Apple News 8 Hours

Last updated: July 2, 2026, 2:30 PM ET

Apple Ecosystem & Software Updates

Volkswagen is planning to integrate Apple Wallet car keys into future vehicles, a move indicated by newly discovered server-side code within Apple's systems VW planning car keys. This expansion follows recent additions of car key support for brands like Toyota Apple Wallet adds brands. Separately, the public beta for iOS 27 is expected to launch soon, with expectations that it will offer a distinct feature set compared to previous years, potentially encouraging upgrades for users with iPhones older than the 15 model iOS 27 public beta soon. Paid iCloud+ subscribers will also benefit from two new perks within iOS 27 at no additional cost iCloud+ perks on iOS 27.

Upcoming iPhone Hardware & Rumors

Speculation surrounding the iPhone 18 Pro suggests that higher-capacity models might utilize slower QLC NAND storage, a carryover from previous rumor cycles iPhone 18 Pro storage. Furthermore, the iPhone 18 Pro is reportedly set to feature different modem chips depending on the region, with Qualcomm expected to supply chips for the US market and a different supplier, C2, for other regions iPhone 18 Pro modems. In parallel, a leak indicates that the iPhone 18 Pro Max could house a significantly larger battery capacity iPhone 18 Pro Max battery. Amidst these hardware rumors, Apple has reportedly increased its production orders for the anticipated iPhone Fold to 10 million units for its 2026 to early 2027 launch period iPhone Fold orders increase.

Deals & Media

Current deals include Apple's Air Pods 4 available at nearly a 25% discount, and the M5 iPad Pro seeing a $350 price reduction AirPods 4 discount. The Air Tag 2 4-pack remains at its all-time low price of $89.00 AirTag 2 deal. On the content front, Apple TV+ is preparing to premiere several new movies and shows Apple TV+ premieres soon. However, the popular show tracking application TV Time will cease operations on July 15, with all user data scheduled for deletion thereafter TV Time shutting down.

Security & Malware

Security researchers have identified malware spreading through sponsored advertisements on the X platform, posing as a click-fixing tool Malware on X ads. A new mac OS infostealer has emerged that verifies Mac login passwords before proceeding with data theft, providing attackers with immediate confirmation of compromised credentials Mac infostealer verifies passwords. Meanwhile, the Opera browser has introduced a new security feature named Paste Protect to safeguard users against malicious clipboard commands Opera browser clipboard protection.

Photography & Social Media Trends

The winners of the 2026 iPhone Photography Awards have been announced, with many recognized images captured on older iPhone models, including an iPhone 8 Plus iPhone Photography Awards winners. The competition, now in its 19th year, celebrates the best photographs taken with Apple's devices iPhone Photography Awards highlight. In a separate development, a large-scale survey indicates that a majority of Americans would support a ban on social media use for individuals under, with parents being the most vocal proponents of such a measure Americans favor social media.