Apple is working on a new MacBook Neo with two key upgrades, including an A19 Pro chip and increased RAM, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. The updated MacBook Neo is one of 11 new Mac models that Apple plans to release.

With the A19 Pro chip, the second-generation MacBook Neo should have 12GB of RAM, up from an A18 Pro chip with 8GB of RAM in the current model.

The report suggested that the next MacBook Neo will also have new color options. Existing finishes include Silver, Blush, Citrus, and Indigo.

The building remains open to the public while the work is completed, but the area housing a 3D augmented reality model of Apple Park is temporarily closed.

"Please pardon our appearance while we improve our store," says Apple. "During this time, the Exhibition Space is temporarily closed."

Apple did not indicate when the improvements will be completed.

Apple readies end-to-end Mac overhaul, including M6 MacBook Pro and new iMacs this year; and several new redesigned MacBook Pros with touch and OLED and new MacBook Air and MacBook Neo models across end of this year and next year.

Apple is also planning M5 Pro + M6 Mac mini and M5 Max + M5 Ultra Mac Studio, but their configurations and release timing are fairly tied to the memory shortage. Current models don’t ship for three months. Apple also has an OLED iMac and OLED MacBook Air in the works for down the road.

Apple today announced that AppleCare+ with Theft and Loss coverage is now available for the iPad and Apple Watch in Japan, after previously being limited to the iPhone there.

In addition, monthly and annual AppleCare+ plans are now available for a wider range of Apple products in Japan.

Code found in the iOS 27 beta suggests Apple has built a system that could restrict leased devices when customers fall behind on payments.

The new framework also introduces a new type of activation lock called “Partner Finance Lock,” which is meant to prevent users from erasing, reselling, or stripping a restricted device for parts.

Apple Invites just got its second app update this summer, adding two new digital invitation features for users.

• Hosts and guests can now react to replies with emoji, so everyone can share the excitement as the guest list comes together.
• A delightful confetti animation now plays when guests reply, making every response feel like a celebration.

Apple will launch Apple Upgrade next week, an iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple Watch leasing/subscription program. It’s partnering with Klarna to launch in the U.S. at online and retail stores.

The Apple Upgrade service will work like a subscription and users can pay off the device early during their term, upgrade early to a new model or keep it at the end of the leasing period. In certain cases, those transactions will incur an additional fee. Like a car lease, it can also be returned at the end of the term.

Leases for iPhones and Apple Watches will run for 24 months, while Mac and iPad plans will run for 36 months. Users will need to be approved for the program via a soft credit check.

Apple plans to advertise the program as a way to have lower payments versus current financing programs. The company is planning to discontinue new enrollments for its current iPhone payment programs — the iPhone Upgrade Program and standard financing — to make way for the Apple Upgrade initiative.

Unlike the iPhone Upgrade Program of today, Apple Upgrade doesn’t include AppleCare. Certain devices, including the Apple Watch SE, entry-level iPad, iPhone 16 and MacBook Neo, aren’t eligible. Business and education purchases are also excluded.

The Taiwan-based foundry has reportedly held talks with clients about base price increases of 5 to 10 percent, covering both mature nodes and the more advanced processes at 7-nanometers and below that Apple relies on for its A-series and M-series chips. Negotiations began in June and were finalized this month, according to the publication's sources, with the new pricing set to take effect at the start of 2027.

Customers placing additional high-performance computing orders beyond their original forecasts will face a further 10 to 15 percent premium, which could lead to some advanced chip orders costing more than 10 percent extra overall.

Digital Chat Station, translated using DeepL:

An exclusive, cutting-edge report suggests that Apple is prototyping an extra-large display with physical dimensions of approximately 6.96 inches (±), while the standard size is approximately 7 inches (±). Could this be used in the iPhone 20 Pro Max? This remains to be confirmed. ​​​

• Siri AI has a new “splash screen” when invoking Siri from the Dynamic Island or swiping down on the Home screen.

• This beta fixes the depth effect bug that beta 3 introduced. It was fun while it lasted.

• Siri has two enhanced voices with pace and expressivity working. Five legacy voices still show pace and expressivity sliders as coming soon.

• Possibly new - there’s a Health data sharing reminder that works similarly to location use alerts.

Apple Sports was updated today with support for additional soccer leagues in Asia and Europe, plus the ability to see formations across most soccer leagues. The update arrives just one day after the 2026 FIFA World Cup final between Argentina and Spain.

Security firm Group-IB has identified a new piece of macOS malware in the wild that pressures users into surrendering their passwords via a barrage of fake system prompts.

Dubbed "ClickLock Stealer," the malware needs no exploits and no elevated privileges to work. Instead, the attack depends on the victim pasting a command into Terminal and running it. The command then executes a script, and everything else follows.