Apple News 3 Days

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

Software Updates and Features

Apple has released the public betas for iOS 27 and mac OS 27 Golden Gate. iOS 27 introduces significant changes, including a redesigned Recovery Assistant that no longer requires a Mac or PC, and a new app for the iPhone's Home Screen adding to the interface. This update also brings substantial enhancements to CarPlay and revamps the Notification Center, breaking from a 15-year-old design. Beyond Apple Intelligence and Siri AI, iOS 27 also improves existing features like Auto Mix in Apple Music. Additionally, Air Pods have received a long-requested feature in their own public beta.

App Store and Content

Investigations have uncovered dozens of disguised gambling apps on the App Store in Brazil posing as games. In response to concerns about AI-generated nonconsensual nude images, a San Francisco City Attorney has demanded Apple and Google remove 13 "face-swap" applications. Apple TV+ is expanding its content library with the release of the first trailer for the docuseries ‘The Dynasty: UConn Huskies’ ahead of its debut, the return of ‘Where’s Wanda?’ for its second season confirming its date, and the premiere of the limited series ‘Lucky’ starring Anya Taylor-Joy now streaming. The service also marks the return of Major League Soccer following the 2026 FIFA World Cup announcing its comeback.

Hardware and Pricing

Apple has reportedly ramped up orders for vapor chamber cooling components for upcoming foldable iPhone and 20th-anniversary iPhone models. In Japan, Apple has increased the price of iPhones raising costs, following similar price adjustments for Macs and iPads globally last month. iCloud+ prices have also seen an increase in eight countries including Nigeria, Türkiye, and Japan. Apple Care+ for Macs and iPads is also becoming more expensive, though Apple Care One is presented as an even better value in comparison. Deals are available on various Apple products, including Air Pods Pro 3 and M5 MacBook Air models offering discounts. Notably, Amazon is offering a $200 discount on the 512GB M4 iPad Air.

Industry and Legal Matters

Apple has momentarily regained its position as the world's most valuable publicly traded company, surpassing Nvidia in market valuation according to reports. The company is reportedly in early discussions with the US Justice Department regarding a potential early settlement of their 2024 antitrust lawsuit. In a separate legal development, Apple is suing OpenAI, with former VP Tang Tan at the center of alleged trade secret theft claims. OpenAI has attributed non-response to Apple's claims to an email mix-up. Apple's chip supplier, TSMC, has pledged an additional $100 billion for US chip plants, bringing its total commitment to $265 billion increasing investment. Apple is also reportedly looking to acquire AI chip companies to reduce its reliance on Nvidia for AI workloads.

Ecosystem and Services

Apple's Car Key feature is expected to expand support to Great Wall Motor's TANK SUVs. The company has also updated its Advertising Services policy, outlining ad categories that will not be permitted in the Maps app. Apple's Hide My Email feature is facing scrutiny, with a class-action lawsuit alleging a flaw without evidence of actual attacks seeking payouts. Apple Intelligence has received approval from Chinese regulators, paving the way for its launch in the country. In the realm of AI development, Roblox is integrating AI game creation into its mobile app, making it easier for iPhone users to generate games from written ideas.

User Loyalty and Market Trends

iPhone loyalty remains exceptionally high, with new research indicating that 87% of iPhone owners are sticking with the platform in the first quarter of 2026. This trend contrasts with efforts by Google to switch iPhone users to Android, which appear to be making no progress, as nearly nine in 10 surveyed US purchases are still by existing iPhone owners. One Plus is reportedly exiting the US and European smartphone markets as part of a restructuring at its parent company Oppo exiting markets. Meanwhile, WhatsApp is rolling out a new username feature activating usernames and in-call controls for Voice Isolation and Wide Spectrum on iPhone.