Apple News 3 Days

Last updated: July 21, 2026, 11:30 AM ET

iPhone 18 and Future Models

Rumors suggest the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max will feature the same screen sizes as their predecessors but with two key display upgrades. The iPhone 18 Pro models, alongside Apple's first foldable iPhone, are expected to be unveiled within the next two months, with the standard iPhone, iPhone 18e, and iPhone Air 2 slated for a spring 2027 release expected to follow. A leaker indicates that next year could bring the largest iPhone screen ever, with supply chain sources pointing to Apple's potential for a 7-inch display on the 20th-anniversary iPhone, possibly named the iPhone 20 Pro Max. Apple is reportedly prototyping a roughly 6.96-inch display that would likely be marketed as a 7-inch panel if it reaches production. Additionally, code found in the iOS 27 beta references an iPhone with two batteries, hinting at potential future hardware configurations.

iOS 27 and Software Updates

The fourth developer beta of iOS 27 is now available, continuing Apple's summer beta testing cycle and featuring build number 23G71. This update prepares iPhones for iOS, which includes a rebuilt search architecture for Siri AI. iOS 27 is also making iPhones faster in over 30 ways, with the public beta now available. Beta 4 of iOS 27 introduces a new “Automatic Downloads” feature within the Apple TV app. Apple is also testing a hidden popover interface for Siri AI in the mac OS 27 Golden Gate beta, which surfaces Writing Tools and contextual actions when text is selected. Other software updates include the release candidate versions of iOS 26.6 and iPad OS 26.6 release candidate, as well as the release candidate for mac OS Tahoe 26.6 mac OS Tahoe. The fourth developer betas for tv OS, iPad OS, and watch OS 27 have also been seeded.

Apple's Chip Costs and Pricing

Starting in 2027, Apple is expected to face increased costs for its iPhone and Mac chips as TSMC plans to raise its base prices by as much as 10 percent. This will likely lead to higher iPhone prices in 2027. Apple has already significantly increased prices on most of its products, stating it could no longer absorb higher costs increased the prices. These higher prices are anticipated to slow down upgrade cycles, even among the most dedicated customers, according to a poll of 9to5Mac readers. Apple's recent price increases extend beyond Macs and iPads, affecting more products and services.

Apple Retail and Services

Four Apple retail stores in the U.S. are relocating this month, with all moves being short distances from their current locations. A new Apple Store in Ann Arbor, Michigan, is set to open at the Briarwood Mall later this month. In terms of services, Apple Music is being added to over two million Volvo vehicles via an over-the-air update, offering up to three months free. Apple Sports has been updated to support additional soccer leagues in Asia and Europe, and now allows users to see formations. Apple Books is grappling with an increasing problem of AI-generated fake books, with some reportedly written in just a few hours.

Apple Hardware Deals and Rumors

Current deals include Air Pods Pro 3 for $199.99 and Air Pods 4 for $99. The Air Pods Max 2 are available for $449.00, down from $549.00 AirPods Max. Air Tag 2 is at an all-time low price of $89 for a 4-pack. Discounts of up to $400 off M5 MacBook Pro models are available at B&H, including CTO configurations. The 11th generation iPad is on sale for $399.00, its best price since June's increase. Apple is reportedly preparing to release a new iPad mini with significant changes, marking its first update in two years.

Apple's AI Initiatives and Concerns

Apple is testing a new AI-powered "Live Notes" feature at Genius Bar locations, which transcribes conversations between employees and customers. However, employees are concerned about how this tool might be used for monitoring and evaluation. Apple's AI model-shrinking efforts could have significant benefits and potentially become a billion-dollar venture if successful, with a focus on on-device AI processing. Separately, a new Mac threat called Click Lock Stealer is emerging, which hijacks system behavior to pressure victims into revealing passwords ClickLock Stealer.

Other Apple News

Apple has leased a 126,000-square-foot office building in Sunnyvale as part of its expansion in the South Bay. The App Store saw a surge in new app releases in the first half of 2026, nearly matching the total for all of 2025, though downloads increased by only 2%. Apple TV+ is set to premiere a new film from the director of "CODA," focusing on disability activist Judy Heumann. In other news, HBO Max and Paramount+ may not merge as previously planned. The Samsung Galaxy Card is being launched as a direct competitor to the Apple Card. A fix seems to be working for Mac users experiencing beach balls and unresponsive trackpads while running mac OS 26.5 mac OS beach.