Apple News
Apple poised for strongest June-quarter sales growth in five years
Apple is on track for its strongest June-quarter sales growth in five years after holding iPhone prices steady amid rising component costs, according to Reuters reporting. Investors, however, will be watching closely for signals on how long the company can avoid price increases on its flagship product.
Reuters reported that the consumer electronics giant raised prices on iPads and MacBooks last month to offset higher costs from a shortage of memory and storage chips driven by massive AI datacenter buildouts. It spared iPhones, even as rival smartphone makers passed on those costs, contributing to a decline in global smartphone shipments in the April-June quarter to the lowest level in 13 years.The strategy appears to have paid off. iPhone shipments rose 3% and Apple’s market share climbed to nearly a fifth, according to estimates from research firm Counterpoint cited by Reuters. Combined with the fact that Apple has not spent hundreds of billions of dollars on data centers, this helped the company reclaim the title of the world’s most valuable company from Nvidia after two years, as doubts about the AI boom grow.
Apple shares, up nearly 25% so far this year, briefly pushed the company’s market value above $5 trillion for the first time on Tuesday and have widely outperformed the rest of the stocks among the “Magnificent Seven.”
“Apple was initially scorned by many investors for not joining the AI investment cycle. Now, it is actually being rewarded as investors question the relationship between (Big Tech’s) spending and return on investment,” said Dan Morgan, portfolio manager at Synovus Trust, which owns Apple shares, according to Reuters.
Last week, Alphabet stunned investors with a negative free cash flow for the first time in its history, Reuters noted. Morgan said he expects Apple to increase prices later this year, which could dampen demand and put pressure on a company whose high valuation does not leave “a lot of room for error.”
Analysts expect Apple to raise prices when it releases its next iPhone series, typically in September. Earlier this month, the company raised the price of Apple Music and Apple One, a subscription bundle for multiple Apple services, Reuters reported.
According to LSEG data cited by Reuters, Apple is expected to report that revenue rose 15.5% to $108.65 billion in the April-June period, its fiscal third quarter. That is slightly slower than the previous three months but marks the strongest third-quarter sales growth since 2021. Profit growth is expected to slow slightly to 18.1% as gross margin slips to 47.9% from 49.3% in the previous quarter.
Some analysts said the popularity of Apple’s devices and its strong ecosystem is likely to stave off any major demand hit for iPhones from price hikes, which could protect margins.“Apple’s core product demand has been somewhat inelastic, with iPhone being the most inelastic product within Apple’s product ecosystem, followed by Mac and then iPad,” Morgan Stanley analysts said. “This generally means that recent price increases are unlikely to materially disrupt demand, especially considering supply challenges at peers.”
iPhone sales likely increased 20.8% in the period, also marking the strongest third-quarter growth since 2021, Reuters reported. Mac revenue growth is expected to improve to 8.7% from 5.7% in the previous quarter despite the price increase, while iPad sales are expected to slow slightly to 5.2% from 8% in the second quarter.
MacDailyNews Note: As usual, we’ll have Apple’s earnings results for you as soon as they are released on Thursday, July 30th right around 4:30pm EDT / 1:30pm PDT. We’ll follow that with live notes from Apple’s conference call with analysts starting at 5:00pm EDT / 2:00pm PDT.
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No, Apple won’t turn on any ‘restricted mode’ for missed lease payments
Apple will not limit the functionality of devices enrolled in its new Upgrade leasing program if customers miss payments or default on the agreement. In an emailed statement to The Verge, Apple spokesperson Brian Bumbery said: “There will be no restricted mode and/or there will be no limitations put on device functionality due to missed payments or default with the Apple Upgrade program.”
The clarification follows reporting from 9to5Mac, which identified code in an iOS 27 beta referring to a new “App Managed Features” system. According to that reporting, the system would have allowed financial partners to perform ongoing status checks on a device and enabled Apple’s system services to place it into “Restricted Mode” if the owner was not in good financial standing. Restricted Mode, as described, would have blocked access to most apps while leaving core functions such as Phone, the App Store, Clock, Settings, and Wallet available.
Apple’s statement to The Verge directly addresses those concerns, stating that no such restrictions will be applied under the Upgrade program. The program itself allows customers to lease new iPhones, Macs, iPads, and other devices with the option to upgrade periodically.
The confirmation provides reassurance that leased devices will retain full functionality even in cases of missed payments, distinguishing the Upgrade program from any potential remote management features that had been observed in early iOS 27 code.
MacDailyNews Take: Apple has not explained to The Verge the intended purpose of Restricted Mode. One possibility is that the feature was built for financing programs run by carriers, retailers, or other partners outside the Apple Upgrade program—particularly in markets where device restrictions are already commonly used to enforce installment plans.
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What’s new in Apple’s iOS 26.6 and iPadOS 26.6
Apple released iOS 26.6 and iPadOS 26.6 to the public on July 27, 2026. These are maintenance updates focused on stability, security, and quiet preparation for the major iOS 27 and iPadOS 27 releases expected this fall, rather than flashy new user-facing features.
Apple’s official release notes for both platforms are nearly identical: “This update includes bug fixes, security updates and optimizes the Spotlight index to prepare for iOS 27” (or iPadOS 27).
Spotlight index optimization for the next major release
The most significant change is largely invisible. iOS 26.6 and iPadOS 26.6 begin optimizing and re-indexing device data for Spotlight. This work is foundational for the overhauled Spotlight search and deeper Siri AI integration coming in the “27” generation, where search and on-device intelligence will be more tightly linked.
Early beta testers of the next major OS versions reported that full indexing could take a week or longer on devices with large amounts of data. By starting the process now, Apple aims to deliver a smoother upgrade experience in the fall, so the enhanced features are ready (or nearly ready) right after installation.
Security updates
The updates deliver a substantial security payload—more than 70–75 fixes across the two platforms. These address issues in areas including the kernel, MediaRemote (a path-handling vulnerability that could allow root privileges), WebKit, Accessibility (including protections related to iPhone Mirroring), Siri information disclosure, App Store, Game Center, and others.
Apple has also strengthened Apple Maps by introducing BlastDoor-style sandboxing (MapsBlastDoorSupport.framework and a dedicated service). This isolates potentially risky map data processing in a manner similar to iMessage’s security architecture, reducing the impact of any future vulnerabilities without changing how users interact with the app.
Other notable changes
• Blocked Contacts Limit Reached alert: iOS and iPadOS impose a limit on the number of blocked contacts (reported around 20,000). Previously there was little or no clear feedback when the limit was hit. The update adds an explicit alert that directs users to remove an existing blocked contact before adding another.
• Enterprise/managed device fix: Resolution for an issue where the DisableAssociationMACRandomization configuration key did not properly prevent changes to the Private Wi-Fi Address setting.
