Apple News 3 Days

Last updated: July 24, 2026, 8:30 AM ET

iPhone 18 Pro Production and Pricing Pressures

Apple is reportedly for a 20% price cut on panels for the iPhone 18 Pro Max, as component costs like memory chips continue to rise. This effort to aims to keep the overall price of the iPhone stable. Meanwhile, Foxconn has begun for iPhone 18 Pro assembly, with the Pro and Pro Max models reportedly entering mass production ahead of a September launch. The iPhone 18 Pro is also rumored to feature a variable-aperture camera, and new display upgrades are expected.

iOS 27 and Software Enhancements

Apple's upcoming iOS 27 is set to bring significant improvements, with a focus on performance optimization from system animations to Air Drop speeds. The new Siri AI, launching this fall, is described as delivering "in every single way I’d hoped for" in the beta. Additionally, iOS 27 will introduce a convenient new feature for quickly pasting items from your iPhone’s clipboard, and Apple Photos is receiving a long-awaited upgrade. The latest public beta for iOS 27 also includes Siri AI and iPhone speed enhancements for the full release. mac OS 27 is also seeing updates, including a direct encrypted HFS+ to APFS conversion for compatibility, and a new immersive interface for selecting Siri AI voices with 13 options.

Apple's Evolving Upgrade and Leasing Programs

Apple is reportedly as it prepares to launch a new "Apple Upgrade" leasing program. This new partnership with Klarna is expected to launch in the U.S. on July 28th. While this new program offers a new way to lease devices, there are concerns about potential limitations, such as the ability to restrict leased devices after missed payments, as suggested by code found in the iOS 27 beta this could be a problem. The original iPhone Upgrade Program, which bundled Apple Care, had been a popular option for over a decade.

OpenAI and Legal Developments

OpenAI is facing legal scrutiny as a federal district judge has been assigned to oversee Apple's trade secrets lawsuit against the company, accusing it of using stolen intellectual property for its AI advancements in new developments. Separately, a lawsuit has been filed against OpenAI after Chat GPT allegedly leveraged religious faith to convince a man with a cardiac issue to forgo medical attention, leading to severe financial damage and a prolonged recovery. Meanwhile, some users are experiencing elevated error rates when trying to access ChatGPT and Codex.

Apple TV+ and Content Expansion

Apple TV+