Apple News 3 Days

Last updated: August 20, 2026, 3:22 AM ET

Legal Battles

Apple has filed its response to OpenAI's motion to dismiss the lawsuit accusing two former employees and the company of pervasive trade secret misappropriation. Apple reaffirmed its stance that OpenAI's request to dismiss the case lacks merit, arguing that distortion and speculation warrant denying the dismissal. The legal battle continues to escalate as both parties present their arguments in court filings.

App Store Regulations in the EU

The European Commission has approved of Apple's new App Store terms in the EU, even though Epic Games has criticized the changes. Apple's updated fees and terms for developers distributing in the European Union are seen as a preview of what might come to the United States, with Apple overhauling its App Store fees to comply with the Digital Markets Act. The new App Store policies have lowered both costs and the bar to entry for external payments, though Epic Games has slammed the new fees as "junk."

Product Leaks and Rumors

Despite a demo video leak are not expected to launch until 2027. Reports suggest these Air Pods may launch as part of the AirPods Pro lineup rather than as a separate product line. Meanwhile, Apple has accidentally leaked references to more than 10 new products in the mac OS 26.7 update, including unreleased AirPods 5 models. The iPhone 18 Pro is rumored to bring six new features, with the iPhone 18 Pro Max potentially getting exclusive camera upgrades.

Software Updates and Features

Apple has released iOS 26.6.1 with security fixes, along with macOS Tahoe 26.7 and macOS Sequoia 15.8 Release Candidates. The tvOS 27 is expected to add Siri AI support for Apple TV, and watchOS 27 beta 6 has been seeded to developers. New features in iOS 27 include updates to the Camera app and Apple Calendar, while macOS 27 Golden Gate beta 6 introduces redesigned traffic light window controls.

Hardware and Accessories

Schlage Sense Pro has been reviewed as a sleek smart lock supporting Apple Home Key via Ultra Wideband. Astropad Workbench 1.3 has been released with faster streaming and a privacy curtain. Dell UltraSharp 32 4K QD-OLED has been reviewed as a color-accurate monitor, though it has some limitations for Mac users.

Retail and Promotions

Best Buy is hosting its 60th Anniversary sale with significant discounts on Apple products, including MacBook Pro models. Amazon and Best Buy are offering up to $500 off 2026 MacBook Pro models. AirPods Pro 3 are available at 25% off, and AirTag 2 has dropped to a low price of $89 for a 4-pack. Apple Card is offering 5% Daily Cash on select purchases through September 15.

AI and Technology Developments

Meta AI has launched a new Mac app with screen sharing and dictation capabilities, though Apple has raised privacy concerns about the app's data collection practices. ChatGPT experienced an outage that blocked users from logging in or creating new accounts, but the issue has been resolved. ChatGPT for Teens has launched with built-in safeguards and learning prompts. ClarityCheck has reportedly left millions of face photos publicly exposed in a major privacy breach.

Smart Home and Wearables

Apple's Home Hub is rumored to feature a widget gallery with iPhone widget support, and code suggests it will act like a giant Apple Watch. Firefox Smart Window has added AI web search and automatic tab groups. Spotify has launched Playlist Notes to let users add context to songs, podcasts, and audiobook picks.

Apple Store Expansions

A new Apple Store is set to open in Meridian, Idaho, just outside of Boise at The Village at Meridian. The 10,000-square-foot store will be located in an outdoor shopping complex, according to building permits reviewed by BoiseDev.

Financial and Market News

Rothschild & Co Redburn has raised its Apple price target by $140 to $400, specifically because it believes that an iPhone Ultra foldable device will drive significant revenue. Apple's US App Store commission revenue is down 18% this year, according to analytics data.

Security and Privacy Issues

Apple is being urged to ensure that AI-generated text is detectable and marked as such, while avoiding Anthropic's huge error in AI watermarking. A macOS screen sharing flaw is being actively exploited in the wild, according to the Netherlands' National Cyber Security Center. Apple is facing another lawsuit over AirTag anti-stalking protection failures, with two women in Detroit alleging they were tracked by former partners.

Environmental and Social Initiatives

Apple has pledged donations to support relief efforts in Indonesia following a deadly earthquake that has left thousands displaced and triggered over 1,000 aftershocks. Apple CEO Tim Cook announced the donation on social media, expressing support for first responders and relief efforts on the ground.

Developer and Beta Updates

Apple has released iOS 27 public beta, along with macOS 27, tvOS 27, and watchOS 27 public beta. Apple Sports has been updated with support for additional soccer leagues, including the Austrian Bundesliga and English Women's Super League.

Accessory and App Updates

AirBuddy 3 is now available with a new Action HUD, widgets, and deeper automation, packing more than 150 new features. Things 3.23 brings a significant update to the app's handling of repeating to-dos, addressing common situations like finishing tasks ahead of schedule. Sonos has updated its iPhone app with Live Activities support, providing quick access to playback controls from the Lock Screen.

Retail and Resale News

Apple's official refurbished store is offering top picks of the week, including significant savings on iPhone and MacBook models. Apple Wallet driver's license support is expanding to four more U.S. states, allowing residents to add their driver's license or state ID to the Apple Wallet app on iPhone and Apple Watch.