Various additional bug fixes for reliability and edge cases accumulated since earlier 26.x point releases.
No major interface redesigns, new apps, or high-profile user features were introduced. These point releases follow the pattern of later 26.x updates as Apple shifts primary development focus to the next major generation.
Availability and recommendation
iOS 26.6 and iPadOS 26.6 are available now via Settings > General > Software Update on compatible devices (generally iPhone 11 and later for iOS, and corresponding recent iPad models for iPadOS). They are widely viewed as the final significant point updates in the 26 series before the fall “27” launches.
MacDailyNews Note: Because of the large number of security patches and the proactive Spotlight preparation work, users are encouraged to install the updates promptly. Doing so improves current device security and positions devices for a cleaner transition to the upcoming major OS versions and their enhanced AI capabilities.
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Apple TV hosts the world premiere for the fourth season of ‘Ted Lasso’
Last night at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles, Apple TV celebrated the world premiere of the upcoming fourth season of its Emmy Award-winning, juggernaut comedy “Ted Lasso.” Red carpet attendees included ensemble cast members Jason Sudeikis, Hannah Waddingham, Jeremy Swift, Brendan Hunt, Tanya Reynolds, Jude Mack, Faye Marsay, Rex Hayes, Aisling Sharkey, Abbie Hern and Grant Feely, alongside showrunner Jack Burditt and executive producers Bill Lawrence, Jeff Ingold, Jane Becker, Jamie Lee and Liza Katzer. “Ted Lasso” returns to the pitch for its highly anticipated fourth season on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, on Apple TV.
In season four, Ted returns to Richmond, taking on his biggest challenge yet: coaching a second-division women’s football team. Throughout the course of the season, Ted and the team learn to leap before they look, taking chances they never thought they would. The new season reunites fan favorites, including Emmy Award winner Hannah Waddingham, Juno Temple, Emmy Award winner Brett Goldstein, Brendan Hunt and Jeremy Swift, alongside new additions Tanya Reynolds, Jude Mack, Faye Marsay, Rex Hayes, Aisling Sharkey, Abbie Hern and Grant Feely.
The cast attends the world premiere celebrating season four of the beloved Apple TV series “Ted Lasso” at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on July 27, 2026, in Los Angeles, California. The new season of “Ted Lasso” premieres globally on Apple TV on Wednesday, August 5, 2026.
“Ted Lasso” is executive produced by Jason Sudeikis alongside Hunt, Joe Kelly, Jane Becker, Jamie Lee and Bill Wrubel. Emmy Award winner Jack Burditt serves as executive producer on season four under a new overall deal with Apple TV. Goldstein serves as writer and executive producer alongside Leann Bowen. Sarah Walker and Phoebe Walsh serve as writers and producers for season four, and Sasha Garron serves as co-producer. Julia Lindon writes for season four, and Dylan Marron serves as story editor. Bill Lawrence executive produces via his Doozer Productions, in association with Warner Bros. Television and Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group. Doozer’s Jeff Ingold and Liza Katzer also serve as executive producers. The series was developed by Sudeikis, Lawrence, Kelly and Hunt and is based on the preexisting format and characters from NBC Sports.
Following its global debut on Apple TV, “Ted Lasso” broke records and quickly earned praise from fans and critics all over the world. The first season became the most Emmy Award-nominated comedy series, and the series went on to land rare back-to-back Emmy Awards for Outstanding Comedy Series for its first two seasons.
Apple TV offers premium, compelling drama and comedy series, feature films, groundbreaking documentaries, and kids and family entertainment, and is available to watch across all of a user’s favorite screens. After its launch on November 1, 2019, Apple TV became the first all-original streaming service to launch around the world, and has premiered more original hits and received more award recognitions faster than any other streaming service in its debut. To date, Apple Original films, documentaries and series have been honored with 852 wins and 3,804 award nominations and counting, including multi-Emmy Award-winning and history-making comedies “The Studio” and “Ted Lasso,” global cultural phenomenon “Severance,” Apple’s most-viewed drama “Pluribus,” Academy Award Best Picture winner “CODA” and Academy Award winner “F1,” the highest-grossing sports feature of all time.
MacDailyNews Note: Apple TV is available on the Apple TV app in over 100 countries and regions, on over 1 billion screens, including iPhone, iPad, Apple TV 4K, Apple Vision Pro, Mac, popular smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony, VIZIO, TCL and others, Roku and Amazon Fire TV devices, Chromecast with Google TV, PlayStation and Xbox gaming consoles, and at tv.apple.com, for $12.99 per month with a seven-day free trial for new subscribers. For a limited time, customers who purchase and activate a new iPhone, iPad, Apple TV 4K or Mac can enjoy three months of Apple TV for free.
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Apple briefly hits $5 trillion market cap, becoming only the second company to reach the milestone
Apple’s market value briefly crossed the $5 trillion mark for the first time on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, making the iPhone maker only the second company in history to achieve that level after Nvidia.
Shares of Apple rose as high as $342.89 during the session, pushing its market capitalization to approximately $5.036 trillion. They later traded at $339.70, leaving the company valued at about $4.991 trillion.
The milestone comes just weeks after Apple reclaimed the title of the world’s most valuable company, overtaking Nvidia. The chipmaker had held the top spot since June 2025 and was the first firm ever to breach $5 trillion.
Apple’s strong performance this year has been fueled by solid demand for its products and a deliberate decision to stay largely on the sidelines of the costly artificial-intelligence infrastructure race that has pressured cash flows at many of its Big Tech peers. While the company has struggled to develop competitive in-house AI models, it has leaned on Google’s technology to power features such as an upgraded Siri, avoiding the heavy data-center investments that have made some investors cautious about returns.
Holding iPhone prices steady last month — while raising prices on MacBooks and iPads — has also supported demand, as consumers bought the flagship device ahead of expected future price increases. To further boost accessibility, Apple launched a U.S. device-leasing program on Tuesday in partnership with Klarna. Monthly payments start at $17.99 for an iPhone, $11.99 for an Apple Watch or iPad, and $24.99 for a Mac.
“Apple has resisted the AI spending race, betting that customer experience — not infrastructure investment — will ultimately determine the winners,” Dipanjan Chatterjee, vice president and principal analyst at Forrester, told Reuters. “The new leasing program is a clever response: it doesn’t reduce the price of an iPhone, but it changes how consumers perceive the cost by replacing sticker shock with a predictable monthly payment.”
Including Tuesday’s gains, Apple stock has climbed 24% year-to-date, outperforming the rest of the so-called Magnificent 7 technology stocks. The company is scheduled to report fiscal third-quarter results after the market close on Thursday, with analysts forecasting more than 15% year-over-year revenue growth.
