Apple News 3d Briefing
×Last updated: August 22, 2026, 11:36 AM ET
Apple Services and Tax
Apple paid Ireland $17 billion in corporate income taxes in 2025, according to new tax disclosures. This significant payment is part of the company's settlement of a long-standing European Union back-tax case. In parallel, Apple is also set to begin accepting Apple Pay macrumors.com at Walmart stores across the U.S. starting August 24th, marking an end to the retailer's long-standing refusal of the payment service. Additionally, Apple will donate $10 to the National Park Foundation macrumors.com for every purchase made in the U.S. using Apple Pay on Apple.com or within the Apple Store app through August 28th.
Product Rumors and Releases
New details have emerged about the upcoming Apple Watch Series 12 macrumors.com and Ultra, with rumors pointing to a significant chip upgrade. The Series 12 may also bring back a ceramic casing option, last seen with the Series. In the realm of audio, Apple's upcoming Beats 360 headphones macrumors.com have been spotted in a UAE regulatory filing, hinting at their impending release. Meanwhile, camera-equipped Air Pods are reportedly delayed until 2027 and will not be capable of taking photos, despite a leaked demo video. Apple is also reportedly preparing to add support for MG vehicles to its Car Key system macrumors.com.
Software and AI Developments
iPad OS 27 is set to introduce three new features that aim to make the iPad experience more akin to mac OS. In the AI space, OpenAI's Chat GPT has gained new integrations, including the ability to control Messages on Mac and read/send iMessages, though these integrations raise privacy concerns. Apple is also preparing to label AI-generated songs on Apple Music macrumors.com, with these disclosure labels becoming mandatory for record labels and distributors. The Home Kit ecosystem is expanding with Homey securing Matter 1.5 certification, enhancing bridging and energy support.
Market Trends and Layoffs
Despite a global decline in smartphone sales, Apple has managed to grow its market share in regions like India, Latin America, and Europe. However, the company has also undergone significant workforce adjustments, with reports indicating layoffs affecting over 200 employees across the Vision Pro and Siri teams. These cuts suggest a shift in priorities, with a potential focus moving towards AI glasses. In other market news, a new report predicts the smart wearables market will generate over $1 trillion through 2032, with smartwatches and wireless earbuds leading the growth.
New Content and Deals
Apple TV+ subscribers can now stream the entire fifth season of the award-winning animated series Stillwater. Additionally, the platform has added the three-part docuseries "The Dynasty: UConn Huskies" and is set to release new episodes of the comedy Bad Monkey on December 2nd, featuring Vince Vaughn. For those looking for deals, the Apple Watch Series 11 macrumors.com is currently discounted by $100 at Best Buy and Amazon.