From 9to5Mac · 40 stories
Apple Invites Developers to Submit Interoperability Ideas for Interop 2027
Apple's WebKit team is inviting developers to submit proposals for Interop 2027, a cross-browser initiative to improve web technology consistency. This annual collaboration among major browser makers addresses interoperability issues, with selected focus areas measured by Web Platform Tests.
Apple Reportedly Considering App Store Changes to Increase Revenue and Margins
Apple is reportedly exploring changes to its App Store to increase revenue and margins, an initiative driven by CEO John Ternus and services SVP Eddy Cue. This effort may have contributed to former executive Phil Schiller's recent departure, as he reportedly disagreed with such moves. Potential changes could include altering the app review process or adjusting developer membership fees.
iOS 27 introduces new features to the Messages app
Apple released iOS 27, enhancing the Messages app with new features including customizable voice message buttons and a drawing tool. These updates aim to improve user experience and expand functionality for communication.
Apple Pay introduces new features including redesigned checkout, Amex rewards, and Tap to Share
Apple Pay is receiving four new features, including a redesigned checkout interface in iOS 27, American Express rewards integration, a "Tap to Share" option for in-store purchases, and the ability to reload debit cards. These updates aim to enhance the payment experience for iPhone users by offering more flexibility and functionality.
Greenpeace: AI adoption will test Apple's environmental commitments due to data center demands
Greenpeace states that Apple's adoption of AI, particularly with Siri AI and other Apple Intelligence features, poses a significant threat to its environmental record due to the electricity and water demands of large-scale data centers. The organization argues that how Apple addresses these demands will be a crucial test of its climate commitments, despite its past achievements in renewable energy use.
Apple allows Mac App Store developers to drop Intel support for macOS 13+ apps
Apple informed developers that universal macOS apps on the Mac App Store requiring macOS 13 or later can now remove support for Intel-based Macs. This change simplifies development and optimizes app size for Apple Silicon, aligning with Apple's transition away from Intel processors.
Apple to launch AI-powered smart glasses in 2027, focusing on voice and camera features
Apple is expected to release its first AI-powered smart glasses in 2027, which will integrate Visual Intelligence and Siri for real-world interaction without a display. These glasses will primarily function through voice and camera input, offering features like environmental context, translation, and audio playback.
Apple Rejects DOJ's Attempt to Block Document Discovery in Antitrust Case
Apple is opposing the Department of Justice's motion to overturn a court decision that allows Apple to obtain documents from 14 federal agencies for its antitrust defense. The DOJ argues that the discovery requests are burdensome and irrelevant, while Apple maintains the special master correctly applied legal standards.
iOS 27 Passwords app to automatically change compromised logins using Apple Intelligence
Apple's iOS 27 will introduce an automatic password change feature within the Passwords app, powered by Apple Intelligence. This update allows the app to fix weak or compromised logins on behalf of the user, addressing a previous limitation where users had to manually resolve such issues.
Apple released 11 new hardware products in 2026, including AirTag 2, iPhone 17e, and M5 Macs
Apple has released 11 new hardware products in 2026 across several categories, including an updated AirTag, new iPhones, iPads, and Macs. These releases update key product lines with new chips, improved features, and expanded capabilities ahead of a major September event.
Proton Mail and other Proton services experience widespread outage
Proton services, including Proton Mail, Proton VPN, and Lumo, experienced a major outage affecting multiple platforms. The company confirmed the issue and implemented a fix, with most services recovering for users. This outage impacts users relying on Proton's privacy-focused ecosystem for email, VPN, and other digital tools.
iPhone 17 Series Dominates Q2 2026 Global Smartphone Sales, Counterpoint Reports
Counterpoint Research reported that Apple's iPhone 17 was the world's best-selling smartphone in Q2 2026, accounting for 6% of global unit sales. Apple secured five of the top ten spots, with the iPhone 17 Pro Max and iPhone 17 Pro ranking second and third, respectively, indicating strong performance for the series.
DuckDuckGo Survey Reveals Users Share Significant Personal Data with AI Chatbots
A DuckDuckGo survey found that nearly one in three AI chatbot users share information they would not tell others, with 53% unaware that most chatbots use conversations for training by default. This highlights a gap in user understanding of AI privacy practices and the extent of data collection.
Apple begins testing AI shopping assistant in Apple Store app for select users
Apple is rolling out an AI-powered shopping assistant in its Apple Store app to select users as part of an "Early Preview." This integration allows users to interact with a virtual assistant for product inquiries, order status, and trade-in values, marking Apple's expansion of AI features into its retail experience.
Conflicting Reports Emerge on Apple's 20th Anniversary iPhone Design
Reports conflict regarding Apple's plans for a "single slab of glass" iPhone design, rumored for the 20th anniversary in 2027. While an analyst claimed the project was canceled due to low yield, a Bloomberg report and a leaker's claim suggest the design is still on track, potentially featuring a 7-inch display and under-display Face ID and camera technology.