MacDailyNews Note: As usual, we’ll have Apple’s earnings results for you as soon as they are released on Thursday, July 30th right around 4:30pm EDT / 1:30pm PDT. We’ll follow that with live notes from Apple’s conference call with analysts starting at 5:00pm EDT / 2:00pm PDT.
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Apple faces lawsuit over fake Bitcoin wallet left on App Store after massive losses
Apple is facing a new lawsuit accusing the company of allowing a fraudulent Bitcoin wallet app to remain on its App Store for more than a week after users reported significant losses.
According to the complaint, three individuals collectively lost approximately $1.84 million after downloading an app that impersonated the legitimate Sparrow Wallet. The victims entered their Bitcoin seed phrases into the fake application, enabling scammers to drain their funds. One plaintiff reported losing $875,000, while another lost $840,000; the delay in removing the app after the first report allegedly contributed to further losses.
The lawsuit claims Apple’s marketing and App Store presentation led users to believe applications available on the platform undergo careful vetting and are safe. Plaintiffs allege the company ranked the fraudulent app and even included it in curated cryptocurrency app collections alongside genuine Bitcoin wallets. The legal action accuses Apple of violating consumer-protection laws, engaging in fraudulent and negligent misrepresentation, and failing to adequately warn consumers about risks.
This is not the first time Apple has faced similar claims. In 2021, cryptocurrency holders sued the company over a fake wallet app scam; that case was ultimately dismissed by a federal judge.
Apple has stated that it has removed apps impersonating Sparrow Wallet from the App Store and terminated the associated developer accounts.
MacDailyNews Note: The plaintiffs are seeking reimbursement of the stolen assets along with compensatory and punitive damages.
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Incoming Apple CEO John Ternus vows to build on movie and TV momentum
Apple’s incoming CEO, hardware chief John Ternus, said he was committed to building on the company’s momentum in the entertainment business when he takes the helm of the company on September 1st.
The technology giant began offering original TV series and films through the Apple TV+ streaming app in 2019. The company found success with Oscar best picture winner “CODA,” box-office blockbuster “F1” and Emmy-winning shows such as “The Studio” and “Ted Lasso.”
Last year, Apple dropped the plus sign and renamed the service Apple TV.
“I think we have such tremendous momentum right now in Apple TV,” Ternus told Reuters on the red carpet at the premiere of the fourth season of “Ted Lasso.”
“There’s so many amazing shows, so many amazing characters and stories, and so we’re just going to keep building on the momentum,” Ternus said
Ternus stood next to outgoing CEO Tim Cook, who said he is sharing his insights about the entertainment business as part of the leadership transition.
“Our role is to be the best. That’s our lane,” Cook said of Apple’s entertainment strategy. “We’re not about the most. There are… other companies that do that. But we’re about the best, and I feel like we really hit our stride in providing that.”
Cook said Apple was open to future partnerships in the entertainment realm if the company feels it can bring a particular expertise. He pointed to the arrangement with the Formula 1 racing league.
For the Brad Pitt movie “F1,” Apple built custom cameras to help make audiences feel like they were inside a race car. F1 races are now shown exclusively on Apple TV in the United States, and the company provides leaderboards, updates and other coverage on Apple News and other apps.
“We’ll do things that we can bring something unique to, where we can innovate in a way that others might not be able to,” Cook said. “I feel like we’re really doing that with F1. We’re so excited about how we’re doing there and the viewership numbers that we’re getting. So more things like that would be possible.”
MacDailyNews Take: Everyone’s on the same page: Last month, senior Apple executive Eddy Cue told Reuters the company’s goal was to offer “better and more” TV shows and movies on Apple TV streaming and in theaters.
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Apple prepares major smart home push with new Apple TV 4K, HomePod mini, and Siri AI hub
Apple, long viewed as a laggard in the smart home market, is preparing a significant expansion into the category with a slate of new devices and software centered on an upgraded Siri AI assistant, according to Bloomberg News’ Mark Gurman.
The company plans to begin this wave soon with a dedicated smart home hub built around the new Siri AI capabilities, people familiar with the matter told Bloomberg. Apple is also readying a new Apple TV 4K set-top box and a refreshed HomePod mini, the sources said, speaking on condition of anonymity because the plans remain private.
The updated Apple TV and HomePod mini are expected to launch this fall, while the long-awaited smart home hub featuring a screen is targeted for release between the end of the year and early next year, Gurman reports.
The moves mark a notable acceleration in Apple’s home strategy after years of more limited offerings. The new hardware is designed to work with enhanced Siri AI features that promise improved conversational abilities and deeper integration across the Apple ecosystem.
MacDailyNews Take: We wish Apple would release some indoor and outdoor cameras, but, as we need them now, we’re going to have to go with some other company instead.
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‘Apple Upgrade’ launches in the U.S.; new product leasing program for iPhone, Apple Watch, Mac, and iPad
Apple today announced Apple Upgrade, a new product leasing program provided by Klarna for iPhone, Apple Watch, Mac, and iPad available on the Apple Store online, in the Apple Store app, and at Apple Retail Store locations in the United States. Apple Upgrade makes it even easier for customers to get the Apple products they love with a leasing plan that is right for them.
“At Apple, we put the customer at the center of everything we do,” said Karen Rasmussen, Apple’s vice president of the Apple Store online, in a statement, “and we’re thrilled that Apple Upgrade offers our customers, both online and in-store, a more flexible way to pay for the products they love.”
Apple Upgrade offers 12- and 24-month leasing options for iPhone and Apple Watch, and 24- and 36-month leasing options for Mac and iPad. Leasing prices start as low as $17.99 per month for iPhone, $11.99 for Apple Watch, $24.99 for Mac, and $11.99 for iPad. When customers first enroll in Apple Upgrade, they can further lower their monthly lease payments by trading in their currently owned device through Apple Trade In. Customers can also earn 3 percent Daily Cash back when making their lease payments with Apple Card.
Upgrading Has Never Been Easier
With Apple Upgrade, customers can expect the same seamless and personalized shopping experience online and in stores. Apple and Klarna have created a simple enrollment process that provides customers with detailed information regarding their leasing options before they enroll.
Upon choosing their preferred leasing option, customers can apply within minutes — online or in-store — and receive quick approval from Klarna. All applicants will be subject to a soft credit inquiry that will not impact their credit score. Once approved, they can complete their transaction as usual. In-store customers can enjoy their new device right away, while online customers can choose delivery or in-store pickup. Whether they shop in-store or online, all customers can take advantage of Apple’s Personal Setup service to help get their new product ready to use and ask any questions they might have. They can also join the many free and educational Today at Apple sessions to learn how to get started — or go further — with their devices.
