Apple News 8 Hours

Last updated: July 18, 2026, 2:30 PM ET

Apple's Financial Performance and Market Position

Apple regained its spot as the world's most valuable publicly traded company, surpassing Nvidia. The company also in Japan, following earlier worldwide price hikes on Macs and iPads. In a positive sign for its ecosystem, iPhone loyalty climbed to 87% in early 2026, with fewer users switching to Android.

Upcoming iPhone and iOS Developments

The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are expected to launch in two months, featuring a similar design to their predecessors but with 12 new features. However, the base model iPhone 18 is reportedly not making an appearance in the upcoming lineup. Meanwhile, iOS 27 has introduced a new Recovery Assistant that allows iPhones to enter a recovery mode without needing a Mac or PC. For those experiencing issues with the beta, instructions are available to to iOS.

Apple Ecosystem Expansions and Security

Apple's Car Key support is poised to expand to Great Wall Motor's GWM Tank SUVs, indicating further integration with the automotive industry. On the software front, a new mac OS malware variant called Click Fix has emerged, potentially creating a backdoor for enterprise fleets. In a separate regulatory move, the European Commission has ordered Google to grant rival AI apps the same Android access as its own Gemini.

Consumer Privacy and Tech Giveaways

As concerns around personal data persist, guidance on is being shared, prompting reflection on early online privacy habits. In more consumer-facing news, Mac Rumors is offering a giveaway for a MacBook Neo and Satechi accessories. WhatsApp has also begun rolling out a new to users.