Apple News 24 Hours

Last updated: August 10, 2026, 5:56 PM ET

iOS 27 and mac OS Golden Gate Beta 5

Apple released the fifth developer betas for its major operating system updates on Monday after an unusually long three-week gap. The fifth developer beta of iOS 27 introduces redesigned “Liquid Glass” icons for Safari, Siri, and Settings, along with new “Before Searching” settings in Spotlight. The redesigned icons extend to core apps, continuing Apple’s design refresh across the system. Apple also expanded voice customization for Siri AI, allowing users to adjust pace and expressiveness beyond previous options. The fifth round of developer betas includes iPad OS, tv OS, watch OS, vision OS, and mac OS 27 (Golden Gate). The macOS Golden Gate beta 5 is available to developers, along with updates for iPad OS and watch OS. Beta 5 for iPad OS 27 and watch OS 27 specifically follows the same two-week cadence. For the Apple Watch, watchOS 27 beta 5 can be downloaded via the Watch app. The tvOS 27 beta 5 seed also landed for developers, and vision OS 27 beta 5 is now available for Apple Vision Pro testing. Meanwhile, Apple also released security-focused betas for older OS versions: iOS 26.6.1 beta for iPhone, mac OS Tahoe 26.6.2 beta with security fixes, and iOS 26.6.1 and iPad OS 26.6.1 betas — all available to developers and public testers. Additionally, Apple is preparing beta security updates for iOS, iOS, and macOS 26, indicating a broader patch cycle. Among the new iOS 27 features, Apple Maps gains a wide array of enhancements, including better transit directions and curated guides. Apple also seeded the fifth iOS 27 and iPadOS 27 betas to developers for continued testing.

iPhone 18 Pro and Upcoming Hardware

Three significant rumors surfaced around the iPhone 18 Pro Max. A leaked photo backs up claims of a 5,391mAh battery for the upcoming handset, representing nearly a 12% increase over the iPhone 17 Pro Max. An alleged photo of a battery pack further corroborates the capacity. On the color front, a known leaker weighed in on the correct shade for “Dark Cherry” on the iPhone 18 Pro Max, settling a disagreement over its exact darkness. However, Apple’s ambitious all-glass 20th anniversary iPhone has reportedly been canceled, according to Jefferies analyst Edison Lee. Separately, Apple apparently considered a “white-glove” leased iPhone plan that would deliver pre-configured replacement devices, but the idea never made it to market. In the memory space, Apple is testing Chinese memory chips from CXMT in iPhones and MacBooks, per a Wall Street Journal report. Ming-Chi Kuo, however, poured water on a rumor of a $1B Apple chip stockpile at TSMC, doubting the claim. Additionally, Kuo stated that Apple is cutting back 2026 hardware shipments due to a DRAM shortage, impacting overall device volumes. For the Mac, LG Display is developing a five-layer OLED panel that could land in a future iMac to combat burn-in and boost brightness. new M6 MacBook Pro and refreshed iMacs are likely coming in October, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman.

Apple TV+ and Vision Pro Content

Apple TV+ has picked up Alfonso Cuarón’s series “Ascension,” marking the director’s second collaboration with the platform. The project adds to Apple’s push for prestige original content. Meanwhile, Apple and MLB announced the September schedule for Friday Night Baseball on Apple TV+, and Apple is bringing 3D MLB games to Vision Pro, allowing viewers to watch in immersive augmented reality.

Siri AI and Privacy

Apple briefly published a support guide in China explaining how users can connect Alibaba’s Qwen AI to Siri and Writing Tools before pulling it. The company later revealed how Siri AI features will work in China, using Alibaba’s Qwen models — raising privacy questions due to data processing requirements. The information briefly appeared on Apple’s support site.

Deals and Accessories

This week’s official Apple Certified Refurbished Store features top picks with savings on iPhone, MacBook, and Studio Display. A new add‑on accessory extends the AirTag 2 battery life to 10 years via a specialized case. The current deals roundup includes an M5 MacBook Pro at $300 off, Air Pods Pro 3 at nearly 25% off, and a Matte Black Beats Solo Buds for $41. B&H is blowing out M4 15‑inch MacBook Air inventory for $1,279, while Amazon is offering an Apple Watch SE 3 for just $219 — a $30 discount.

Other News

Meta released a new Facebook Creator Studio app for iPhone to help creators manage content. An opinion piece argues that generative AI needs ethical leaders and control like nuclear power, criticizing the current lack of sane governance. A feature request highlights the guessing game with iPhone app settings and suggests improvements. Bloomberg reported that a round Apple Watch is possible, but an Apple Ring is more likely to appear first, signaling shifts in wearable design. Finally, the Smart Home Insider podcast covered a flight tracker poster and Schlage Sense Pro review, along with a smart home dashboard app.