At the end of the lease term, customers can upgrade their device to the latest generation, purchase it with a one-time payment, or simply return it and exit the program. In the Klarna app, they can stay on top of all of their lease information, including their billing schedule and remaining payments. Customers can add an AppleCare subscription to protect their products, making the return of their current device and upgrade to a new one even easier.
With the launch of Apple Upgrade, Apple will no longer offer the iPhone Upgrade Program and iPhone Payments in the United States. When eligible, customers currently enrolled in the iPhone Upgrade Program will have the option of leasing a new device with Apple Upgrade, financing with Apple Card Monthly Installments, purchasing the product outright, or choosing carrier financing.
Explore the Lineup and Upgrade Today
iPhone
iPhone 17e delivers incredible value with faster performance, an advanced camera system, enhanced durability, the magic of MagSafe, and double the starting storage at 256GB. iPhone 17 is packed with features users will enjoy every day, including a bigger and brighter display with ProMotion up to 120Hz, all-day battery life with faster charging, a fantastic 48MP Dual Fusion camera system, and the Center Stage front camera. iPhone Air features a thin and light design that is more durable than any previous model, with pro performance, advanced camera systems on the front and back, and all-day battery life. With a unibody design optimized for performance and powered by A19 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max are the most powerful Pro models ever made, delivering the best performance, camera systems, and battery life in an iPhone. iPhone leases start at $17.99.
Apple Watch
Apple Watch Series 11 is the ultimate health and fitness companion, featuring the most comprehensive set of health features yet — including groundbreaking hypertension notifications that can alert users to signs of chronic high blood pressure, and sleep score, which helps users understand the quality of their sleep and how to make it more restorative. With up to 24 hours of battery life and a display that’s 2x more scratch-resistant, Apple Watch Series 11 is more convenient than ever to wear throughout the day and night. Apple Watch Ultra 3 is the most advanced Apple Watch — rugged and capable, built for sports and adventure while seamlessly serving as a powerful health companion. It features the largest display ever in an Apple Watch, powered by Apple’s most advanced display technology with LTPO3 and wide-angle OLEDs, along with up to 42 hours of battery life — or up to 72 hours in Low Power Mode. Apple Watch Ultra 3 also features built-in, two-way satellite communications, so users can text emergency services, message friends and family, and share their location even when off the grid. Apple Watch leases start at $11.99.
Mac
Available in 13- and 15-inch models, MacBook Air with M5 delivers incredible performance, up to 18 hours of battery life, and advanced AI capabilities in a thin, light, and durable aluminum design. The M5 family of chips — M5, M5 Pro, and M5 Max — deliver even more performance and capabilities to MacBook Pro, the world’s best pro laptop. All MacBook Pro models deliver game-changing performance and advanced AI capabilities, and include a Liquid Retina XDR display with a nano-texture option, an advanced 12MP Center Stage camera, and up to 24 hours of battery life. Powered by the M4 chip, iMac is the world’s best all-in-one and features a nano-texture display option, a 12MP Center Stage camera, and Thunderbolt 4 connectivity — all in its strikingly thin design. Mac Studio with M4 Max and M3 Ultra is the most powerful Mac ever made, delivering groundbreaking pro and AI performance, plus extensive connectivity with Thunderbolt 5 in its compact and quiet design that can live right on a desk. Mac leases start at $24.99.
iPad
iPad Air features blazing performance, 12GB of unified memory, and fast connectivity, empowering users to be productive and creative wherever they are. With the Ultra Retina XDR display and the power of M5, iPad Pro offers the most advanced iPad experience, packing powerful performance in a stunningly thin and light design. iPad mini delivers the full iPad experience in a device users can hold in the palm of their hand. Accessories such as Magic Keyboard extend the versatility of iPad Air and iPad Pro, while Apple Pencil Pro unlocks even more magical capabilities for illustrating, note-taking, annotating, and more on iPad Air, iPad Pro, and iPad mini. iPad leases start at $11.99.
More info about Apple Upgrade here.
MacDailyNews Take: Here’s the fine print:
- iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, Apple Watch SE, MacBook Neo, Mac mini, iPad (A16), and Studio Display are not available as part of the Apple Upgrade program.
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Apple Card is subject to credit approval, available only for qualifying applicants in the United States, and issued by Goldman Sachs Bank USA, Salt Lake City Branch.
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Subject to eligibility and credit approval.
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Upgrades require entering into a new lease and returning your prior device, and are subject to eligibility and credit approval.
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AppleCare delivers exceptional service and support, with flexible options for Apple users. Customers can choose AppleCare+ to cover their new product, or AppleCare One to protect multiple products in one simple plan. Both plans include coverage for accidents like drops and spills, theft and loss protection on eligible products, battery replacement service, and 24/7 support from Apple Experts. For more information, visit apple.com/applecare.
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Apple Card Monthly Installments (ACMI) is a 0 percent APR payment option that is only available if users select it at checkout in the U.S. for eligible products purchased at Apple and is subject to credit approval and credit limit. See support.apple.com/en-us/102730 for more information about eligible products. Additional limits and restrictions apply. See the Apple Card Customer Agreement for more information about ACMI.
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Apple Watch Series 11 with Ion-X glass has a ceramic coating that provides 2x more scratch resistance than Series 10 with Ion-X glass.
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Subject to availability.
This offer is for a consumer lease, not a purchase or loan. Lease provided by Klarna Inc. for 12-, 24-, or 36-month term. 12- and 36-month terms not available for all device models. Your first monthly payment is due approximately 30 days after device is shipped or available for pickup. Lease approval is subject to eligibility and is based on creditworthiness. Monthly payments are based on the selected device and lease term. For example:
For an iPhone 17 Pro 256GB with a purchase price of $1,099 (excluding taxes and any trade-in credit), the typical monthly payment is $31.99 (excluding taxes and any trade-in credit) for a 24-month lease term and $45.99 (excluding taxes and any trade-in credit) for a 12-month lease term.
For an Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS) 42mm with a purchase price of $399 (excluding taxes and any trade-in credit), the typical monthly payment is $11.99 (excluding taxes and any trade-in credit) for a 24-month lease term and $21.99 (excluding taxes and any trade-in credit) for a 12-month lease term.
For an 11-inch iPad Pro 256GB with a purchase price of $1,199 (excluding taxes and any trade-in credit), the typical monthly payment is $24.99 (excluding taxes and any trade-in credit) for a 36-month lease term and $31.99 (excluding taxes and any trade-in credit) for a 24-month lease term.
For a 14-inch MacBook Pro 16GB with a purchase price of $1,999 (excluding taxes and any trade-in credit), the typical monthly payment is $38.99 (excluding taxes and any trade-in credit) for a 36-month lease term and $53.99 (excluding taxes and any trade-in credit) for a 24-month lease term.
