Tech news roundup for October 27, 2026: Apple’s biggest story today is twofold — iOS 27.2 finally brings Apple Pencil support to the iPhone Duo, and Apple has publicly acknowledged a display-cracking issue affecting a small number of those same foldable phones.
Table of Contents
Also in this tech news roundup: Apple refreshed the iPad mini with a bigger OLED screen, patched hundreds of security flaws, and raised trade-in values, while Microsoft offered buyouts to a quarter of its workforce. In science and space, SpaceX test-fired a Starship booster, and researchers described a newly identified seafaring amphibian fossil.
The TLDR
- Tech & Apps: iOS 27.2 brings Apple Pencil support to the iPhone Duo
- Science & Space: SpaceX static-fires Super Heavy booster ahead of next Starship flight
Tech & Apps
iOS 27.2 brings Apple Pencil support to the iPhone Duo
Apple released iOS 27.2, which adds Apple Pencil support to the iPhone Duo — only the USB-C Apple Pencil works, not the Pro or older models. The update also brings an Edge Light feature that brightens the display edges during video calls to help illuminate your face. Apple had previously said Apple Pencil support was coming to the Duo “later this year,” according to The Verge.
Apple acknowledges iPhone Duo inner-display cracking issue
Following owner reports of iPhone Duo units with cracked inner screens, often showing a bright line across the display, Apple told Bloomberg and 9to5Mac in a statement that it’s aware of “an issue impacting the inner display” on “a small number of iPhone Duo units,” per The Verge. Impacted owners can contact AppleCare for a replacement, according to Engadget.
Apple unveils updated iPad mini with a bigger OLED screen
Apple revealed a refreshed iPad mini featuring a larger OLED display, priced at $700. Apple described it as the most significant update ever for the iPad mini line, according to Ars Technica.
Apple patches 329-plus security vulnerabilities in latest updates
Apple’s newest round of updates for iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, tvOS, visionOS, and Safari addressed at least 329 unique security vulnerabilities, per 9to5Mac‘s review of Apple’s security notes. The fixes span issues across Apple’s full lineup of operating systems and its Safari browser.
Apple raises trade-in values for iPads and Macs
Apple increased its trade-in values for iPads and Macs for the second time in two months, with the Mac Pro seeing the largest bump — up $365 to $2,560 — while other Mac and iPad models received smaller increases, according to 9to5Mac. If you’re weighing whether to trade in or sell your own gear, it’s worth comparing against what other household tech costs look like in 2026 before deciding.
Microsoft offers buyouts to a quarter of its workforce
Microsoft is offering voluntary buyout packages to roughly a quarter of its workforce, with offers going out to eligible employees in the US, Canada, India, and the UK, according to Ars Technica.
Science & Space
SpaceX static-fires Super Heavy booster ahead of next Starship flight
SpaceX conducted a static-fire test of its Super Heavy booster B22 on Sunday, October 25, kicking off a test campaign ahead of Starship’s Flight Test 15, according to Space.com.
Fossil reveals first amphibian known to have lived its entire life at sea
Paleontologists described a newly identified armored amphibian, Gerrothorax maritimus, as the first known amphibian to have spent its whole life in the ocean, based on fossils from Late Triassic rock roughly 237 million years old found in China, according to ScienceAlert. Chemical analysis of the bones matched ancient seawater, and its armor-plated body would have kept it from absorbing water through its skin.
Explore more: other household tech costs look like in 2026, AI apps worth trying.
Tech News FAQs
When does iOS 27.2 arrive, and what does it add to the iPhone Duo?
Apple released iOS 27.2 on October 26, 2026. It adds Apple Pencil support (USB-C model only) and an Edge Light feature that brightens the screen edges during video calls.
What should I do if my iPhone Duo’s inner screen cracks?
Apple has acknowledged an issue affecting the inner display on a small number of iPhone Duo units. If you’re affected, contact AppleCare for a replacement.
How much does the new iPad mini cost?
Apple’s updated iPad mini, which features a bigger OLED screen, is priced at $700.
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Photo: Dicklyon / CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.