Apple News 3 Days

Last updated: July 21, 2026, 2:30 PM ET

Apple's Financial and Service Transitions

Apple is reportedly following the upcoming launch of a new "Apple Upgrade" program next week, which is a partnership with Klarna. This shift marks the end of a decade-old offering that bundled Apple Care with device financing. The new "Apple Upgrade" program is set to launch in the U.S. on Tuesday, July 28. Separately, Apple's principal chipmaker, TSMC, plans to increase prices by up to 10% starting in 2027, a move that could impact Apple's product costs. In other financial news, Apple's services, including Apple Music and Apple One, have seen price increases. A reader poll suggests that higher Apple prices may, even among dedicated customers.

Software Updates and New Features

Apple has released the fourth developer betas for iOS, mac OS Golden Gate, and other operating systems, including tv OS, watch OS, and iPad OS. The iOS 27 beta includes a rebuilt search architecture for Siri AI and is touted to make iPhones faster in over 30 ways, with a public beta now available. mac OS 27 Golden Gate is also in beta, featuring potential new Siri interfaces with Writing Tools and contextual actions when text is selected. A critical vulnerability in Apple's Hide My Email feature, which could have exposed a user's real email address, has been patched more than a year after it was initially reported. Additionally, iOS 26.6 and iPad OS 26.6 release candidates are available, alongside mac OS Tahoe 26.6 release candidates, indicating ongoing refinement of current software versions.

Hardware Rumors and Development

Future iMac models may to improve portability. In the iPhone realm, rumors suggest the iPhone 18 Pro models will retain their current screen sizes but receive display upgrades. There are also reports of Apple prototyping a larger iPhone display, potentially measuring around 6.96 inches, which could be marketed as a 7-inch panel. Code found within the iOS 27 beta hints at an iPhone with two batteries, suggesting potential advancements in power management or capacity for future devices. The company has also reportedly shelved two Mac Pro models during their development, including one based on Intel processors.

Apple Services and Content

The Apple Watch's SOS feature was highlighted in a video showcasing its life-saving capabilities during a mountain biking accident. Apple TV+ is preparing to release a new film from the director of "CODA," focusing on disability activist Judy Heumann, and has also announced a new film from a "Best Picture" Oscar winner. Apple Music is being, with an offer of up to three months free. Furthermore, the Apple Sports app has been updated to include additional soccer leagues from Asia and Europe. In a significant move, Meta has quietly released an AI iPhone app called Story Kit that generates personalized children's stories.

Retail and Security

Four Apple retail stores in the U.S. are relocating new this month, including one in Michigan. On the security front, a new Mac malware called Click Lock Stealer has been discovered, which can render Macs unusable until victims surrender their passwords. Apple is also reportedly testing a new AI-powered "Live Notes" feature at its Genius Bar locations, which transcribes customer conversations for internal use, raising concerns among employees about potential monitoring and evaluation. The App Store saw a surge in new app releases during the first half of 2026, nearly matching the total for all of 2025, though download increases were more modest.