Apple News 8 Hours

Last updated: August 31, 2026, 2:30 PM ET

Apple Leadership Transition

The end of an era is officially here, as Tim Cook steps down as Apple's CEO after 15 years at the helm, effective September 1. Hardware engineering chief John Ternus will take over the top role tomorrow, according to reports. Cook marked his final day by sharing a memo with employees, reflecting on his tenure and the company's future. The transition was first announced in April, when Apple confirmed Ternus as Cook's successor. In a separate shift, longtime marketing chief Phil Schiller is scaling back his role, stepping down from leading the App Store and Apple events. Bloomberg reports Schiller will relinquish those duties as the Ternus era begins.

September Launch Event

Apple's big September event is set for September 9, where the company is expected to unveil the iPhone 18 Pro lineup alongside other products. Rumors suggest Apple could discontinue more than 10 products as new hardware arrives, clearing inventory for the next generation. The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max will debut with significant camera and display upgrades, while the standard models get their own enhancements. Air Pods 5 are also rumored for launch alongside the new iPhones, with reports suggesting two models could debut. The event will be livestreamed, with Apple expected to detail the full range of new devices and their pricing.

Map Naming Controversy

Map Quest has topped the App Store charts this week after refusing to rename Lake Ontario to "Lake America" on its maps, following an executive order from President Trump. The situation escalated when Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said Trump has reached out to Apple directly about making the change in Apple Maps. Meanwhile, Google Maps has already updated its U.S. version to show "Lake America" for the Great Lake straddling the New York–Ontario border, while Apple has yet to follow suit.

Deals and Recognition

Amazon's Labor Day sale has brought AirPods down to $80, with Mag Safe batteries discounted up to 60% off and Air Tag 2 available at $20 each. The sale also includes Apple Pencil discounts and pre-order savings on the M6 Mac mini. In other news, The One Club for Creativity has inducted Apple into its Brand Hall of Fame, recognizing the company's iconic advertising campaigns and their lasting impact on the industry.