Apple News 24 Hours

Last updated: August 31, 2026, 2:23 PM ET

Apple Leadership Transition

The end of an era arrived as Tim Cook officially stepped down as Apple CEO on September 1 after 15 years at the helm. Hardware engineering chief John Ternus takes over the top role today, marking a significant generational shift in Cupertino, as confirmed in April. Cook's final memo to employees reflected on the company's journey and expressed confidence in Ternus's leadership, while the outgoing CEO also commented on his last day in a series of farewell notes.

The transition extends beyond the CEO suite, as Phil Schiller is stepping back from running the App Store and overseeing product events. The longtime marketing executive, who has been with Apple for decades, will cede those responsibilities as part of the broader reorganization under Ternus. Schiller's reduced leadership role signals a comprehensive changing of the guard across Apple's most visible public-facing operations. The Sunday Reboot analysis noted the awkward timing of Apple's Mac launch schedule intersecting with the leadership handover, as the company navigates its most significant executive reshuffle in over a decade.

September 9 Launch Event

Apple's highly anticipated September event arrives next week, with the company expected to discontinue more than 10 products as new hardware debuts. The iPhone 18 Pro lineup will be unveiled on September 9, with new Pro and Pro Max models featuring upgraded cameras, faster chips, and design refinements across the lineup. Rumors also indicate AirPods 5 will launch alongside the new iPhones, potentially in two variants with improved audio quality and health tracking features.

App Store & Maps Controversy

The App Store charts took an unexpected turn as MapQuest topped the rankings after refusing to rename Lake Ontario to "Lake America" on its maps, following an executive order from President Trump. The navigation app's defiance resonated with users, driving it to the top of the download charts by Monday morning. Meanwhile, President Trump has "reached out to Apple directly" about making the same change in Apple Maps, according to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum. Google Maps has already updated its U.S. maps to display "Lake America," while Apple has yet to follow suit, leaving the company in a politically sensitive position ahead of its product launch.

Legal & Recognition

A California appeals court has revived a 2022 lawsuit accusing Apple of blocking independent repairs, alleging the company convinced customers not to use third-party repair services for cracked iPhone screens. The ruling could have significant implications for Apple's repair policies and the broader right-to-repair movement. On a more positive note, The One Club for Creativity has inducted Apple into its Brand Hall of Fame, recognizing the company's iconic advertising campaigns that have shaped the tech industry's marketing landscape for decades.

Car Play & Deals

The Weather Channel's Storm Radar app has added Car Play support, bringing a major weather app to Apple's in-car platform for the first time. The addition addresses a notable gap in Car Play's app ecosystem, which has supported hundreds of apps but lacked Apple Weather integration. Meanwhile, Amazon's Labor Day sale has driven AirPods prices down to $80, with Mag Safe batteries discounted up to 60% off and Air Tag 2 available at $20 each, offering significant savings on Apple accessories ahead of the September launch event.