Apple News 24 Hours

Last updated: August 11, 2026, 5:57 AM ET

iPhone & Product Roadmap

Ahead of the 20th anniversary of the original iPhone, conflicting reports have emerged about Apple’s plans for a radical redesign. A claim from Jefferies analyst Edison Lee suggests that the rumored all-glass iPhone has been canceled. However, a separate report refutes that notion, stating Apple is still planning a “glass-centric” iPhone redesign for 2027. Meanwhile, leaks continue to surface for the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro Max: an alleged photo reveals a massive 5,391mAh battery, nearly 12% larger than its predecessor, and a known Weibo leaker has weighed in on the correct shade for the “Dark Cherry” iPhone 18 Pro. Additionally, references found in iOS 27 beta 5 suggest Apple is developing a system to authenticate that a photo came from an iPhone camera.

iOS 27 & Software Updates

Apple released the fifth developer beta of iOS, bringing a host of visual and functional changes. Among them are updated Liquid Glass icons for Siri, Safari, and Settings. The beta also expands Siri AI voice customization with pace and expressivity options, introduces new “Before Searching” settings, and redesigns several app icons. A detailed breakdown of everything new in iOS 27 beta 5 is available, including improvements to Apple Maps. Additionally, Apple surprised users with a second wave of betas, releasing iOS 26.6.1 and beta security updates for iOS, iOS, and macOS 26. These are available to developers alongside the latest betas for iPadOS 27, tvOS 27, and macOS Golden Gate. Apple also released a macOS Tahoe 26.6.2 beta with security fixes. On the app front, WhatsApp’s latest beta for iOS adds references to an in-chat search tool, and Meta released a brand-new Facebook Creator Studio app for iPhone. For astrophotography enthusiasts, your iPhone can capture the Perseids meteor shower with the right tools.

Apple Watch & Wearables

A Bloomberg report suggesting a potential round Apple Watch has sparked discussion, but a more likely outcome is an Apple Ring. In the meantime, the latest 9to5Mac Daily podcast covers Apple Watch rumors and more. For those on a budget, Amazon is offering the Apple Watch SE 3 for just $219. The Air Tag 2 gets even better with an add-on accessory that extends battery life to 10 years. On the smart home front, this week’s Smart Home Insider podcast covers flight tracking, Schlage Sense Pro review, and more.

Apple Services & Partnerships

Apple TV+ continues to build its content slate, teaming up with Academy Award-winning director Alfonso Cuarón for a second time on the Ascension series. Apple also announced that 3D MLB games are coming to Vision Pro. In a new integration, Chat GPT users can now book tables and join restaurant waitlists through Yelp without leaving their chats. Apple has revealed how Siri AI features work in China, using Alibaba’s Qwen models, and even briefly posted a China guide for connecting Siri to Qwen AI before pulling it. On the legal front, Apple settled a lawsuit over alleged discrimination against a Jewish employee, agreeing to pay $150,000 to resolve an EEOC case.

Apple Supply Chain & Hardware

Memory constraints are impacting Apple’s hardware plans. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said the company is cutting back 2026 hardware shipments due to DRAM shortages. In a separate comment, Kuo disputed a rumor of a $1B Apple chip stockpile at TSMC, suggesting the issue is not that simple. Meanwhile, Apple is reportedly testing Chinese memory chips from Chang Xin Memory Technologies (CXMT) for iPhones and Mac Books. On the display front, LG Display is developing an OLED iMac panel with an extra layer to fight burn-in.

Deals & Accessories

Several notable deals are available this week. B&H is blowing out the M4 15-inch MacBook Air at $1,279. The M5 MacBook Pro is $300 off, and Air Pods Pro 3 are still at nearly 25% off. The official Apple Certified Refurbished Store offers savings on top picks of the week. For accessories, the TESSAN AERO 5000 brings a titanium finish to an ultra-thin Mag Safe battery with new battery technology.

Opinion & Analysis

A feature request argues for a do to end the guessing game with iPhone app settings. Separately, an editorial contends that generative AI needs ethical leaders and should be controlled like nuclear power.