Apple News 3 Days

Last updated: July 18, 2026, 5:30 PM ET

Software Updates and Betas

Apple released first of iOS 27 and mac OS Golden Gate this week, opening up testing to a wider audience. Users interested in the new features can now. The iOS 27 public beta is also available, bringing with it several Car Play changes worth checking out after updating. One of the most significant changes in iOS 27 is the addition of an all-new app to the iPhone's Home Screen. Discussions about the iOS 27 Public Beta, its new features, and whether it's advisable to install it on a primary device are underway on the 9to5Mac Overtime podcast. For those who have installed the beta and are experiencing issues, instructions on how to are available.

New iPhone and Product Rumors

The next iPhone lineup, reportedly the iPhone, is expected in approximately two months, with the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max anticipated to launch with 12 new features according to reports. However, one analysis suggests that waiting for the iPhone 18 Pro might not be advisable. Apple has also reportedly ramped up orders for vapor chamber cooling components, speculated to be for its upcoming foldable iPhone and the 20th-anniversary iPhone models.

App Store and Data Privacy

A San Francisco City Attorney has to Apple and Google, demanding the removal of 13 AI "face-swap" apps that can generate nonconsensual nude images. Meanwhile, an investigation has revealed dozens of disguised gambling apps on the App Store in Brazil posing as simple games and utilities. In related privacy news, while it's relatively easy to find a real email address behind Apple's Hide My Email service, it may not be a significant concern if used as intended for spam filtering according to reports. A proposed class action lawsuit, however, is seeking payouts related to the Hide My Email flaw without alleging evidence of attacks according to AppleInsider.

Apple Services and Pricing

Apple has in several countries, following recent hardware price increases and subscription hikes in other markets. Apple Care+ for Macs and iPads has also become more expensive, with some subscription plans seeing increased prices as reported by Bloomberg. Despite these increases, Apple One may still offer substantial savings for users who regularly utilize its bundled services. Apple has also launched its annual Back to School promotion in select countries, though other resellers may offer greater discounts according to AppleInsider.

Smart Home and Connectivity

Hardwired Matter lighting is now available with the Switch Bot RGBICWW ceiling light, integrating natively with Apple Home via Matter. Apple's Car Keys feature is reportedly coming to TANK vehicles made by Chinese manufacturer Great Wall Motor (GWM), based on code changes discovered in Apple's Wallet app backend according to MacRumors.

Market Performance and Business

Apple surpassed Nvidia to become the world's most valuable publicly traded company again, based on market valuation. Apple chip supplier TSMC has pledged an additional $100 billion for U.S. chip plants, bringing its total commitment to $265 billion as confirmed by the Department of Commerce. The iPhone loyalty rate has climbed to 87% in the first quarter of 2026, indicating a slowdown in switching to Android. Apple and the U.S. Justice Department are reportedly in early discussions regarding a potential early settlement of a 2014 iPhone antitrust suit according to reports.

App Updates and Features

YouTube's picture-in-picture (PiP) mode is currently experiencing issues on both iPhone and Android, with the company acknowledging the problem. WhatsApp has begun rolling out its new username feature, and has also added in-call controls for Voice Isolation and Wide Spectrum on iPhone. OpenAI has updated its Chat GPT app for Mac to improve chat accessibility according to 9to5Mac.

Indie Apps and Developer Tools

The app 'Passable' makes it easier to share contact information through Apple Wallet. A new mac OS malware called Click Fix has emerged, presenting a potential backdoor for enterprise fleets.

Gaming and AI Integration

AI-generated Roblox games are expected to become easier to create on iPhone, as Roblox is integrating AI game creation into its mobile app. 1Password has added support for Claude, enabling the AI service to access stored credentials without seeing passwords according to 9to5Mac. Meta is implementing a feature that alerts parents when their teens discuss self-harm with its AI on Instagram as announced by the company.

Apple Ecosystem and Deals

Apple has after raising prices on Macs and iPads globally last month. The company has also updated its website with a list of products eligible for tax-free holidays in select U.S. states including Alabama. Deals are available on various Apple products, including Air Pods Pro, Magic Keyboard, and the iPhone 17 Pro Max, with discounts up to $449 according to 9to5Toys. Amazon is offering a $200 discount on the 512GB M4 iPad Air 13-inch as part of a weekend sale as reported by AppleInsider. Satechi is offering up to 30% off sitewide during its anniversary sale as noted by MacRumors.

Apple TV+ and Content

Apple TV has released the first trailer for its upcoming docuseries, ‘The Dynasty: UConn Huskies,’ ahead of its debut next month as announced by the company. The platform has also set a release date for the fifth season of its mindfulness series, 'Stillwater' according to 9to5Mac.

Security and Antitrust

A new "Security Bite" podcast episode discusses Apple's monitoring of user taps brought to you by Mosyle. Apple's relationship with OpenAI has reportedly reached a breaking point with trade secret accusations surfacing.

Other Notable Updates

WhatsApp is rolling out a new username feature and has started activating reserved usernames for select iPhone users according to WABeta Info. Apple's refurbished store now includes the iPad mini with an A17 Pro chip available at a discount in the U.S. and Canada according to MacRumors. The Apple Journal app's approach to reflective writing aligns with psychological research on mindfulness as explored by AppleInsider. Carrier-financed iPhones purchased from Apple will soon be locked to the carrier, ending a loophole for purchasing unlocked devices on payment plans according to MacRumors.