Cloud Code can now create and test iPhone apps; Apple regains its title as the world's most valuable company; WhatsApp now uses usernames instead of phone numbers; Apple is testing a new feature called Live Notes; Apple fixes a bug in the Hide My Email feature; Apple cancels development of its "Extreme" chips; a new ClickLock software targets Mac users; Jony Ive is dismissed from its lawsuit against OpenAI; Samsung launches the Galaxy Card; Apple Watch saves a life; Roblox now allows game creation on iPhone and iPad; calls to remove AI apps; and other exciting news on the sidelines…
Cloud Code is now able to create and test iPhone applications.
Anthropic has announced a new update to its Cloud Code tool for Mac, enabling it to create, run, and test iPhone apps directly within Apple's iOS Simulator. This feature is currently available in public beta. Cloud Code can open, run, monitor, and interact with apps during development, making iterative adjustments until the project is complete, while the developer continues to use the simulator simultaneously. The simulator is controlled directly without requiring screen recording permissions or accessibility features in macOS, making it much simpler to use.
It's important to note that screenshots taken by Claude within the emulator are sent to Anthropic and stored according to their conversation retention policy. Therefore, the company advises against logging into real-world accounts while using this feature. Its use requires Xcode to be installed on iOS devices, and currently only works in local sessions on Macs.
Apple showcases how an Apple Watch saved the life of one of its users.
Apple shared a true story highlighting the importance of the Apple Watch's Emergency SOS feature in a short video recounting the experience of a man named Phil. While mountain biking with his two children, he suffered a severe accident that left him unconscious. The watch automatically detected the fall, contacted emergency services, and sent a notification to his wife with his location. Despite suffering a broken collarbone and seven broken ribs, Phil received prompt help 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 was very glad 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 contact 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 reveals that TSMC, Apple's largest chip supplier, plans to raise chip manufacturing prices by 5% to 10% starting in 2027, with additional charges for large, high-performance orders. The company attributes the increase to rising costs of raw materials, manufacturing equipment, and the construction of new factories. This decision could impact the cost of processors for future Apple devices, including the iPhone 18 series, but it remains unclear whether Apple will absorb the increase or pass it on to consumers through higher prices.
Apple is testing a larger iPhone screen to celebrate 20 years.
New leaks suggest that Apple is testing a screen size of approximately 7 inches for its upcoming 2027 iPhone, expected to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the iPhone. The device is anticipated to feature a nearly bezel-less design with curved edges, creating an almost bezel-less viewing experience. While Apple has not yet confirmed this size, if it goes into production, it would be the largest screen in iPhone history.
Samsung launches Galaxy Card
Samsung has announced the launch of its first US credit card, the Galaxy Card, in partnership with Barclays, directly competing with the Apple Card. The card offers up to 5% cashback on purchases from Samsung stores, 3% on payments made through Samsung Wallet, 2% on streaming services, and 1% on other purchases, with no annual fee. New users will also receive a cash bonus of up to $200 upon meeting spending requirements. The card is fully integrated with Samsung Wallet for account management and payments, and applications will open on July 22nd, coinciding with the Samsung Unpacked event.
Apple deliberately excluded Jony Ive from its lawsuit against OpenAI.
A new report reveals that Apple may have deliberately omitted former chief designer Jony Ive from its lawsuit 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 leaking sensitive information. The report suggests this decision stems from a lack of direct evidence against Ive, as well as his close relationship with Laurene Powell Jobs, Steve Jobs' widow, who still wields considerable influence within Apple. This comes at a time when hundreds of former Apple employees are working for OpenAI.
New ClickLock software targets Mac users
Cybersecurity firm Group-IB has warned of a new malware called “ClickLock Stealer” that targets Macs by tricking users rather than exploiting vulnerabilities. The attack begins with a fake page that prompts the user to copy and paste a command into the Terminal application, ostensibly to verify the browser or complete a security check. Once the command is executed, the malware begins downloading additional components and displays messages and windows that appear to be part of the macOS system, tricking the victim into entering their device password.
