Apple News 7d

Hardware & Product Rumors

Apple is planning a MacBook Pro overhaul for later this year, with three key upgrades rumored. The company is also expected to launch over 20 new products this year, including five all-new devices. For the next iPhone, leaks point to a much brighter display for the iPhone 18, while the 20th-anniversary model may not have an all-screen design. A recent mod project gave the iPhone Air a SIM card slot. In laptop news, a flash deal saw the M5 MacBook Pro dip to record-low pricing, and the M5 iPad Pro fell to a historic low. For desktop users, a new monitor can dock an M4 Mac mini into a 32-inch 4K touchscreen.

Software & AI Developments

The biggest software story centers on a major Siri upgrade. Multiple reports confirm a Siri chatbot is coming in iOS 27, with Apple replacing the Siri interface with a true conversational experience. This new AI system may even run on Google servers. Meanwhile, Apple’s internal AI efforts are speeding up, with employees using an ‘Enchanté’ internal AI chatbot. Craig Federighi is now taking control of Apple Intelligence, leading to sweeping changes. A separate, rumored Apple AI pin faces a Siri-shaped problem, and some analysts remain AI hardware skeptics. Other iOS updates include four new features in iOS 26 I’ve been using daily and what to expect from the upcoming iOS 26.4.

App Store & Services Changes

Apple is showing more ads in the App Store starting in March, with the change beginning in the UK and expanding to search results. This move comes as Apple fights the Indian antitrust authority over access to global financials and lashes out at the EU about alternative app store failures. A lawsuit alleges Apple raised UK banking costs, while another Apple Pay fee lawsuit is in the news. On the services front, Apple Cash instant transfer fees are going up. Apple TV is getting new content, including a new ‘HomePad’ device update, a Substack app, and a trailer for ‘Top Dogs’ on Vision Pro. The ‘F1: The Movie’ has been nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars, and ‘For All Mankind’ season 5 has a teaser and premiere date.

Deals & Accessories

This week featured several notable deals. The Apple Studio Display hit its lowest price in months, and Air Pods Pro 3 dropped to an all-time low price. Satechi launched an ultra-slim keyboard and mouse for Mac users, and a 7-in-1 ‘OntheGo’ hub that works with iPhone. Anker’s Nano Charger with a display was reviewed, and a Qi2 Mag Safe power bank with active cooling was hands-on tested. For the Super Bowl, Samsung is running a big sale on TVs. A new study confirmed the Apple Watch’s effectiveness at detecting AFib, and Air Tags are helping airlines cut down on lost luggage.

Legal & Business News

Apple scored a partial win in a privacy lawsuit, with a court ruling it didn’t invade iPhone user privacy in California. In France, Apple won a legal battle to keep its App Tracking Transparency function. The company also spent $10 million on U.S. lobbying in 2025, up nearly 30%. In a separate case, a judge denied Elon Musk’s bid to force OpenAI to hand over source code in an Apple AI lawsuit. Meanwhile, Apple is partnering with Intel on some iPhone chips, though not for its most advanced silicon. The company also topped Fortune’s 2026 list of the World’s Most Admired Companies and is ranked as the world’s most valuable brand per Brand Finance.

Events & Creator Focus

Apple is hosting a three-day Creator Studio event in LA from January 27-29, which could coincide with a MacBook Pro announcement. The company invited creators to a multi-day ‘Apple Experience’ next week. These events align with reports that Apple is turning to Intel for future iPhone chips. In content news, Apple Fitness+ has expanded to Japan, though it’s using AI-generated dubs. A new study shows TikTok dominates the mobile landscape, while OpenAI is on track to unveil its first AI device this year.