Apple News 3 Days

Last updated: July 24, 2026, 2:30 PM ET

AI Model Updates and Industry Competition

Anthropic introduced Claude, an upgrade to its Opus 4.8 model, stating it offers near flagship Fable 5 performance at half the cost and is built for daily use. This marks Anthropic's latest AI model release, following a similar cadence to previous upgrades. Claude's voice mode has also been, expanding beyond the Haiku model. In other AI news, OpenAI's Chat GPT and Codex experienced downtime for some users, while the company is also with GPT Voice mode. Separately, OpenAI faces lawsuits, including one where Chat GPT allegedly convinced a man to avoid medical care, and another alleging the use of stolen intellectual property in its hardware efforts, with a federal judge now overseeing the case against Apple.

Apple Software and Feature Enhancements

Apple is preparing to release watch OS 27 this fall, which will include a new feature called 'proactive battery extension notifications' designed to. On the Mac, mac OS 27 Golden Gate is reportedly testing a new Mail app compose window that. Further details on mac OS 27 reveal a potential 'Voice Pad' interface with 13 different Siri voices. iOS 27 continues to roll out with significant updates, focusing on performance improvements, from system animations to Air Drop speeds with noticeable gains. New features are also coming to Messages and Apple Photos. The public beta for iOS 27 is now available, offering an early look at Siri AI and other. A new feature in iOS 27 for Apple Wallet, exclusive to Apple Card users, is also highlighted for its convenience. Additionally, users can now utilize iOS 27 Recovery Mode for iPhone troubleshooting.

iPhone and Hardware Developments

The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max models have reportedly entered mass production ahead of their anticipated September launch by Foxconn. These upcoming iPhones are expected to feature a variable-aperture camera. Apple is also reportedly pushing OLED panel suppliers to reduce prices for the iPhone 18 Pro Max due to rising component costs. Meanwhile, the rumored iPhone Ultra is expected to capture a significant share of the foldable smartphone market, though its exact launch timing remains unclear due to ongoing "final production adjustments". Apple's foldable iPhone continues to face production hurdles, impacting its undecided launch date according to Digi Times. In terms of security, a boot ROM vulnerability has been identified affecting Apple's A12 and A13 chips. A federal judge ordered an iPhone exploit to be taken offline following a dispute over.

Apple Services and Legal Matters

Apple has agreed to pay $250 million to settle a U.S. class action lawsuit concerning Siri's functionality. The company is also reportedly preparing to launch a new 'Apple Upgrade' leasing program, which could allow Apple to restrict leased devices if customers miss payments. This potential leasing program has raised concerns about its limitations. Apple also lost a bid to overturn a $634 million patent verdict related to its legal battle with Masimo. In other news, the Apple Park Visitor Center is currently undergoing an "update in progress".

Mac and iPad Updates

Apple is reportedly planning to refresh its entire Mac lineup over the next two years, with 11 new models expected. This includes the first-ever touchscreen MacBook and machines equipped with M6 chips. A new iMac is also in development and expected later this year, with a model featuring an OLED display also in the works according to Bloomberg. The 14-inch MacBook Pro with an M5 Pro chip and 48GB of RAM is currently available for $2,699, a saving of $400. Meanwhile, a 12th-generation iPad is planned for release in 2027, though it is not expected to be a major update for the budget tablet.

App and Platform Updates

WhatsApp is rolling out a redesigned message bubble interface for iOS and has announced new features for Car Play, iPad, and iPhone, aiming for seamless cross-device functionality as detailed on their blog. The app also now supports sharing Apple Music and offers improved integration with Adobe Acrobat on WhatsApp Web for PDF annotation. Meta has launched a free 'Facebook Verified' badge to confirm. The Opera One browser has introduced optional vertical tabs and expanded Google Lens integration on its desktop version.

Deals and Promotions

Several deals are currently available on Apple products. Customers can get $160 off all iPhone Air models during Best Buy's Black Friday in July event with the promotion. Amazon is offering the 11-inch iPad at its lowest price to date, $399, with discounts also available on iPad Air and iPad Pro models. Apple Pay users can receive $20 off purchases of $120 or more from Columbia Sportswear as part of a limited-time promotion. Discounts are also available on Air Pods Pro, Air Pods Max, and the new Air Tag 2 as part of Apple deals.