Apple News 3 Days

Last updated: July 17, 2026, 2:30 AM ET

Apple Software Updates and Betas

Apple released iOS this week, featuring new Siri and Apple Intelligence capabilities. Users can now test the latest mac OS 27 Golden Gate public beta, which includes updated Siri features and a new transcript editor in apps like MacWhisper 14. Air Pods also received a public beta firmware update, available for Air Pods Pro 2 and Air Pods Pro 3 models. Some iPhones may not be compatible with all iOS 27 features, and the update introduces significant changes to the Notification Center. mac OS 27 Golden Gate public beta is now available for testers to explore features like Siri and updated system functionalities.

New Hardware and Refurbished Offerings

Apple has added refurbished iPad mini models with the A17 Pro chip to its online store in the U.S. and Canada at a discount. Amazon continues to offer deals on MacBook Pro models, with savings up to $500, though prices have increased post-Apple's recent hikes. Apple is reportedly increasing orders for vapor chamber cooling components, speculated to be for upcoming foldable iPhone and 20th-anniversary iPhone models. The European Commission has formally ordered Google to provide rival AI apps with the same Android access as Gemini ordered Google. Apple chip supplier TSMC has pledged an additional $100 billion for U.S. chip plants, bringing its total commitment to $265 billion.

Apple Services and Sales Promotions

Apple's annual Back to School promotion has launched in select countries, including China, India, and Malaysia. The company has also updated its website to list products eligible for upcoming sales tax holidays in 10 U.S. states listed eligible. Apple has shared a new Advertising Services policy that prohibits certain ad categories within the Maps app. A loophole for purchasing unlocked iPhones on carrier financing plans through Apple has been closed, with carrier-financed iPhones now locking to the respective carrier closes loophole. Apple Care+ for Macs and iPads has seen a price increase for some subscription plans, making Apple Care One a more attractive bundled warranty option.

Apple Intelligence and AI Developments

Apple Intelligence has received approval from Chinese regulators, paving the way for its launch in the country. Password management app 1Password has added Claude support, allowing the AI service to access stored credentials. Roblox is integrating AI game creation tools into its mobile app, simplifying the process of turning ideas into playable experiences on iPhone. OpenAI has responded to Apple's trade secret theft claims, attributing the lack of response to an email mix-up. OpenAI's first hardware product is reportedly a portable smart speaker without a display. Prism ML has confirmed it is in talks with Apple regarding its AI model-shrinking technology and has released its Bonsai 27B model, claiming it is the first major AI model of its size suitable for iPhones.

Apple TV+ and Content Updates

Apple TV+ has announced the return of its Peabody and Emmy Award-winning series Stillwater for its fifth season. The streaming service also revealed the first look and return date for season two of the German dark comedy Where’s Wanda? reveals first. Major League Soccer is returning to Apple TV+ tomorrow, following the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Additionally, Apple TV+ is releasing its new limited series Lucky, starring Anya Taylor-Joy, and the first trailer for the Ryan Reynolds and Kenneth Branagh action-comedy Mayday has been released.

iPhone and iPad Developments

Apple is reportedly preparing for the "iPhone 20" with an all-glass design, as supply chain facilities have completed renovations ahead of production factories ready. The upcoming OLED iPad mini is rumored to feature a 60Hz.4-inch display panel. Apple grew iPhone shipments in China by 24.4 percent year-over-year in Q2 2026, making it the fastest-growing smartphone brand in a declining market. Apple's new 36-month cellular iPad financing plan is available, though discounts may be found elsewhere.

Accessories and Third-Party Deals

Amazon is offering a $150 discount on select M5 MacBook Air models. Air Pods Pro 3 are available with a $50 price drop, and Air Pods 4 with ANC are at a low price. Nomad is celebrating its anniversary with up to 30% off sitewide. Satechi's new color-matched MacBook Neo accessories add ports and extra functionality. Apple Watch Series 11 models are seeing discounts of up to $130. Other deals include Air Pods with ANC from $119 and various Apple Watch bands AirPods deals.

Legal and Regulatory Matters

A proposed class action lawsuit against Apple's Hide My Email feature seeks a payout without alleging any attacks or exploitation of the vulnerability. Apple has defeated a proposed class-action lawsuit accusing it of failing to prevent child sexual abuse material from being stored and shared on iCloud wins lawsuit. Apple has responded to Epic's arguments against pausing their case, stating Epic's points are incorrect. Brazil has raised new questions for Apple regarding betting apps accessible to minors. A safety regulator has stated that tech giants, including Apple, need to increase efforts to combat sextortion. The European Commission has adopted new exemptions to its Batteries Regulation, removing the battery removal requirement for Apple Watch and AirPods.

Other Tech and Industry News

One Plus is reportedly exiting the U.S. and European smartphone markets as part of a restructuring at parent company Oppo. Suno now allows iPhone users to generate songs directly within the iMessage app using text or voice prompts. WhatsApp is developing an alternative to iCloud for chat backups on iPhone. Meta AI can now alert parents if their teens discuss self-harm with its AI on Instagram. The Signal Ring device measures blood pressure and provides alerts, unlike Apple Watch models that only generate alerts. Opera's iOS browser has seen significant growth in monthly active users in the UK and US during Q2 2026. Madden NFL 27 Arcade Edition marks the return of the football franchise to Mac after 19 years, launching on Apple Arcade. Canva Code 2.0, an AI-powered platform, now offers visual editing, HTML imports, and real-time collaboration for building websites and apps.