Apple 21 January 2026 - 5 February 2026

Apple’s Intel And Samsung Chip Talks Reveal A Bigger iPhone Supply Problem

Apple’s Intel And Samsung Chip Talks Reveal A Bigger iPhone Supply Problem

Apple Inc. has kicked off preliminary discussions with Intel Corp. and Samsung Electronics Co. on manufacturing its core device processors in the U.S.—a move that would mark a sharp pivot from its heavy dependence on Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Bloomberg said. For now, talks are still in the early stages with no deals in place, Reuters noted, citing the original Bloomberg coverage. Timing is key here. Apple last week pointed to strong iPhone 17 demand as a boost for March-quarter revenue, yet hardware supply constraints also cropped up—raising fresh questions for investors about whether the world’s biggest consumer-electronics company can secure enough of the latest chipmaking capacity.
May 5, 2026
Apple’s next MacBook Pro launch may be close as macOS 26.3 hits release-candidate stage, OLED redesign tipped for late 2026

Apple’s next MacBook Pro launch may be close as macOS 26.3 hits release-candidate stage, OLED redesign tipped for late 2026

Apple has moved macOS Tahoe 26.3 into release-candidate testing, signaling it’s close to a public launch — a step that has stirred speculation about a possible MacBook Pro update soon. This is important now since Apple usually aligns Mac hardware refreshes with software launches, and its premium laptops are overdue for the next phase of the M5 chip rollout. Those waiting for an update have been monitoring retailer stock levels closely for any indication of a switch.
February 5, 2026
Apple blocks iOS 26.2 downgrade after quietly pulling the update’s “signature”

Apple blocks iOS 26.2 downgrade after quietly pulling the update’s “signature”

Apple has officially stopped signing iOS 26.2, cutting off the option for iPhone users who upgraded to iOS 26.2.1 to roll back to the previous version, MacRumors reported Monday. For an iOS build to install, Apple requires a “signing” check, and once a release is unsigned, downgrading via macOS Finder or the Apple Devices app on Windows is blocked. This matters now because iOS 26.2.1 just dropped, and rollbacks remain one of the rare ways users can dodge bugs, battery drain, or app crashes right after upgrading. Apple’s release notes for iOS 26.2.1 highlight “support for AirTag along with bug fixes,” whereas iOS 26.2 brought a wider range of app and system tweaks plus security patches.
February 3, 2026
Apple warns of iPhone chip squeeze as DRAM prices tipped to jump up to 95% — Micron Technology back in spotlight

Apple warns of iPhone chip squeeze as DRAM prices tipped to jump up to 95% — Micron Technology back in spotlight

Apple warned analysts that its March-quarter results will be limited by supply issues, specifically with advanced processors from TSMC. The company is also facing shortages in storage and memory components. CEO Tim Cook pointed to constraints in “advanced node capacity,” while CFO Kevan Parekh said the guidance is based on their “best estimates of constrained supply.” The warning comes as the memory market tightens again. On Monday, TrendForce raised its forecast for conventional DRAM contract prices, now expecting a 90% to 95% surge in the January–March quarter compared to the previous one. The firm pointed to “persistent AI and data center demands” that are tilting bargaining power toward suppliers. DRAM, or dynamic random access memory, serves as the working memory
February 3, 2026
Apple just changed Mac shopping online — the iPhone-style checkout now applies to Macs

Apple just changed Mac shopping online — the iPhone-style checkout now applies to Macs

CUPERTINO, Calif., Feb 1, 2026, 04:08 Apple has overhauled its online Mac ordering system, ditching the usual lineup of preset configurations. Now, customers must customize each machine piece by piece. This shift affects the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iMac, Mac mini, Mac Studio, and Mac Pro. Notably, the MacBook Pro page still doesn’t offer options for the M5 Pro or M5 Max chips, reports MacRumors.
February 1, 2026
Leak claims foldable iPhone will pack record 5,500mAh battery — and it may force Samsung’s hand

Leak claims foldable iPhone will pack record 5,500mAh battery — and it may force Samsung’s hand