If the user refuses to enter the password, the malware begins repeatedly closing applications and disabling device functionality. It also hides security alerts for hours until the victim gives in. Once the password is obtained, the malware can access saved passwords in the browser, Keychain data, password managers, and even cryptocurrency wallets, then sends this information to the attackers via Telegram, along with a backdoor that grants it permanent access to the device. Group-IB explained that the attacks began in May 2026 and targeted more than 100 victims in 33 countries. Apple added a feature in macOS Tahoe 26.4 that warns users against pasting suspicious commands in Terminal and prevents their execution if it detects they are malicious.
The 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 text is selected, offering tools such as paraphrasing, spell checking, summarizing, and creating key points. This interface also provides contextual actions like adding contact details, creating a message or calendar event, displaying a location in Maps, or tracking trips and shipments. The feature is disabled by default and can be enabled via system settings, but it is still incomplete and may not make it into the final release expected this fall.
Apple has cancelled the development of its “Extreme” chips.
Reports revealed that Apple was working on M2 Extreme and M3 Extreme chips for the Mac Pro, which were intended to have twice the number of processing and graphics cores compared to the "Ultra" chips. However, the company decided against releasing them due to high production costs and weak demand, effectively ending the project. In a more significant move, Apple permanently discontinued Mac Pro production this year after a 20-year run.
AppleCare One subscription just got more valuable
AppleCare One has become more appealing after Apple raised prices for its AppleCare+ plans on some Macs and iPads, while keeping the price of AppleCare One at $19.99 per month in the US. 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 states that the subscription can save users money compared to subscribing to separate plans for each device, and it also allows for the inclusion of previously owned devices, provided they are in good condition and no more than four years old.
Apple regains its title as the world's most valuable company
Apple has overtaken Nvidia to once again become the world's most valuable public company, with its market capitalization reaching nearly $5 trillion. This comes after its shares surged almost 20% since closing at $275.15 on June 25, although the two companies traded positions during the same session. This achievement reflects Apple's strong market performance despite fierce competition among tech giants.
Calls for Apple and Google to remove AI apps that create inappropriate content
The San Francisco District Attorney has ordered Apple and Google to remove 13 apps that use artificial intelligence to create fake nude images of people without their consent. These apps are marketed as face-swapping tools but are used to produce inappropriate and fake images, a practice authorities have described as illegal and harmful. The Attorney General also demanded that the companies cease all dealings with the developers of these apps and refrain from charging for in-app purchases.
Google confirmed that it has already removed hundreds of similar apps for violating its policies, while Apple stated that it prohibits this type of app and takes all reports about it seriously. Apple added that it has removed three of the aforementioned apps and is working to suspend their developers' accounts. It also warned other app developers that they must correct the violations or face removal from the App Store. Apple indicated that users can report any violating or fraudulent apps through its official reporting system.
Apple sends legal letters to former OpenAI employees
A report revealed that Apple sent legal letters to approximately 40 former employees currently working at OpenAI, requesting that they retain all documents and correspondence related to the lawsuit it filed against the company for allegedly misusing Apple's trade secrets. Apple claims the case could expand to include a larger number of former employees, especially given that over 400 Apple employees have moved to OpenAI. OpenAI denies these allegations and maintains that it has no evidence to support Apple's claims. Apple is also demanding that OpenAI cease using any confidential information in the development of future devices, in addition to financial compensation and holding certain former employees accountable for breach of contract.
Google should grant AI apps the same privileges as Gemini.
The European Commission has ordered Google to grant competing artificial intelligence apps the same level of access to Android features as Gemini, in compliance with the Digital Marketplace (DMA) law, which mandates equal treatment between the company's services and those of its competitors. The decision gives Google until August 2027 to implement the required changes, while the company argues that these requirements could impact user privacy and security. This ruling comes at a time when Apple faces similar challenges in Europe, where Siri AI features remain unavailable due to regulatory disputes concerning privacy and accessibility requirements for competing apps.
