Apple News 24 Hours

Last updated: August 12, 2026, 11:59 PM ET

Legal & App Store

Apple won a brief respite in its long-running legal battle with Epic Games when U.S. Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan granted a one-day stay of an order requiring the company to detail fees for outbound links. The stay effectively gives Apple 24 hours before it must file its App Store commission plan, as reported by AppleInsider. The company is being forced to propose fees for purchases made through external links, a key demand in the Epic case. Meanwhile, Mac Rumors also noted Apple granted a 24-hour delay by the Supreme Court.

Siri AI & Content Deals

Apple is actively pursuing content deals with publishers to give Siri AI better access to current events and news, according to multiple reports. The Wall Street Journal reports that Apple has approached publishers with offers worth up to nine figures, as detailed by 9to5Mac. Apple Insider similarly notes that Siri AI could provide news directly from publishers to reduce AI hallucinations, while Mac Rumors adds that Siri would gain access to current news and information under these deals. The negotiations come as Apple seeks to improve the accuracy of its AI-powered assistant.

iPhone & Product Rumors

The iPhone lineup continues to generate speculation. Apple has secured lower display prices for the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro models, according to industry sources cited by Deal Site. However, the standard iPhone 18 will not launch until early 2027, indirectly confirmed by supplier Pegatron, as covered by MacRumors. When it arrives, it may pack two new Pro-level upgrades including 12GB RAM and a new Dynamic Island, per 9to5Mac. Meanwhile, the rumored iPhone Ultra appears in leaked screen protectors showing asymmetric corners, as shared by leaker "Ice Universe" on MacRumors. The iPhone Ultra's two selfie cameras could sit in the same corner, according to new findings. Looking further ahead, the iPhone 20 Pro will be bigger with familiar aspect ratios and bezel-free, reports Apple Insider. Google’s recent Pixel price hikes and trade-in push may hint at Apple's plans for the iPhone 18 Pro, per Mac Rumors. Despite cancellation rumors, a leaker insists the all-glass 2027 iPhone is still on track.

Apple TV+ & Entertainment

Apple TV+ content continues to draw attention. The platform published a trailer for the fifth season of Stillwater, the Peabody and Emmy Award-winning mindfulness series. Apple's Eddy Cue hinted at a bright future for Ted Lasso beyond season, as reported by 9to5Mac. Meanwhile, creator Vince Gilligan revealed that Pluribus season 2 has reached a major milestone, with filming likely starting late 2027, per 9to5Mac. The popular game Dave the Diver is splashing onto iPhone, iPad, and Mac on September 17, with preorders open now, as noted by AppleInsider.

Apple Watch & Fitness

watch OS 27 will add two new apps to your Apple Watch: Siri and Find My, according to 9to5Mac. The sleep score feature became more useful with new customization settings, explained by 9to5Mac. The Bow Flex T6 treadmill brings Apple Gym Kit home at a normal price, reviewed by 9to5Mac. Google’s Pixel Watch 5 was announced as a rival, but Apple’s ecosystem remains strong. The MLB iPhone app got better with new Car Play and Live Activity features, as covered by 9to5Mac.

Mac & iPad

MacBook Air shortages are worsening, with availability dwindling; 9to5Mac offers buying guidance here. The M4 Mac mini is back at Amazon, with the $999 model and M4 Pro model available, reported by AppleInsider. Deals include the M5 Pro MacBook Pro up to $540 off and the M5 MacBook Air from $1,099, via 9to5Mac.

Software & Apps

iOS 27 introduces an extra-large Calendar widget, described as a Home Screen game-changer by 9to5Mac. Apple is patenting a way to improve notification summaries and the “Reduce Interruptions” focus, as seen in a newly published patent application covered by MacRumors. Apple authenticating iPhone photos is just the start, with iOS 27 Beta 5 references to an upcoming feature, per 9to5Mac. Apple Wallet could soon save trade-in quotes for 90 days, based on code seen by MacRumors. WhatsApp begins rolling out username support when creating new contacts, as covered by 9to5Mac. Raycast adds a new Screen Awareness feature to ask AI about content on your screen, per 9to5Mac. Claude’s Chrome side panel becomes a full Cowork session for browser-based tasks, reported by 9to5Mac. Microsoft Edge browser will soon support Apple Account sign-in, with flags in testing, per MacRumors.

Industry & Other

US smartphone sales fell 5% in Q2 2026 as prices climbed, with Counterpoint Research citing rising memory costs, according to 9to5Mac. Foxconn’s revenue from Apple has dropped below 29%, as the assembler shifts toward AI, per 9to5Mac. Apple hired former American Airlines executive Nick Gatten as VP of government affairs, reported by MacRumors. An Apple billboard showing a toddler with an iPhone in Italy stirred controversy, prompting a children’s rights watchdog to refer the ad to regulators, as covered by 9to5Mac. Twitch now lets streamers block Amazon from using their broadcasts to train generative AI, but it’s opt-out; instructions via AppleInsider. Parents are urged to revisit screen time limits as kids head back to school, with advice from 9to5Mac. The 9to5Mac Daily podcast recaps top stories, available on iTunes and Apple’s Podcasts app. Google's Pixel 11 lineup, Pixel Tag, and Pixel Watch 5 debuted at 'Made by Google,' as detailed by AppleInsider, with a comparison between iPhone 17 Pro and Pixel 11 Pro by the same outlet. Best back-to-school accessory deals on Anker, Sony, Samsung, and more are live this week, per MacRumors.