June 27 tech news roundup: Microsoft extends Windows 10 support until 2027, Apple hikes Mac and iPad prices, Xbox is getting another price hike

Windows 10 support extended until October 2027

Microsoft ended support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. But, the Redmond company continued to provide support for Windows 10 via the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program. This was because many users with older PCs were unable to upgrade to Windows 11 because of strict system requirements. Microsoft had originally planned to support Windows 10 until October 14, 2026. Chipp.in reports that users who have opted to join the ESU will continue receiving security updates until October 2027.

In a note posted on the Windows blog, Microsoft says that it wants to give users more time to move a new Windows 11 PC. It makes sense, given the situation of the RAM/SSD shortage, and the rising prices of the components. A lot of people wouldn’t be able to afford a new computer, or even upgrade their PCs. You could argue that Microsoft had no choice, but to continue supporting Windows 10 for a further year. Nevertheless, this is good news for users who want to stick to Windows 10, especially on devices that cannot be upgraded to Windows 11.

Apple hikes Mac and iPad prices

Apple had warned this would happen, and it has. The Cupertino company has increased the prices of several of its products. The 14-inch MacBook Pro, which was previously available for $1,699 now has a $1,999 price tag, while the 16-inch MacBook that used to retail for $2,499, now costs a whopping $2,999. Apple’s new MacBook Neo, the most affordable laptop which debuted at $599, is not exactly affordable anymore after a $100 price hike, it now costs $699. Apple’s MacBook Air’s price has shot up by $200, it now costs $1,299. The iMac and M4 Max Mac Studio now cost $1,499 and $2,499 respectively.

iPads weren’t spared by the price changes either, the basic model of the tablet has gone up by a $100. It now costs $349, while the iPad Mini costs $599 after an increase of $100. The iPad Air received a $150 price adjustment, and is available for $749.

The Verge reports that Apple has also increased the price of the HomePod, HomePod Mini, Apple TV and Vision Pro. Tim Cook had explained that Apple had been forced to make these changes to meet the ongoing SSD/RAM shortage crisis. iPhones have been saved from the price hikes, but the question is, how long can Apple sustain the current prices.

Xbox prices are going up, again

It wasn’t just Apple that hiked its product prices, Microsoft also announced a price hike, for the Xbox console. The price of the Xbox consoles were hiked multiple times over the past year. It is quite hard to believe that Microsoft launched the Xbox Series S at $299, and the Series X at $499. That was nearly six years ago. The latest price hikes see a $100 increase for 512GB models, and $150 price hike for 1TB models. This means that the price of the Xbox Series S will start at $499.99, while the Xbox Series X will start at $749.99, and the Series X model with a disc drive will cost $799.99.

A blog post by Microsoft states that console storage and memory prices have increased more than 2.5 times, and that it could double further in Fall 2027. The new Xbox prices will come into effect from August 1st, 2026, across the world.

Microsoft has also announced some options to make it easier for buyers to get a console. This includes a Buy Now, Pay Later program via Microsoft Stores with interest-free financing. Ironically, experts believe that the release of GTA VI could actually result in shortages of PS5 and Xbox consoles. Microsoft says that pre-owned Xbox consoles will be available at retail partners at lower prices. Gaming is quickly becoming a luxury, it may well turn into a hobby that few will be able to afford.

Grand Theft Auto VI will cost $70, physical editions won’t come with a disc

Last week, Take 2 Games announced the pre-order date for GTA 6. This week, the publisher revealed the prices of the game. Grand Theft Auto VI Standard Edition  will cost $79.99, that’s already quite expensive compared to the $60 price tag that gamers are used to. The Ultimate Edition of the game costs $99.99. Rockstar has confirmed that GTA 6 will be a single-player experience at launch, meaning there will be no online multiplayer when the game releases.

While there is a physical edition of the game, it will not contain a disc, players will need to use the download code in the box to add the game to their digital library. This news has considerably upset collectors. But there is another uproar among the fans about the content that is exclusive to the Ultimate Edition of GTA VI. Players who order the Standard Edition of the game will not be able to access 5 in-game stores which includes a clothing store, a salon, a tattoo parlor, and a couple of mod shops. That’s an unusual way to force a $20 upgrade.

GTA 6 is set to release on November 19, 2026 for the Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5. It is not clear when the PC version will be released.

YouTube Shorts gets 2x speed, Clear Screen and more

YouTube has added some features to enhance the Shorts viewing experience. The first of these changes is called “Clear Screen“, which is an option that users can toggle, to view the video in an immersive way that hides all the buttons and text on the screen.

Google says that the redesigned Shorts experience offers a cleaner look and feel and organizes Shorts controls in a single, swipeable carousel that is displayed under the video’s title. There is now a 2x speed setting for Shorts, which can be used by holding down the edge of the screen. Swiping down while pressing will lock the speed at 2x playback speed.

YouTube has removed the Dislike button from Shorts, and has introduced a heart icon that viewers may tap to like the video. If you do not like a video, you can tap on the three-dot menu and choose “Not Interested” or “Don’t recommend this channel”. This will exclude similar videos and videos from the creator from appearing in your feed. Some of these improvements have been available on TikTok for a long time, so YouTube is just playing catch up.