iPhone 18 Pro: 12GB RAM Gates Advanced Apple Intelligence, Mechanical Iris Debuts

Target reported Q2 sales up 5.3% YoY and net earnings doubled to $1.9B, including a $994M tariff refund. The company raised annual guidance but did not commit to passing savings to customers. Target expects more refunds, totaling 'the significant majority' of what it applied for, according to CFO Jim Lee.

Apple announced changes to its EU App Store rules, including new fees for alternative payment options and external purchase links, following discussions with the European Commission. The Commission welcomed the changes, which take effect October 1. Epic Games criticized the new terms, claiming they violate the Digital Markets Act and do not promote competition. Apple will charge 20% on alternative in-app payments, 15% on external purchase links, and 5% on payments from apps downloaded outside it

Apple has revised its app commission rates in the EU, ranging from 5% to 26%, following regulatory pressure. The European Commission welcomes these changes, which resolve a long-standing antitrust dispute. The new rates apply to different developer programs and payment methods, with the highest rate for in-app purchases.

Apple has outperformed its Magnificent Seven peers due to lower AI spending, with record revenue of $109.4B and EPS of $2.02 in Q2. Its market cap reached $5T, surpassing Nvidia. The group faced volatility in June, with Microsoft and Nvidia seeing significant declines. Analysts highlight the importance of upcoming earnings for AI validation.

Apple (AAPL) stock rose ~2.8% to ~$318 on August 19, 2026, after announcing changes to its App Store terms for European developers, reducing regulatory risk. The changes include a flat 5% commission on digital transactions and adjustments to other fees, taking effect October 1, 2026. The move is seen as aligning with the EU's Digital Markets Act. Additionally, a recent analyst upgrade from Rothschild & Co. Redburn to Buy with a $400 price target cited product roadmap strength and potential upsid

Apple reported Q3 FY2026 revenue of $109.4B, up 16.4% YOY, beating estimates. iPhone revenue rose 21.7% YOY, while Mac revenue exceeded forecasts. Services revenue missed estimates. Gross margin was 50.1%. Despite strong earnings, shares fell 7.35% due to cautious guidance. Analysts remain mostly bullish, with an average price target of $322.63.