No security deposit required. A trade-in device may reduce monthly payments. Advertised monthly payment amount may not include a trade-in device’s estimated value. Upgrades are not guaranteed and are subject to eligibility and approval.
For iPhone only: In order to lease an iPhone, you must select an eligible carrier (AT&T, T-Mobile, or Verizon), but you cannot use a prepaid carrier plan. A leased iPhone is always unlocked, so you can switch carriers at any time, subject to your carrier’s terms.
Terminating the Apple Upgrade lease: Closing your lease and returning your device terminates your lease. You may incur substantial fees if you terminate your lease before the end of your initial lease term. You may have the option to upgrade to a new device by entering into a new lease agreement and returning your prior device. If you upgrade, your new monthly payments may be greater than your prior monthly payments. If you do not upgrade, terminate your lease, or purchase your device by the end of the initial lease term, the lease will convert to a month-to-month lease for up to six months. Your monthly payments may increase during the month-to-month periods. If you take no action at the end of your extension period, you will be charged the purchase fee under your lease. You will not own your device at the end of your lease, unless you pay the purchase fee. Insurance is not included in your lease, and you may incur damage fees if the device is lost, stolen, or not returned in the condition required by the lease.
Apple Upgrade lease eligibility: Leases are only available to U.S. residents (excluding residents of U.S. territories). Leased devices are only available for shipping to U.S. addresses (excluding U.S. territories) or pick up at Apple Retail stores in the U.S. (excluding U.S. territories). To be eligible for a lease, you must be at least 18 years old (or the legal age in your state of residence), have a valid Social Security Number or individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN), have an accepted credit or debit card, have an Apple Account in good standing, have a Klarna Account, and be able to receive security verification codes via text message. Leases are not available on refurbished accessories or online at the following special stores: Apple Employee Purchase Plan; participating corporate Employee Purchase Programs; Apple at Work for small businesses or enterprises; Government, Education, or Veterans and Military Purchase Programs.
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Apple TV unveils trailer for sci-fi thriller ‘Dark Matter’ season two
On Saturday, in San Diego Comic-Con’s Hall H, the stars and creative team behind Apple TV’s critically acclaimed sci-fi thriller “Dark Matter” unveiled the trailer for the upcoming second season. Based on the blockbuster novel by bestselling author Blake Crouch — who also created the series and serves as showrunner — “Dark Matter” stars and is executive produced by Golden Globe nominee Joel Edgerton and Academy Award winner Jennifer Connelly. The 10-episode second season premieres globally on Friday, August 28, 2026 on Apple TV with the first episode, followed by one new episode every Friday through October 30, 2026.
Hailed as one of the best sci-fi novels and celebrating the 10th anniversary of its release this year, “Dark Matter” is a story about the road not taken. In season one, the series followed Jason Dessen (Edgerton), a physicist, professor and family man who — one night while walking home on the streets of Chicago — is abducted into an alternate version of his life. Wonder quickly turns to nightmare when he tries to return to his reality amid the mind-bending landscape of lives he could have lived. Season two picks up with the Dessens as they settle into a quiet life in a world that finally seems safe, until the unimaginable forces them to run once again. As Jason’s obsession with the Box deepens, Daniela’s (Connelly) growing paranoia pushes her to the brink, and their son Charlie (Oakes Fegley) starves for a sense of stability as their family is threatened. Elsewhere, Amanda (Alice Braga) and Ryan (Jimmi Simpson) join forces in a desperate attempt to find their way home. With Blair (Amanda Brugel) determined to stop him, Leighton (Dayo Okeniyi) relentlessly chases his grand vision of creating a perfect world.
In addition to Edgerton and Connelly, the ensemble cast returning for season two includes Braga, Simpson, Okeniyi, Fegley and Brugel.
Alongside the season two premiere, the “Dark Matter” universe expands with the launch of “Dark Matter: The Official Podcast.” Hosted by “Dark Matter” author and showrunner Crouch and executive producer Jacquelyn Ben-Zekry, the podcast takes listeners deeper into the series with a robust roster of cast members, key creatives and industry experts. Together, they explore the show’s biggest moments, the science behind the multiverse, the creative process and how the series expands beyond Crouch’s original novel.
New podcast episodes will be released alongside each episode throughout the season, beginning with a special catch-up episode ahead of the season two premiere that recaps the key moments from season one and invites fans back into the many worlds of “Dark Matter.” Each episode will feature an extensive lineup of cast and creative guests, including Edgerton, Connelly, Braga, Simpson, Brugel, Okeniyi, Margo Martindale, Fegley, Chris Diamantopoulos, Matt Tolmach and some surprise guests, including content creators and authors who are superfans of the show.
“Dark Matter” is produced for Apple TV by Sony Pictures Television. Crouch serves as creator, executive producer, showrunner and writer alongside executive producers Tolmach, Richard Lederer and Ben-Zekry, who co-wrote every episode of season two with Crouch. In addition to starring, Edgerton and Connelly also serve as executive producers.
“Dark Matter: The Official Podcast,” produced by Sony Pictures Television, will be available to watch and listen on Apple Podcasts, the Sony Pictures Television YouTube channel and the Apple TV YouTube channel.
Apple TV offers premium, compelling drama and comedy series, feature films, groundbreaking documentaries, and kids and family entertainment, and is available to watch across all of a user’s favorite screens. After its launch on November 1, 2019, Apple TV became the first all-original streaming service to launch around the world, and has premiered more original hits and received more award recognitions faster than any other streaming service in its debut. To date, Apple Original films, documentaries and series have been honored with 850 wins and 3,800 award nominations and counting including multi-Emmy Award-winning and history-making comedies “The Studio” and “Ted Lasso,” global cultural phenomenon “Severance,” Apple’s most-viewed drama “Pluribus,” Academy Award Best Picture winner “CODA” and Academy Award winner “F1,” the highest-grossing sports feature of all time.
MacDailyNews Note: Apple TV is available on the Apple TV app in over 100 countries and regions, on over 1 billion screens, including iPhone, iPad, Apple TV 4K, Apple Vision Pro, Mac, popular smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony, VIZIO, TCL and others, Roku and Amazon Fire TV devices, Chromecast with Google TV, PlayStation and Xbox gaming consoles, and at tv.apple.com, for $12.99 per month with a seven-day free trial for new subscribers. For a limited time, customers who purchase and activate a new iPhone, iPad, Apple TV 4K or Mac can enjoy three months of Apple TV for free.
