Apple News 3 Days

Last updated: July 20, 2026, 11:30 AM ET

Apple Retail and Services Updates

Four Apple retail stores are relocating this month within the U.S., with all four moving a short distance from their current locations. One such relocation will occur at Briarwood Mall in Ann Arbor, Michigan, moving to a new space on July 31st. In parallel, Apple has increased iCloud+ subscription prices in several countries, following earlier hardware and U.S. subscription price hikes. The Apple One bundle remains a value despite these price adjustments for those who regularly use its services.

New Apple Software and Features

Apple released the first public betas for iOS 27 and mac OS Golden Gate this week, opening up testing to a wider audience. iOS 27 is noted for making iPhones significantly faster, with Apple outlining over 30 improvements. Within mac OS Golden Gate, a hidden Siri interface is being tested that offers Writing Tools and contextual actions when text is selected, potentially simplifying interactions. Separately, Apple Sports has expanded its soccer coverage with additional leagues from Asia and Europe and the ability to view formations.

Product Deals and Pricing Trends

The Air Pods Max 2 are available for $449.00 on Amazon, a $100 discount from their original $549.00 price, marking the lowest price since Prime Day 2026. Similarly, a 4-pack of Apple Air Tag 2 is on sale at Amazon for a record-low price of $89.00. These deals come as a poll of 9to5Mac readers suggests that higher Apple prices may slow consumer upgrade cycles, even among loyal customers. Additional Air Pods deals include Air Pods Pro 3 for $199.99 and Air Pods 4 for $99.

Security and Malware Concerns

A new mac OS malware strain named Click Lock Stealer has been identified by security firm Group-IB. This threat pressures victims into surrendering their passwords by hijacking normal system behavior, making Macs unusable until credentials are provided. In other security news, an investigation revealed that dozens of apps on the App Store in Brazil disguise gambling platforms as simple games and utilities. Additionally, a San Francisco City Attorney has sent cease-and-desist letters to Apple and Google demanding the removal of 13 AI "face-swap" apps capable of generating nonconsensual nude images.

Apple's Strategic Decisions and Rumors

Apple momentarily reclaimed its position as the world's most valuable publicly traded company, surpassing Nvidia's market valuation. Mark Gurman reports that Apple developed and shelved two Mac Pro models, including one that was Intel-based. Gurman also suggests Apple may have intentionally left Jony Ive out of its OpenAI lawsuit discussions. In other product rumors, a new iPad mini is expected by October with an OLED display and a significant chip upgrade.

Upcoming Product Launches and Features

The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are expected in two months, with designs similar to their predecessors but featuring 12 new capabilities. However, one report suggests that the base iPhone 18 model will not be released. Apple's Car Keys feature may be coming to TANK vehicles from Chinese manufacturer Great Wall Motor. In a separate development, Apple is testing a new AI-powered "Live Notes" feature at its Genius Bar locations that can.

Apple Ecosystem and User Loyalty

iPhone loyalty remains high, with new research indicating an 87% loyalty rate for the first quarter of 2026, showing a slowdown in users switching to Android. Apple's Wallet app has gained new capabilities with an indie app called "Passable" that makes sharing contact information easier. Meanwhile, YouTube's picture-in-picture mode is reportedly broken on both iPhone and Android devices. Apple's chip supplier, TSMC, has pledged an additional $100 billion for U.S. plant investments, bringing its total commitment to $265 billion.

Mac Performance and Software Updates

Users experiencing "beach ball" issues and unresponsive trackpads on Macs running mac OS 26.5 may find a fix. Apple is also reportedly testing a hidden set of Writing Tools for Siri within the mac OS Golden Gate beta, aiming to simplify and expedite their use. The company previously developed but ultimately shelved two Mac Pro models, including an Intel-based version. Additionally, Apple's AI model-shrinking efforts could offer significant benefits if successful.

Apple's Content and Media Offerings

Apple unveiled a new film from the Oscar-winning director of "CODA." Apple TV also released the first trailer for its upcoming docuseries, "The Dynasty: UConn Huskies." In the realm of user-generated content, concerns are rising about AI-generated books appearing on Apple Books, with some reportedly created in mere hours.