Apple News 8 Hours

Last updated: July 10, 2026, 2:30 PM ET

Apple's AI Dominance and Future Devices

Apple has a commanding lead in AI-capable smartwatches, accounting for 90% of Edge AI smartwatch shipments in Q1 2026 according to Counterpoint Research accounted for 90%. The Apple Watch is also set to lose its Walkie-Talkie app with the upcoming watch OS 27 update, shifting to a push-to-talk functionality. Speculation continues regarding Apple's next-generation Mac lineup, with discussions about a potential "MacBook Ultra" replacing the MacBook Pro.

iPhone and Component Cost Concerns

Component costs for the iPhone 18 Pro Max are projected to increase by nearly $300 compared to the iPhone 17 Pro. This trend may be contributing to Apple slashing demand forecasts for the standard iPhone 17 due to rising hardware expenses, as reported by Fixed Focus Digital. Meanwhile, rumors persist about the iPhone Fold, with conflicting reports on its launch timing and leaked details suggesting its batteries might have less capacity than initially anticipated.

App Updates and Industry Acquisitions

Spotify is enhancing its Release Radar feature with new listening filters, granting users more control over music recommendations. In the realm of app acquisitions, Netflix is reportedly among several companies showing interest in acquiring Letterboxd, a popular movie tracking and social media platform. OpenAI is discontinuing its Chat GPT Atlas browser, prompting users to consider alternative AI browsers. Anthropic is highlighting its Claude Code in-app browser on the desktop, offering AI-powered browsing capabilities.

Smart Home and Digital Regulation

The smart home market continues to see a divide between genuinely useful technology and novelty items. In Europe, Meta faces scrutiny over the "addictive design" of Facebook and Instagram, with the European Commission preliminarily finding that their infinite scroll features may violate the EU's Digital Services Act. This could potentially cost Meta billions, with preliminary findings suggesting a $12.5 billion impact.

Deals and Product Rumors

Several deals on Apple products are currently available, including discounts on Air Pods, Apple Watch Ultra, and M5 MacBook Air models. Significant savings can also be found on LG's 32-inch Ultra Fine evo 6K Thunderbolt 5 monitor, priced $700 below its usual cost and $240 less than Apple's Studio Display. Rumors continue to circulate about new Apple products, including potential Air Pods with cameras and the long-discussed iPhone Fold. Separately, claims that iPhones sold in the EU will feature removable battery doors in 2027 have been debunked.