Apple News 24 Hours

Last updated: August 10, 2026, 2:55 PM ET

Major Software Betas

Apple unleashed a wave of new betas across its platforms. The company released beta 5 for iOS, along with companion updates for iPad OS, tv OS, watch OS, vision OS, and mac OS 27 (codenamed Golden Gate). This fifth round of developer betas arrives two weeks after the fourth beta, continuing testing ahead of a public release next month. Separately, Apple also shipped a surprise second wave of betas for iOS 26.6.1, mac OS 26.6.2 (Tahoe), and iPad OS 26.6.1, all containing security fixes. Specific details are: macOS Golden Gate beta 5 is available to developers, and iOS 27 beta 5 continues Apple’s summer cycle while testing a major Siri AI upgrade. The latest iPadOS 27 beta 5 and watchOS 27 beta 5 are also rolling out, along with tvOS 27 beta 5 and the fifth visionOS 27 beta. The iOS 27 beta 5 continues testing major Siri AI upgrade and includes new features for Apple Maps, such as everything new in the navigation app.

iPhone 18 Pro Rumors & Production Costs

Multiple leaks and analyses shed light on the iPhone 18 lineup. A photo leak backs up claims of a massive 5,391 mAh battery for the iPhone 18 Pro Max, nearly 12% larger than the iPhone 17 Pro Max battery, according to a leaked photo. The signature color for the Pro models is rumored to be "Dark Cherry," with a known Weibo leaker weighing in on the correct shade and describing it as a deep burgundy. This burgundy color is expected to replace last year’s popular Cosmic Orange. However, Apple’s rumored all-glass 20th anniversary iPhone has reportedly been canceled, according to Jefferies analyst Edison Lee, with reports indicating the project is dead. That cancellation is echoed by 9to5Mac, citing similar rumors. On the cost side, a Trend Force analysis estimates the iPhone 18 Pro will cost Apple 38% more to make than the iPhone 17 Pro, driven by soaring memory prices. The parts cost is expected to be 38% higher, though there is some good news regarding component pricing. This analysis is confirmed by MacRumors, which notes the impact of the memory crisis. Apple also tested Chinese memory chips from CXMT in iPhones and Mac Books, with competitors already shipping such components. Additionally, Apple reportedly considered a "white-glove" leased iPhone plan but dropped the plan to deliver pre-configured devices. The company’s foldable iPhone Ultra faces stiff competition from the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8, which is exceeding sales forecasts.

Apple Watch, Mac & Other Hardware

A round Apple Watch is possible, but an Apple Ring is more likely, according to a Bloomberg report. In terms of upcoming Macs, new M6 MacBook Pro and refreshed iMacs are likely coming in October. iMacs with OLED screens are now predicted for 2029, and LG Display is developing a five-layer OLED panel with an extra layer to fight screen burn-in. Apple is also testing Chinese memory chips in iPhones and MacBooks. The upcoming September event is expected to unveil eight new products, including the iPhone 18 Pro, according to a Bloomberg report.

Vision Pro & Sports Content

Apple and MLB announced that this season’s Friday Night Baseball games will stream key games live in Apple Immersive Video for the Apple Vision Pro. The first games in the 3D MLB schedule are set for September. Apple will stream four games in immersive video for Vision Pro users.

Industry, Analyst & Software Notes

Jefferies cut its AAPL target to $263.66 and downgraded the stock to Underperform, citing the canceled all-glass iPhone design. In China, Apple briefly published a support guide explaining how to connect Siri to Alibaba’s Qwen AI, raising privacy questions. The company later pulled the guide. More details on the Qwen guide are available. The guide explained how Mac users can use Alibaba’s Qwen AI with Siri and Writing Tools. An opinion piece argues that generative AI needs ethical leaders and should be controlled like nuclear power. Meta released a brand-new Facebook Creator Studio app for iPhone. A feature request article suggests ending the guessing game with iPhone app settings. The long-running Mac text editor BBEdit remains still simple, still powerful after 34 years. The Smart Home Insider podcast covers a flight tracker poster, a Schlage Sense Pro review, and more. The Sunday Reboot column discusses AI device worries and Ted Lasso cheapness.

Deals & Discounts

Several deals are available: M5 MacBook Pro $300 off, Air Pods Pro 3 at nearly 25% off, Beats Solo Buds as low as $41, and Anker 3-in-1 Qi2 25W Mag Safe charger. B&H is blowing out M4 15-inch MacBook Air inventory at $1,279. Amazon has the Apple Watch SE 3 for just $219.