Apple News 3 Days

Last updated: July 18, 2026, 8:30 PM ET

Apple Ecosystem and Software Updates

Apple has released the public betas for iOS 27 and mac OS Golden Gate, allowing broader testing before official releases. Users can downgrade from iOS 27 beta to iOS 26 if stability or usability issues arise. iOS 27 introduces an updated Recovery Assistant, eliminating the need for a Mac or PC for malfunctioning iPhones as of iOS 26. The new OS also adds an entirely new app to the iPhone Home Screen, and enhances Apple Music's Auto Mix feature. Car Play improvements are also available in the iOS 27 public beta, with several new features to explore after updating. Separately, WhatsApp is gradually rolling out its new username feature, with some users having already reserved their usernames reports WABeta Info. WhatsApp is also enabling in-call controls for Voice Isolation and Wide Spectrum on iPhone, allowing users to switch between different Mic Modes reports WABeta Info.

Hardware and Pricing

Apple has momentarily reclaimed its position as the world's most valuable publicly traded company, surpassing Nvidia. In Japan, Apple has increased iPhone prices, following similar hikes on Macs and iPads globally last month. iCloud+ subscription prices have also been raised in several countries. The iPhone loyalty rate has climbed to 87%, indicating a slowdown in users switching to Android according to CIRP. The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are expected in two months, with a similar design to their predecessors, though the base iPhone 18 model won't be released. Apple has also ramped up orders for vapor chamber cooling components, reportedly for foldable iPhone and 20th-anniversary iPhone models. Apple Care+ subscription plans for Macs and iPads are, making Apple Care One a potentially better value as noted by 9to5Mac. Apple has added refurbished iPad mini models with the A17 Pro chip to its U.S. and Canadian online stores. Amazon is offering a $200 discount on the 512GB M4 iPad Air 13-inch as part of a weekend sale reports AppleInsider. Satechi's new color-matched accessories for the MacBook Neo are now available, adding ports and functionality to the budget laptop.

App Store and Developers

The European Commission has formally ordered Google to grant third-party AI services the same access to Android device features as Gemini reports MacRumors. Apple and Google have received cease-and-desist letters from a San Francisco City Attorney demanding the removal of 13 AI "face-swap" apps capable of generating nonconsensual nude images according to WIRED. An investigation by 9to5Mac has revealed dozens of disguised gambling apps on the App Store in Brazil, presented as simple games and utilities reports 9to5Mac. Apple has also shared a new Advertising Services policy, outlining ad categories that will not be permitted in the Maps app.

Industry and Services

Apple's Car Keys feature is reportedly expanding to Great Wall Motor's TANK vehicles, based on code changes found in Apple's Wallet app backend reports MacRumors. Apple's chip supplier, TSMC, has pledged an additional $100 billion for U.S. chip plants, bringing its total commitment to $265 billion confirmed by the Commerce Department. Apple has launched its annual Back to School promotion in select Asian countries, though other resellers may offer greater discounts notes AppleInsider. Apple has also updated its website to list products eligible for tax-free holidays in 10 U.S. states reports MacRumors. The relationship between Apple and OpenAI has reportedly with accusations of trade secret theft. Carrier-financed iPhones purchased from Apple will soon be locked to the carrier, ending a workaround for purchasing unlocked iPhones on payment plans reports MacRumors. Apple TV is releasing the first trailer for its docuseries ‘The Dynasty: UConn Huskies,’ with its debut next month. The Apple TV series ‘Stillwater’ will also premiere its fifth season next month.

Privacy and Security

A proposed class action lawsuit seeks payouts related to Apple's Hide My Email feature, without alleging evidence of attacks or actual harm to the plaintiff's email address reports AppleInsider. While it is possible to find a real email address behind Hide My Email, Apple Insider suggests it's not a significant concern if used as intended for spam filtering reports AppleInsider. YouTube is reportedly aware of an issue affecting both Android and iPhone users where picture-in-picture mode does not activate when closing the app reports 9to5Mac. A new mac OS Click Fix malware has been identified, potentially introducing a backdoor to enterprise fleets reports 9to5Mac. Meta AI can now alert parents if their teens discuss self-harm or suicide on Instagram.

Other App and Service Updates

WhatsApp has started activating reserved usernames for select iPhone users reports 9to5Mac. 1Password has added support for Claude, allowing the AI service to access stored credentials without seeing passwords directly reports MacRumors. OpenAI has updated its Chat GPT app for Mac to improve chat accessibility reports 9to5Mac. Apple TV and Apple Music for Android are receiving updates with homescreen widgets, and Apple Music for Android now supports WhatsApp sharing reports 9to5Mac. AI-generated Roblox games are becoming easier to create on iPhone as Roblox integrates AI game creation into its mobile app reports AppleInsider.

Accessories and Deals

Deals are available on Air Pods Pro, with a $50 price drop, and Air Pods 4 with active noise cancellation are at their best price in months reports 9to5Mac. MacBook Pro prices have increased, but Amazon still offers sales of up to $400 off reports MacRumors. Nomad is offering up to 30% off sitewide for its anniversary sale reports MacRumors.