Apple News 24 Hours

Last updated: August 12, 2026, 3:03 PM ET

iPhone 18 Lineup and Future Models

Apple has confirmed through supplier Pegatron that the standard iPhone 18 will not launch until 2027, skipping this year’s release cycle altogether. When it does arrive, the base model may inherit two Pro-level upgrades: 12GB of RAM and a smaller Dynamic Island, according to a separate report. Meanwhile, the iPhone 18 Pro is on track for a September launch, with Apple having secured lower OLED display prices despite a broader RAM shortage. That model is expected to bring three notable camera upgrades, including a periscope lens and improved low-light performance. Looking further ahead, a new leak suggests the iPhone 20 Pro will feature slightly larger displays while retaining familiar aspect ratios and achieving a bezel-free design. For the foldable iPhone, multiple sources now report that Apple employees internally refer to the device as the “iPhone Ultra,” though the final marketing name remains unconfirmed. Screen protectors for that model have leaked, revealing asymmetric corners and a dual-camera cutout. Separate leaks indicate the iPhone Ultra may place both selfie cameras in the same corner for a unique folded/unfolded layout. Additionally, a leaker pushes back against cancellation rumors, insisting that the all-glass 2027 iPhone is still on track for the 20th anniversary.

Accessories, Deals, and Supply Updates

Amazon is offering steep discounts on Apple hardware: the M5 Pro MacBook Pro is up to $540 off, the M5 MacBook Air starts at $1,099, and Air Pods Pro 3 are nearly 25% off. Meanwhile, inventory constraints continue to plague the MacBook Air, with shortages worsening across Apple and third-party retailers. The M4 Mac mini is also affected, but Amazon has restocked both the M4 and M4 Pro models with near-term delivery dates. Apple has extended its 2026 Back to School Promotion until September 24, offering gift cards and discounts to students. For seasonal shopping, a roundup highlights the best back-to-school accessory deals on Anker, Sony, Samsung, and more. Satechi launched a new 240W ChargeView Desktop Charger with six USB-C ports, capable of powering multiple devices simultaneously. In the headphone space, Sonos is preparing a rival to the Air Pods Max, with the Sonos Ace Ultra featuring AI voice assistant support.

Software, iOS, and New Features

iOS 27 is introducing a standout Home Screen upgrade: an extra-large Apple Calendar widget that shows more events at a glance. The beta also hints at a new iPhone photo authentication feature, allowing Apple to verify the authenticity of images captured on iPhone. Apple is patenting a method to improve notification summaries and the “Reduce Interruptions” focus mode, deciding in real time whether to alert the user. Separately, the Wallet app may soon let users save trade-in quotes for up to 90 days, as indicated by code found in Apple’s retail system. For Apple Watch users, customizing sleep score settings in watch OS 26 can make the feature more useful. Parents are also urged to revisit screen time limits as kids head back to school, with advice on adjusting restrictions.

Apple Services, Content, and Gaming

Apple TV+ is premiering the second season of Women in Blue, with the first episode now available to stream. Creator Vince Gilligan also revealed that *Pluribusseason 2 has hit a major milestone, with filming expected to begin in late 2027. In gaming, the popular fishing sim Dave the Diver will launch on iPhone, iPad, and Mac on September 17; preorders are now open. Meanwhile, non-gaming apps continue to drive mobile spending growth: a Sensor Tower report shows that in Q2 2026, spending on non-gaming apps rose while gaming revenue fell 4.5% year-over-year.

Corporate Moves, AI, and Third-Party Integrations

Apple has hired former American Airlines executive Nick Gatten as its new vice president of government affairs. In the supply chain, Foxconn reports that Apple’s share of its revenue has dropped from 50% to below 29%, as AI server business overtakes iPhone assembly. On the legal front, Apple lost its bid to delay App Store fee calculations while waiting for the Supreme Court to hear its Epic Games case. In AI, Space XAI launched Grok Bot, an always-on agent for mac OS and iOS that can complete tasks across apps. Microsoft is testing Apple Account sign-in support for its Edge browser, allowing users to log in without a Microsoft account. For developers, the productivity tool Raycast introduced Screen Awareness, which brings context from the user’s active window into AI Chat.

Hardware Reviews and Fitness

The BowFlex T6 treadmill brings Apple Gym Kit support to a home treadmill at a normal price of $999, offering seamless data exchange with Apple Watch. The review notes it’s the best way to sync workout data for home cardio enthusiasts.