Apple is expanding its device protection services with a new subscription option called AppleCare One, designed to simplify coverage for customers who own multiple products. Starting at 19.99 dollars per month, the plan allows up to three Apple devices to be protected under a single subscription, with additional products added for 5.99 dollars each. The unified model is aimed at making it easier for users to manage their AppleCare benefits without juggling separate plans for each device. Subscribers can move devices in and out of their plan as needed, making it flexible for those who frequently upgrade or rotate their products. Unlike the traditional AppleCare+ window, AppleCare One also lets users enroll devices up to four years old as long as they are in good working condition. When a covered device is traded in for a new one, Apple automatically updates the plan to include the replacement, eliminating the need for manual adjustments. Along with the standard perks of AppleCare+, such as unlimited accidental damage repairs, battery service, and priority support, AppleCare One introduces expanded theft and loss coverage that now includes the iPad and Apple Watch. Previously, this level of protection was exclusive to iPhone owners. Apple claims that customers who combine an iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch under AppleCare One could save roughly 11 dollars per month compared to maintaining separate AppleCare+ plans for each product. The service will be available to customers in the United States beginning tomorrow through the Apple Store app, on Apple’s website, or by visiting any Apple retail location. The move highlights Apple’s strategy to bundle services in ways that encourage customer loyalty while reducing the hassle of managing multiple support plans.

Amazon is rolling out new deals on Apple’s M4 Mac mini lineup, offering savings of up to 150 dollars on select configurations. The discounts bring some of the lowest prices currently available for Apple’s compact desktop, making it a solid time to upgrade or add a Mac to your setup. The entry-level M4 Mac mini with 256GB of storage is priced at $539 down from $599, $60 below Apple’s standard price. For those needing more power, the 16GB RAM model with a 512GB SSD is available for $719 dollars, a savings of $80. The 24GB RAM configuration with 512GB of storage drops to $889 dollars, shaving $110 off its regular cost. For professionals, the M4 Pro Mac mini with 24GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD is seeing the steepest markdown, now available for $1,247, saving buyers over $150. While these may not be record-setting discounts, they are currently among the best offers for anyone looking to pick up Apple’s latest desktop machine this week.

Apple is broadening the reach of its narrated news service by rolling out Apple News+ Audio to listeners in the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. The expansion marks the first time the audio feature, which has been part of Apple’s news ecosystem since 2020, will be available outside the United States. Apple News+ Audio delivers narrated versions of feature articles from prominent outlets, allowing subscribers to hear top stories directly through the Apple News app or Apple Podcasts. These recordings cover everything from politics and business to culture and true crime, drawing on publications such as The New Yorker, Bloomberg, Rolling Stone, and regional media in each participating country. Non-subscribers can sample audio previews and continue to access the free News Today briefing, but full access is reserved for Apple News+ members. In the new regions, subscribers will also hear locally sourced stories in addition to the U.S. content, providing a mix tailored to each market. Apple News+ costs 12.99 dollars per month in the United States and is bundled with the Apple One Premier plan for 37.95 dollars monthly, which also includes services like Apple Music, Apple TV+, and iCloud+. For Apple, expanding its audio catalog internationally strengthens its position as a multi-format content platform and offers another way for subscribers to engage with long-form journalism while on the go.

Apple is expanding its device protection offerings by bringing Theft and Loss coverage to the iPad and Apple Watch for the first time, a change set to roll out on July 24. Until now, these plans were exclusive to the iPhone, leaving tablet and wearable owners with standard AppleCare+ coverage that only addressed accidental damage and battery issues. The updated option will be available as a standalone plan, separate from Apple’s newly introduced AppleCare One bundle. Customers will be able to cover up to two cases of theft or loss within a year, along with unlimited incident-based repairs, giving iPad and Apple Watch owners the same level of security that iPhone users have had for years. Pricing in the United States will start at 4.99 dollars per month or 49.99 dollars per year for iPad owners, while Apple Watch users can opt in for 2.99 dollars per month or 29.99 dollars annually. For customers who prefer a single subscription, AppleCare One will still offer theft and loss protection across all enrolled products, including the iPad and Apple Watch. However, those who want to stick with individual coverage now have a more comprehensive safety net without needing to join the bundle plan. With this move, Apple is extending a key protection feature to more of its mobile lineup, though devices such as the Mac, HomePod, Apple TV, AirPods, and Vision Pro remain excluded from Theft and Loss coverage for now. The change marks another step in Apple’s ongoing push to make its protection plans more flexible while appealing to a wider range of device owners.

