Apple News 8 Hours

Last updated: July 16, 2026, 11:30 PM ET

Software Updates and Betas

Apple released the public beta for iOS, featuring new Siri and Apple Intelligence capabilities, alongside a significant addition to the iPhone's Home Screen. The company also made available the first public beta of mac OS 27 Golden Gate for testing ahead of its autumn release. Discussions around the iOS 27 public betas and hands-on experiences with Siri AI are ongoing, with the company now making these new software versions accessible globally.

Product Pricing and Promotions

Apple is increasing the prices for some Apple Care+ subscription plans for Macs and iPads. Concurrently, the company's annual Back to School promotion has gone live in select Asian countries, including China, India, and Malaysia. Additionally, Apple updated its website to list products that qualify for upcoming sales tax holidays in 10 U.S. states. In other pricing news, Amazon's deals on the 2026 MacBook Pro now reflect Apple's recent price hikes, though some notable sales remain.

Hardware and Component Orders

Reports suggest Apple has ramped up orders for vapor chamber cooling components, potentially for its future foldable iPhone and 20th-anniversary iPhone models. In its refurbished store, Apple began selling the iPad mini with the A17 Pro chip at a discount in the U.S. and Canada. Speculation about the iPad 12's launch date has shifted, with an earlier expectation of a 2026 release now appearing less likely.

Carrier and Advertising Policies

Apple is set to begin locking carrier-financed iPhones to their respective carriers, ending a workaround that allowed customers to purchase unlocked iPhones on payment plans. In its Maps app, Apple shared an updated Advertising Services policy that will prohibit certain ad categories. Meanwhile, on Android, Apple TV and Apple Music are receiving significant updates, including the addition of homescreen widgets.

Supply Chain and Industry Moves

Apple's chip supplier, TSMC, has pledged an additional $100 billion for U.S. plant investments, bringing its total commitment to $265 billion. In a separate industry development, the European Commission has ordered Google to provide rival AI apps with the same Android access as its own Gemini. Separately, 1Password added Claude support, allowing the AI service to access stored credentials without viewing them directly.