Apple News 24 Hours

Last updated: August 11, 2026, 12:05 PM ET

iOS 27 Beta 5 Brings Design Refresh and AI Expansions

Apple has seeded the fifth developer beta of iOS 27, iPad OS, tv OS, watchOS 27, vision OS, and macOS Golden Gate after an unusually long three-week wait. The update introduces redesigned Liquid Glass icons for Siri, Safari, Settings, and other core apps, as well as expanded Siri AI voice customization options for pace and expressiveness. The iOS 27 Wallet app gains seven new features including bolder card designs and AI tools, while Apple Maps gets upgrades. A new "Before Searching" settings panel and a photo authentication feature that can verify an image was captured by an iPhone camera are also present. Additional design tweaks and settings appear throughout the release. Developers can download the latest betas for iPadOS 27, tvOS 27, and visionOS 27. Apple also released macOS Tahoe 26.6.2 beta and iOS 26.6.1 / iPadOS 26.6.1 betas with additional security fixes.

Apple Intelligence and Subscription Costs

Fresh hints have emerged about the pricing of Apple Intelligence features. iOS 27 beta 5 adds an option to upgrade an iCloud+ subscription to unlock more AI capabilities. Apple CEO Tim Cook previously acknowledged that some Apple Intelligence features would carry costs, and limits on iCloud+ tiers now appear directly in the beta. Separately, a new class action lawsuit accuses Apple of "fraud" over a security flaw in iCloud Private Relay that can expose user identities. The suit echoes earlier claims from researchers who demonstrated the vulnerability. Another 9to5Mac report details how the flaw allowed remote code execution. Apple is also facing a MacRumors report on the same litigation. Meanwhile, Apple settled a religious discrimination case brought by the EEOC, paying $150,000.

Upcoming iPhone Models and Memory Challenges

The iOS 27 beta 5 code confirms six unreleased iPhone models, widely believed to include the iPhone Fold and the next-generation iPhone 18 series. A Macworld analysis via Mac Rumors says the roadmap is now clear. The iPhone 18 Pro will reportedly start at 256GB of storage, while an alleged photo leak reveals the iPhone 18 Pro Max battery at 5,391mAh — nearly 12% larger than its predecessor. Another source confirms the same capacity. Meanwhile, conflicting reports surround the 20th anniversary iPhone: one analyst claims the all-glass design has been canceled, but a separate report says Apple is still planning a glass-centric redesign for 2027. Jefferies analyst Edison Lee says the all-glass model is scrapped. Apple is cutting back 2026 hardware shipments due to a DRAM shortage, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said. China is now even less likely to help solve Apple’s memory crunch, and a rumor of a $1B chip stockpile at TSMC has been cast into doubt by Kuo. iPad Air OLED panel orders could be split with BOE in 2027.

Apple TV+ and Entertainment

Apple TV+ is gearing up for a big fall lineup. A new crime thriller titled Last Seen will kick off the season, with a trailer released today. Additionally, Apple TV has picked up Alfonso Cuarón’s Ascension series, marking his second collaboration with the platform. On the gaming side, Apple Arcade is adding two beloved puzzlers in September, following the major Madden NFL 27 release.

Security and Privacy Updates

A serious Zoom vulnerability was discovered with the help of an AI tool, allowing attackers to remotely execute code on iPhones and Macs. Apple is also preparing beta security updates for iOS, iOS, and macOS 26 to patch existing flaws. The company released iOS 26.6.1 beta and mac OS 26.6.2 beta with additional security fixes. On the AI ethics front, a commentary argues generative AI needs ethical leadership akin to nuclear power regulation.

Apple Pay and Services

Apple Pay will launch in India by October, without UPI support initially. In the services space, ChatGPT users can now book restaurant tables through Yelp without leaving the chat. WhatsApp’s latest iOS beta adds references to an in-chat search tool. Bluesky now lets you hide reposts from specific users in your feeds.

Deals, Accessories, and Tips

Amazon’s deals on AirPods 4 at $99, AirPods Pro 3 at $189, and AirPods Max 2 at $449 are still going strong. LG launched a Back to School sale with major discounts on OLED TVs and monitors. The Apple Certified Refurbished Store has top picks of the week with savings on iPhone, MacBook, and more. The Mcon mobile gaming controller offers a compact, Mag Safe-compatible design with a premium feel. The TESSAN AERO 5000 brings an ultra-thin titanium finish to a Mag Safe battery. An add-on accessory extends AirTag 2 battery life to 10 years. For photographers, your iPhone can capture the Perseids meteor shower with the right tools.

Podcasts and Weekly Roundups

The 9to5Mac Daily podcast covers Apple Watch rumors and more. The Apple @ Work podcast discusses Chrome OS vs mac OS after deploying 300 devices. The Smart Home Insider podcast features flight tracking poster art, Schlage Sense Pro review, and more.