Apple paid Ireland $17 billion in corporate taxes in 2025, including EU back taxes
Apple paid Ireland $17 billion in corporate income taxes in 2025, which accounted for 40% of its worldwide total and included back taxes from a resolved EU dispute. This payment follows a 2024 EU court ruling that upheld an order for Ireland to recover up to €13 billion in unpaid taxes from Apple due to unlawful state aid.
Athom's Homey software achieves Matter 1.5 certification, expanding smart home device support
Athom has secured Matter 1.5 certification for its Homey software, which runs on Homey Pro, Homey Pro mini, and Homey Self Hosted Server. This update enables native support for new energy-focused hardware categories and enhances the bridging of non-Matter devices to various smart home platforms, making a wider range of existing devices compatible with Matter ecosystems.
Sanctioned Russian Banking App K8CHEN PRO Briefly Topped US iPhone App Store
A banking application for the sanctioned Russian bank T-Bank, disguised as an AR kitchen modeling app named K8CHEN PRO, reached the top of the US iPhone App Store before being removed. This incident marks another instance of a sanctioned Russian bank circumventing Apple's App Store review process to distribute its client application.
Adobe Firefly AI audio generation tools, including music and voiceover, are now generally available
Adobe has made its Firefly AI audio generation tools, including Generate Music, Generate Speech, and Generate Sound Effects, generally available. These tools allow users to create fully licensed music tracks, natural voiceovers, and custom sound effects directly within Firefly. This release addresses common challenges for video creators, musicians, and marketers related to music licensing costs and copyright risks, integrating audio creation into existing workflows.
Multiple Apple Services Including Find My and iCloud Experiencing Outages for Some Users
Apple's System Status page confirms that several services, including Find My, Game Center, Photos, and various iCloud functions, are currently experiencing issues for some or all users. This outage impacts core functionalities for Apple device users and developers, affecting accessibility and productivity across the ecosystem.
iOS 27 to Tie Advanced AI Features and Usage Limits to iCloud+ and Apple One Tiers
Apple's upcoming iOS 27 will introduce new Apple Intelligence features and increased usage limits that are linked to iCloud+ subscription tiers and Apple One plans. Advanced AI capabilities for the Home app and higher daily limits for functions like image generation will require higher-tier subscriptions, such as Apple One Premier or iCloud+ plans starting at 2TB.
Developer reports "obvious" App Store ratings fraud going undetected by Apple
Jeff Johnson, developer of the StopTheMadness Safari extension, states that Apple is failing to detect clear instances of App Store ratings fraud, despite the company's claims of rigorous review processes. This raises concerns about the effectiveness of Apple's content moderation and its impact on user trust and developer fairness within the App Store ecosystem.
iOS 27 Introduces Custom EQ for AirPods and Expands GymKit to iPhone and AirPods Pro 3
Apple's iOS 27 update brings Custom EQ to select AirPods models, allowing users to adjust sound profiles. The update also expands GymKit functionality, enabling iPhone and AirPods Pro 3 to sync heart rate data with compatible gym equipment, providing an alternative to the Apple Watch for workout tracking.
Foxconn's Revenue from Apple Falls Below 29% as AI Server Production Surges
Foxconn's revenue derived from Apple products has decreased to below 29% in the last quarter, a significant drop from over 50% previously. This shift is due to a substantial increase in the company's AI server manufacturing, which now accounts for 51% of its revenue.
Non-gaming apps drove mobile spending growth in Q2 2026 as gaming revenue declined 4.5%
A Sensor Tower report indicates that global mobile spending on non-gaming apps increased by 14.6% year-over-year in Q2 2026, reaching $24.4 billion, while mobile gaming revenue decreased by 4.5% to $19.2 billion. This shift highlights the growing influence of non-gaming categories, particularly AI apps, on the mobile app market.
Apple in talks to acquire US streaming rights for golf's Open Championship
Apple is reportedly in preliminary discussions to acquire the US streaming rights for golf's Open Championship. This move would expand Apple's sports broadcasting portfolio, which already includes Formula 1, Friday Night Baseball, and MLS matches.
Conflicting Reports Emerge on Apple's All-Glass iPhone Redesign for 20th Anniversary
Conflicting reports have emerged regarding Apple's rumored all-glass iPhone redesign for the device's 20th anniversary. Jefferies analyst Edison Lee downgraded Apple's stock, citing supply chain checks suggesting the cancellation of an all-glass iPhone due to low yield, while Bloomberg reports that a "glassy look" redesign for next year's iPhone Pro models remains on track.
