Apple News 3 Days

Last updated: July 18, 2026, 2:30 PM ET

iPhone and Mac Updates

Apple is preparing for the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max launch in two months, with the devices expected to feature 12 new features and a similar design to the iPhone 17 Pro models won’t be making an appearance. The iPhone loyalty rate has climbed to 87%, indicating a slowdown in users switching to Android. Apple has also raised iPhone prices in Japan raising prices on all Macs and iPads. In other hardware news, the MacBook Neo Color-Matched Satechi Accessories giveaway is underway, and Satechi’s new accessories offer additional ports and functionality for the MacBook Neo. Amazon is offering a $200 discount on the 512GB M4 iPad Air 13-inch as part of a weekend sale $200 discoun. Apple is now selling refurbished iPad mini models with the A17 Pro chip at a discount in the U.S. and Canada in the U.S.. Apple's 2026 Back to School promotion has begun in select Asian countries, including China, India, and Malaysia China, though better deals may be found elsewhere.

iOS and Software Developments

The public betas for iOS 27 and mac OS Golden Gate have been released, opening up testing to a wider audience. Users can learn how to install the mac OS 27 Golden Gate public beta and explore new Car Play upgrades available in the iOS 27 public beta. iOS 27 also introduces an all-new app to the iPhone's Home Screen, along with numerous Siri and Apple Intelligence features released. For those who installed the iOS 27 Beta, a guide on how to downgrade to iOS 26 is available. Additionally, a new recovery screen feature in iOS 27 allows iPhones to boot into Recovery Assistant without a Mac or PC Recovery Assistant. Air Pods have also received a long-requested feature in a new public beta release released.

Apple Ecosystem and Services

Apple has regained its position as the world's most valuable publicly traded company, surpassing Nvidia according to CNBC. However, Apple is facing increased scrutiny regarding app content, with a San Francisco City Attorney demanding the removal of 13 AI "face-swap" apps that can generate nonconsensual nude images WIRED. In Brazil, dozens of disguised gambling apps on the App Store have been revealed, and Apple faces new questions from Brazilian officials regarding betting apps accessible to minors Apple's A. Apple has also updated its Advertising Services policy to outline ad categories that will not be allowed in the Maps app. Apple's Car Key feature is reportedly expanding to support GWM Tank SUVs from Great Wall Motor MacRumors. Apple has increased iCloud+ subscription prices in several countries and some Apple Care+ subscription plans for Macs and iPads have also seen price increases Bloomberg. Apple Care One is now presented as an even better value due to these changes Apple increasing the price of Mac and iPad hardware.

Privacy and Security Concerns

A new mac OS Click Fix malware has emerged, presenting a potential backdoor for enterprise fleets Mosyle. The topic of personal data privacy on the internet is being discussed, with advice on how to remove personal information from online platforms truncated. Apple's Hide My Email service is facing a proposed class action lawsuit, though the suit does not allege that the vulnerability was actively exploited. Separately, it has been confirmed that while it is easy to find a real email address behind Hide My Email, the feature still functions as an effective spam filter when used as intended there's r.

App and Service Updates

WhatsApp is rolling out a new username feature WABeta Info and has begun activating reserved usernames for select iPhone users a few days ago. The app has also added in-call controls for Voice Isolation and Wide Spectrum on iPhone Here are the details. OpenAI has updated its Chat GPT app for Mac to improve chat accessibility Here are the details. Password manager 1Password now supports Claude, allowing the AI service to access credentials without seeing them directly. Apple TV and Apple Music for Android are receiving updates with homescreen widgets with homescreen widgets.

Industry and Market News

Apple has reportedly increased orders for vapor chamber cooling components, potentially for its foldable iPhone and 20th-anniversary iPhone models Chinese leaker. Apple chip supplier TSMC is increasing its U.S. chip investment by $100 billion, bringing its total commitment to $265 billion confirmed. The European Commission has ordered Google to grant rival AI apps the same access to Android device features as Gemini. Apple and the U.S. Justice Department are reportedly in early discussions regarding a potential settlement of a 2024 antitrust suit iPhone. The Mac Rumors Show podcast is discussing potential major upgrades for next year's iPhones. Apple TV+ has released the first trailer for its upcoming docuseries, ‘The Dynasty: UConn Huskies’, and has also set a release date for the fifth season of ‘Stillwater’.

Deals and PromotionsCurrent deals include Air Pods Pro 3 with a $50 price drop, Air Pods 4 with active noise cancellation at their best price in months, and MacBook Pro discounts of up to $500 on Amazon** from $119. Nomad is offering up to 30 percent off sitewide during its anniversary sale. Apple has listed products eligible for tax-free holidays in 10 U.S. states list of products eligible for upcoming 2026 sales tax holidays.*

Other Notable Mentions

The Apple Journal app aligns with psychological research on reflective writing and can be incorporated into a mindful daily routine its approach to reflective writing. Meta AI can now alert parents if their teens discuss self-harm on Instagram Meta. A new programmable macro keypad is highlighted as a significant productivity hack for Mac users productivity. The Signal Ring device for blood pressure readings is contrasted with Apple Watch's alert-based hypertension monitoring.