Apple News 24 Hours

Last updated: August 14, 2026, 8:33 AM ET

iPhone and Foldable Future

Apple is reportedly preparing for a significant product cycle, with rumors pointing to the iPhone 18 Pro and an "iPhone Ultra" with a folding design. The iPhone 18 Pro is expected to be a photography powerhouse, while the Ultra model will explore the novelty of a folding form factor, potentially facing challenges similar to those seen in early Samsung foldables regarding dust and dirt ingress. The foldable "iPhone Ultra" might see a staggered release, beginning in the U.S. market, mirroring the launch strategy of the Vision Pro. Further speculation suggests an iPhone 20 with a distinctive "glassy" design.

Apple's AI and Software Updates

Apple is actively developing its artificial intelligence capabilities, reportedly training its own large language model for the Chinese market with assistance from Alibaba. In parallel, the company is enhancing its operating systems. iOS 27 is set to bring significant improvements to Apple Wallet, including a new ‘Discover’ section, and major upgrades to the Photos app, such as slideshow and shared album enhancements. Continuity features are also being expanded in OS, allowing Siri conversations and live Mac content to be carried across devices. For Mac users, a new feature in ChatGPT for Mac allows for opt-in computer history tracking, replacing Chronicle.

App Store Legal Battles and Commission Structures

The ongoing legal dispute between Apple and Epic Games continues, with Apple submitting proposals for commission rates on external purchases made through apps. Apple suggests a commission of 5% to 15% for these transactions, a proposal that Epic has indicated it will appeal, seeking a 0% rate. The Supreme Court has denied further stays in the proceedings, pushing Apple to finalize its plan for charging commissions on external purchases in the U.S. market. Apple has proposed these commissions of up to 15% for off-App Store purchases in the US.

Product Lineup and Obsolete Devices

Apple is expected to unveil at least five new devices at its upcoming September event, which will be iPhone-centric. Alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Ultra, rumors suggest updates for Siri AI and potentially new Apple wearables. The company has also recently added the iPhone X and the 2018 15-inch MacBook Pro to its list of obsolete products, meaning official repairs will no longer be offered for these devices. The HomePod mini is also rumored to be receiving a second-generation update, nearly six years after its initial release.

Apple's Manufacturing and Retail Presence

Apple has opened its Advanced Manufacturing Center (AMC) in Houston, Texas, a facility that will support the production of Mac Mini. This expansion into advanced manufacturing underscores Apple's commitment to diversifying its production capabilities. In retail news, Amazon is offering significant discounts on Apple products, including Beats headphones and Nomad iPhone cases, with savings up to $190. Additionally, Amazon is also discounting 2026 MacBook Pro models, with some configurations seeing up to $500 off.

Apple TV+ and Content

Apple TV+ continues to see success with its original content. The premiere of "Ted Lasso" season 4 has set a new record as Apple TV's most popular show debut to date, drawing nearly 300 million U.S. viewing minutes in its first two days. Apple has also added a collection of classic movies to its streaming service, available to subscribers at no additional cost.

Security and Privacy

Apple is proactively addressing security threats, sending out a fresh wave of mercenary spyware warnings to users in 110 countries. These notifications are designed to alert individuals who may have been targeted by sophisticated state-sponsored attacks. In a separate development concerning Mac security, a new piece of malware has been identified that can steal sensitive data from Safari and Chrome browsers by masquerading as a GitHub download. Apple Glasses, a rumored wearable device, may include a patent for a chime that alerts the wearer when recording, though this feature addresses only a minor aspect of privacy concerns.

Other Apple Ecosystem News

Continuity features in Apple's OS 27 are enhancing the integration between Apple devices, allowing for seamless transitions of Siri conversations and live Mac content. Apple Wallet is also receiving upgrades in iOS, with a new ‘Discover’ section being added. For Mac users, it's now possible to set different default languages for individual applications within System Settings. In a consumer-facing perk, Chase has added free Apple TV and Apple One benefits to its popular Sapphire Preferred credit card. Meanwhile, the App Store's review process is facing criticism for perceived failures in identifying problematic apps.