Apple today announced it will donate $1 to the National Park Foundation for every purchase made with Apple Pay at any Apple Store, on Apple.com, or through the Apple Store app in the United States from July 1 through July 15.
Apple Watch challenge inspired by U.S. National Parks
Apple said proceeds will support the National Park Foundation's mission to help protect and preserve national parks.
“America’s national parks are an inspiration to us at Apple, and we know they are as important to many of our customers as they are to us,” said Apple’s CEO Tim Cook. “Our goal is to leave the world better than we found it, so this July we’re making it easier for anyone to help preserve the beauty of our natural, cultural and historical treasures.”
Additionally, on July 15, Apple Watch users around the world can complete a walk, run, or wheelchair workout of 3.5 miles to earn an award and stickers for Messages inspired by national parks. Apple said the distance matches the length of a hike from Old Faithful to Mallard Lake in Yellowstone National Park.
iMessage stickers inspired by U.S. National Parks
Apple said the App Store will highlight a collection of some of the best apps to help users easily navigate and explore the country's national parks.
Thursday February 5, 2026 12:54 pm PST by Joe Rossignol
Apple turns 50 this year, and its CEO Tim Cook has promised to celebrate the milestone. The big day falls on April 1, 2026.
"I've been unusually reflective lately about Apple because we have been working on what do we do to mark this moment," Cook told employees today, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. "When you really stop and pause and think about the last 50 years, it makes your heart ...
Thursday February 5, 2026 12:22 pm PST by Joe Rossignol
Apple plans to announce the iPhone 17e on Thursday, February 19, according to Macwelt, the German equivalent of Macworld.
The report, citing industry sources, is available in English on Macworld.
Apple announced the iPhone 16e on Wednesday, February 19 last year, so the iPhone 17e would be unveiled exactly one year later if this rumor is accurate. It is quite uncommon for Apple to unveil...
Friday February 6, 2026 3:06 pm PST by Juli Clover
In the iOS 26.4 update that's coming this spring, Apple will introduce a new version of Siri that's going to overhaul how we interact with the personal assistant and what it's able to do.
The iOS 26.4 version of Siri won't work like ChatGPT or Claude, but it will rely on large language models (LLMs) and has been updated from the ground up.
Upgraded Architecture
The next-generation...
Tuesday February 3, 2026 7:47 am PST by Joe Rossignol
While the iOS 26.3 Release Candidate is now available ahead of a public release, the first iOS 26.4 beta is likely still at least a week away. Following beta testing, iOS 26.4 will likely be released to the general public in March or April.
Below, we have recapped known or rumored iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 features so far.
iOS 26.3
iPhone to Android Transfer Tool
iOS 26.3 makes it easier...
The iPhone 18 Pro Max will feature a bigger battery for continued best-in-class battery life, according to a known Weibo leaker.
Citing supply chain information, the Weibo user known as "Digital Chat Station" said that the iPhone 18 Pro Max will have a battery capacity of 5,100 to 5,200 mAh. Combined with the efficiency improvements of the A20 Pro chip, made with TSMC's 2nm process, the...
I also enjoy these activity challenges. They are not too often, either, so they rarely get in the way of my own workout plan, but they aren't so rare that I stop caring. Very nice balance Apple.
So in all these National Parks there are no animals other than a lonely eagle? Or is that a vulture? Either way it must be hungry with no prey around. Heh. Seriously, if you are going to pay tribute to National Parks then why not give a shout out on the sticker or badge to the endangered species that those parks seek to protect? Seems it would better highlight the work and purpose of the parks.
I wonder if the achievement can be unlocked if we are based in Australia and complete the challenge. I know there has been countless times Apple has set challenges but they haven’t opened it up for Australia and other countries except for the US.
From the article:
On July 15, Apple Watch users around the world can complete a walk, run, or wheelchair workout…
I guess paying people good money + befits to work is a bad thing?
I think the Sentiment is that when more money is spent internally than makes it to the end group in need, it appears to be corruption, i.e. United Way, etc. where the scandals showed high salaries and only pennies making it to the people and projects in need.
