Claude Code is now capable of creating and testing iPhone apps, Apple regains the title of the world’s most valuable company, WhatsApp introduces usernames instead of phone numbers for communication, Apple tests a new feature called Live Notes, fixes a bug in the Hide My Email feature, cancels the development of “Extreme” chips, new ClickLock malware targets Mac users, Jony Ive is excluded from the lawsuit against OpenAI, Samsung launches the Galaxy Card, an Apple Watch saves another life, Roblox allows game creation on iPhone and iPad, demands to remove AI apps, and other exciting news on the sidelines…
Claude Code is now capable of creating and testing iPhone apps
Anthropic has announced a new update for the Claude Code tool on Mac, allowing it to create, run, and test iPhone apps directly within the Apple iOS Simulator, a feature currently available in public beta. Claude can open apps during development, run them, monitor their performance, interact with them, and then make necessary adjustments iteratively until the project is complete, all while the developer can continue using the simulator simultaneously. The simulator is controlled directly without the need for screen recording permissions or macOS accessibility features, making it simpler to use.
It is worth noting that screenshots taken by Claude within the simulator are sent to Anthropic and saved according to their conversation retention policy; therefore, the company advises against logging into real personal accounts while using this feature. Using it requires Xcode with the iOS platform installed, and it currently only works in local sessions on Mac devices.
Apple demonstrates how the Apple Watch saved a user’s life
Apple shared a true story highlighting the importance of the SOS emergency feature on the Apple Watch through a short video telling the experience of a man named “Phil.” While mountain biking with his two children, he had a severe accident that caused him to lose consciousness. The watch automatically detected the fall, called emergency services, and sent a notification to his wife with his location. Despite breaking his collarbone and seven ribs, help reached him quickly thanks to the watch, and he spent a week in the hospital before recovering. At the end of the video, Phil expressed his gratitude, saying he is very happy he was wearing his watch at the time of the accident.
Apple explains that the Apple Watch can also detect serious incidents, such as violent falls or car accidents, and automatically call emergency services and notify designated contacts if the user is unable to call for help themselves.
TSMC plans to raise Apple chip manufacturing prices in 2027
A new report revealed that TSMC, Apple’s largest chip supplier, intends to raise chip manufacturing prices by 5% to 10% starting in 2027, with additional fees for large, high-performance orders. The company attributed this increase to rising costs of raw materials, manufacturing equipment, and the construction of new factories. The decision may affect the cost of future Apple processors, including the iPhone 18 series, but it is not yet clear whether Apple will absorb this increase or pass it on to consumers by raising the prices of its devices.
Apple tests a larger screen for the iPhone to celebrate its 20th anniversary
New leaks indicate that Apple is testing a screen size of nearly 7 inches for its commemorative phone expected to be released in 2027 to mark the 20th anniversary of the iPhone launch. The device is expected to come with a design featuring a screen that covers the entire front with curved edges, providing a nearly bezel-free viewing experience. Apple has not yet confirmed this size definitively, but if it reaches production, it will be the largest screen in the history of iPhones.
Samsung launches Galaxy Card
Samsung announced the launch of its first credit card in the United States, named Galaxy Card, in partnership with Barclays, to compete directly with the Apple Card. The card offers up to 5% cashback on purchases from Samsung, 3% when paying via Samsung Wallet, 2% on streaming services, and 1% on other purchases, with no annual fees. New users also receive a cash bonus of up to $200 upon meeting spending requirements. The card integrates fully with Samsung Wallet for account and payment management, and applications open on July 22, coinciding with the Samsung Unpacked event.
Apple deliberately excluded Jony Ive from its lawsuit against OpenAI
A new report revealed that Apple may have deliberately omitted its former chief designer Jony Ive from the lawsuit filed against OpenAI, despite his current work on hardware projects at the company. The lawsuit instead focuses on a former Apple executive accused of poaching employees and transferring sensitive information. The report suggests the decision is due to a lack of direct evidence against Ive, in addition to his strong relationship with Laurene Powell Jobs, the widow of Steve Jobs, who still wields influence within Apple. This comes at a time when hundreds of former Apple employees are working at OpenAI.
