Apple News 3 Days

Last updated: July 19, 2026, 8:30 AM ET

Apple's Software and Services See Updates and Price Adjustments

Apple has officially released public betas for iOS 27 and mac OS Golden Gate, inviting a wider audience to test upcoming features following its promise of a July rollout. This release includes enhancements to CarPlay in the public beta. Users interested in the new features can also explore an all-new app added to the iPhone's Home Screen in iOS 27. For those who have already installed the beta and are experiencing issues, a guide on how to downgrade from iOS 27 Beta to iOS 26 is available to help users. Additionally, Apple has enhanced its Journal app, suggesting ways to make it, and improved the Auto Mix feature in Apple Music with iOS 27. In a move that may impact users globally, Apple has also in several countries, following earlier hardware price increases and subscription hikes in the US and other markets. The value proposition of Apple One is also being re-evaluated in light of recent price increases.

Hardware Deals and New Product Rumors Emerge

Significant discounts are available on Apple's portable computing devices, with B&H offering markdowns of up to $400 on various 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models featuring M5, M5 Pro, and M5 Max chips. Amazon is also participating in the deals, slashing $200 off the 512GB M4 iPad Air 13-inch model. For those interested in the MacBook Neo, Satechi has launched new color-matched accessories designed to add ports and functionality to the popular laptop. Rumors are circulating about Apple's future foldable iPhone and 20th-anniversary iPhone models, as the company is reportedly. In anticipation of upcoming releases, the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are expected in two months, though one report suggests users might not want to wait for it.

Apple's Market Position and Strategic Moves

Apple has reclaimed its position as the world's most valuable publicly traded company, surpassing Nvidia in market valuation according to CNBC. This resurgence comes as iPhone loyalty rates climb to 87% for the first quarter of 2026, indicating a slowdown in users switching to Android. Apple's chip supplier, TSMC, has pledged an additional $100 billion for its U.S. plants, bringing its total commitment to $265 billion for chip investment. In a strategic move concerning its Maps app, Apple has outlining ad categories that will not be permitted. Furthermore, Apple is reportedly in early discussions with the US Justice Department regarding a potential early settlement of a 2024 iPhone antitrust suit.

App Store Oversight and Legal Developments

A San Francisco City Attorney has issued cease-and-desist letters to both Apple and Google, demanding the removal of 13 AI "face-swap" apps capable of generating nonconsensual nude images according to WIRED. In other legal news, a proposed class action lawsuit is seeking payouts related to Apple's Hide My Email feature, without alleging that the vulnerability was exploited in an attack or that the plaintiff's email address was compromised. On the regulatory front, the European Commission has formally ordered Google to grant third-party AI services the same access to Android device features as its own Gemini within the EU. Separately, an investigation has revealed dozens of disguised gambling apps on the App Store in Brazil posing as simple games and utilities.

Third-Party Integrations and Developer News

Popular password management app 1Password has expanded its capabilities by, allowing the AI service to access stored credentials. In the smart home space, 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 expanding its support to future TANK SUVs made by Chinese manufacturer Great Wall Motor (GWM), based on code changes discovered in Apple's Wallet app backend by MacRumors. OpenAI has also made adjustments to its Chat GPT app for Mac. Meanwhile, Meta AI is introducing a feature that can alert parents if their teens discuss self-harm or suicide with its AI on platforms like Instagram according to the company.

App Updates and Platform Enhancements

WhatsApp is rolling out a new username feature, with some users able to. The messaging app is also activating reserved usernames for a select group of iPhone users and has introduced in-call controls for Voice Isolation and Wide Spectrum on iPhone. YouTube is reportedly aware of an issue affecting both Android and iPhone users where picture-in-picture (PiP) mode does not activate when closing the app. The Apple TV app for Android has received an update that includes homescreen widgets, and Apple Music for Android now supports WhatsApp sharing as a shared theme. On the Apple side, iOS 27 introduces improvements to the iPhone Recovery Assistant, allowing devices to boot into recovery mode without a Mac or PC.

Apple's Pricing Strategy and Subscription Services

Apple's recent hardware price increases in June are being described as costly and unwelcome, with indications that this is just the beginning of a trend of higher prices on Apple products and services. In line with these increases, Apple Care+ for Macs and iPads has also become more expensive, with subscription plans seeing price hikes according to Bloomberg. This makes Apple Care One, a warranty bundle, an even better value for customers. Apple's chip supplier TSMC has announced a significant increase in its U.S. chip investment, bringing its total commitment to $265 billion as confirmed by the Department of Commerce.

Promotions and Developer Showcases

Apple's annual Back to School promotion has officially launched in select countries across Asia, including China, India, and Malaysia. For those looking for deals on Apple accessories, Air Pods Pro 3 are currently $50 off, and Air Pods 4 with ANC are at their best price in months on Amazon. Apple has also added the iPad mini with the A17 Pro chip to its refurbished store in the U.S. and Canada. The "Indie App Spotlight" series continues to showcase innovative apps, with "Passable" being highlighted for its ease of sharing contact information through Apple Wallet as a new feature.