Apple News 3 Days

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

iPhone and Hardware Rumors

Apple is gearing up for its annual iPhone event, with September fast approaching and speculation mounting about the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Ultra models expected to unveil. The iPhone 18 Pro lineup is anticipated to feature twelve changes, though functionality is not expected to undergo a dramatic overhaul. Looking further ahead, the 20th Anniversary iPhone, slated for fall 2027, is rumored to boast its most significant redesign since the iPhone X. In parallel, Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold8 is being examined for clues about Apple's potential iPhone Ultra design.

iOS 27 and Software Updates

The next major iPhone update, iOS, is set to introduce several user-centric features. Users will have more control over the "Liquid Glass" interface effect with a new setting to adjust its transparency allowing for fine-tuning. The Messages app will also see a change, offering the ability to hide the frequently mistaken dictation or voice icon. Additionally, iOS 27 will enhance Apple Maps with improvements to its "Suggested Places" feature, and the Calendar app is set to gain a highly requested natural language input capability. Siri is also getting a significant AI upgrade in iOS, with one particular area where it reportedly excels over other AI assistants.

Apple Services and Business

Apple's App Store is facing scrutiny in the UK, with the company stating that new rules would grant regulators a "highly intrusive" role in dictating business operations. Meanwhile, US senators are urging Apple to reconsider its plans to use Chinese-made chips for products sold within China, citing concerns over memory shortages and geopolitical implications. In financial news, Goldman Sachs has increased its AAPL price target to $370, anticipating strong third-quarter results and sustained purchase volumes despite hardware price increases. Apple has also launched a new U.S. leasing program called Apple Upgrade, which allows customers to lease iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple Watches on a monthly basis.

AI Developments and Industry Impact

The rapid advancement of AI is impacting various sectors, with research suggesting AI chatbots are becoming more adept at romance scams than humans. OpenAI's hardware roadmap is becoming clearer, with a smartphone device reportedly arriving as soon as next year, alongside other hardware initiatives. Jony Ive and Sam Altman are also teasing an AI hardware device that bears a resemblance to Apple's Home Pod sparking speculation. Separately, a flaw in Anthropic's Claude Cowork has been identified, allowing its AI agent to access sensitive files across a user's Mac, highlighting potential security vulnerabilities in AI tools.

Apple Hardware and Accessories

New models of the Apple TV and Home Pod mini are reportedly nearing completion and are expected to launch this fall ready for release. Apple is also rumored to be preparing an all-new smart home hub for release between October and early next year launching soon. In accessory news, Apple has begun selling refurbished Studio Display XDR models in the U.S., offering a discount of up to $540. Meanwhile, Amazon is offering significant discounts on various Air Pods models, with Air Pods 4 available for $99 and Air Pods Pro 3 for $199.99 making them.

System Updates and Security

Apple has released a series of software updates across its ecosystem, including iOS 26.6, watch OS 26.6, mac OS Tahoe 26.6, and tv OS 26.6, primarily focusing on security fixes and performance improvements. vision OS 26.6 is also available, preparing for the upcoming Siri AI integration on Apple Vision Pro. iPad OS 26.6 is also out, laying groundwork for Siri AI while including security patches and bug fixes. iOS 26.6 specifically includes stronger protections for Apple Maps and addresses various security and reliability issues.

Other Notable Updates

The ability to store a digital driver's license on an iPhone is expected to roll out to a 15th U.S. state soon expanding availability. Apple is also making it easier to change home addresses in Apple Maps. In entertainment, Apple has announced that its sci-fi series Silo will return for a fourth and final season in the summer of 2027 confirming its return. The company has also teased updates on the progress of *Severanceseason 3.