Apple News 3 Days

Last updated: July 12, 2026, 11:30 PM ET

iOS 27 and Software Updates

Apple is reportedly gearing up to release the of iOS, mac OS Golden Gate, and other operating systems this week. The iOS 27 update is expected to bring significant enhancements to the Mail app, including improved search functionality and. The Messages app is also slated for a revamp, with Apple reportedly making substantial under-the-hood changes to the messaging experience. Additionally, iOS 27 may integrate gym equipment connectivity, similar to the Apple Watch's Gym Kit feature, allowing iPhones and AirPods to. The iPad OS 27 is still in need of simpler multitasking, building upon last year's windowing introduction.

Apple Silicon and Future Chips

The era of Apple's M6 chips is expected to be short-lived, with the company reportedly pushing for an AI-focused M7 chip within a six-month timeframe. The development of these advanced M7 and M8 processors is said to have stemmed from Apple's research into the Apple Car project, with the fruits of that labor now evident in enhanced AI performance. The M7 Ultra chip may boast up to 1.5TB of RAM, matching the capacity of the. In other chip news, Apple may have secured a tariff exemption for semiconductors due to a potential deal to contract Intel for chip production.

iPhone and Device Rumors

Demand forecasts for the standard iPhone 17 have been significantly lowered by Apple due to rising hardware costs. Meanwhile, component costs for the iPhone 18 Pro Max are projected to increase by nearly $300. Rumors surrounding the potential "iPhone Ultra" and a foldable "iPhone Fold" continue to circulate, with questions about their release timelines and production quantities. Battery capacity for the iPhone Fold is also rumored to be less than initially expected. In a separate note, iPhones sold in the EU will not feature a removable back panel for battery replacement in 2027.

Apple Watch and Wearables

The Apple Watch is dominating the Edge AI-capable smartwatch market, accounting for approximately 90% of shipments in the first quarter of 2026. The Walkie-Talkie app will be removed in the watch OS 27 update, transitioning to a push-to-talk functionality. Amazon is offering deals on the Apple Watch Series, bringing it down to $299, a $100 discount from its regular price. The Air Pods Pro 3 are also available at their best price since Prime Day, retailing for $199..

Apple Services and Retail

Apple Stores are expanding their use of "Tap to Pay on iPhone," a system that allows merchants to accept contactless payments using their iPhones. Two Apple retail stores in the U.S. are set to relocate to new, nearby locations later this month. The Apple Card is celebrating its seventh anniversary, with its move to JP Morgan Chase marking its first major change.

Third-Party Accessories and Apps

The SANDISK Phone Drive is presented as a solution for iPhones experiencing. For smart home enthusiasts, the LNDU HK01W lock is highlighted for its budget-friendly Apple Home Key and Wi-Fi support. In the indie app space, "Route 25" is showcased as an all-in-one social app for.

Industry Trends and Competitors

Meta has removed a feature that allowed users to generate AI images from public Instagram posts, following a controversial rollout. OpenAI is discontinuing its dedicated web browser, Chat GPT Atlas, focusing instead on other AI initiatives. Spotify is enhancing its Release Radar feature with new listening filters for more. Netflix is reportedly among several companies showing interest in acquiring Letterboxd, a popular movie tracking and social media app. Anthropic is highlighting Claude Code's in-app browser capabilities for desktop users.