Apple News 24 Hours

Last updated: August 13, 2026, 8:58 PM ET

Upcoming Apple Event and New iPhones

Apple’s annual iPhone event is expected in September, with the company likely unveiling the iPhone 18 Pro alongside at least five new devices, including a foldable iPhone Ultra and updated Apple Watches. A one-year retrospective on the iPhone 17 Pro found that its durability and battery held up well, though some features aged faster. The base iPhone 18 is tipped to receive two Pro-level upgrades: 12GB of RAM and a Dynamic Island, a significant boost from current models. Meanwhile, the “iPhone Ultra” foldable may launch first in the US only, similar to the Vision Pro rollout, and could face challenges avoiding the dust ingress issues that plagued Samsung’s foldables. An iFixit teardown of Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold8 offers a preview of Apple’s foldable challenges, particularly around hinge durability and screen protection. Rumors also suggest the MacBook Neo 2 will get a key upgrade: 12GB of RAM, addressing the biggest critique of the original. In a recent podcast, host discussed MacBook Air shortages and iPhone Ultra launch rumors, adding to the anticipation.

App Store, Epic, and Developer Fees

Apple’s latest proposal in the Epic trial would allow it to charge up to 15 percent for purchases made outside the App Store, a move Epic has already rejected, insisting the fee should be 0%. The U.S. Supreme Court recently denied another stay in the proceedings, pushing Apple to deliver its plan. Apple’s proposed commission of 5% to 15% on external purchases has not satisfied Epic, which plans to appeal any amount above zero. Meanwhile, the developer behind Stop The Madness Safari extension claims “obvious” App Store ratings fraud is going undetected by Apple, raising concerns about the integrity of the platform. A broader critique argues that App Store Review is broken precisely when it’s most needed, with users frequently discovering problematic apps first.

Software Updates and New Features

iOS 27 beta 5 introduces a clever new Discover section in Apple Wallet, making it easier to find and use its many features. The Photos app in iOS 27 finally gains two long-waited features: slideshow and shared album upgrades. A podcast episode details all the changes in iOS 27 beta 5, along with Apple’s renewed interest in fitness wearables and details about the iPhone. On the desktop, a new feature allows setting different default languages for individual Mac apps, a hidden gem in System Settings. OpenAI’s Chat GPT for Mac now includes an opt-in Computer History feature that lets it learn from activity outside the app. In messaging, WhatsApp is developing chat themes with animated wallpapers, as seen in the latest beta for iOS.

Hardware News: Mac, Apple TV, and Foldables

Apple has declared the iPhone X and 2018 15-inch MacBook Pro as officially obsolete, meaning they no longer qualify for hardware repairs from Apple. The company also added the iPhone X to its obsolete list, affecting users of the iconic 2017 device. A new Apple TV 4K is expected this fall with a much faster chip, the first refresh in nearly four years. In foldable news, the iPhone Ultra will need to avoid the dust and dirt vulnerability that forced Samsung to cancel pre-orders on its original Galaxy Fold. For those looking to accessorize their iPhone 17 Pro, two affordable accessories have earned recommendations for their low cost and quality.

Security and Malware

A new Mac malware campaign has been discovered distributing a fake GitHub download that turns Safari and Chrome into a Keychain data stealer. The malicious software secretly launches a controllable copy of the victim’s browser, giving attackers access to sensitive data.

Entertainment and Services

“Ted Lasso” season 4 scored Apple TV’s biggest launch yet, drawing nearly 300 million U.S. viewing minutes in its first two days. The premiere set a new Apple TV record, and Apple’s Eddy Cue hinted at more seasons to come, suggesting a fifth season is likely. Apple TV has also added a collection of classic movies that subscribers can stream for free, including titles from the “Great Movies” category. Another report confirms that Apple TV added classic movies to its library at no extra cost, and the streaming service has published a trailer for the fifth season of Stillwater, the Peabody-winning mindfulness series. Separately, Chase recently added free Apple TV and Apple One perks to its Sapphire Preferred credit card.

Deals and Accessories

Amazon is offering significant discounts on the 2026 MacBook Pro, with up to $500 off select models. Additionally, the 1TB M5 MacBook Air with 24GB RAM has dropped to $1,649 at Amazon and B&H. For audio and accessories, Amazon has slashed up to 54% off Beats earbuds and headphones, while Nomad offers iPhone and Apple Watch cases as low as $19.

Apple Retail and Manufacturing

Apple has opened its Advanced Manufacturing Center in Houston, Texas, ahead of Mac Mini production in the region. The facility is located in the same Houston area and marks Apple’s continued investment in U.S. manufacturing. The company also celebrated the opening of the center today. Meanwhile, Apple is closing its Festival Place store in Basingstoke, England, while expanding its nearby Reading location. Apple’s Back to School promotion is now live across Europe, including the UK and 18 other countries. In patent news, a future Apple Glasses design could include a recording chime audible only to the wearer, addressing a privacy nuance.

Future Product Rumors and Features

Matic’s robot vacuum and mop now supports voice and gesture control through a software update called Matic Cues, allowing users to simply talk or point at a mess. Finally, the Mac Rumors roundup notes that the iPhone 17 Pro one year later revealed mixed durability results, but it’s now overshadowed by the imminent iPhone 18 launch.