New ClickLock malware targets Mac users
Cybersecurity firm Group-IB has warned of new malware called “ClickLock Stealer” that targets Mac devices using a method that relies on deceiving the user rather than exploiting security vulnerabilities. The attack begins via a fake page asking the user to copy a command and paste it into the Terminal app under the pretext of verifying the browser or passing a security check. Once the command is executed, the malware begins downloading additional components and displays messages and windows that look like part of the macOS system to convince the victim to enter the device password.
If the user refuses to enter the password, the malware begins closing applications repeatedly and disabling the device, and it hides security alerts for hours until the victim gives in. Once the password is obtained, it gains access to passwords saved in the browser, Keychain data, password managers, and even cryptocurrency wallets, then sends them to the attackers via Telegram, while installing a backdoor that grants it permanent access to the device. Group-IB explained that the attacks began in May 2026 and targeted over 100 victims in 33 countries, while Apple added a feature in macOS Tahoe 26.4 that warns users against pasting suspicious commands into Terminal and prevents their execution when detected as malicious.
Secret Siri interface in macOS 27
In the beta version of macOS 27 Golden Gate, Apple is testing a hidden AI-powered Siri interface that appears when selecting text to provide tools such as rephrasing, proofreading, summarizing, and creating bullet points. This interface also provides contextual actions such as adding contact details, creating a message or calendar event, viewing a location in Maps, or tracking trips and shipments. The feature is not enabled by default and can be turned on via special system settings, but it is still incomplete and may not reach the final version expected in the fall.
Apple canceled the development of “Extreme” chips
Reports revealed that Apple was working on M2 Extreme and M3 Extreme chips for the Mac Pro, which were supposed to have double the number of processing and graphics cores compared to “Ultra” chips. However, the company decided not to release them due to high production costs and weak demand for the device, ending the project entirely. In a bigger move, Apple stopped production of the Mac Pro permanently this year after a 20-year run.
AppleCare One subscription becomes more valuable
The AppleCare One subscription has become more attractive after Apple raised the prices of AppleCare+ plans for some Mac and iPad devices, while keeping the price of AppleCare One at $19.99 per month in the United States. The subscription covers up to three devices with the option to add more for an additional fee, and includes accidental damage repair, 24/7 technical support, and theft and loss protection for eligible devices. Apple explains that the subscription may save users money compared to subscribing to separate plans for each device, and it also allows adding previously owned devices provided they are in good condition and not older than four years.
Apple regains the title of the world’s most valuable company
Apple managed to surpass Nvidia to become the world’s most valuable public company again, after its market value rose to about $5 trillion. This came after its shares rose by nearly 20% since closing at $275.15 on June 25, but trading saw the two companies swapping positions during the same session. This achievement reflects the strength of Apple’s market performance despite intense competition among tech giants.
Demands for Apple and Google to remove AI apps that create inappropriate content
The San Francisco City Attorney has demanded that Apple and Google remove 13 apps that use AI to create fake nude images of people without their consent. These apps are marketed as face-swapping tools, but they are used to produce fake images with inappropriate content, which authorities described as an illegal and harmful practice. They also demanded that the companies stop dealing with the developers of these apps and not collect any fees from in-app purchases.
Google confirmed that it has already deleted hundreds of similar apps for violating policies, while Apple explained that it bans this type of app and takes any reports about it seriously. It added that it has removed three of the mentioned apps and is working to suspend their developers’ accounts, and it has warned developers of other apps that they must correct violations or face removal from the App Store. Apple noted that users can report any violating or fraudulent apps via its official reporting system.
Apple sends legal letters to former OpenAI employees
A report revealed that Apple sent legal letters to about 40 former employees currently working at OpenAI, requesting them to preserve all documents and correspondence related to the lawsuit it filed against the company for allegedly benefiting from Apple’s trade secrets. Apple claims the case could extend to a larger number of former employees, especially with more than 400 of them moving to OpenAI, while the latter denies these accusations and asserts that it has no evidence to support Apple’s claims. Apple is also demanding a stop to the use of any confidential information in the development of OpenAI’s future devices, in addition to financial compensation and holding some former employees accountable for breach of employment contracts.
Google must give AI apps the same permissions as Gemini
The European Commission has ordered Google to give competing AI apps the same level of access to Android system features that Gemini enjoys, in compliance with the Digital Markets Act (DMA), which mandates equal treatment between the company’s services and those of competitors. The decision gives Google until August 2027 to implement the required changes, while the company believes these requirements may affect user privacy and security. The decision comes at a time when Apple is facing similar challenges in Europe, where Siri AI features are still unavailable there due to regulatory disputes related to privacy and requirements for providing access to competing apps.