Rumors about Apple’s first foldable iPhone intensified following reports of a roughly 5,500 mAh battery — a size notably bigger than what we’ve seen in previous iPhones. Battery life is crucial for foldables since a “book-style” device—opening like a book into a compact tablet—usually powers two screens along with more demanding hardware. This spikes power consumption, which is why many foldables still struggle with battery performance in daily use.
February 1, 2026
Apple’s AirTag 2 arrives with longer range, louder speaker — and an iOS update you may need

Apple’s AirTag 2 arrives with longer range, louder speaker — and an iOS update you may need

CUPERTINO, Calif., Jan. 31, 2026, 01:00 PST Apple has rolled out the second-generation AirTag, marking its first significant upgrade since the tracker’s 2021 debut. Priced at $29, the new AirTag features a second-gen Ultra Wideband chip for improved direction-finding, a louder speaker, extended range, and now supports Precision Finding on the Apple Watch. It works only with iOS 26.2.1 or newer.
January 31, 2026
Apple’s M5 Pro MacBook Pro still missing — February timing tipped, OLED redesign teased for late 2026

Apple’s M5 Pro MacBook Pro still missing — February timing tipped, OLED redesign teased for late 2026

CUPERTINO, Calif., Jan. 31, 2026, 12:45 a.m. PST Apple might hold off on releasing the higher-end MacBook Pro models featuring M5 Pro and M5 Max chips until the next macOS update arrives, Cult of Mac reports. That update, macOS Tahoe 26.3, which is slated for Apple’s Mac lineup, could be delayed until February or even later, the site adds. While Apple launched a 14-inch MacBook Pro with the base M5 chip back in October, the beefier variants are still missing.
January 31, 2026
Apple iOS 26.3 brings new carrier location-privacy switch as EU-only iPhone features expand

Apple iOS 26.3 brings new carrier location-privacy switch as EU-only iPhone features expand

Apple rolled out a new option for iPhones and iPads that obscures the precise location data sent to mobile networks. This privacy-driven change also underscores the widening divide between features available in Europe versus other parts of the world. The “Limit Precise Location” feature is available on the iPhone Air, iPhone 16e, and cellular iPad Pro models running iOS 26.3. Currently, only a few carriers support it: Telekom in Germany; AIS and True in Thailand; EE and BT in the UK; and Boost Mobile in the US. https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/29/apples-new-iphone-and-ipad-security-feature-limits-cell-networks-from-collecting-precise-location-data/
January 30, 2026
Telstra iPhone 8 and X call blackout: Apple pushes fix as Triple Zero worries rise

Telstra iPhone 8 and X call blackout: Apple pushes fix as Triple Zero worries rise

Telstra confirmed that Apple rolled out a carrier settings update to resolve an issue preventing some older iPhones from connecting to its network, affecting emergency calls to Triple Zero. The carrier noted that emergency calls should still go through on other available networks, though it may take around a minute for the phone to connect. The outage has highlighted concerns about how reliably older phones can dial 000 amid evolving networks and software, especially as Australians increasingly rely on mobiles for emergencies. The Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman acknowledged reports that some users with older Apple devices have struggled to connect to Triple Zero.
January 30, 2026
Apple earnings: iPhone 17 surge lifts outlook to 16% growth as chip crunch looms

Apple earnings: iPhone 17 surge lifts outlook to 16% growth as chip crunch looms

Apple expects its revenue to grow between 13% and 16% in the March quarter, beating analyst forecasts. The boost came as strong demand for the iPhone 17 helped the company exceed holiday-quarter estimates and bounce back sharply in China. Shares jumped up to 3.5% in after-hours trading before easing off. For the quarter ending Dec. 27, Apple reported $143.8 billion in revenue and earnings per share of $2.84. The company also forecast operating expenses ranging from $18.4 billion to $18.7 billion and warned of processor supply issues affecting iPhone production, with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. supplying the chips. Apple’s outlook is crucial since the company still hinges on hardware cycles, with the iPhone’s holiday quarter providing the clearest indicator of
January 30, 2026
iPhone 18 price hike? Apple may try to hold the line as RAM costs jump, analyst says

iPhone 18 price hike? Apple may try to hold the line as RAM costs jump, analyst says

