Apple News 3 Days

Last updated: July 28, 2026, 11:30 PM ET

iOS Updates and New Features

Apple has released iOS 26.6, bringing over 75 security fixes and improvements to Apple Maps protection. This update also includes a warning for users who reach their blocked contact limit and other reliability fixes. Alongside iOS, watch OS 26.6, tv OS 26.6, and vision OS 26.6 have also been deployed, focusing on security updates and performance enhancements, released vision OS. iPad OS 26.6 is also available, preparing for Siri AI integration and delivering security patches. iOS 27 will introduce significant new features for the Phone and FaceTime apps, enhance the Apple Wallet app, and bring smarter location sharing to the Find My app for Apple Watch users. iOS 27's Siri is also highlighted for its unique strengths compared to other AI assistants, and the Calendar app will gain a long-awaited natural language input feature.

Apple Hardware and Accessories

New hardware is on the horizon, with reports indicating an all-new smart home hub from Apple is slated for release between October and early next year. Additionally, new models of the Apple TV and Home Pod mini are reportedly "nearly ready to launch" this fall. Twelve South has updated its Valet Mag Safe charger with faster speeds and a new size option updated its Valet, and also debuted a smaller version featuring 25W MagSafe charging. Apple's potential "Apple Ring" could serve to unify various Apple hardware devices. In accessory news, ESR's Flick Lock accessory has addressed user complaints regarding AirPods Pro 3.

Apple Services and Programs

Apple Care+ subscriptions are now available monthly and annually in Canada. Apple Care+ with Theft and Loss coverage for iPad and Apple Watch will expand to Australia, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom on August 4th. Apple Care One, a plan that covers multiple products for a single monthly payment, is also rolling out to the UK, France, Germany, and Australia. Apple has launched a new U.S. leasing program called Apple Upgrade for iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch, replacing the previous iPhone Upgrade Program which relied on Klarna. Concerns have been raised about avoiding being trapped in these new Apple Upgrade leases.

Upcoming and Rumored Apple Products

Speculation surrounding future Apple hardware continues, with the MacBook Ultra reportedly featuring an OLED touchscreen, a component exclusively supplied by Samsung Display. The decision for a touchscreen may further increase the MacBook Ultra's price. Apple's roadmap for Macs in 2026 and 2027 indicates that while memory chip shortages have impacted pricing, Apple is well-positioned against competitors. The next generation of Apple Watch, the Series 12 and Ultra, are expected to see updates. Meanwhile, the highly anticipated Apple Glasses are rumored to launch without video recording capabilities initially, and public distrust in smart glasses could pose a challenge for their adoption. The 20th anniversary iPhone, expected in fall 2027, is anticipated to feature a significant design overhaul akin to the iPhone X.

Financials and Industry News

Goldman Sachs has raised its AAPL price target to $370, anticipating strong third-quarter results and sustained purchase volumes despite hardware price increases. Apple's valuation touched $5 trillion, driven by strong iPhone revenue and a rebound in China. Analysts expect Apple's third-quarter 2026 earnings report on July 30th to highlight Tim Cook's final earnings report as CEO. Despite potential financial losses, Apple TV's future is considered secure under incoming CEO John Ternus, who plans to build on its current success. OpenAI's hardware roadmap includes a smartphone expected as soon as next year and a wider device lineup. The iy O trademark lawsuit against OpenAI and Jony Ive has been paused due to settlement talks.

App Updates and Third-Party Integrations

Instapaper version 10 has launched with a redesigned web platform, Liquid Glass, Home Screen widgets, and new fonts. WhatsApp Web is rolling out audio and video calling features, including call transfer support. Snapchat's Snap Map is integrating with Spotify to display what users are listening to in real-time. Granola, an AI-powered meeting notepad, is now available on Apple Watch, positioning it as an AI device. Pocket Casts has released a new native app for Apple TV. An Indie App Sales promotion is offering discounts on hundreds of apps across Apple platforms through July 30th.

Entertainment and Media

Apple TV+ has announced that its sci-fi series Silo will return for its fourth and final season in summer 2027. The first full trailer for "Ted Lasso" season 4 has been released, showing Jason Sudeikis returning to Richmond with a new team. Apple TV has also shared new trailers for "Dark Matter," "Neuromancer," and "Matchbox". The Sunday Reboot podcast discusses potential new content areas for Apple TV, including a dating docuseries.

Security and Privacy

Apple's latest operating system updates include security fixes that credit AI tools like Claude and Codex for assisting in vulnerability research. A flaw in Anthropic's Claude Cowork allowed the AI agent to escape its sandbox and access sensitive files on a user's Mac. The App Store is facing a $1.8 million crypto app fraud lawsuit, with users suing Apple over weak protections that allowed a fraudulent bitcoin wallet app to operate. The privacy approach of Apple is contrasted with concerns about AI chatbot data usage, as Claude chats were exposed in Google searches.

Other Notable Updates

Amazon is planning to deploy a satellite network of up to 5,105 satellites to power iPhone satellite features. A patent filed by Apple proposes using iPhone AR to identify oncoming vehicles for ride-sharing services, aiming to prevent users from entering the wrong Uber. Apple has stated that its "Restricted Mode" for the Upgrade program will not be activated by missed lease payments. John Ternus is being presented as a steady continuation of leadership as he prepares to take over Apple. Amazon is offering significant discounts on the 14-inch M5 Pro MacBook Pro with a 2TB SSD, and has also discounted the 2026 MacBook Pro by up to $500. B&H is also providing discounts of up to $200 on M5 MacBook Air models.