Roblox allows AI game creation on iPhone and iPad
Roblox announced a new feature called Build that allows iPhone and iPad users to create games using AI simply by writing a text description of the idea, which the system then converts into a preliminary game that can be developed later. The feature allows the entire process of creating, testing, and publishing the game to be completed from a phone or tablet, whereas previously this required a Mac or PC. Roblox will begin launching the feature experimentally in New Zealand on July 28, with plans to expand to more countries in the coming months.
Miscellaneous News
◉ 1Password announced support for the Claude AI service, allowing it to use login data stored in the app to complete tasks in the browser without revealing passwords. When attempting to log in, 1Password shows the user the required account and why Claude needs it, and after approval, the data is entered directly into the page, with access ending when the task is finished. Passwords do not reach Claude’s memory or Anthropic’s systems, ensuring they remain secure. Currently, the integration is limited to logins and temporary codes, and does not include payment cards or IDs. The feature is available to Mac users and various 1Password plans, but also requires a subscription to the advanced Claude plan.
◉ Apple launched an update for the Apple Invites app adding two simple features: hosts and guests can react with emojis when responding to invitations, and a visual effect in the form of confetti appears when confirming attendance. The new version also includes performance improvements and bug fixes, and is now available via the App Store. The app, which was first released on iPhone in February 2025, makes organizing events like birthdays easier, with the ability to create an event via an iCloud+ subscription, while anyone can respond for free from any device, including the Apple Watch.
◉ Apple fixed a bug in the Hide My Email feature that led to revealing users’ real email addresses when rejecting messages as spam, more than a year after it was reported. Although the company previously announced it had fixed the issue in March 2026, the bug persisted until its details were published by 404 Media in July, prompting Apple to release a final update on July 3. Although the vulnerability is no longer exploitable, old email logs might reveal some addresses, which prompted users to file a class-action lawsuit against Apple claiming the service did not work as advertised.
◉ Reports indicated that Apple is preparing to launch a new program called Apple Upgrade next week, coinciding with stopping new subscribers from joining the current iPhone Upgrade program. It is not yet clear whether current subscribers will continue on the same system or be moved to the new program later. The main difference is that Apple Upgrade will not include the AppleCare+ service with theft and loss coverage, which will make the monthly subscription less expensive, while AppleCare+ will remain available separately with multiple payment options.
◉ Apple added more football leagues in Asia and Europe to the Apple Sports app, such as the Japanese, Dutch, Belgian, Danish, Swiss leagues, and others, with a feature to view lineups for most matches. The update came immediately after the 2026 World Cup final between Argentina and Spain, allowing users to follow matches more clearly and easily. The app is available only on iPhone.
◉ Apple is testing a new AI-powered feature called Live Notes within some of its branches, where it records and converts conversations between Genius Bar employees and customers into live text. This feature is optional and is only activated with the consent of both parties, then the text version is added to the employee’s iPad as part of the repair record. The goal is to save employees’ time and make them more focused on serving the customer instead of being busy taking notes during the appointment.
◉ After Apple raised the prices of Mac and iPad devices globally last month, it raised the prices of several iPhone models in Japan today by up to 11%. The increase includes models such as iPhone 16, iPhone 17e, iPhone 17, iPhone Air, and iPhone 17 Pro and Max, while prices in the United States or other countries were not affected. The reason behind this step is likely the decline in the value of the Japanese Yen against the US Dollar, while Apple also raised the prices of services like iCloud+ and Apple Music in several countries, including Japan.
◉ WhatsApp launched a new feature allowing users to use a username instead of a phone number to communicate, as some who reserved their names in advance began receiving notifications that it has been activated. This feature allows sending and receiving messages without revealing the number, but WhatsApp does not provide a list to search for usernames or suggestions, meaning you must know the exact name of the person to communicate with them. When creating a username, WhatsApp will notify people who have active chats with you that you are now using it.
◉ Google announced the expansion of the AI mode in Google Search to allow linking some apps directly to search, helping users complete tasks faster. Apps like Instacart can now be linked to add ingredients directly to the shopping cart, Canva to get templates when designing posts or brochures, and YouTube Music to create and save playlists. This feature is currently available only in the United States in English, and works on the computer and the search app on iOS, with plans to add more apps in the future.
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