Apple plans to swallow increased memory expenses rather than hike the starting price for its iPhone 18 lineup, supply chain expert Ming-Chi Kuo revealed this week. The global shortage of smartphone memory chips is intensifying, partly due to skyrocketing demand from AI data centers. For consumer electronics manufacturers, memory remains a major cost factor and one of the toughest components to secure when supplies are limited.
January 29, 2026
Apple AirTag 2 arrives with longer range and louder chime — and an iOS 26.2.1 update you may need

Apple AirTag 2 arrives with longer range and louder chime — and an iOS 26.2.1 update you may need

CUPERTINO, Calif., Jan 29, 2026, 01:30 PST Apple rolled out a second-generation AirTag on Monday, enhancing tracking range and speaker volume without raising the price, which stays at $29. This coin-sized device uses the Find My network—a crowd-powered mesh of Apple devices that spot nearby tags via Bluetooth—and now supports Precision Finding on the Apple Watch. Additionally, Apple expanded its Share Item Location feature, allowing users to send temporary location links to airlines. Over 50 carriers back this tool, and according to SITA, airlines have seen a 26% drop in baggage delays and a 90% plunge in “truly lost” luggage thanks to it.
January 29, 2026
iPhone Air price cut in China sparks buyer anger as Apple leans on Lunar New Year discounts

iPhone Air price cut in China sparks buyer anger as Apple leans on Lunar New Year discounts

BEIJING, January 27, 2026, 17:34 Apple’s ultra-thin iPhone Air has seen price cuts up to 2,500 yuan in China. The official Apple Store on Alibaba’s Tmall slashed 2,000 yuan, with regional subsidies pushing the starting price down from 7,999 yuan to 5,499 yuan, 36Kr reported. Released on Oct. 22, 2025, the phone sacrifices battery size and opts for an eSIM-only design, ditching the traditional plastic SIM card. Industry analyst Zhang Shule called this move "inventory clearance" aimed at "recovering funds," while Omdia’s Zhong Xiaolei noted that "most people can’t accept" shelling out flagship prices solely for a thin-and-light design.
January 27, 2026
Got a new Apple Watch? Change these 7 settings now — including health alerts that start off disabled

Got a new Apple Watch? Change these 7 settings now — including health alerts that start off disabled

On Monday, a Tom’s Guide contributor shared a checklist of Apple Watch settings that users should adjust right away. The advice includes restricting which iPhone apps can send notifications to the wrist and enabling health and safety features that often remain off by default. Sanuj Bhatia also highlighted competitors like Samsung and Garmin but emphasized that Apple’s watch performs best when paired with an iPhone. The urgency comes from Apple’s health features relying on users opting in—and then being patient. According to Apple, its hypertension notifications monitor patterns tied to chronic high blood pressure over 30-day spans, using data gathered from the watch’s optical heart sensor. This feature targets people aged 22 and up who aren’t pregnant and haven’t been
January 26, 2026
iOS 26 driving you crazy? The quick Safari, Phone and Music fixes iPhone users are trying

iOS 26 driving you crazy? The quick Safari, Phone and Music fixes iPhone users are trying

Apple’s iOS 26 redesign is pushing iPhone users to dive into Settings just to retrieve controls they once found familiar, with several how-to guides over the weekend detailing fixes for Safari, the Phone app, and other default settings. https://tech.yahoo.com/phones/articles/5-quick-ways-iphone-act-100000240.html This scramble is crucial since iOS updates don’t just bring new features — they reshape user habits across hundreds of millions of devices and redefine the game for app developers. When the “new look” demands extra taps, complaints hit quickly, and even minor toggles become significant.
January 26, 2026
Apple Fitness+ finally launches in Japan with Japanese dubbing, ¥980 price and free trials

Apple Fitness+ finally launches in Japan with Japanese dubbing, ¥980 price and free trials

Apple launched its Fitness+ subscription in Japan on Wednesday, offering guided workouts and meditations with full Japanese language support. The service is priced at 980 yen per month. https://www.apple.com/jp/newsroom/2026/01/apple-fitness-plus-now-available-in-japan/ This launch is key to Apple’s broader services strategy, as Fitness+ aims to tie users closer to the iPhone and Apple Watch ecosystem with flexible month-to-month subscriptions. Apple confirmed the service is live in 49 countries and regions now.
January 21, 2026