Apple News 24 Hours

Last updated: August 9, 2026, 11:56 PM ET

Hardware Rumors & Next-Generation iPhones

The iPhone 17 is reportedly set to break a record that no flagship has touched in 15 years, based on current rumors. Meanwhile, Apple’s first foldable, the iPhone Fold, may ship in Silver or Dark Blue. Camera protector accessories also suggest the iPhone Ultra will launch in those same finishes. Looking further ahead, the foldable 'iPhone Ultra 3' is rumored to feature larger displays and could launch as early as 2028.

Apple Watch Evolution

Apple is considering a major rethink of its wearable lineup, with Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reporting that the ceramic case could return with the Apple Watch Series 12 as soon as this year. More radically, Apple is exploring a round model, screenless fitness tracker, and other designs as part of a broader re-evaluation of the Apple Watch lineup.

Supply Chain, Pricing & Upgrade Program

Ongoing RAM shortages are now affecting MacBook Air availability, with dwindling supply reported. Earlier this summer, Apple dramatically increased prices — for example, the iPad Air rose from $599 to $749 and the M5 MacBook Pro from $1,699 to $1,999 — raising questions about whether these hikes will force Apple to stop dragging its feet on certain product upgrades. Separately, Apple reportedly evaluated a feature that would preload a user’s data onto an iPhone Upgrade device, but it was nixed over privacy optics. That scrapped Apple Upgrade feature would have made setup much more seamless.

Accessories & Home Kit

The Ohsnap MCON controller is a modular controller that slides open to transform an iPhone into a mobile game console; a hands-on video praises its concept. For smart home users, the Eve Weather sensor is highlighted as a must-have for Apple Home automations in 2026, leveraging local weather data.

Odds and Ends

In this week’s Sunday Reboot, the column touches on the nightmare scenario of OpenAI’s hardware leak and the cheapness of promoting Ted Lasso. Meanwhile, a crime blotter reports that thieves tried using stolen credit cards at a Miami Apple Store, among other incidents.