Apple News 24 Hours

Last updated: August 12, 2026, 9:00 PM ET

Epic Legal Battle

The U.S. Supreme Court granted Apple a one-day stay to delay filing new App Store fee details in its fight with Epic Games. However, that reprieve is extremely short: Apple was forced to detail fees it wants to charge for outbound links within 24 hours, with a Fortnite parody of Apple’s famous 1984 ad underscoring the tension.

iPhone, iPhone Ultra, and Future Designs

Widespread reports this week paint a complex picture of Apple’s upcoming lineup. Google's $100 Pixel price hike may preview what Apple charges for the iPhone 18 Pro. Apple has secured lower OLED display prices for those Pro models, even amid a RAM shortage. The iPhone Ultra’s dual selfie cameras are expected to sit in the same corner of the device. Confirming earlier rumors, Apple is skipping the standard iPhone 18 launch this year, delaying it to early 2027. When it arrives, the base model may gain 12GB RAM and a new Dynamic Island. Looking further ahead, the iPhone 20 Pro display will be slightly bigger but maintain familiar aspect ratios and go bezel-free. Screen protectors for the rumored iPhone Ultra reveal asymmetric corners, hinting at a radical new form factor. And despite cancellation rumors, a leaker insists the all-glass 2027 iPhone is still on track for Apple’s 20th anniversary.

Google’s Pixel Challenge

Google fired back this week with a massive hardware event. The Pixel 11 lineup, Pixel Tag, and Pixel Watch 5 all debuted, directly rivaling Apple’s ecosystem. A detailed iPhone 17 Pro vs Pixel 11 Pro comparison shows just how close the competition has become in specs and pricing.

Apple TV+ and Future Content

Apple TV+ continues to build momentum. Apple’s Eddy Cue gave fans the news they wanted: there is a bright future for Ted Lasso beyond season. Creator Vince Gilligan revealed that Pluribus season 2 has hit a major milestone, with filming starting late 2027 and a premiere likely in 2028. And today, subscribers can stream the first episode of Women in Blue season 2 (Las Azules).

Apple Watch, Health, and Gym Kit

Software and hardware updates are making the Apple Watch more capable. watchOS 27 adds Siri and Find My apps to the wearable. The BowFlex T6 treadmill brings Apple Gym Kit home at a normal $999 price, making it the best way for Apple Watch and cardio equipment to exchange data. Apple Watch users can also make the sleep score more useful with customized settings in watch OS.

Mac Supply, Deals, and Foxconn Shift

Mac buyers face ongoing challenges, but there are deals to be found. Amazon is offering the M5 Pro MacBook Pro up to $540 off, along with the M5 MacBook Air from $1,099. Meanwhile, MacBook Air shortages are getting worse across Apple and third-party retailers. The M4 Mac mini is back at Amazon with both standard and Pro models available. On the supply chain side, Foxconn’s revenue from Apple has dropped: the company now makes below 29% of its revenue from its longtime top customer, as AI servers surpass iPhones.

App and Software Updates

Several key apps and system features received notable updates. The 9to5Mac Daily podcast recaps top stories including executive changes. WhatsApp starts rolling out username support when creating new contacts. Claude’s Chrome side panel is now a full Cowork session, following users across apps. The MLB iPhone app got improved Car Play and Live Activity features. Raycast adds Screen Awareness, letting users bring context from their active app into AI Chat. iOS 27 gives Apple Calendar an extra-large Home Screen widget that’s a game changer. Microsoft Edge browser is testing Apple Account sign-in support. Apple is authenticating iPhone photos with iOS 27 Beta, a feature that could have major implications for trust in digital images.

Apple AI, Siri, and Patents

Apple is investing heavily in AI for its services. The company is seeking publisher deals worth up to nine figures to give Siri better access to current events. A newly published Apple patent application describes a system for deciding in real time whether to interrupt a user or leave them alone, aiming to improve notification summaries and the "Reduce Interruptions" Focus mode.

Privacy, Regulation, and Controversy

Apple’s practices continue to draw scrutiny. An Apple billboard featuring a toddler with an iPhone has caused controversy in Italy, prompting the children’s rights watchdog to refer the ad to three regulators. On the privacy front, Twitch will train Amazon’s AI on stream broadcasts unless users opt out, raising questions about consent. Apple has hired former American Airlines executive Nick Gatten as its new vice president of government affairs, signaling a focus on regulatory relations. Parents are also being urged to revisit screen time limits as kids head back to school, with experts noting that stressed parents may take a more relaxed approach.

Market and Industry Trends

The broader smartphone market is feeling pressure. US smartphone sales fell 5% in Q2 2026, according to Counterpoint Research, as rising memory costs squeezed the low-end segment and smaller manufacturers were hit hardest.

Deals, Accessories, and Games

This week’s best deals include a big back-to-school accessory sale on Amazon featuring Anker, Sony, Samsung, and more. Additionally, the popular fishing management sim Dave the Diver is coming to iPhone, iPad, and Mac on September 17, with preorders now open. A small but useful feature is also in the works: Apple Wallet could soon save trade-in quotes for up to 90 days, based on code uncovered in the latest betas.