Fruit Ninja players have a new reason to revisit the game this summer, as Halfbrick is teaming with Apple to give fans a free month of Apple Arcade. The promotion, available in regions like the US, Canada, Australia, and parts of Europe and Asia, lets returning users enjoy a month at no cost while newcomers can combine it with Apple’s standard trial for two months free. The offer ties into a seasonal update for Fruit Ninja Classic+, which now features Bluey-themed content including unique powers, arenas, and timed events running until August 13. Players can unlock rewards while exploring the crossover, all without the usual subscription fee. Apple Arcade’s catalog of over 200 ad-free titles is included in the deal, but codes are limited, so those interested are urged to redeem the offer soon through Halfbrick’s website. Ask ChatGPT

Concerns over high-level digital surveillance have intensified in 2025 as security researchers reveal a wave of sophisticated malware campaigns targeting Iranian iPhone users, both within the country and abroad. Independent investigations by the Texas-based Miaan Group and Sweden’s DarkCell have linked dozens of infections to highly advanced spyware, drawing comparisons to tools like Pegasus due to the scale, cost, and precision of the operations. What sets these incidents apart is their unprecedented reach. The victims, according to reports, range from journalists and activists inside Iran to an Iranian citizen living in Europe, indicating that whoever orchestrated the attacks is willing to extend its efforts beyond borders. Analysts believe the campaigns cost millions of dollars to execute and were developed by actors with resources and expertise typically associated with state-backed agencies rather than criminal networks. Apple has stepped into the spotlight by alerting impacted users directly, continuing a practice it began in 2021 to warn individuals who face potential state-sponsored surveillance. Those identified as targets received direct notifications from Apple, informing them that the attacks likely relate to their roles or activities and urging them to take immediate security precautions. Apple’s alerts emphasize the severity of these exploits, describing them as some of the most advanced threats known to date. Part of the challenge in investigating the incidents lies in the conditions on the ground. Several affected individuals within Iran were reluctant to share their devices for forensic analysis, while others turned over their iPhones to Iranian authorities, further complicating efforts to determine the origin and full scope of the spyware. Experts note that the delayed reporting of infections also makes identifying the perpetrators more difficult, particularly when data trails go cold. For those affected, Apple recommends adopting stricter security protocols such as enabling Lockdown Mode, a feature designed to minimize exposure by severely restricting iPhone functionality. The company also provides detailed online resources to help users identify suspicious activity and protect their devices from further compromise. While investigators continue piecing together evidence, the attacks underscore how digital surveillance is evolving into a powerful weapon in geopolitical conflicts, with private citizens increasingly finding themselves caught in the crosshairs of cyber operations fueled by immense financial and technical backing.

America’s bid to catch up with Taiwan in advanced chipmaking is gaining traction faster than expected. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), the global leader in cutting-edge semiconductors, is dramatically accelerating construction of two new plants in Arizona—potentially narrowing the technology gap between its U.S. and Taiwan operations by years. Once envisioned as a slow but steady expansion, the Phoenix-based projects are now moving at a much faster pace. The two upcoming fabrication facilities—Fab 22 and Fab 23—were initially expected to go online deep into the next decade, with one aimed at 3-nanometer production and the other built for the highly coveted 2-nanometer chips. Now, TSMC says they’ll be operational “several quarters” earlier than planned. The motivation? A mix of surging demand from U.S. tech giants, rising geopolitical tensions in Asia, and a strategic push to decentralize global chip supply chains. Apple, which relies almost exclusively on TSMC for its A- and M-series chips, stands to benefit immensely—though its most advanced silicon will still be produced in Taiwan for the time being. TSMC’s Arizona expansion is backed by a combination of private and public investment. The company’s $100 billion global spending plan includes a large slice for U.S. manufacturing, on top of the $12 billion already committed to the original Fab 21 facility. Washington is also playing a key role, delivering $6.6 billion in funding through the CHIPS and Science Act to help bolster America’s high-tech infrastructure. While the fabs will bring production of next-generation chips to U.S. soil, there’s a broader ambition at play: reshaping the semiconductor map. TSMC CEO C.C. Wei recently noted that up to 30% of the company’s 2nm and beyond production could be based in Arizona in the near future—a dramatic shift that would’ve seemed unlikely just a few years ago. Still, the U.S. must overcome critical challenges to fully compete with Taiwan’s chipmaking powerhouse status. Skilled labor shortages, supply chain gaps, and the steep learning curve of running advanced fabs remain hurdles. Taiwan’s decades-long head start won’t vanish overnight. Yet if timelines hold, the U.S. may close what was once a five-year technology gap to just three. For the world’s biggest chip consumers—and the political leaders advocating for technological independence—that’s no small leap.

