Apple News 24 Hours

Last updated: August 8, 2026, 2:53 AM ET

iPhone 18 Pro & Foldable Rumors

Apple’s upcoming iPhone 18 Pro launch is expected around September 9, 2026, and the rumor mill has been unusually active. The device is rumored to feature a 2nm A20 chip, C2 modem, and under-display Face ID, according to Apple Insider. A new rumor suggests Apple may also raise iPhone 17 prices as early as next week, though that report remains unverified. Meanwhile, a poll from 9to5Mac asks readers whether they plan to buy the iPhone 18 Pro or the rumored foldable iPhone Ultra. The Mac Rumors Show also discussed the iPhone Air 2, exploring what changes are needed after a difficult first year for the original iPhone Air.

iOS & watch OS Updates

Apple is internally testing iOS 26.6.1, according to Mac Rumors analytics logs. iOS 27 promises a long-awaited fix for the Wi‑Fi to cellular lag issue, plus a new compact clock option that gives wallpapers more room. The Apple Wallet in iOS 27 finally adds the ability to import physical passes, a feature long requested by users. On the watch side, watchOS 27 could enhance the Apple Watch’s hypertension notifications with more granular alerts.

Jailbreak & Security

After 326 days, iOS 26 gets its first jailbreak thanks to the Dopamine team (opa334). On the security front, the Security Bite podcast explains why scammers are increasingly using Face Time. Apple also flagged delays in its lawsuit against Jon Prosser, telling the court it hasn’t heard from his legal team in a month.

Car Play, Messaging & AI

Car Play connection issues may stem from radio interference, not hardware or cables. Three automakers—Tesla, Rivian, and GM—still refuse to support CarPlay, citing their own integrated systems. WhatsApp is making parent‑managed accounts easier to set up on iPhone with a dedicated parental controls section. Separately, OpenAI is working on a feature that lets users export ChatGPT stickers to WhatsApp. Claude Code on mac OS now lets sessions message each other to coordinate tasks. OpenAI has delayed its next major AI model ‘Astra’ over critical hacking concerns.

Apple Watch, Health & Accessories

Apple added nearly 45 new MFi hearing devices to its compatibility list, with 43 models across 22 brands. The Apple Watch’s hypertension feature could get better in watch OS, as noted above. New Air Pods with cameras might launch next month alongside the iPhone 18 Pro, according to rumors. Apple is also rumored to launch three new ‘Ultra’ products by early 2027, including an iPhone Ultra and an Apple Watch Ultra.

Mac & MacBook Pro

MacBook Pro users will soon have two new upgrade options: an M6 model and a MacBook Ultra, both expected this fall. Apple refreshed its Certified Refurbished Store with rare M5 MacBook Pro configurations, Apple TV 4K, and more. The Mac Pro turned 20 years old today, five months after Apple discontinued it; both MacRumors and AppleInsider celebrate the iconic “cheese grater” design. BBEdit, the legendary Mac text editor, turns 34 years old and remains a favorite among developers.

Services, Wallet & More

The Apple Account Card in Wallet has expanded to four new countries: Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Slovenia. Actor James Marsden has been confirmed for a third Apple TV+ project, a series called Bad News Dads. Apple is testing Claude Code auto mode as the default setting starting August 14. A supplier investment: SK hynix is making a $38B bet on AI memory demand lasting until 2029, though it won’t lower iPhone prices.

Market Share & Podcasts

Apple captured 65% of the global premium smartphone market in the first half of 2026, a record premium segment share of 29%. The 9to5Mac Daily podcast for August 7 recaps iPhone Fold hype and macOS updates. 9to5Mac Overtime 076 discusses native retro games on iPhone, including a Mario Kart 64 port. The Apple Insider Podcast covers AI costs and the OpenAI lawsuit.

Deprecated Features & Opinion

Apple seems to have abandoned Cinematic mode, which 9to5Mac argues is a mistake given its potential. The Mac Pro’s legacy continues, as noted above.

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