suggest that Apple has significantly lowered its demand forecast for the standard iPhone 17 due to rising hardware costs. Concerns persist about the iPhone Fold, with rumors indicating its battery capacity might be less than anticipated. The Apple Pencil may receive upgrades in early 2027, potentially driven by EU regulations requiring easier-to-replace batteries.

Apple Retail and Services

Apple Stores are expanding their use of "Tap to Pay on iPhone," a system that enables merchants to accept contactless payments directly on their iPhones. Two U.S. Apple retail stores are scheduled to relocate this month to new, nearby locations stores in the U.S. will be relocating. Apple Card is marking its seventh anniversary, with its recent move to JP Morgan Chase representing a significant change for the service. Apple TV+ will be taking over Hall H at San Diego Comic-Con for the first time to showcase titles like "Widow's Bay" and "Silo". The August schedule for "Friday Night Baseball" on Apple TV has also been announced.

Deals and Accessory Market

Air Pods Pro 3 are currently available at their best price since Prime Day, listed at $199.99 AirPods Pro. Other Apple deals include discounts on the Apple Watch Ultra, M5 MacBook Air, and M5 Pro MacBook Pro. Sandisk's Phone Drive for iPhone is presented as a solution for low storage capacity on iPhones. The LNDU HK01W smart lock is highlighted for its budget-friendly price and support for Apple Home Key and Wi-Fi.

Smartwatch and AI Integration

Apple Watch accounted for approximately 90% of all Edge AI-capable smartwatch shipments in the first quarter of 2026, according to Counterpoint Research data. iOS 27 is poised to integrate iPhone and Air Pods with gym equipment through a feature akin to Apple Watch's Gym Kit, allowing for heart rate sharing and data exchange with compatible machines. The Walkie-Talkie app on Apple Watch will be discontinued with the watch OS 27 software update.

Industry Trends and Competitor News

Meta has removed a feature that allowed users to generate AI images from public Instagram posts. Anthropic is updating its AI assistant, Claude, with a new "Reflect" feature, similar to Spotify Wrapped, to track user engagement updating Claude with. Anthropic is also highlighting Claude Code's in-app browser on the desktop for AI-powered browsing capabilities. Netflix is reportedly exploring live TV and content bundles to address engagement declines, despite potential integration with the Apple TV app. Letterboxd, a movie tracking and social media app, is reportedly exploring a sale, with Netflix among interested companies exploring a sale. Spotify has introduced updates to its Release Radar feature, offering more customizable listening filters. Strava users will now find an "Events" tab for discovering local races and group activities.

Security and Developer Updates

Apple has added new age rating questions to App Store Connect for apps featuring social media functionalities. The 9to5Mac Security Bite discusses the slow adoption of passkeys as a replacement for traditional passwords. OpenAI is discontinuing its dedicated web browser, Chat GPT Atlas, to focus on other investments pulling the plug on.