Apple News 24 Hours

Last updated: August 11, 2026, 2:56 AM ET

Hardware & Design

Apple's long-rumored all-glass iPhone for the 20th anniversary has been canceled, according to a Jefferies analyst report that sent shockwaves through the rumor community. However, the company is still planning a "glass-centric" redesign for 2027. Leaks continue for the iPhone 18 Pro Max: an alleged photo reveals a massive 5,391mAh battery, nearly 12% larger than the iPhone 17 Pro Max, with another source backing up that figure. The Dark Cherry color for the iPhone 18 Pro has also drawn attention, with a known leaker stepping in to clarify the exact shade. Apple considered a "white-glove" leasing program that would deliver pre-set iPhones loaded with customer data, but dropped the plan. On the Mac side, M6 MacBook Pro and refreshed iMacs are likely coming in October, per Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. A future OLED iMac may feature a five-layer panel from LG Display to combat burn-in and boost brightness. Bloomberg also suggested a round Apple Watch is possible, but an Apple Ring remains more likely. Apple is testing Chinese memory chips from CXMT in iPhones and Mac Books. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo disputed a rumor of a $1B chip stockpile at TSMC. Separately, he noted that Apple is cutting 2026 shipments due to DRAM shortages. An add-on accessory can extend AirTag 2 battery life to 10 years.

Software & Betas

Apple seeded the fifth developer betas for all major platforms. iOS 27 beta 5 brings updated Liquid Glass icons for Siri, Safari, Settings, and more. It also includes expanded Siri AI voice customization options including pace and expressivity. Apple Insider and 9to5Mac report that the beta includes redesigned app icons and a "Before Searching" settings area. iPadOS 27 beta 5 and watchOS 27 beta 5 are also out, as are tvOS 27 beta 5 and visionOS 27 beta 5. On the Mac side, macOS Golden Gate beta 5 and macOS Tahoe 26.6.2 beta with security fixes were released. Apple also shipped iOS 26.6.1 and iPadOS 26.6.1 betas with security patches, alongside iOS 18 and macOS 26 beta security updates. A recap of the day’s top stories is available on 9to5Mac Daily.

Apps & Services

Chat GPT integration deepens: users can now book restaurant tables and join waitlists through Yelp without leaving the chat. WhatsApp is working on an in-chat search tool for faster message lookup. Apple TV+ has picked up Alfonso Cuarón’s Ascension, marking the director’s second collaboration with the platform. Apple and MLB announced 3D games coming to Vision Pro as part of the September Friday Night Baseball schedule. Meta released a new Facebook Creator Studio app for iPhone. iOS 27 beta 5 contains references to a feature that authenticates iPhone photos by verifying the camera source. The company also briefly posted a China support guide for connecting Siri to Alibaba’s Qwen AI before pulling it, raising privacy questions. Apple revealed that Siri AI in China uses Qwen models. For Apple Maps in iOS, there’s a full list of new features. The iPhone can capture the Perseids meteor shower with the right tools – AppleInsider has tips. A Smart Home Insider podcast covers a new flight tracker, Home Deck app, and Schlage Sense Pro review. Apple settled an EEOC lawsuit over alleged discrimination against a Jewish employee, paying $150,000. An opinion piece argues that generative AI needs ethical leaders and should be controlled like nuclear power. A feature request highlights the need for a shortcut to app settings in iOS.

Deals & Accessories

The TESSAN AERO 5000 is an ultra-thin Mag Safe battery with a titanium finish and new battery technology. The Apple Certified Refurbished Store has top picks with hundreds in savings. B&H is blowing out the M4 15-inch MacBook Air at $1,279. Amazon has the Apple Watch SE 3 for $219. Other deals include M5 MacBook Pro at $300 off, Air Pods Pro, and Anker chargers – see the full roundup.