Apple News 24 Hours

Last updated: September 23, 2026, 2:03 PM ET

Mac Hardware

Amazon has rolled out the first post-launch discounts on Apple's newest desktops, cutting prices on the Mac mini and Mac Studio alongside a steep markdown on Samsung's portable SSD. Buyers eyeing the entry-level machine should note a caveat: the 256GB configuration of the new M6 and M5 Pro Mac mini runs storage at roughly half the speed of every other tier. The storage story gets worse, as the new Mac mini carries two downsides, including an SSD that cannot be removed or upgraded after purchase. For those weighing the generational jump, a full spec-by-spec comparison pits the M5 Pro Mac mini against its M4 Pro predecessor on hardware and price. One modder, meanwhile, has turned the tiny desktop into a handheld gaming device, one of the more ambitious Mac mini projects to surface this year.

Software Betas

Apple seeded the first public betas of iOS 27.2 and macOS Golden Gate 27.2 today, opening the cycle to non-developers. The iOS 27.2 build arrives with a new iPhone Health app, landing just six days after the developer beta skipped over iOS 27.1 entirely. On the Mac side, Apple pushed out macOS 27.2 Golden Gate public beta 1 following the second developer beta. The iPad also gets a turn, with iPadOS 27.2 headlining a round of new public beta updates rolling out today. Separately, Apple shipped second release candidates for macOS Tahoe 26.7.1 and Sequoia 15.8.1, now available to public testers as well.

Apple Intelligence & Storage

Installing mac OS 27 Golden Gate triggers an automatic multi-gigabyte download that leaves Apple Intelligence consuming more than 30GB of storage on some Macs. Users who want finer control over the interface will find that macOS 27 adds a slider governing Liquid Glass, giving more granular command over the visual treatment.

App Updates

Apple Mail in iOS 27 finally delivers the feature upgrade that has sat atop many users' wish lists for years. The Photos app gets a similar fix, with iOS 27 adding a camera roll view labeled "Captured by Me." Shazam received a refresh, picking up a new icon and iMessage stickers in its latest iOS release. Apple TV 4K owners gain a fresh audio option, as tvOS 27.2 introduces a Home Pod surround sound feature. Apple also expanded its professional imaging pipeline, adding RAW support for 11 digital cameras across iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Vision Pro. On the audio hardware front, a firmware update shipped for the Beats 360 over-ear headphones.

Payments & Finance

The Apple Card savings account reversed course after two cuts in 2026, with its annual percentage yield edging up to 3.5%. Apple and Goldman Sachs raised the savings rate for account holders as of this morning. The APY increase marks a modest but welcome shift for savers. Apple Pay picked up four new features, notably adding Walmart support for in-store, online, and in-app purchases. Tap to Pay on iPhone continued its international expansion, reaching eight more Latin American countries. The contactless payment tool is now live across eight Latin American markets, broadening Apple's merchant footprint in the region.

Legal & Regulatory

The U.S. government urged the Supreme Court to reverse a contempt ruling against Apple over App Store commission practices, with several legal and business groups filing briefs in support. A wave of amicus briefs backed Apple's arguments ahead of the Epic Games Supreme Court judgment, though the DOJ declined to take sides. In Europe, Tim Cook met with EU chief Ursula von der Leyen as the bloc pushes new child safety rules, keeping with Apple's pledge that Cook would remain personally involved in regulatory engagement. Apple Maps drew scrutiny after blurring alleged detention centers in China, with the company citing local laws as the reason for the data provider's changes. On the consumer safety front, an Air Tag stalking victim who says her iPhone never warned her is suing Apple for $75,000.

Connectivity & Features

AT&T appears to have no plans to support Apple's new iPhone Handoff feature, which launched last week. Apple is testing an iPhone setting that lets users shake off motion-sensing ads, a potential privacy win for users tired of gyroscope-driven targeting.

AI & Industry

OpenAI launched its GPT-6 Sol and Luna models, bringing Astra-level improvements down to cheaper tiers. Anthropic countered with Claude Opus 5.5, claiming Fable-level performance at a reduced price. Apple's rumored AI pendant, however, has reportedly been postponed, following the company's first AI wearables launch with Apple Watch Series last week. The pendant project is now on hold despite Apple's broader AI push.

Media & Services

Apple TV premiered "Brothers," starring Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson, with the first two episodes now streaming. The animated series "The Sisters Grimm" unveiled a season 2 trailer ahead of its October premiere. Apple Maps and Apple Podcasts teamed up on Hidden Histories guides and companion episodes. At the Apple Park Visitor Center, the company retired a unique AR experience that had been offered for years. The venue also lost an attraction that had been available since 2017, following recent renovations.

Accessories & Events

At IFA Berlin 2026, the show floor yielded a crop of the best Apple accessories on display, spanning charging, audio, and case categories.