Apple Maps in iOS 27 Introduces Enhanced Flyover, Local Lists, and Expanded Suggested Places
Apple Maps in iOS 27 includes an upgraded Flyover experience, a new Local Lists feature for US users, and an expansion of the 'Suggested Places' recommendations. The Flyover feature combines aerial imagery with AI for detailed city views, while Local Lists provide curated collections of places based on trending insights. The 'Suggested Places' feature, introduced in iOS 26.5, now allows horizontal scrolling to display up to 10 recommendations, an increase from the previous limit of two.
Apple Achieves Record Smartphone Revenue Share in Q2, Dominates Premium Market
Apple captured a record 49% of global smartphone revenue in Q2, marking its highest-ever revenue share for a second quarter, according to Counterpoint Research. The company's revenue grew 22% year-over-year, with its average selling price increasing to $946. Additionally, Apple held 65% of the premium smartphone market in the first half of 2026, a segment that grew to 29% of global smartphone sales, driven by the iPhone 17 line.
WhatsApp to add AI-generated media labeling for channel admins due to EU transparency rules
WhatsApp is developing a feature that will allow channel administrators to label AI-generated images, videos, or other media within channel updates. This development responds to new EU transparency requirements for AI-generated content, aiming to inform followers when media is created or edited using AI tools.
Judge Allows $30 Billion Class-Action Lawsuit Against Apple Over Photos Face Recognition
A judge has certified a class-action lawsuit against Apple, alleging its Photos app's "People" feature violates Illinois' Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA). The lawsuit, filed by a group of Apple users in 2020, could result in damages exceeding $30 billion for Apple, similar to previous BIPA settlements involving Meta and Instagram.
Apple Achieves Over $10 Billion in Annual Sales in India for the First Time
Apple's annual sales in India surpassed $10 billion for the first time in its last fiscal year, marking a significant increase from approximately $9 billion the previous year. This milestone indicates Apple's growing presence in the Indian market, despite higher product pricing compared to the US due to local taxes.
Apple Sued in Brazil Over Alleged Lack of Age Verification for Casino Games on App Store
Apple faces a R$300 million (approximately $59 million) civil lawsuit in Brazil for allegedly allowing minors to download and access casino-style games on its App Store without effective age verification. The lawsuit demands Apple implement robust age checks for all casino games and continuously monitor existing titles, with a daily fine proposed for non-compliance.
Russia opens antitrust case against Apple over failure to preinstall state-backed apps
Russia's antitrust regulator has initiated a formal case against Apple for not preinstalling the state-backed MAX messenger and RuStore app marketplace on its devices, as mandated by Russian law. This action escalates an ongoing dispute regarding app preinstallation requirements for devices sold in Russia.
India proposes extending tax breaks for foreign companies supplying equipment to contract manufacturers
India is drafting an amendment to extend a tax exemption for foreign companies that supply machinery and equipment to contract manufacturers in the country, pushing the expiration date from 2031 to 2041. This extension primarily benefits manufacturers of electronic devices and supports India's efforts to attract more electronics production, particularly for export.
John Ternus Recruits Retired Hardware VP Laura Legros Ahead of Apple CEO Transition
John Ternus, incoming Apple CEO, has brought back Laura Legros, a former Vice President of hardware engineering, who retired in 2022. Legros will report directly to Ternus and work cross-functionally, indicating Ternus is shaping his leadership team before officially taking over on September 1.
JP Morgan Lowers Apple Stock Target to $350 Following Q4 2026 Guidance
JP Morgan reduced its price target for Apple's stock from $345 to $350 after Apple reported quarterly results and warned of worsening supply constraints due to a memory shortage. This adjustment reflects concerns over potential revenue impact, particularly for iPhone, iPad, and Mac, which typically account for 64% of Apple's Q4 revenue.
Apple Working on Second-Generation iPhone Air 2
Apple is developing a second-generation iPhone Air, improving camera capabilities and battery life. The device will feature the A20 Pro chip, marking an upgrade from the A19 Pro, and aims to address previous sales disappointments.
macOS 27 "Golden Gate" Introduces AI File Suggestions and Enhanced iPhone Mirroring
Apple's upcoming macOS 27, codenamed "Golden Gate," will include new features such as AI-powered file and folder naming suggestions, improved iPhone Mirroring with resizable apps, Control Center access, and DRM video support. These updates enhance user interaction with file management and cross-device functionality on Mac devices.
Apple's Q3 2026 R&D Spending Reaches Record $11.73 Billion, Up 32% Year-Over-Year
Apple reported a record $11.73 billion in research and development expenses for Q3 2026, marking a 32% increase from the previous year. This spending brings Apple's fiscal 2026 R&D total to $34.04 billion, nearly matching its full fiscal 2025 expenditure with one quarter remaining, and reflects increased investment in areas like AI.