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Apple releases macOS Tahoe 26.6
Apple today released macOS Tahoe 26.6, a minor point update to the current macOS operating system that launched in September 2025. The update arrives roughly a month after macOS Tahoe 26.5.2 and follows an extended period of developer and public beta testing.
macOS Tahoe (version 26) is the twenty-second major release of Apple’s desktop operating system and the successor to macOS Sequoia. It introduced a refreshed Liquid Glass design language, enhanced Continuity features (including a Phone app and Live Activities from iPhone), a significantly improved Spotlight search experience, and expanded Apple Intelligence capabilities. Tahoe is also notable as the final major macOS version to support certain Intel-based Macs, including the 2019 16-inch MacBook Pro, 2020 13-inch MacBook Pro (four Thunderbolt 3 ports), 2020 iMac, and 2019 Mac Pro. Its successor, macOS Golden Gate (expected later in 2026), will require Apple silicon.
What’s in the 26.6 Update
According to Apple’s release notes, macOS Tahoe 26.6 primarily delivers security fixes for the Mac. It also optimizes the Spotlight index in preparation for the upcoming macOS 27 release. No major new user-facing features have been highlighted, consistent with the typical focus of mid-cycle point updates on stability, performance, and security as Apple shifts engineering resources toward the next major OS cycle.
Earlier betas in the 26.6 series addressed various resolved issues, including incorrect macOS deprecation notifications for certain apps (related to Intel-only identification when loading system plugins), HealthKit statistics query problems, and visual glitches with HDR screenshots in Messages. A deprecation notice also indicated that Encrypted HFS+ (CoreStorage) will not be supported in macOS 28, recommending a shift to encrypted APFS for external backups.
How to Get the Update
Compatible Mac owners can download and install macOS Tahoe 26.6 through the Software Update section in System Settings (System Settings > General > Software Update). As with any system update, Apple recommends backing up your Mac first — ideally with Time Machine — before proceeding.
The update is available for all Macs that support macOS Tahoe, which generally includes Apple silicon models from 2020 onward plus the specific Intel models noted above. Some features may vary by hardware, region, or language.
MacDailyNews Take: With the 26.x cycle winding down, attention is turning to macOS Golden Gate and the broader 27-series operating systems expected later this year. The Spotlight optimizations in 26.6 appear designed to smooth the transition for users who will upgrade when the next major release arrives.
macOS Tahoe 26.6 is a straightforward, recommended update focused on keeping Macs secure and prepared for what’s next. Users should install it when convenient to benefit from the latest security patches.
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Apple brings AppleCare One to the UK, streamlining coverage
Apple on Monday announced AppleCare One — a new way for customers to protect multiple Apple devices under one simple plan — is available in the UK. Starting at £16.99 per month, AppleCare One covers up to three products, with the flexibility to add more at any time for £4.99 per month per device.
With AppleCare One, customers receive comprehensive, one-stop service and support from Apple experts across every product in their plan — delivering affordable peace of mind. Beginning August 4th, customers in the UK can sign up for AppleCare One at apple.com or their nearest Apple Store. Those who already have an AppleCare+ plan can also sign up directly on their iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
“At Apple, we’re focused on creating and delivering exceptional experiences,” said Bob Borchers, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing, in a statement. “With AppleCare One, customers in the UK can now enjoy the trusted protection of AppleCare+ in a way that’s simpler and more flexible than ever before — one plan, one price, and the peace of mind that comes with knowing all their eligible products can be covered.”
One Plan, Incredible Value
AppleCare One includes all the benefits of AppleCare+, including fast and unlimited repairs for accidental damage, battery replacement service, and 24/7 priority access to Apple experts. All repairs are performed using genuine Apple parts at Apple Store locations and the vast network of Apple Authorised Service Providers.
Customers can enroll their eligible Apple products in the plan for the same great price, meaning a customer protecting their iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch together can save up to £11.48 per month compared to maintaining separate AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss plans for each device.
Protect Already-Owned Eligible Devices
AppleCare One gives customers greater flexibility to protect the devices they already have. Eligible products that are up to four years old can be added to a plan, provided they are in good condition, opening up coverage well beyond the current 60-day window to purchase AppleCare+.
Coverage That Evolves with Users
AppleCare One is built to keep pace with customers’ changing needs. When customers upgrade by trading in a covered product and purchasing a new product directly from Apple, the old product is automatically removed from the plan and replaced with the new device — so customers never have to think twice about staying protected. And as a monthly subscription, AppleCare One makes it simple to maintain coverage across as many products as customers want, for as long as they want, with the ability to add or remove devices from their plan at any time.
AppleCare+ Plans Add Theft and Loss Coverage for iPad and Apple Watch
Alongside the launch of AppleCare One, Apple is also bringing AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss to iPad and Apple Watch in the UK. The single-device plan option is now available for iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch, protecting customers against up to two incidents of theft or loss per year on top of battery replacement service, priority support from Apple experts, and unlimited repairs for accidental damage.
MacDailyNews Take: Learn more about AppleCare One and sign up by visiting apple.com/uk/applecare.
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Apple Original Films unveils trailer for ‘Matchbox The Movie,’ starring John Cena
This weekend in Hall H at San Diego Comic-Con, Apple Original Films unveiled the trailer for the upcoming action feature “Matchbox The Movie” starring John Cena, premiering globally on Apple TV on Friday, October 9th.
Inspired by the iconic Mattel toys, “Matchbox The Movie” is an action-packed, globe-trotting adventure about a group of friends since childhood who have their lives upended when undercover CIA agent Sean (Cena), their long-absent former leader, returns to their small town and unwittingly gets them embroiled in a frantic international pursuit to save the world.
An Apple Original Film hailing from Skydance Media and Mattel Studios, “Matchbox The Movie” is directed and executive produced by Sam Hargrave and written by David Coggeshall. David Ellison, Dana Goldberg, and Don Granger produce for Skydance, and Robbie Brenner and Ynon Kreiz produce for Mattel Studios. Jules Daly also serves as producer. Patrick Newall and Elizabeth Bassin serve as executive producers.
Apple TV offers premium, compelling drama and comedy series, feature films, groundbreaking documentaries, and kids and family entertainment, and is available to watch across all of a user’s favorite screens. After its launch on November 1, 2019, Apple TV became the first all-original streaming service to launch around the world, and has premiered more original hits and received more award recognitions faster than any other streaming service in its debut. To date, Apple Original films, documentaries and series have been honored with 850 wins and 3,800 award nominations and counting including multi-Emmy Award-winning and history-making comedies “The Studio” and “Ted Lasso,” global cultural phenomenon “Severance,” Apple’s most-viewed drama “Pluribus,” Academy Award Best Picture winner “CODA” and Academy Award winner “F1,” the highest-grossing sports feature of all time.
