Tech News Roundup July 2026: iOS 27 Beta, Pixel 11 Price, and EU Ruling Shake Up the Week
This week saw significant developments across the technology sector, with regulatory pressure reshaping Android in Europe, new smartphone hardware leaks hinting at upcoming releases, and legacy software reaching end-of-life on Apple devices. Here is a look at the stories that defined the period.
Platform Changes and Software Milestones
Apple released the iOS 27 public beta this week, giving iPhone users early access to a revamped Siri powered by new AI capabilities alongside updated photo editing tools. The beta signals Apple continued investment in on-device artificial intelligence as the company prepares for a fall launch. You can read more about the iOS 27 public beta features in our full coverage.
In a less welcome development for Mac users, Microsoft Office 2019 and M365 apps have entered read-only mode on macOS and iOS as of today. The cutoff leaves users on older Office versions without any editing capability and no upgrade path, creating a hard end-of-life for the 2019 suite on Apple hardware. Our story on the Office 2019 for Mac read-only cutoff details what affected users need to know.
New Hardware on the Horizon
Google next flagship, the Pixel 11, has appeared in leaked listings showing a starting price of $899 for the 256GB model. The company has eliminated the 128GB storage tier entirely, paired the device with a Tensor G6 chip, and plans an August 20 release date alongside new color options. Get the full details on the Google Pixel 11 price and specs from our earlier report.
Samsung is gearing up for its July 22 Unpacked event, where leaks indicate the company will unveil a redesigned Galaxy Z Fold 8 with a wider form factor and a new Ultra model. The Z Flip 8 is also expected, reportedly搭载 the Exynos 2600 chip and 45W charging. Our coverage of the Galaxy Z Fold 8 redesign leaks breaks down what to expect at the event.
Regulatory and Privacy Developments
A landmark EU ruling under the Digital Markets Act is forcing Google to open 11 core Android features to third-party rivals and share search data, effectively giving competitors Gemini-level AI assistant access on the platform. The decision reshapes competition among AI assistants in Europe. Our article on the EU Android AI assistant ruling explains the implications.
In the privacy space, 43 US states have secured an $18 million settlement with 23andMe following the 2023 data breach that exposed 6.9 million genetic profiles. The 23andMe data breach settlement is one of the larger multi-state privacy agreements and raises ongoing questions about genetic data security. Read our breakdown of the 23andMe data breach settlement terms for more.
Streaming Strategy Shift
Netflix has brought back its free trial after a six-year hiatus, though the offer is limited to select countries and excludes the US and UK. The trial includes Premium 4K access, indicating a strategic push to attract higher-tier subscribers in specific markets. Our analysis of the Netflix free trial return strategy examines what this means for the streaming business.
The question to watch next week is whether Samsung July 22 Unpacked will deliver on the ambitious Z Fold 8 redesign rumors, and how Google Pixel 11 price hike will compare against Apple expected iPhone 27 lineup later this year.
Related Articles
- iPhone Users Can Now Test iOS 27 Public Beta With Revamped Siri AI Starting This Week
- EU Android AI Assistant Ruling Forces Google to Open Gemini-Level Access on Android
- EU Rejects Apple Exemption Request, Forcing Siri AI Rollout Delay
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