Apple News 3 Days

Last updated: August 1, 2026, 11:30 AM ET

New Apple Upgrade Program and iPhone 18 Series Rumors

Apple launched its new Apple Upgrade program, which offers a distinct leasing option compared to the previous iPhone Upgrade Program that is now being discontinued. Rumors surrounding the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro suggest a potential $300 price hike due to chip shortages and the possibility of a new Apple-designed C2 modem. The base model iPhone 18 is also rumored to arrive in spring 2027 with a smaller Dynamic Island, 12GB or 9GB of RAM, and a 2nm A20 chip. Additionally, the lower-end iPhone 18e is expected to feature 9GB of RAM, an increase from previous models. 20th-anniversary iPhone anticipated in fall 2027, is rumored to receive its most significant redesign since the iPhone X.

iOS 27 Features and Ecosystem Updates

iOS 27 is set to introduce several significant changes, including a major overhaul to Notification Center, breaking a 15-year-old user interface convention. Users will find new features for Apple Notes, enhanced capabilities for Apple Maps with an improved "Suggested Places" feature, and the ability to hide the frequently mistaken Messages button. Alarm volume finally be unlinked from the iPhone ringer, and a setting to adjust the transparency of the "Liquid Glass" interface effect will be included. mac OS 27 bring improvements to iPhone Mirroring and five new Mac features, while the Safari Technology Preview has received an update with bug fixes and performance enhancements.

Apple's Financial Performance and Market Position

captured 49% of global smartphone revenue in the second quarter, despite only accounting for 23% of shipments, highlighting the profitability of its devices. The company reported a profit of $29.8 billion on $109.4 billion in revenue for its third fiscal quarter of 2026. refunds significantly bolstered Apple's gross margins and earnings per share during the June quarter, with an additional $1 billion in refunds still unaccounted for. Research and development expenses climbed to a record $11.73 billion in Q3 2026, reflecting continued investment in innovation. Apple also a milestone of 1.5 billion paid subscriptions across its platform.

Supply Chain Challenges and Product Pricing

Apple is facing significant supply constraints that are expected to impact revenue and growth, particularly for the iPhone, iPad, and Mac. CEO Tim stated that while demand is strong, supply limitations will prevent meeting it during the September quarter. Cook also that adding more memory suppliers may not necessarily lead to lower product prices, attributing recent price increases to a "100-year flood on memory pricing." Investment banks have adjusted their price targets for Apple's stock, with JP Morgan setting a $345 target and Goldman Sachs trimming its target by $10, while Morgan Stanley lowered its target to $360 due to slowing Services growth and higher memory costs.

Deals and Discounts on Apple Products

This weekend, significant deals are available on various Apple products, including the Apple Watch Series 11 GPS models starting at $299.99 on Amazon. AirPods Pro are available for $199.99, and Air Pods Max 2 are discounted by $100, with some deals offering them at their lowest prices since Prime Day. The AirTag 2 is also seeing an all-time low price of $89.00 for a 4-pack. Additionally, M5 MacBook Air is available for $240 off, and the M4 Pro Mac mini is in stock with a $30 discount, though supply is limited. Certified refurbished Display XDR models are now available for sale in the U.S.

Apple's Ecosystem and Services Expansion

Apple's Beats continues to operate separately from Air Pods, allowing it to reach Android users and compete in different market segments. The company is also expanding its Car Keys feature to more Chinese car brands, with GWM's Tank vehicles expected to gain support. Apple TV+ released full San Diego Comic-Con panels for shows like "Silo" and "Dark Matter," and continues its partnership with Peanuts with the new "Snoopy Presents" special. Shazam has been updated with iMessage stickers inspired by Ariana Grande's new album.

Regulatory and Legal Developments

faces scrutiny over App Store practices, with new UK rules being described as "highly intrusive" by the company. The U.S. Department of Justice is contesting Apple's bid for records from 14 federal agencies in its antitrust case. In a separate matter, OpenAI's president stated that the company does not need Apple's secrets amidst an ongoing lawsuit. FCC banned new foreign-produced robotic devices due to national security risks, which could impact future Apple Home and Matter-compatible products.

Other Notable News

A Canadian artist remarkably found her iPhone 17 Pro intact after dropping it from a plane at 3,600 feet. iPad Air is expected to receive a redesign next year, as its current design has been in place since 2020. Code Weavers is actively testing an Apple Silicon-native Cross Over build, signaling a move away from Rosetta. Epic Games launched the Epic Games Store in Brazil, bringing Fortnite and Rocket League Sideswipe back to iPhones. Spotify has introduced a new "User Notes" feature for playlists and a "Running Mode" that adapts music to workout tempo and pace.