MacDailyNews Note: Apple TV is available on the Apple TV app in over 100 countries and regions, on over 1 billion screens, including iPhone, iPad, Apple TV 4K, Apple Vision Pro, Mac, popular smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony, VIZIO, TCL and others, Roku and Amazon Fire TV devices, Chromecast with Google TV, PlayStation and Xbox gaming consoles, and at tv.apple.com, for $12.99 per month with a seven-day free trial for new subscribers. For a limited time, customers who purchase and activate a new iPhone, iPad, Apple TV 4K or Mac can enjoy three months of Apple TV for free.
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Options prices currently imply an almost 4% move for Apple after July 30 earnings report
The U.S. stock market has been stuck in a two-month rut amid rising bond yields and disappointing earnings from Alphabet and Tesla, leaving bulls searching for a catalyst. Apple stands out as the only stock among the ten largest in the S&P 500 trading near an all-time high, CNBC reports.
After months of stagnation, Apple shares have climbed about 20% from their late-June low and recently traded less than two dollars below a fresh record set just over a week earlier. The company is scheduled to report earnings after the closing bell on Thursday.
Options activity reflects traders positioning for continued strength. Big-money participants have been buying in-the-money calls, while speculative interest has focused on a potential move to new highs by Friday, according to trades observed before the market close on Friday and elevated open interest built up over the summer.
Of the roughly $590 million in options premium that changed hands in Apple on Friday, about $442 million was linked to calls, per SpotGamma data. Traders purchased nearly 560,000 calls versus just 332,000 puts, according to ThinkOrSwim figures. Options prices currently imply an almost 4% move for Apple after earnings—an unusually large expected swing compared with the roughly 1% average historical move over the past year, based on Cboe LiveVol data.
“I think the probability is fairly high that Apple could help stabilize the market this week,” Nigam Arora, founder and author of The Arora Report newsletter, told CNBC. “Investors are viewing Apple as a defensive stock because, unlike several of its peers, it isn’t spending hundreds of billions on AI capex.”
The largest single trade Friday involved a new position of $2.6 million in 280-strike calls expiring in mid-August—a bullish, near stock-replacement trade given its high delta.
Among options expiring this Friday, the $320 strike holds the largest open interest, with about 13,000 calls and 5,000 puts outstanding, according to BarChart data. That positioning suggests confidence that last week’s lows will hold even if the reaction to earnings is muted.
By volume on Friday, the most actively traded contract was the 300-strike put (about 7,500 contracts for roughly $374,000 in premium). The second-most popular was the 340-strike call (5,000 contracts totaling about $2.3 million in premium), SpotGamma data show. That call closed at $4.25, meaning buyers would need Apple to rally roughly 3.4% this week to push beyond its all-time high of $335.
MacDailyNews Note: As usual, we’ll have Apple’s earnings results for you as soon as they are released on Thursday, Thursday, July 30th right around 4:30pm EDT / 1:30pm PDT. We’ll follow that with live notes from Apple’s conference call with analysts starting at 5:00pm EDT / 2:00pm PDT.
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Apple TV releases first teaser for cyberpunk series ‘Neuromancer’
Saturday at Apple TV’s San Diego Comic-Con panel, Callum Turner made a surprise virtual appearance to unveil the first teaser for the highly anticipated new science fiction series “Neuromancer,” based on the award-winning novel of the same name by William Gibson. The 10-episode series stars Turner, Briana Middleton, Mark Strong, Joseph Lee, Peter Sarsgaard, and Clémence Poésy, and premieres globally on Apple TV on Friday, January 22, 2027, with two episodes, followed by one new episode every Friday through March 19, 2027.
“Neuromancer” follows a damaged, top-rung super-hacker named Case (Turner) who is thrust into a web of digital espionage and high-stakes crime with his partner Molly (Middleton), a razor-girl assassin, as they pull off a heist on a corporate dynasty with untold secrets. The ensemble cast also includes Max Irons, Dane DeHaan, Junia Rees, Jordan Kouamé, Emma Laird, Marc Menchaca, André De Shields and Isabella Pappas.
Produced by Paramount Television Studios and Anonymous Content, the series is created for television by Graham Roland and JD Dillard. Roland also serves as showrunner and executive producer alongside Dillard, David Levine, Garrett Kemble and Zack Hayden for Anonymous Content; Aubrey “Drake” Graham, Adel “Future” Nur and Jason Shrier for DreamCrew Entertainment; and Jennifer Haley and William Gibson, who also executive produce. Dillard serves as director of the first three episodes.
The debut novel by Gibson, “Neuromancer” has been praised as one of the first and most respected works in the cyberpunk genre and has received numerous accolades, including the Nebula Award, the Philip K. Dick Award and the Hugo Award. The novel served as the first book in the “Sprawl” trilogy and was followed by “Count Zero” and “Mona Lisa Overdrive.”
Apple TV offers premium, compelling drama and comedy series, feature films, groundbreaking documentaries, and kids and family entertainment, and is available to watch across all of a user’s favorite screens. After its launch on November 1, 2019, Apple TV became the first all-original streaming service to launch around the world, and has premiered more original hits and received more award recognitions faster than any other streaming service in its debut. To date, Apple Original films, documentaries and series have been honored with 850 wins and 3,800 award nominations, including multi-Emmy Award-winning and history-making comedies “The Studio” and “Ted Lasso,” global cultural phenomenon “Severance,” Apple’s most-viewed drama, “Pluribus,” Academy Award Best Picture winner “CODA” and Academy Award winner “F1,” the highest-grossing sports feature of all time.
MacDailyNews Take: “Neuromancer” fans, what do you think?
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Apple preps major Apple Watch refresh, full Mac overhaul, new device leasing program, and Ford Maps partnership
Apple is advancing several key product and service initiatives beyond its smart glasses efforts, according to details shared in Bloomberg News’ Mark Gurman’s Power On newsletter. These include refreshed Apple Watch models heading into late-stage testing, a comprehensive update across its entire Mac lineup to meet AI-driven demand, a new leasing program with Klarna, and a navigation partnership with Ford.
Three New Apple Watch Models in Late-Stage Testing
Apple is currently testing three new Apple Watch models expected this fall: the Series 12 in both Wi-Fi-only and cellular versions (internally codenamed N237 and N238) and the Ultra 4 (N240). No new Apple Watch SE is planned for 2026, following the prior year’s refresh of that model.
These updates will retain the existing design language rather than introducing a visual overhaul. Focus areas include performance improvements via new processors and enhancements to health and fitness tracking capabilities. A more significant redesign of the Apple Watch is in the works but is not expected for another year or two. Work also continues on a blood-sugar monitoring feature, a long-term project originally conceived during the Steve Jobs era, with availability targeted later this decade.