Apple may be on deck to take a bigger swing at live sports. With ESPN officially stepping away from Major League Baseball’s long-standing Sunday night broadcasts, the league is now looking for a new partner to fill one of its most iconic time slots—and Apple could be a leading contender. The departure of ESPN from its $550 million-a-year MLB deal opens the door for tech companies to reshape how baseball is delivered to fans. Rather than following the traditional model of locking in one media giant for a bundled slate of games and events, MLB appears ready to break up its prime-time offerings. The league is exploring more flexible partnerships, with streaming platforms at the center of the conversation. Apple, already streaming “Friday Night Baseball” through Apple TV+, has reportedly been named by MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred as a possible fit for the Sunday package. Apple’s current deal gives it a foothold in the league's media ecosystem, but landing Sunday nights would place it in the national spotlight—and signal a significant expansion of its ambitions in live sports. Streaming services have changed the rules. Where traditional broadcasters needed dozens of games to fill schedules and justify ad spend, tech companies prioritize select, high-impact events that drive subscriptions and buzz. Apple doesn’t need to air a full season’s worth of matchups. It just needs the right games in the right window—and Sunday prime time delivers exactly that. This shift in strategy mirrors the broader trend seen across professional sports. Netflix, Amazon, and others are opting out of long-term bulk rights deals in favor of splashy, event-driven content. Whether it’s a playoff series, a globally marketed fight, or a holiday NFL game, these platforms are betting big on less—so long as it delivers impact. For MLB, this evolution could unlock more value. Rather than tying Sunday night games to the Home Run Derby or early playoff rounds, the league can approach each with tailored partnerships. One company might stream the playoffs, another the Derby, and Apple the weekly prime-time slot. The move also positions Apple to continue expanding its ecosystem. Sports on Apple TV+ connects directly with devices, services, and its growing Sports app, delivering not just live games, but real-time stats, postgame recaps, and interactive experiences across screens. Adding a marquee baseball night would reinforce that vertical integration. While nothing is finalized, the fact that Apple is being seriously considered for what was once ESPN’s flagship MLB broadcast spot shows how far the media landscape has shifted. And it suggests a future where baseball—like so many other things—is increasingly streamed, not aired. For fans, the next version of Sunday night baseball may not just be on a different channel. It might be on a different kind of platform entirely.

A new leak suggests Apple is developing a striking new iPhone 17 Pro finish inspired by the visual design of iOS 26—one that could shimmer and change appearance based on lighting conditions, much like liquid glass. The rumored color, described as white in earlier reports, may not be a flat tone at all. Instead, insiders believe it will reflect light in a way that gives it depth and motion, echoing the fluid, refractive elements of Apple’s upcoming software design. If accurate, this would mark a rare example of Apple syncing hardware aesthetics with UI philosophy. The tip comes from a Chinese leaker with a track record of both hits and misses, but one who previously predicted the iPhone 14’s yellow color and Apple Watch Ultra accessories. This time, they suggest the new color is being treated internally as “special,” potentially meant to mirror iOS 26’s rumored “Liquid Glass” interface theme. At the same time, Apple is expected to move away from the all-titanium design seen in the iPhone 16 Pro. The iPhone 17 Pro is rumored to use a new aluminum-glass hybrid chassis—potentially allowing for more experimental finishes, including dynamic or semi-reflective colors. Other colors rumored for the iPhone 17 Pro include copper orange, black, gray, and deep blue, though details remain uncertain. A third-party lens accessory leak notably skipped “white” and instead included a mysterious “transparent” option, fueling more speculation that Apple has something visually unusual in the works. Apple’s next iPhone lineup is expected to launch in September, and if this rumored finish is real, it could be one of the boldest visual shifts the Pro model has seen in years—bridging the boundary between hardware and software design in a literal, luminous way.

