📰 Daily Apple News Roundup — May 16, 2026

🔐 DOJ Demands Apple and Google Identify Over 100,000 Users of Car App

A new report from Forbes reveals that the U.S. Department of Justice has demanded Apple and Google identify more than 100,000 users of a car-related app available on both the App Store and Google Play. The unprecedented request raises serious privacy and Fourth Amendment concerns.

Both companies are reportedly pushing back against the broad demand, which would require handing over personal information tied to a massive number of users — the vast majority of whom are not suspected of any crime. The case could set a major precedent for how far government agencies can go in compelling tech platforms to hand over user data.

Source: 9to5Mac, Forbes

⚡ Apple Will Launch 15+ New Products This Fall — Here's What's Coming

9to5Mac has compiled a comprehensive roundup of every new Apple product rumored for this fall, and the list is over 15 products long. The lineup includes the iPhone 18 series (including the foldable iPhone Ultra), updated Apple Watch models, new AirPods, refreshed Macs with next-gen Apple silicon, and more.

This fall is shaping up to be one of Apple's biggest launch seasons ever. The iPhone Ultra alone represents a completely new product category for Apple, while the rest of the lineup brings iterative but meaningful updates across virtually every product line. If you're holding off on an upgrade, this fall will give you plenty of options.

Source: 9to5Mac

⚖️ Musk Adds Craig Federighi to Apple/OpenAI Lawsuit, Tim Cook Spared

The legal battle between Elon Musk's xAI and Apple/OpenAI is heating up. A court has granted Musk's bid to add Apple SVP Craig Federighi as a document custodian in the ongoing antitrust lawsuit, meaning Federighi may be required to produce internal documents related to the Apple-OpenAI partnership.

However, the court declined to add Tim Cook to the case, limiting the scope of discovery at the CEO level. Federighi, as Apple's top software executive, was directly involved in the decision to integrate OpenAI's technology into Siri and Apple Intelligence, making him a key figure in the dispute.

Source: 9to5Mac

📱 iOS 26.5 Released with End-to-End Encrypted RCS Messaging

Apple has officially released iOS 26.5 and iPadOS 26.5, and the headline feature is end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging between iPhone and Android devices. This means conversations with Android users are now protected with the same level of encryption previously reserved for iMessage conversations.

The update also includes a new wallpaper, improvements to Apple Maps, bug fixes, and the usual round of security patches. Safari 26.5 was released simultaneously, fixing WebKit bugs that could crash the browser or expose sensitive user data. If you haven't updated yet, head to Settings → General → Software Update.

Source: MacRumors, 9to5Mac

💬 WhatsApp Finally Rolls Out Liquid Glass Design on iOS

After months of limited testing, WhatsApp is finally rolling out its Liquid Glass redesign to a broader audience on iOS. The update brings the translucent, layered visual style introduced in iOS 26 to WhatsApp's interface, giving it a fresh, modern look that blends seamlessly with the rest of the operating system.

The rollout appears to be happening server-side, so you may not need to update the app to see the changes. If you don't see it yet, give it a day or two — Meta typically stages these rollouts over about a week. The Liquid Glass treatment includes updated navigation bars, translucent overlays, and refined typography throughout the app.

Source: 9to5Mac

🤖 Report: Intel Is Testing Production of Some iPhone, iPad, and Mac Chips

In a surprising twist in the semiconductor landscape, Intel is reportedly testing production of chips destined for Apple devices, including iPhone, iPad, and Mac components. If true, this would represent a significant shift in the chip manufacturing world, where TSMC has been Apple's exclusive foundry partner for Apple silicon.

The report doesn't specify which chips Intel would produce or when production might begin, but it signals that Apple may be diversifying its supply chain as geopolitical risks around Taiwan continue to loom. Intel has been working to rebuild its foundry business under new leadership, and landing Apple as a customer would be a massive validation of those efforts.

Source: MacRumors

💳 Apple Card Promo to Offer Free AirPods Pro 3

MacRumors reports that Apple is preparing a new Apple Card promotion that will offer free AirPods Pro 3 to cardholders. The promo appears to be part of Apple's broader strategy to drive Apple Card adoption and spending, especially as the card prepares to transition from Goldman Sachs to Chase.

This isn't the first time Apple has offered hardware incentives for Apple Card users, but bundling the latest AirPods Pro — one of Apple's most popular accessories — represents a particularly compelling offer. Details on timing and eligibility requirements are expected to be announced soon.

Source: MacRumors

🎨 AirPods Max Designer Reveals Behind-the-Scenes Project Details

Eugene Whang, a former Apple hardware designer who spent 22 years at the company before joining Jony Ive's LoveFrom, has shared fascinating new details about the development of AirPods Max in an interview with Highsnobiety. The designer reveals the thinking behind the distinctive headband, the stainless steel construction, and the controversial Smart Case.

The interview provides a rare window into Apple's industrial design process under Ive's leadership. Whang describes how the team went through hundreds of prototypes before landing on the final design, and how the decision to use stainless steel was driven by both acoustics and aesthetics.

Source: 9to5Mac

🇨🇳 Apple Discounts iPhone in China Ahead of Annual 618 Shopping Festival

As it has done since at least 2021, Apple is discounting the iPhone in China as part of the country's massive 618 shopping festival. The discounts apply to the current iPhone 17 lineup and are being offered through Apple's official Chinese retail channels.

The 618 festival is China's second-largest shopping event after Singles' Day, and Apple's participation signals its continued commitment to competing aggressively in the Chinese market despite growing competition from Huawei and domestic brands. The discounts typically range from several hundred to over a thousand yuan depending on the model.

Source: 9to5Mac, MacRumors

💡 Quick Tips

Tip #1: Set Up End-to-End Encrypted RCS on Your iPhone

With iOS 26.5 now available, you can enjoy end-to-end encrypted messaging with Android users via RCS. To make sure it's working, go to Settings → Apps → Messages → RCS Messaging and verify it shows "Connected." Encrypted chats will display a lock icon in the conversation. Note that both you and your Android contact need RCS enabled for encryption to work.

Tip #2: Check Which Apps Have Access to Your Financial Data

Following news of the DOJ's data request affecting over 100,000 app users, it's a good time to audit your app permissions. Go to Settings → Privacy & Security and review which apps have access to your location, contacts, and financial information. Revoke access for any apps that don't genuinely need it — you can always grant it again later.

Tip #3: Use Safari's Privacy Report to See Who's Tracking You

Open Safari and tap the AA icon in the address bar, then select "Privacy Report" to see which trackers have been blocked across your browsing. Safari 26.5 includes improved tracker detection, so you might be surprised at how many data brokers are trying to follow you around the web. This report updates in real time as you browse.