Apple News 3 Days

Last updated: July 12, 2026, 5:30 PM ET

Apple Hardware Deals and Rumors

Amazon is offering the 42mm Apple Watch Series 11 for $299, a $100 discount from its usual price. The sale also includes deals on larger 46mm models. Separately, the Air Pods Pro 3 are available for $199.99, marking their best price since Prime Day. The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is also available for $140 off, and the M5 MacBook Air has a $150 discount. The M5 Pro MacBook Pro is seeing a $450 price reduction this week.

Rumors suggest the M6 chip era will be short-lived, lasting only six months before Apple transitions to the AI-focused M7 processor. The development of Apple's M7 and M8 chips is reportedly rooted in its past Apple Car research, influencing their artificial intelligence performance. The M7 Ultra chip may feature up to 1.5TB of RAM, matching the capacity of the 2019 Mac Pro. Component costs for the iPhone 18 Pro Max are projected to increase by nearly $300 compared to the iPhone 17 Pro MacRumors reported. Apple has also reportedly lowered demand forecasts for the standard iPhone 17 due to rising hardware costs according to a Chinese leaker.

Software Updates and Features

The first public betas for iOS, mac OS Golden Gate, and other operating systems are expected this week according to a report. iOS 27 is bringing significant updates to the Mail app, enhancing search functionality and introducing new AI features MacRumors noted. Messages in iOS 27 has also undergone a revamp with under-the-hood changes 9to5Mac detailed. New Car Play features are also arriving in iOS, aiming to improve the in-car experience as outlined by MacRumors. The watch OS 27 update will see the removal of the Walkie-Talkie app, prompting discussion about whether users will miss the push-to-talk functionality 9to5Mac asked. Apple is also expanding the use of its "Tap to Pay on iPhone" feature in Apple Stores, a system that allows merchants to accept contactless payments MacRumors reported.

Industry Trends and Business

Apple accounted for approximately 90% of all Edge AI-capable smartwatch shipments in the first quarter of 2026, according to new data from Counterpoint Research MacRumors stated. US regulations may require Apple to release upgraded Apple Pencil models with easier-to-replace batteries by early 2027, potentially in time for the iPad Pro with M6 AppleInsider suggested. The US has eased restrictions on Apple's access to advanced computing chips and data center equipment in the UAE, allowing the company to import these technologies without individual export licenses 9to5Mac reported. Apple may have secured an exemption from 100% semiconductor tariffs by agreeing to a supply deal with Intel for chip production AppleInsider claimed.

In other tech news, Meta has removed a feature that allowed users to generate AI images from public Instagram posts 9to5Mac noted. Anthropic is highlighting Claude Code's in-app browser on the desktop 9to5Mac reported. Spotify is making its Release Radar more customizable with new listening filters according to the company. Netflix is reportedly exploring a sale of its popular movie tracking and social media app, Letterboxd Puck reported. Netflix is also reportedly considering live TV and bundles to boost engagement, with Apple TV app integration being a potential avenue 9to5Mac suggested. OpenAI is discontinuing its dedicated web browser, Chat GPT Atlas 9to5Mac stated.

Apple Ecosystem and Services

Apple Watch is losing its Walkie-Talkie app in the fall's watch OS 27 software update. The company is also introducing new age rating questions to App Store Connect for apps with social media features 9to5Mac announced. Apple TV is taking over Hall H at San Diego Comic-Con for the first time, featuring content from "Widow's Bay," "Silo," and more MacRumors reported. The August schedule for "Friday Night Baseball" on Apple TV+ has been announced AppleInsider stated. The LNDU HK01W smart lock brings Apple Home Key and Wi-Fi support to a budget-friendly option 9to5Mac reviewed. The iVANKY Fusion Dock Ultra is a Thunderbolt 5 dock designed for Mac workflows 9to5Mac tested. LG's 32-inch Ultra Fine evo 6K Thunderbolt 5 monitor is available for $700 off, making it cheaper than the Apple Studio Display AppleInsider noted. The Apple Card is celebrating its seventh anniversary, with its move to JP Morgan Chase marking its first major change AppleInsider reported.

Miscellaneous

A stolen iPad led to the arrest of an accused bank robber, and dozens of iPads were stolen from an elementary school AppleInsider reported. The SANDISK Phone Drive for iPhone is presented as a solution for low storage issues 9to5Mac reviewed. Despite internet rumors, iPhones sold in the European Union will not feature removable back panels for battery replacement in 2027 AppleInsider clarified. The iPhone Fold's battery capacity is rumored to be less than expected, according to a leaker AppleInsider reported. The M1 MacBook Air has the longest usable lifespan of any Apple laptop in history 9to5Mac stated. Two Apple retail stores in the US are relocating to new, nearby locations later this month MacRumors reported.