Apple News 24 Hours

Last updated: August 12, 2026, 12:06 PM ET

iPhone 18 and Pro Camera Upgrades

Apple supplier Pegatron indirectly confirmed that the standard iPhone 18 will not launch until early 2027, but the base model could still bring two Pro-level upgrades including 12GB RAM and a new Dynamic Island. Meanwhile, the iPhone 18 Pro is just weeks away and rumored to feature three notable camera upgrades.

Foldable iPhone and All-Glass 2027 Model

According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, “everyone at Apple” internally calls the upcoming foldable iPhone the “iPhone Ultra.” Leaked screen protectors revealed asymmetric corners for that device. Separate rumors claim the all-glass 2027 iPhone is still on track despite cancellation reports, with a leaker confirming the design in the supply chain. The iPhone 20 Pro will be slightly bigger with a bezel-free display but familiar aspect ratios. Another report adds that “everyone at Apple” calls the foldable iPhone Ultra (separate source).

iOS 27 and watch OS Public Betas

Apple released the third public beta of iOS 27 with Siri AI and speed upgrades, as well as public beta 3 for iPadOS 27 and the third public beta of tvOS and watchOS 27. The watchOS 27 update will bring new color options to the Modular watch face. macOS Golden Gate also received its third public beta. Apple released AirPods firmware beta for public testers. The 9to5Mac Daily podcast recaps these stories.

New iOS 27 Features: Photo Authentication, Liquid Glass, Birthdays

In iOS 27 beta, references suggest photo authentication to prove an image was taken on an iPhone and not altered. A separate report says this is just the start of broader authenticity features. Beta 5 also lets users make Liquid Glass more transparent than ever. Another new feature is birthday fireworks that celebrate friends’ birthdays during calls. Parents are urged to revisit screen time limits as kids return to school.

Apple TV+ and Gaming

Apple TV dropped a trailer and September premiere date for Australian thriller “Last Seen.” The second season of Women in Blue (Las Azules) is now streaming. Apple is reportedly in talks to acquire US streaming rights for golf’s Open Championship. On the gaming side, “Dave the Diver” will launch on iPhone, iPad, and Mac in September with preorders now open.

Hardware Deals and New Accessories

Amazon has the M4 Mac mini back at $999 and a discount on the M4 Pro model. AirPods Max 2 are $100 off in all five colors. Apple extended its Back to School promotion until September 24, though reseller discounts may offer better value. Chinese display maker BOE aims to supply OLED panels for the iPad Air. Sonos is preparing an Air Pods Max rival with AI voice assistant support. Satechi launched a 240W six-port USB-C desktop charger.

Business, Legal, and Apple Pay Shakeup

Apple Pay chief Jennifer Bailey is retiring in October. Apple failed to delay filing new App Store fees in the Epic Games battle, and must now file within 24 hours; the company was forced to detail fees for outbound links. Foxconn now makes less than 29% of its revenue from Apple, down from half, as AI and other businesses grow. Non-gaming apps drove mobile spending growth in Q2 2026, while gaming fell 4.5%.

Competition and Ecosystem Expansion

Microsoft Edge is testing Apple Account sign-in support, as confirmed by Edge Canary builds. Samsung is catching up on hearing health with FDA-cleared Galaxy Buds hearing aid feature. Elon Musk’s Space XAI launched Grok Bot, always-on AI agents for mac OS and iOS. Finally, on Steve Wozniak’s 76th birthday, is a reflection on how he gave Apple its engineering soul.