Apple News 3 Days

Last updated: July 17, 2026, 8:30 AM ET

Apple Faces Legal Scrutiny and AI Competition

Apple has reportedly to dozens of former employees now working at OpenAI, warning them to preserve relevant documents and communications as its legal battle with the AI company escalates. The tech giant is also reportedly pursuing former staffers for allegedly deleting data that could be used in the brewing legal dispute over OpenAI's alleged theft of proprietary information. Meanwhile, Apple is actively looking to acquire AI chip companies to reduce its reliance on Nvidia for AI workloads according to The Information. Prism ML has also confirmed it is in talks with Apple regarding its AI model-shrinking technology, and has released its Bonsai 27B model, which it claims can run on iPhones as reported by 9to5Mac. In a related development, the EU has ordered Google to provide rival AI apps the same Android access as its own Gemini.

Product Updates and New Releases

Apple has of mac OS 27 Golden Gate, making the new operating system available for testing before its fall release. The company has also updated its website listing products eligible for upcoming 2026 sales tax holidays in 10 U.S. states. In the smart home space, Apple is reportedly preparing new hardware including an Apple TV, Home Pod, and a Home Hub. Apple TV for Android has received an update adding homescreen widgets, while Apple Music for Android now supports WhatsApp sharing. The Apple TV streaming service has also of Major League Soccer following the 2026 FIFA World Cup and is set to premiere new seasons of "Where’s Wanda?" and "Stillwater," alongside the new limited series "Lucky" starring Anya Taylor-Joy and the Ryan Reynolds action-comedy "Mayday."

Pricing and Service Adjustments

Apple Care+ for Macs and iPads has with increased subscription plan prices. However, Apple Care One is now presented as an even better value bundle for customers. Apple has also launched its annual Back to School promotion in select Asian countries, though other resellers are offering greater discounts. Carrier-financed iPhones purchased from Apple will soon be locked to the carrier, ending a workaround that allowed customers to purchase unlocked iPhones on payment plans.

Hardware Rumors and Speculation

Apple is reportedly for vapor chamber cooling components, potentially for its upcoming foldable iPhone and 20th-anniversary iPhone models. The 20th-anniversary iPhone is anticipated to feature an "all-glass" design. There are also rumors of an upcoming OLED iPad mini with an 8.4-inch 60Hz display panel. Meanwhile, Apple chip supplier TSMC has for its U.S. chip investments, bringing its total commitment to $265 billion.

Software Enhancements and Features

iOS 27 is introducing a significant change to the Notification Center, a feature that has been a staple since iOS. The public beta of iOS 27 is now available, showcasing new Siri and Apple Intelligence features, alongside other enhancements. Air Pods are also receiving new features in a public beta, with a long-requested addition now available. The Apple TV app for Android has, and Apple Music for Android now includes WhatsApp sharing.

Third-Party Integrations and App Updates

Popular password manager 1Password has, allowing the AI service to access stored credentials. Suno now enables iPhone users to generate songs directly within iMessage using text or voice prompts as detailed by 9to5Mac. Roblox is integrating AI game creation into its mobile app, making it easier for users to turn written ideas into playable experiences without needing Roblox Studio.

Legal and Regulatory Matters

A proposed class action lawsuit has been filed against Apple concerning its Hide My Email feature, seeking payouts without alleging evidence of attacks or misuse of the vulnerability according to Apple Insider. Apple has also accusing it of failing to prevent child sexual abuse material from being stored and shared on iCloud. The company is facing renewed scrutiny from Brazil regarding betting apps accessible to minors. In a separate legal victory, Apple has in its DOJ antitrust case, securing access to documents from 14 federal agencies.

Deals and Discounts

Amazon is offering significant discounts on Apple products including up to $150 off M5 MacBook Air models and deals on Air Pods 4 at $99.00. Air Pods Pro 3 are also seeing a $50 price drop. The Apple Watch Series 11 is available with up to $130 off, and M5 MacBook Pro models are seeing price drops as well. Nomad is holding an anniversary sale with up to 30% off sitewide.

Other Tech News

The European Commission has adopted new exemptions to its Batteries Regulation for Apple Watch and Air Pods. One Plus is reportedly exiting the U.S. and European smartphone markets as part of a restructuring according to Bloomberg. Meta AI can now alert parents when their teens discuss self-harm on Instagram. Signal Ring offers blood pressure readings, unlike Apple Watch which only generates alerts for possible hypertension. Windows games are reportedly running better than ever on Macs.