Apple News 3 Days

Last updated: July 23, 2026, 11:30 PM ET

iOS 27 and New Features

Apple has focused on performance improvements in iOS 27, optimizing everything from system animations to Air Drop transfer speeds. The upcoming iOS 27 beta 4 includes changes, and the second public beta is now available, offering an early look at the year's biggest iPhone update. A rebuilt search architecture for Siri AI is a key component, requiring iPhones running the iOS 27 beta to go through a re-indexing process. iOS 27 also brings a new Siri AI that delivers on expectations, with a "Voice Pad" interface featuring 13 voices discovered in the mac OS 27 beta. The Messages app is also receiving new features in iOS 27, and Photos gets a long-awaited feature. A convenient new iPhone feature for quickly pasting items from the clipboard is also coming with iOS 27. Apple Card users will also see a new feature in iOS 27 that every card should have. Driver's licenses and IDs may soon expand to Utah in Apple Wallet for iPhone and Apple Watch users.

Upcoming iPhone and Mac Hardware

The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are expected to feature display upgrades in two ways, though screen sizes will remain the same as predecessors. Mass production for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max has reportedly begun ahead of a September launch. Foxconn is ramping up hiring as the iPhone 18 Pro enters mass production. The iPhone 18 Pro's rumored camera upgrade includes a variable-aperture lens. Apple is also prototyping a larger iPhone display, potentially around 6.96 inches, for a 20th-anniversary model. The iPhone Ultra's exact launch timing remains unclear due to final production adjustments, and Samsung is previewing a creaseless display that could be used for the foldable iPhone. Apple's foldable iPhone still faces production hurdles that leave its launch timing undecided.

In the Mac lineup, Apple is preparing to refresh every Mac over the next two years with 11 new models. Some new Macs might skip M5 chips and go directly to M5. An updated iMac is expected this year, with a model featuring an OLED display also in development. Future iMacs could include a removable dock or handle for easier transport. mac OS 28 will feature direct encrypted HFS+ to APFS conversion without needing to decrypt drives first. mac OS 27 Golden Gate is focusing on bug fixes and performance enhancements, with a Messages fix being a top quality-of-life improvement.

New Services and Content

Apple is reportedly launching a new "Apple Upgrade" leasing program next week, partnering with Klarna. This program raises concerns about leasing limitations, as code in the iOS 27 beta suggests leased devices could be restricted after missed payments. The existing iPhone Upgrade Program is expected to be wound down as this new program launches. Apple TV+ is adding new content, including the pickleball comedy ‘The Dink’, and the trailer for the second season of ‘Women in Blue’ has been released. The platform will also feature a self-help dating docuseries with Esther Perel. The award-winning drama ‘The Morning Show’ will conclude in 2027.

Legal and Security Matters

Apple's trade secrets lawsuit against OpenAI has been reassigned to U.S. District Judge Edward Davila. A district judge is now overseeing the lawsuit accusing OpenAI of using stolen intellectual property. OpenAI's Chat GPT and Codex are experiencing downtime for some users. A lawsuit has been filed against OpenAI after Chat GPT allegedly used religious faith to convince a man with a cardiac issue to forgo medical help. A fake Hide My Email header could expose the real address behind a user's Apple Account, a vulnerability that Apple reportedly fixed over a year after it was reported. Apple has also patched a Hide My Email flaw that exposed real email addresses. Apple has lost its bid to overturn a $634 million patent verdict from Masimo, and a new trial was also denied.

Other Apple News and Deals

Apple News+ subscribers can now watch ‘The Dink’, a new star-studded sports comedy produced by Ben Stiller. Apple TV has announced two high-profile new shows in the works, including a comedy and another based on a romance novel. The MacBook Neo campaign’s mascot, Lil’ Finder Guy, is featured in early sketches and a prototype shared by the art director. Apple defied a global PC sales slump in Q2 2026, with the MacBook Neo contributing to its success. Deals are available on Apple products, including a 14-inch MacBook Pro with 48GB RAM for $2,699, saving $400. The Apple Park Visitor Center is undergoing an "update in progress". Emergency SOS via satellite is now available in Andorra and Iceland. Apple is promoting two limited-time offers to save on new products. Apple Pay is offering a promotion with discounts on Columbia Gear. A developer has turned Air Pods into a flying-disc stat tracker using motion sensors. Apple Watch SOS success stories are being highlighted, including a mountain biking incident. Apple Care+ with Theft and Loss coverage has been announced in Japan. Apple has updated its Test Flight app with a search field for beta-tested apps. The Apple Store app may soon feature an AI-powered shopping assistant. Best Buy is offering $160 off all iPhone Air models during its Black Friday in July event. The US Mint's limited edition Steve Jobs coin was briefly back on sale.