Apple News 3 Days

Last updated: July 21, 2026, 8:30 PM ET

Apple's Evolving Subscription and Leasing Programs

Apple is reportedly preparing to launch a new "Apple Upgrade" leasing program next week, which will see the company wind down its decade-old iPhone Upgrade Program. This new program, a partnership with Klarna, is set to debut in the U.S. on Tuesday, July 28. The shift signifies a move towards a more pay-as-you-go model for device acquisition, a departure from the bundled Apple Care included in the previous program. This change comes as Apple has increased prices on a range of its products and services beyond Macs and iPads, following earlier price hikes on its entire Mac and iPad lines worldwide. These higher prices are expected to slow down customer upgrade cycles, even for the most dedicated Apple users.

iOS 27 and mac OS Golden Gate Development Continues

Apple is actively developing its next major operating system updates, with the fourth developer betas for iOS 27 and mac OS Golden Gate now available. iOS 27 beta 4 introduces refinements and bug fixes, continuing the testing of its rebuilt search architecture for Siri AI. Code found within the iOS 27 beta also suggests Apple may implement measures to restrict leased devices if customers fall behind on payments. On the mac OS front, the Golden Gate beta 4 includes a hidden popover interface for Siri AI that offers Writing Tools and contextual actions when text is selected. Users who wish to revert from the mac OS Golden Gate beta can do so by erasing their startup disk and reinstalling the previous version, Tahoe.

Product Updates, Leaks, and Developer Tools

In other software news, Apple has updated its Test Flight app to include a search field for easier management of beta-tested apps. The Apple Invites app also received an update with new RSVP reaction features for hosts and guests. Meanwhile, Anthropic's Claude Code for desktop now supports the iOS Simulator, allowing for the building and testing of iOS apps directly within Apple's environment. Leaks suggest future iPhone models may feature larger displays, with one prototype reportedly sporting a 6.96-inch screen, potentially marketed as a 7-inch panel, and rumors also point to an iPhone with two batteries being referenced in iOS 27 code.

Apple's Legal Battles and Content Slate

Apple's legal disputes continue, with the company recently losing its bid to overturn a $634 million patent verdict from Masimo, and a new trial was also denied. In content news, Apple TV+ has released a trailer for the second season of "Women in Blue", and a new film from "CODA" director Sian Heder, a biopic about disability activist Judy Heumann, is set to premiere on the platform. Additionally, a new comedy film from Ben Stiller, titled "The Dink," is also set for release on Apple TV.

Security Vulnerabilities and Fixes

A vulnerability in Apple's Hide My Email service, which could expose a user's real email address, has been a recurring issue. While Apple claimed to have fixed the flaw around July 3, the vulnerability was reportedly still reproducible two weeks later. The issue has since been addressed more than a year after it was initially reported. Separately, a new Mac malware called Click Lock Stealer has emerged, which can render Macs unusable until victims surrender their passwords by hijacking system behavior.

Hardware Rumors and Deals

Speculation continues regarding future iPhone models, with the iPhone 18 Pro and companion devices expected to be unveiled this fall. Rumors suggest the iPhone 18 Pro will feature display upgrades and a new A20 chip with two major enhancements. The iPhone Air 2 is also reportedly in development, aiming to address limitations of the current model. In terms of deals, customers can currently find discounts on various Apple products, including Air Pods Pro 3 for $199.99 and Air Pods Max 2 for $449.00 AirPods Weekend. Air Tag 2 is also available at an all-time low price of $89.00 for a four-pack, and the 11th generation iPad is on sale for $399.00 Score A16. MacBook Pro laptops are also seeing discounts of up to $400 off.

Apple @ Work and Industry Trends

Apple's chipmaker, TSMC, is planning price hikes of up to 10% starting in 2027, which could impact Apple's hardware costs. The App Store saw a significant surge in new app releases during the first half of 2026, nearly matching all of 2025, though download increases were more modest. In the realm of wearables, the launch of Garmin's Cirqa prompts questions about Apple's potential entry into fitness bands or rings as an alternative to the Apple Watch.

Retail and Workplace Expansion

Apple is continuing to expand its physical presence, with four retail stores in the U.S. relocating to new spaces this month. Notably, a new Apple Store in Ann Arbor, Michigan, is scheduled to open on Friday, July 31. The company is also expanding its office footprint, having leased a 126,000-square-foot building in Sunnyvale.

AI Integration and User Experience

Apple is exploring new AI-powered features across its ecosystem. The Genius Bar is testing a "Live Notes" feature that transcribes and summarizes customer conversations, though this has raised concerns among employees about potential monitoring and evaluation. In a more user-facing application, Meta has released an AI iPhone app that creates personalized children's stories. The increasing accessibility of AI is also contributing to a rise in AI-generated content, with reports of books appearing on Apple Books that were "written" in mere hours.

Other Notable Updates and Mentions

In a notable development for developers, Claude Code now integrates with Apple's iOS Simulator, facilitating iOS app development and testing. Volvo is enhancing its in-car experience by rolling out an update to add Apple Music to over two million vehicles, offering up to three months free. The Apple Watch SOS feature was highlighted in a success story shared by Apple, detailing how the feature assisted a mountain biker in need.