Apple News.

Apple released AirPods beta firmware build 9A5336b for the AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Pro 3, AirPods 4, and AirPods Max 2. The fourth beta adds support for iOS 27 features including a new AirPods interface, Adaptive mode slider, custom EQ, and the new Siri AI.

Apple is limiting bug bounty submissions with a cap and 30-day cool-off period after AI-generated reports overwhelmed reviewers. Cybersecurity startup Bynario used ChatGPT to find over 50 macOS bugs in three weeks. Google also overhauled its program, prioritizing difficult problems.

Apple is developing cross-device clipboard syncing between iPhone and Windows PCs after Microsoft's EU interoperability request. The feature, planned for fall 2027, will let users copy and paste content both ways and first arrive via developer beta.

Apple raised prices on Macs, iPads, Apple TVs, HomePods, and Vision Pro this summer. iPhone 18 Pro is rumored to start at $1,299-1,399, up from $1,099 for iPhone 17 Pro. Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 may also see hikes.

A new XCSSET malware version, v40, targets macOS developers through compromised Xcode projects and GitHub repositories. It features enhanced evasion, a Chrome hijacker, and a Telegram trojanizer. Unit 42 observed two attack waves in mid-April and early May.

Apple alleges OpenAI stole trade secrets with help from former Apple employees, including a 25-year veteran and a decade-long iPhone electrical engineer. The suit claims they retained systems and asked Apple interviewees to share proprietary manufacturing information.

BitmoLab's new GAMEBABY transparent case for iPhone 17 Pro Max uses capacitive contacts to simulate finger taps, enabling physical buttons for retro gaming via the Delta Emulator. It requires no batteries or Bluetooth, costs $24.99, and is limited to 500 units.

OpenAI published private emails and messages countering Apple's trade-secret lawsuit, which accuses OpenAI, its hardware unit io Products, and two former Apple employees of theft. OpenAI claims Apple's lawyers emailed the wrong person and that a cited conversation never happened. Apple seeks a preliminary injunction to stop alleged trade-secret use.

Signal version 8.22 for iOS lets users link another iPhone to an existing account, expanding multi-device support beyond iPads. The optional transfer includes complete message history and 45 days of media, fully end-to-end encrypted via link-and-sync technology.

Apple is opening a lottery for U.S. retail employees to staff its next major product event, with applications closing August 8 and selected workers notified by August 17. Staff will greet guests, organize lines, provide directions, and support security teams.

Spotify crossed 300 million Premium subscribers, up 9% year over year, with 777 million monthly active users. Apple Music will add redesigned artist pages, faster playback, and Siri AI in iOS 27 next month.

OpenAI published a blog post titled "Apple is getting this wrong," posting texts and emails to rebut Apple's trade-secrets lawsuit. Apple escalated in court the same day. The suit, Apple Inc. v. Liu, names Chang Liu and Tang Yew Tan.

Apple is preparing for its September iPhone launch by holding a retail employee lottery. The lottery system determines which store staff will work during the launch period. This approach manages staffing for the high-demand event.

Apple's new Klarna-backed Apple Upgrade leasing program requires iPhone lessees to connect to AT&T, T-Mobile, or Verizon when enrolling, though leased iPhones remain unlocked. The requirement stems from carrier deals worth hundreds of millions of dollars and fraud prevention concerns.

The iPhone 20 series, expected in fall 2027, will feature an iPhone Air-inspired frame and slim profile. A larger vapor chamber, roughly one inch bigger than the iPhone 17 Pro's, significantly improves thermal performance. The Pro Max may offer a 6.96-inch display and 6,000mAh battery.

Apple filed for a preliminary injunction against OpenAI, seeking to bar former employees Chang Liu and Tang Tan from using its alleged confidential information. OpenAI rebutted, publishing messages it says show Apple employees sought Liu's help after his departure.

Microsoft formally requested Apple provide interoperable clipboard access through the EU interoperability process, submitted March 25. Apple reached Phase III and committed to developing an extension, expecting completion by fall 2027, with the EU as the intended market.