Apple changes how it develops iOS 28 and macOS 28

A new rhythm for iOS 28 development

Apple has changed the way it builds iOS 28, macOS 28 and their related updates, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. The coding stage of each development cycle now lasts six weeks, while the convergence period, when features are locked in, has been compressed to two weeks.

The aim is to give engineers more time to come up with and explore ideas before commitments become fixed. Bloomberg reports the change could let Apple move faster on feature work.

The shift forms part of a broader effort to make the company more nimble under its new chief executive, John Ternus. It suggests Apple wants richer experimentation inside its existing annual update cycles rather than a change to the cycle itself.

Support forums close after a sudden announcement

Apple announced this week that the Apple Support Community, its long-running discussion forums, will close permanently on Friday, 20 November 2026. New posts stopped being accepted immediately, and the forums are now read-only.

According to MacRumors, longtime members were caught off guard by the decision. Many were left without a chance to post farewell messages to the community they had taken part in for years.

iPhone Duo app support passes 100,000

Apple said last week that more than 100,000 apps are now optimised for the iPhone Duo, meaning they work fully with both its inner and outer displays. The device's form factor allows for new app layouts and functionality.

Despite that volume, a number of high-profile apps have still not been updated. Apple says more are being adapted each day, so the gaps should continue to narrow.

New hardware reaches customers

The long-rumoured MacBook Pro with a PROLED XDR display is now with customers. MacRumors describes it as Apple's first touchscreen Mac, built on an OLED-based display, noticeably lighter than earlier models and bringing back the lighted Apple logo on the lid.

Apple also launched the HomeView smart home hub and the fourth-generation Apple TV 4K box this week. MacRumors notes these are the last of the big hardware launches for the season.

Subscription sign-up controversy at Apple Stores

In a series of YouTube videos, electronics technician and consumer rights advocate Louis Rossmann has alleged that some Apple Store employees signed customers up for auto-renewing trials of Apple One and other services without clear consent.

Apple has historically tracked a services attach rate for retail staff, which critics say created pressure to push trials. The company has recently removed that metric, saying it matters less during the holiday season when many purchases are gifts. The timing, so soon after the publicity, has drawn attention, and the allegations themselves remain unconfirmed.

iOS 27.2.1 arrives with fixes

Apple released iOS 27.2.1 and related updates this week, including security-related fixes and other unspecified bug fixes. tvOS 27.2.1 followed on Friday and brings Siri AI to second- and third-generation Apple TV 4K boxes.

Larger 27.3 updates are still in early beta testing, with public releases expected next month. Users can install the current fixes through the software update settings on their devices.