Roblox enables AI-powered game creation on iPhone and iPad
Roblox has announced a new feature called Build that allows iPhone and iPad users to create games using artificial intelligence. Users simply write a text description of their idea, and the system transforms it into a preliminary game that can be further developed. This feature allows the entire game creation, testing, and publishing process to be completed from a phone or tablet, whereas previously it required a Mac or computer. Roblox will begin a beta rollout of the feature in New Zealand on July 28th, with plans to expand to more countries in the coming months.
Miscellaneous news
1Password has announced support for its AI-powered Cloud service, enabling it to use login credentials stored within the app to complete tasks on a web browser without revealing passwords. When attempting to log in, 1Password presents the user with the desired account and explains why Cloud is needed. Upon approval, the credentials are entered directly on the page, and access ends once the task is complete. Passwords do not reach Cloud's memory or Anthropic systems, ensuring their security. Currently, the integration is limited to logins and temporary codes, excluding payment cards and IDs. The feature is available to Mac users and various 1Password plans, but requires a subscription to the advanced Cloud plan.
Apple has released an update to its Apple Invites app that adds two simple features: hosts and guests can now react with emojis when responding to invitations, and a confetti effect appears when confirming attendance. The update also includes performance improvements and bug fixes and is available now on the App Store. The app, which was first released on iPhone in February 2025, makes it easy to organize events like birthdays, with the option to create an event via an iCloud+ subscription. Anyone can respond for free from any device, including an Apple Watch.
Apple has fixed a bug in its Hide My Email feature that exposed users' real email addresses when they dismissed messages as spam, more than a year after the issue was first reported. Although the company had previously announced a fix in March 2026, the bug persisted until details were published by 404 Media in July, prompting Apple to release a final update on July 3. While the vulnerability is no longer exploitable, old email logs may still reveal some addresses, leading users to file a class-action lawsuit against Apple, claiming the service did not function as advertised.
Reports indicate that Apple is preparing to launch a new program called Apple Upgrade next week, coinciding with the discontinuation of new subscribers to the current iPhone Upgrade program. It remains unclear whether existing subscribers will continue with the same program or be migrated to the new one later. The key difference is that Apple Upgrade will not include AppleCare+ with theft and loss coverage, making the monthly subscription less expensive, while AppleCare+ will remain available separately with multiple payment options.
Apple has added more football leagues from Asia and Europe to its Apple Sports app in a recent update, including the Japanese, Dutch, Belgian, Danish, and Swiss leagues, among others, along with a feature to display lineups for most matches. The update, released just after the 2026 World Cup final between Argentina and Spain, allows 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 in some of its branches. This feature records and transcribes conversations between Genius Bar employees and customers into live text. It is optional and requires the consent of both parties to activate. The text is then added to the employee's iPad as part of the repair log. The goal is to save employees time and allow them to focus on customer service instead of taking notes during appointments.
After raising Mac and iPad prices globally last month, Apple today increased prices on several iPhone models in Japan by up to 11%. The price hike affects models such as the iPhone 16, iPhone 17e, iPhone 17, iPhone Air, and iPhone 17 Pro and Max, while prices in the United States and other countries remain unchanged. The move is likely due to the depreciation of the Japanese yen against the US dollar. Apple also raised prices for services like iCloud+ and Apple Music in several countries, including Japan.
WhatsApp has launched a new feature that allows users to use a username instead of a phone number to communicate. Some users who have already reserved usernames have begun receiving notifications confirming its activation. This feature allows sending and receiving messages without revealing the phone number, but WhatsApp does not provide a username search or suggestions, meaning you must know the person's exact name to contact them. When you create a username, WhatsApp will notify people who have active chats with you that you are now using it.
Google has announced an expansion of AI-powered Google Search, allowing users to directly connect certain apps to search results, thus helping them complete tasks faster. Apps like Instacart can now be linked to add ingredients directly to shopping carts, Canva to provide templates for designing brochures or flyers, and YouTube Music to create and save playlists. This feature is currently only available in the US in English and works on both desktop and iOS search apps, with plans to add more apps in the future.
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