Apple News 3 Days

Last updated: July 17, 2026, 5:30 PM ET

iOS 27 and Software Updates

Apple has released the public beta for iOS, bringing a host of new features and changes to iPhones and iPads. Users can now explore new Siri and Apple Intelligence capabilities, with one significant alteration being the introduction of an all-new app to the iPhone's Home Screen. This update also impacts long-standing user habits, as iOS 27 makes a major change to the Notification Center, which has been a consistent feature since iOS 5 in 2011. For those who prefer to revert, instructions are available on how to downgrade from the iOS 27 Beta to iOS 26. Additionally, mac OS 27 Golden Gate public beta is now available for testing. Car Play users can also benefit from several new changes in the iOS 27 public beta. A new iPhone recovery screen has also been introduced since iOS, allowing devices to boot into Recovery Assistant without a Mac or PC. Public betas for iOS 27 and iPad OS 27 are now available for broader testing. Recent updates also include homescreen widgets for Apple TV and Apple Music on Android, with Apple Music also gaining WhatsApp sharing capabilities.

Apple's Business and Legal Landscape

Apple has regained its position as the world's most valuable publicly traded company, surpassing Nvidia. The company is facing potential settlement discussions with the US Justice Department regarding its 2024 antitrust suit concerning the iPhone. In Japan, Apple has implemented price increases for iPhone models, following similar hikes on Macs and iPads globally last month. Apple has also raised iCloud+ prices in eight countries, including Japan, Nigeria, and New Zealand. The company's chip supplier, TSMC, has pledged an additional $100 billion for US chip plants, bringing its total commitment to $265 billion. Apple has also been ordered by the European Commission to grant rival AI services the same Android access as its own Gemini. A lawsuit has been filed against Apple and Google demanding the removal of 13 AI "face-swap" apps capable of generating nonconsensual nude images. Apple has also shared a new Advertising Services policy that outlines prohibited ad categories for the Maps app.

Apple Services and Subscriptions

Apple One continues to offer substantial savings despite recent price increases for Apple Music and two Apple One tiers. Apple Care+ subscription plans for Macs and iPads are also seeing price increases, making the Apple Care One bundle a more attractive value proposition. Apple's 36-month cellular iPad financing plan is available, though potential savings may be found with other retailers. In terms of promotions, Apple's annual Back to School promotion has launched in select Asian countries, including China and India. However, other resellers are offering greater discounts than Apple's current Back to School deals.

New Hardware and Product Rumors

Apple is reportedly increasing its orders for vapor chamber cooling components, potentially for its upcoming foldable iPhone and 20th-anniversary iPhone models. The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are expected in two months, with design similarities to the iPhone 17 Pro models but featuring 12 new features. Apple is also reportedly looking to acquire AI chip companies to lessen its reliance on Nvidia for AI workloads. The entry-level iPad, previously rumored for release this year, may no longer be on track. Apple has added the iPad mini with the A17 Pro chip to its refurbished store in the US and Canada. The Apple Watch Series 12 is rumored to include four new features this fall.

App and Service Developments

OpenAI has updated its Chat GPT app for Mac to improve chat accessibility. The company is also reportedly developing a portable smart speaker as its first AI hardware product. Apple's Car Keys feature is expected to support TANK SUVs from Great Wall Motor. WhatsApp is rolling out a new username feature, with some users already able to reserve their usernames. WhatsApp is also enabling in-call controls for Voice Isolation and Wide Spectrum on iPhone. Apple's Hide My Email feature, while easy to bypass to find an email address, is not considered a significant concern for its intended use as a spam filter. A proposed class action lawsuit seeks payouts related to the Hide My Email vulnerability without alleging actual attacks.

Content and Entertainment

Apple TV has released the first trailer for its docuseries ‘The Dynasty: UConn Huskies,’ set to debut next month. The service also announced the return of Major League Soccer following the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Additionally, Apple TV has revealed a first look and return date for season two of the German dark comedy ‘Where’s Wanda?’ reveals first. The limited series ‘Lucky,’ starring Anya Taylor-Joy, is now streaming on Apple TV. Apple Music's Auto Mix feature, introduced last year, is receiving a significant upgrade in iOS 27.

Third-Party Integrations and Accessories

Password manager 1Password has added support for Claude, allowing the AI service to access credentials without users seeing them directly. Roblox is integrating AI game creation into its mobile app, simplifying the process of turning ideas into playable experiences on iPhone. Suno now allows iPhone users to generate songs directly within the Messages app. Opera has reported significant growth in active users for its iOS browser in the UK and the US during Q2 2026. A LEGO Ideas project for a Bondi Blue iMac G3 set is being considered for production.

Legal Battles and Regulatory Scrutiny

The ongoing antitrust case between Apple and the DOJ may avoid trial as early settlement discussions are reportedly underway. Apple has won a discovery fight to obtain documents from 14 federal agencies as part of its defense against the DOJ's antitrust lawsuit. Apple faces scrutiny from Brazil regarding betting apps accessible to minors, with the company given five business days to provide further details. The European Commission has adopted new exemptions to its Batteries Regulation, removing the requirement for battery removal for Apple Watch and AirPods. The strained relationship between Apple and OpenAI has escalated, with accusations of trade secret theft emerging. OpenAI attributes its lack of response to Apple's trade secret theft claims to an email mix-up.

Market Trends and Consumer Behavior

Existing iPhone owners continue to dominate US new smartphone purchases, indicating Apple's strong customer retention. iPhone loyalty has reached 87% in the first quarter of 2026, showing a higher retention rate compared to the previous year. Carrier-financed iPhones purchased directly from Apple will soon be locked to the carrier, ending a workaround for purchasing unlocked devices on payment plans. Deals on Apple products include discounts on Air Pods Pro, Magic Keyboard, and iPhone 17 Pro Max. Amazon is offering a $200 discount on the 512GB M4 iPad Air 13-inch