Apple News 3 Days

Last updated: July 16, 2026, 5:30 PM ET

iOS 27 and Siri AI Take Center Stage

Apple released public for iOS, allowing users worldwide to experience the latest software updates. This release brings significant advancements in Siri AI, integrating more deeply into the user experience. The update also includes improvements to Apple Music's Auto Mix feature. However, some users note that iOS 27 with changes to how notifications are handled. Despite these shifts, the public beta is now available for installation on compatible iPhones, with guides available on how to. Some older iPhones due to hardware limitations. The iOS 27 public beta also brings new firmware for Air Pods, available for public testers and compatible with Air Pods Pro 2 and Air Pods Pro 3 devices.

Apple's Legal and Security Landscape

Apple is facing a proposed class action lawsuit regarding a flaw in its Hide My Email feature, which seeks a payout without concrete evidence of attacks. In a separate legal development, Apple sued OpenAI over alleged trade secret theft, with former Apple VP Tang Tan at the core of the dispute. OpenAI has attributed its lack of response to Apple's claims to an email mix-up, stating it did reply. Meanwhile, a judge has dismissed a class-action lawsuit accusing Apple of failing to prevent child sexual abuse material from being stored on iCloud and shared. Separately, Apple has won a discovery fight in its DOJ antitrust case, gaining access to documents from 14 federal agencies.

Hardware and Product Updates

Apple is reportedly increasing orders for vapor chamber cooling components, likely for upcoming foldable and 20th-anniversary iPhone models, with factories now ready for the iPhone 20's all-glass design. The company is also rumored to be looking into acquiring AI chip companies to reduce its reliance on Nvidia for AI workloads and high-demand tasks. In smart home news, Apple's 2026 lineup is expected to include a new Apple TV, Home Pod, and a Home Hub, all enhanced by the upcoming Siri AI integration in its operating systems. Apple Care+ for Macs and iPads is seeing a price increase, though Apple Care One is positioned as. Carrier-financed iPhones purchased from Apple will soon be locked to the carrier, ending a workaround for purchasing unlocked phones on payment plans and financing.

Software and Service Expansions

Roblox is integrating AI game creation directly into its mobile app, allowing users to turn written ideas into playable experiences faster. Apple Intelligence has received approval from Chinese regulators, paving the way for its launch on iPhones in the country. Major League Soccer is returning to Apple TV following the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with new Apple Maps guides and Apple Music playlists accompanying the broadcasts and coverage. Apple TV+ has also announced the return of "Where’s Wanda?" with a first look at season two, as well as the trailer and premiere date for the new Ryan Reynolds action-comedy "Mayday" and its cast. The limited series "Lucky," starring Anya Taylor-Joy, is now streaming on Apple TV+. The Peabody and Emmy Award-winning mindfulness series "Stillwater" is also returning for its fifth season.

Deals and Promotions

Apple has launched its annual Back to School promotion in select countries, including China, India, and Malaysia for education discounts. However, other resellers are offering greater discounts than Apple's current promotions for students. Amazon is featuring deals on Air Pods, including Air Pods 4 at their best price in months for $99.00 and ANC models, as well as Air Pods Pro 3 with a $50 price drop. Significant discounts are also available on MacBook Pro models, with some M5 MacBook Air models seeing up to $150 off on Amazon. Apple Watch Series 11 is also on sale, with discounts of up to $130 off on select models. Nomad is celebrating its anniversary with up to 30 percent off sitewide on its products.

AI and App Ecosystem Developments

Popular password manager 1Password has added support for Claude, allowing the AI service to access stored credentials for collaborative tasks. Meta AI can now alert parents when teens discuss self-harm or suicide on Instagram and other platforms. The European Commission has adopted new exemptions to its Batteries Regulation, removing the battery removal requirement for Apple Watch and Air Pods in the EU. WhatsApp is developing an alternative to iCloud backups for iPhone users, offering first-party cloud storage for chat data. Opera has seen significant growth in its iOS browser user base in the US and UK, with monthly active users growing 93% in the UK and 50% in the US. Suno now allows iPhone users to generate songs directly within the Messages app using text or voice prompts and commands.

Other Notable News

Apple is expected to release a new entry-level iPad, though its launch date has been delayed from earlier estimates. The upcoming OLED iPad mini is reportedly using a 60Hz 8.4-inch display panel with specific specs. Apple has updated its website with a list of products eligible for upcoming sales tax holidays in select U.S. states for savings. Apple has also begun selling refurbished iPad mini models with the A17 Pro chip at a discount in the U.S. and Canada online. TSMC, a key Apple chip supplier, has pledged an additional $100 billion for U.S. chip plants, bringing its total commitment to $265 billion in investments. Apple is also reportedly exploring acquisitions of AI chip companies to diversify its supply chain and reduce reliance. Apple is also reportedly looking to acquire AI chip companies as part of an effort to reduce its dependence on Nvidia for demanding AI workloads, according to The Information.

Industry and Competitor Watch

One Plus is reportedly exiting the U.S. and European smartphone markets as part of a broader restructuring at its parent company, Oppo and its divisions. OpenAI's first hardware product is expected to be a portable smart speaker without a display, potentially competing with devices like Air Pods Ultra and others. In the gaming world, Madden NFL 27 Arcade Edition is set to return to Mac for the first time in 19 years, launching on Apple Arcade in August. Apple is also reportedly facing questions from Brazil regarding betting apps accessible to minors on its platform and its policies. The LEGO Group is considering a Bondi Blue iMac G3 set for its "Ideas" platform and fan submissions.