Full Mac Lineup Overhaul for AI Demand
Apple is preparing new versions of every Mac it currently sells, timed across this fall and into next year, to capitalize on demand for powerful machines suited to artificial intelligence workloads.
The initial wave this fall is expected to include a refreshed entry-level 14-inch MacBook Pro powered by the M6 chip and updated iMac models (the first significant desktop refresh in some time). Later in late 2026 or early 2027, higher-end 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models featuring OLED displays and touchscreen capabilities are planned (using M5 Pro and M5 Max chips in the first generation of the redesigned versions). Updated MacBook Air models (13- and 15-inch), a refreshed MacBook Neo with an A19 Pro chip and increased memory plus potential new colors, plus new Mac mini (M6 and M5 Pro) and Mac Studio (M5 Max and M5 Ultra) configurations are also in development. Timing for some desktop models may depend on memory chip supply availability amid broader industry constraints. Further redesigns and chip updates (including M7 variants) are mapped into 2027 and beyond.
Apple Upgrade Device Leasing Program with Klarna
Apple plans to launch “Apple Upgrade,” a leasing program in partnership with Klarna, on July 28th. It will cover most iPhone, Mac, iPad, and Apple Watch models and represents one of the largest shifts in how the company sells devices.
Lease terms are expected to run 24 months for iPhones and Apple Watches and 36 months for Macs and iPads. Customers can make monthly payments, pay off the device early, upgrade to a newer model before the term ends, keep the device, or return it at the end of the period (with some options potentially involving additional fees). The program requires a soft credit check, will be available online and in U.S. Apple Stores, and will not bundle AppleCare.
A soft credit check (also called a soft inquiry or soft pull) is a review of your credit report that does not affect your credit score. Lenders or companies use it to pre-qualify you, check eligibility, or review an existing account, without the temporary score dip that comes from a hard inquiry (which is used for actual loan/credit applications). Soft checks still appear on your own credit report but are not visible to other lenders.
Certain entry-level models (such as the Apple Watch SE, base iPad, iPhone 16, and MacBook Neo) and business/education purchases are excluded. It is intended to replace or wind down new enrollments in existing iPhone Upgrade and standard financing options, with marketing emphasizing lower monthly payments.
Apple Maps Integration with Ford’s Universal Electric Vehicle Platform
Apple and Ford have announced that Apple Maps will be integrated directly into Ford’s upcoming Universal Electric Vehicle (UEV) Platform, starting in 2027, via Apple’s new MapKit for Automotive SDK. This will deliver native navigation on vehicle displays—including turn-by-turn directions with natural language, real-time traffic and incident information, detailed place cards, intelligent EV routing with battery preconditioning—without requiring a paired iPhone (though CarPlay remains available as an option).
Road-level Maps data will also support Ford’s Latitude AI team in developing enhanced hands-free driving experiences, including next-generation BlueCruise capabilities for a more seamless on-ramp-to-off-ramp experience. The UEV Platform underpins Ford’s planned affordable electric vehicles, beginning with a midsize electric truck targeted around the $30,000 price point.
These developments reflect Apple’s broader hardware refresh cycle and service expansions amid rising component costs and growing demand for AI-capable devices and integrated experiences. As always, details remain subject to change as the company finalizes plans ahead of expected fall announcements.
MacDailyNews Take: These developments reflect Apple’s broader hardware refresh cycle and service expansions amid rising component costs and growing demand for AI-capable devices and integrated experiences. As always, details remain subject to change as the company finalizes plans ahead of expected fall announcements.
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After Meta Ray-Bans ‘Pervert Glasses,’ Apple’s smart glasses must focus on privacy
Apple’s long-rumored smart glasses face a steep uphill battle that has little to do with hardware specs or AI capabilities. The real obstacle is the privacy stigma attached to the entire category — one largely created by Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses, which critics have derisively labeled “pervert glasses.”
According to Bloomberg News’ Mark Gurman in the Power On newsletter, Apple is now targeting a public debut for its first smart glasses at WWDC in June 2027, with a consumer launch expected later that year. Internally codenamed N50, the device had previously been eyed for a late-2026 introduction and early-2027 release. The delay stems in significant part from Apple’s deliberate effort to refine both the product and its privacy messaging.
Meta’s Ray-Ban Meta glasses have sold millions of pairs and demonstrated commercial viability for camera-equipped eyewear that can capture photos and video, play music, handle calls, and leverage AI. But that success has come with heavy baggage. Reports of users discreetly recording people without consent, online hacks that disable or hide the recording indicator light, and investigations revealing that contractors reviewed intimate footage (including bathroom visits and sexual activity) for AI training have fueled public distrust. Protests have occurred, some jurisdictions have restricted the devices, and the “pervert glasses” nickname has stuck in online discourse.
Apple, which has spent more than a decade positioning privacy as a core brand pillar, is acutely aware of the risk. Simply entering the same product category threatens to undermine that carefully cultivated reputation, regardless of how differently the company approaches the technology. Teams in Apple’s Vision hardware group and elsewhere treat privacy as “priority No. 1,” Gurman reports.
The company has explored multiple approaches to cameras. One option under debate would include full camera hardware, but disable photo and video recording entirely, limiting the sensors to feeding visual data into on-device AI for object recognition, navigation, or environmental awareness. Another prototype eliminates cameras altogether while retaining audio features, Siri access, music playback, and calls. The most likely path, however, appears to retain conventional cameras paired with substantially stronger privacy protections than those offered by Meta.
Expected safeguards include heavy reliance on on-device processing, avoidance of facial recognition, rejection of continuous “super-sensing” modes that analyze surroundings without clear indicators, and a firm policy against using customer recordings to train AI models or sending footage to third-party contractors for review. Hardware indicators are also expected to be more prominent and harder to defeat than Meta’s small LED. Price is anticipated in the $200–$500 range, with multiple frame styles, oval-shaped cameras, and no in-lens AR display in the first generation. The glasses would primarily serve as an iPhone companion for hands-free Siri, Visual Intelligence features, and media.
Apple’s strategy is clear: lean hard into privacy differentiation. Whether that will be enough to overcome bystander discomfort remains an open question. Even users who trust Apple more than Meta may still feel uneasy around anyone wearing outward-facing cameras. Success will depend not only on technical features but on convincing the public that these glasses respect the privacy of everyone in view—not just the wearer.
MacDailyNews Take: Disabling photo and video recording entirely would be a deal-breaker. No sale.
However, if Apple gets this right, privacy could become the product’s strongest selling point. If not, the company may discover that even its brand equity cannot fully erase the cultural resistance Meta’s glasses helped create. The delayed timeline gives Apple time to get the balance right before the world puts its smart glasses to the ultimate test.
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