Apple News 24 Hours

Last updated: September 18, 2026, 6:01 AM ET

iPhone 18 Pro Launch Day

Apple's iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max arrive in customers' hands today, with the first deliveries landing in Australia and New Zealand on Friday, September 18, alongside the Apple Watch Series, Apple Watch Ultra, and Air Pods. Pre-order customers have already begun receiving shipment notifications, and Apple has confirmed that new iPhone 18 Pro units will require a day-one software update before use. Apple CEO John Ternus teased the launch from the company's Fifth Avenue store in New York, which has been prepped for the global debut.

Hands-On and Reviews

Early hands-on coverage highlights the smaller Dynamic Island, refreshed color options, and improved photography across the Pro lineup. 9to5Mac's full hands-on covers the iPhone 18 Pro and Apple Watch Series 12 alongside the release of iOS. Photographer Austin Mann has published his camera field review, focusing on changes to the Main camera and iOS Camera app. Apple has also published a 10-feature overview of the new models, while Mac Rumors' buyer's guide weighs whether iPhone 15 Pro owners should make the jump.

A20 Pro Silicon

Apple executives have detailed how the A20 Pro chip was purpose-built for the iPhone 18 Pro's performance profile, delivering gains tailored to Apple's specific workloads rather than chasing generic benchmarks. The company has also agreed to pay Samsung higher prices for RAM and storage chips starting in 2027, signaling continued pressure on component costs. Separately, some memory for Apple devices could be made in the US for the first time, a potential shift in the supply chain.

Charging and Battery Costs

Apple said the new iPhone 18 Pro models support faster USB-C charging, and a Pro Max test showed the device charging 26 minutes faster than the previous generation from 0% to 100%. However, out-of-warranty battery replacements now cost more: Apple has set a $129 fee for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max in the US, up from prior pricing. 9to5Mac confirmed the new replacement cost in Apple's updated service and repair documentation.

Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4

Reviewers have praised the health tracking upgrades on the Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra, with several outlets framing the new wearables as credible rivals to the Oura Ring. Mac Rumors rounded up the first reviews, noting improved sensors and software. 9to5Mac's own review calls the Series 12 and Ultra 4 "more personal than ever before."

iOS, mac OS, and iPad OS 27.2

iOS 27 launched this week with an all-new Siri AI, and David Pogue put the assistant through more than 100 tests on iPhone. On the Mac, Siri AI's top features finally make the assistant genuinely useful after a decade of stagnation. mac OS 27 Golden Gate shipped with 50 new features and changes worth exploring, and the Photos app received its own dedicated walkthrough. iPad OS 27.2 beta adds a Siri popup for selected text, borrowing a convenient Mac feature. The Messages app in iOS 27 gains a drawing tool, RCS upgrades, and Apple Intelligence integration. iCloud+ subscribers also received new AI benefits in iOS.

Car Play and GM Reversal

In iOS, Car Play received its biggest update in years, though some features depend on vehicle hardware — Mac Rumors broke down which CarPlay features actually work in your car. General Motors, meanwhile, continues to walk back its Car Play ban, now reversing course on two truck models.

iPhone Duo and Mini Fans

Apple's new iPhone Duo has been framed as a godsend for mini iPhone fans — minus the price. Developers, however, will need time to update their apps for the new form factor, and Apple's messaging downplays the effort required.

Sports and Broadcasts

The iPhone 18 Pro made the starting lineup for Apple TV's Dodgers vs. Giants broadcast, with Apple's cameras leveraging the new hardware. The device will also be used in this week's Friday Night Baseball production.

Legal and Regulatory

A federal judge has blocked OpenAI from seeing the terms of a confidential settlement between Apple and Space XAI, with Elon Musk having filed to dismiss Apple from his lawsuit. Judge Mark Pittman rejected OpenAI's bid to obtain those X and Space XAI settlement details. In the UK, Apple challenged government secrecy around an encryption backdoor order during a hearing today.

Safari, WhatsApp, and App Updates

The Web Kit blog detailed what's new in Safari 27 for developers, including MCP support for AI agents. WhatsApp has begun rolling out a new in-chat search button on iOS following weeks of beta testing. Readdle updated PDF Expert with handwriting recognition, expanded Apple Pencil support, and more for iOS.

AI Agents and Enterprise

Meta AI launched its Muse personal agent, with apps for iPhone and Mac now available. Addigy launched its Intelligence Suite, giving IT teams control over how AI is used across Apple fleets. Apple Insider reports that AI can now reach Addigy's iPhone management layer, assuming admins allow it.

Audio Market and Deals

Apple leads a slowing true wireless stereo market as open-ear earbuds gain ground, according to a new report. On the deals front, Amazon has cut $150 off two M5 MacBook Air 13-inch models, and a broader roundup covers Air Pods, M6 Mac mini, a Studio Display at $330 off, a Thunderbolt 5 dock, and more. New and qualifying returning subscribers can also grab a 3-month Apple One Premier trial worth $120.

Apple TV and Apple Music

Apple TV dropped trailers for two upcoming premieres, including Tenzing and Knife Edge season 2, following the return of Slow Horses. Apple Music is testing countdown clocks for upcoming albums, giving listeners a visual timer ahead of major releases.

Industry and Analysis

Analysts and pundits should be ignored when they warn about iPhone 18 Pro demand, according to Apple Insider, which argues that annual stock-advisor chatter rarely reflects actual sell-through. A year after launch, the iPhone 17 still holds up with plenty to appreciate. On the podcast front, 9to5Mac Overtime welcomed former Apple SVP of Retail Ron Johnson to discuss the origins of the Apple Store and his new book. The daily recap covers iOS 27.2 beta testing and more. Soft RAID 9 added RAID 6 for macOS 27 owners, keeping arrays accessible during drive failures. Apple Insider also noted that Tim Cook is keeping John Ternus away from controversy by attending a White House dinner himself, taking on the diplomatic role as the CEO transition unfolds. And in a surprise launch, Steve Wozniak opened an official merch store this month.