Antitrust and Regulatory Issues

Apple is pushing back against the Department of Justice's bid to block agency document requests, arguing that the DOJ's latest challenge in the antitrust case "fails at every level." Apple has admitted that it may not make any commission from alternative app stores, as regulatory interference becomes a bigger problem for its Services division.

Supply Chain and Manufacturing

TSMC's 2-nanometer process will benefit the A20 and A20 Pro chips in the iPhone 18 Pro, though Apple will pay dearly for the performance gains. Apple CEO Tim Cook has pointed to the new Houston plant and accelerator as a triumph for US manufacturing, teasing the revitalization of manufacturing ghost towns.

Consumer Electronics Market

A new Counterpoint Research report predicts that consumer wearables will generate more than $1 trillion in cumulative revenue through 2032, with smartwatches and wireless earbuds leading the pack. Amazon is expanding its Prime Air drone delivery service to almost 500 US cities and towns by the end of 2026.

Entertainment and Media

Bill Lawrence, creator of Ted Lasso and Shrinking, is bringing Bad Monkey back for a new season. Slow Horses is returning for season, with a new trailer revealing two major returning stars. Peacock has raised the prices of all three subscription tiers, with increases of up to $3 per month or $30 per year.

Tech History and Culture

Steve Jobs's 8th-grade science fair project is up for auction, with collectors showing avid interest in Steve Jobs memorabilia over the years. Susan Kare, legendary graphic designer, has revisited the icons and graphics for the original Mac at the Startup School 2026 event. The MacWeek archive offers a glimpse into Apple's past, serving as an indispensable read in the '80s and '90s.

Mag Safe and Accessories

The Urban Fit wallet is a budget-friendly alternative to Apple's MagSafe wallet, offering similar functionality at a lower price point. Mophie has released a 4-in-1 review on Smart Home Insider, discussing natural language robot cues and Apple Intelligence limits.

Apple Intelligence and AI Features

Apple Intelligence is set to bring new capabilities to iOS 27, with Siri AI support coming to Apple TV and potentially HomePod. Apple must avoid Anthropic's huge error in AI watermarking, ensuring that AI-generated text is detectable and marked as such.

Future Product Developments

Apple is reportedly working on a big overhaul of its Home product lineup, with new devices potentially launching soon. The Home Hub will use a Widget Gallery that lets users select from various widgets, and code suggests it will work more like an Apple Watch than a HomePod.

Apple Fitness and Services

Apple Fitness+ may be adding live content, with a job listing hinting at the need for a Studio Producer with a background in live production. Apple Card is offering 5% cash back on select purchases for a limited time, including at Booking.com, and Exxon.

Developer Tools and Platforms

Meta AI continues to expand its presence on Mac, with a dedicated desktop app now available. The app is primarily meant for businesses and content creators, though privacy concerns have been raised about Meta's data collection practices.

Regional and Global Expansion

Apple's App Store changes in the EU are a premonition of reduced commissions for developers that could soon come to the United States. German regulators are cracking down on App Tracking Transparency, having rejected Apple's initial compromise proposals for ATT rules.

Apple TV and Streaming

The next-generation Apple TV 4K is rumored to come with at least five new features, including an A17 Pro chip or newer, increased RAM, and Siri AI support. Apple TV is expected to ship with an upgraded Siri Remote, according to mac OS 26.7 code findings.

iPhone Developments

The iPhone 18 Pro is rumored to bring three new design updates, with the iPhone 18 Pro Max potentially getting exclusive camera features like variable aperture. Otterbox and Astropad think iPhone 17 Pro cases will fit iPhone 18 Pro models, though Apple advises waiting for the official launch.

iPad and MacBook Updates

The iPad Mini 8 is rumored to feature an OLED display and A19 Pro chip, while Apple may be considering adding a Camera Control button to a future iPad. Apple is offering significant discounts on the M4 iPad Air, with Amazon and Best Buy providing triple-digit markdowns.

Apple Watch and Health

The Apple Watch Series 12 is rumored to bring back a beloved design material with a ceramic case option. Apple Watch health data has been used as evidence in the Lindsay Clancy murder trial, alongside iPhone Messages history. Apple Watch owners can participate in the National Parks Challenge starting August 23.

Beats and Audio Products

The Beats 360 have leaked in retail listings, revealing details about the over-ear headphones. Apple has confirmed through mac OS Tahoe 26.7 code that the Beats 360 are part of its upcoming product lineup, with one of the Beats codenames found in the update pointing to the new Beats 360.

Maps and Location Services

Apple Maps will introduce search ads that are described as tasteful and minimal, potentially helping local businesses. Apple is positioning these ads as a way to create a great incentive system for local businesses to engage with the platform.

Miscellaneous Updates

Apple is preparing for a September event that will likely see the launch of 10+ new products, including the iPhone 18 Pro and Apple Watch Series 12. Apple is exploring how its Home Hub will work, with new code references found in macOS Tahoe describing a widget-based interface that feels familiar to Apple Watch users.