Apple News 3 Days

Last updated: July 13, 2026, 5:30 AM ET

iOS 27 and Software Updates

The first public betas of iOS, mac OS Golden Gate, and more are reportedly releasing this week. iOS 27 is bringing significant enhancements to the Mail app, including improved search functionality and new AI features MacRumors. The Messages app is also receiving under-the-hood revamps 9to5Mac, while the Apple Watch will lose its Walkie-Talkie app with the watch OS 27 update in favor of push-to-talk functionality 9to5Mac. Discussions are also ongoing about the new Siri experience on Apple Watch and iOS 27 features 9to5Mac. The iPad OS 27 is expected to address multitasking, with a desire for simpler user interactions 9to5Mac.

Apple Hardware: iPhones and iPads

Component costs for the iPhone 18 Pro Max could compared to the iPhone 17 Pro Max. Apple has reportedly for the standard iPhone 17 due to increasing hardware costs. Rumors persist about the potential "iPhone Ultra" and a foldable iPhone, though availability remains uncertain MacRumors. Battery capacity for the iPhone Fold is also rumored to be less than anticipated. In other news, iPhones sold in the EU will not feature removable back panels for battery replacement in 2027. An iPad was instrumental in the arrest of an accused bank robber, and multiple iPads were stolen from an elementary school.

Apple Silicon and AI Focus

The M6 era of Apple's chips is expected to be short, lasting only six months as Apple shifts focus to an AI-centric M7 chip. The power behind Apple's upcoming M7 and M8 processors is believed to have originated from its past Apple Car research, promising enhanced artificial intelligence performance. Apple is among eight U.S. companies now permitted to and data center equipment into the UAE without requiring individual export licenses, easing restrictions on AI chip access. In the smartwatch market, Apple Watch accounts for approximately 90% of all Edge AI-capable smartwatch shipments in the first quarter of 2026 MacRumors.

Apple Watch and Accessories

The Apple Watch Series 11 is currently available on Amazon for $299, a $100 discount off its regular price, with similar deals on larger and premium models. Discussions are also happening regarding an enhanced Siri experience on the Apple Watch and desired feature enhancements 9to5Mac. The LNDU HK01W smart lock brings Apple Home Key and Wi-Fi support to a budget-friendly option, allowing users to use their iPhone or Apple Watch to unlock their doors 9to5Mac. Air Pods Pro 3 have hit a new low price of $199.99 on Amazon MacRumors, with other deals including Air Pods, Apple Watch Ultra 3 at $140 off, and M5 MacBook Airs 9to5Mac.

Apple Retail and Business

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 MacRumors. Two Apple retail stores in the U.S. are scheduled to relocate to new spaces later this month MacRumors. Apple may have secured an exemption from 100% semiconductor tariffs due to a potential supply deal with Intel.

Other Apple and Tech News

The M1 MacBook Air is noted for having the longest usable lifespan of any Apple laptop to date 9to5Mac. Apple Card is celebrating its seventh anniversary, with its move to JP Morgan Chase marking its first major change. EU regulations may necessitate an upgrade to Apple Pencil models with easier-to-replace batteries by early 2027, potentially coinciding with the iPad Pro with M6 release. In broader tech news, Meta has removed a feature that allowed users to generate AI images from public Instagram posts 9to5Mac. Spotify is enhancing its Release Radar with new listening filters for more customizable music recommendations Spotify. Netflix is reportedly among companies showing interest in acquiring the popular movie tracking app Letterboxd Puck. The standalone desktop browser Chat GPT Atlas is being discontinued by OpenAI 9to5Mac.