Apple News 24 Hours

Last updated: August 20, 2026, 1:14 AM ET

Apple Hardware Launches & Updates

Meta AI launched a new Mac app in beta, targeting businesses and content creators with screen sharing and dictation features. The app, available now for Mac users, represents Meta's push into desktop AI assistance. Meanwhile, Things 3.23 released a major update focused on repeating to-do improvements, addressing tasks finished ahead of schedule and shifting dates when plans change. Cultured Code's update brings long-requested flexibility to task management.

Apple Retail & Store Expansions

A new Apple Store is set to open in Meridian, Idaho, just outside Boise at the Village at Meridian shopping center. The 10,000-square-foot location marks another expansion for Apple's retail footprint. Building permits reviewed by local sources confirm the plans, adding to Apple's growing physical presence in the western United States.

Apple Watch Developments

Ceramic Apple Watch rumors are gaining traction for the Series 12 model, with serial leakers suggesting a return to the beloved ceramic body material. The possibility of a ceramic casing option has excited collectors and enthusiasts who fondly remember previous iterations. Apple Watch Series 12 will reportedly be unveiled next month, with leakers confirming the ceramic design material return.

iPhone News & Accessories

iPhone 18 Pro will launch next month alongside three new design updates, according to reports. The Pro and Pro Max models are expected to pack a variety of new features. iPhone 17 Pro cases may fit the iPhone 18 Pro, with Otterbox already selling cases at Best Buy based on this assumption. However, Apple advises against buying iPhone 18 Pro cases before launch, warning that early purchases risk wasting money.

Air Pods & Audio Updates

iOS 27 will launch new Air Pods upgrades that should make wearing them all day more appealing. Apple is preparing what may be the best reason yet to keep Air Pods in your ears continuously. AirPods Pro 3 are available at $120 off during a special 1-day Apple anniversary sale, representing some of the best prices ever seen for the wireless earbuds.

MacBook & Computing Deals

MacBook Pro deals are flying, with M5 Pro configurations available for $400 off during a 1-day sale. iPhone Air models are also up to $406 off, while iPad mini drops to $450 off. M5 MacBook Pro with 96W adapter has plunged to $1,699, representing a $320 discount at B&H. Amazon and Best Buy are offering up to $500 discounts on 2026 MacBook Pro models.

Apple TV & Entertainment

Apple TV 4K is preparing at least two big changes for its next iteration, including Siri AI integration and improved networking capabilities. Next Apple TV is rumored to have five new features, including an A17 Pro chip or newer, increased RAM, Siri AI support, an Apple-designed N1 chip with Wi-Fi 7 support, and more. Apple TV hit comedy "Bad Monkey" from creator Bill Lawrence, of Ted Lasso and Shrinking fame, returns soon for a new season.

Home Automation & Accessories

macOS Tahoe code references describe how the rumored Home Hub will work, suggesting Apple's home automation hardware might function more like an Apple Watch than a Home Pod. HomePad code suggests it will act like a giant Apple Watch, according to the latest mac OS 26.7 beta which revealed details about upcoming Apple home products.

Beats & Third-Party Products

Beats 360 retail leaks have spilled almost everything about the over-ear headphones, with retailer listings detailing practically all important features. Beats 360 over-ear headphones have leaked again in retail listings, with one of the Beats codenames found in the mac OS Tahoe 26.7 update apparently referring to this new product.

Wearables Market & Research

A new Counterpoint Research report predicts that consumer wearables will generate more than $1 trillion in cumulative revenue through 2032, with smartwatches and wireless earbuds leading the market. The smart wearables market is poised for massive growth over the next decade.

Apple Product Leaks & Rumors

macOS 26.7 Release Candidate has seemingly leaked more than 10 new Apple products, with code references revealing upcoming devices. macOS Golden Gate adds a new app to your Mac, with code references in mac OS Tahoe describing the rumored Home Hub functionality. The Memoket Gem is an 11g AI wearable that slots beside your Apple Watch in a co-wear band, allowing users to press once to capture conversations.

AI & Software Developments

Google AI Pro is offering eligible college students in the United States a free year of service, as Google expands its AI offerings to educational users. Meta AI has arrived as a beta Mac app, though the company's data collection practices make the privacy tradeoff worth considering before diving in. Meta AI continues to get serious about its AI technology with a dedicated Mac app that provides more capable desktop assistance.

Privacy & Security Concerns

ClarityCheck people-finder left millions of face photos publicly exposed on the internet, likely without subjects' knowledge. The facial-identification tool reportedly had a major privacy breach affecting countless individuals. Apple Maps ads will be tasteful and minimal, potentially helping local businesses through search advertising that provides incentives for platform engagement.

Deals & Promotions

Anker and Jackery have kicked off power station sales with up to $1,500 off, offering significant savings on portable power solutions. Lexar Armor 700 8TB SSD review reveals impressive capacity and good speeds, though Apple's port choices are holding it back from reaching its full potential for creative professionals.

Amazon Expansions

Amazon is expanding its Prime Air drone delivery service to almost 500 cities and towns in 2026, potentially delivering new Air Pods faster to customers. Amazon Prime Air drone delivery expansion reaches nearly 500 US cities by end of 2026, with the service dropping iPhone deliveries to millions of households.

App Store & Regulatory Issues

Epic Games and CEO Tim Sweeney have lashed out at Apple's changes to EU App Store fees, complaining that the new fee structure represents junk fee changes that disadvantage developers. The longtime opponent of Apple's policies expressed predictable disagreement with the regulatory adjustments.

Historical & Cultural Notes

MacWeek archive provides the best look into Apple's past, serving as an indispensable and beloved read from the '80s and '90s for everyone wondering about Mac developments before the internet age. Susan Kare revisited the icons and graphics for the original Mac at the Startup School 2026 event, with the video now available on Y Combinator's YouTube channel.

Upcoming Events & Product Roadmap

Apple will launch 10+ new products soon, with a September event likely being announced next week. The company's busy pipeline includes multiple product categories spanning wearables, home devices, and computing hardware.