Apple’s upcoming M5 chip is expected to make its first appearance in the iPad Pro lineup this fall, ahead of any Mac updates, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman . The next-generation silicon is likely to power refreshed iPad Pro models as early as October, marking a notable shift in Apple’s typical rollout strategy. The current iPad Pro received a major overhaul in mid-2024 with the introduction of OLED displays and the M4 chip. With that redesign still fresh, the next update is expected to focus primarily on performance gains brought by the M5—Apple’s latest chip built on TSMC’s enhanced 3nm architecture. Gurman reports that while Apple is working on further refinements, like thinner bezels, the upcoming models will likely maintain the same design introduced last year. Instead, users can expect improvements in speed and power efficiency, positioning the iPad Pro as Apple’s most advanced device until the MacBook line catches up—likely not until sometime in 2026. This would mark the first time Apple’s flagship chip arrives in a tablet before a Mac, underscoring the company’s growing push to position the iPad Pro as a true performance machine in its own right.

Apple’s next wave of MacBook upgrades may take longer to arrive than expected. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman , the company is now targeting early 2026 for its M5-powered MacBook Pro and MacBook Air models, suggesting that no M5 Macs will debut in 2025. This shift marks a break from Apple’s typical annual refresh cycle for MacBooks. The last MacBook Pro update arrived in late 2024 with M4 Pro and M4 Max chips, and skipping 2025 would result in a longer-than-usual gap. Apple had reportedly considered launching the M5 MacBook Pro as early as the end of this year but is now leaning toward a delay. Though no specific reason was given, Apple’s longer timeline could reflect a broader strategy. The company is working on major overhauls for the M6 generation, including a redesigned MacBook Pro chassis and a transition to OLED displays—expected sometime in 2026 or later. With those larger changes on the horizon, Apple may be slowing chip updates to better align with hardware upgrades. There’s also talk of an A18 Pro-based MacBook in development, hinting at Apple’s continued exploration of mobile-first silicon in future Mac designs. Meanwhile, a new external display is also in the works—a successor to the Studio Display—slated to launch around the same timeframe as the M5 Macs. If plans hold, 2025 may be a quiet year for the Mac lineup, with Apple’s bigger bets arriving the following year.

Apple is facing renewed political pressure over its manufacturing ties to China, as former U.S. trade advisor Peter Navarro launched another round of sharp criticism this week. Speaking in multiple interviews, Navarro accused Apple of resisting efforts to shift production out of China and suggested the company wrongly believes it’s immune to the effects of rising tariffs. His remarks triggered a brief dip in Apple’s stock, highlighting investor sensitivity to escalating trade rhetoric. Navarro called out CEO Tim Cook directly, claiming that Apple has dragged its feet for years despite U.S. pressure to bring iPhone production back home. He questioned why Apple continues to rely so heavily on Chinese factories, saying it’s “inconceivable” that the company hasn’t transitioned elsewhere—especially with new technologies and AI streamlining manufacturing globally. This comes as the U.S. prepares to implement sweeping new tariffs on August 1, targeting a range of Asian countries integral to the tech supply chain, including South Korea, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Thailand. While not all of these countries are primary assembly locations for Apple, many play critical roles in sourcing components and supporting logistics. Trump has previously threatened Apple with major tariffs if it doesn’t relocate iPhone manufacturing to the U.S. and has voiced opposition to the company’s expansion in India. Still, experts say the idea of assembling iPhones in America remains far-fetched. Beyond the massive cost of rebuilding infrastructure, the U.S. lacks the specialized labor force China has spent decades cultivating. Apple continues to defend its global supply model, pointing to China’s unmatched expertise in advanced electronics manufacturing. While the company has made efforts to diversify—expanding production into India and Vietnam—it remains deeply embedded in China’s manufacturing ecosystem. Despite political pressure, a full departure from China appears neither practical nor near-term. For now, Apple’s bet on global efficiency remains unchanged—even as the political and economic climate grows more unpredictable.