Apple News 24 Hours

Last updated: August 28, 2026, 10:34 PM ET

Apple's Big Week: M6 Macs, iPhone 18 Pro, and More

It has been an unusually busy week for Apple, headlined by the surprise launch of the new Mac mini with the M6 chip. The lower-end models are the first to feature the new processor, while higher-end configurations include the M5 Pro, marking a complicated start to the M6 era. The new M6 chip adds a feature previously exclusive to high-end chips like the M5 Pro and Max, debuting first in the Mac mini. Amazon has already introduced the first cash discounts on the new desktop, with prices starting at $879.99. The new hardware was also the subject of the latest 9to5Mac Overtime podcast, which compared the outgoing M4 model to the new M6 Mac mini, and discussed the M5 Pro Mac mini and the new Mac Studio.

The Mac Studio also received an update, featuring the M5 Ultra chip, as discussed on the AppleInsider Podcast. For those looking to pair their new Mac with a display, there are thousands of external monitors, but only a small fraction qualify as Retina-class. Options range from smaller 4K models to Apple's high-end Studio Display, which are ideal companions for the Mac mini or Mac Studio. The full scope of Apple's fall releases was covered in a comprehensive roundup, which lists 15+ new products expected to launch starting September 9, including iPhones, Macs, and iPads. The week's announcements were also the focus of The MacRumors Show, which called it a "surprisingly huge week" for Apple.

iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone Ultra, and Pre-Order Timing

Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 18 Pro and the first foldable iPhone, the iPhone Ultra, at its "Surprise and Shine" event on September 9. The iPhone 18 Pro is rumored to include two major new features that have one 9to5Mac writer excited to upgrade. However, pre-orders for the device may not open until Saturday, September 12, a day later than Apple's usual Friday schedule. A new report suggests the company will sidestep a September 11 preorder date by moving sales to Saturday, burdening buyers with a less convenient start time. This unusual timing could affect the launch of both the iPhone 18 Pro and the folding iPhone. The iPhone Ultra, Apple's first foldable, has been rumored for over a decade and will finally break cover soon. While there is much to expect, there are also several things not to expect at the September 9 event, according to a new report. Reports also suggest that pre-orders could kick off slightly later than usual for the iPhone 18 Pro.

Apple Watch Ultra 4 and Apple Watch SE 3 Deals

The Apple Watch Ultra 4 is expected to be announced on September 9, and rumors point to several key ways it will differentiate itself from prior models. In the meantime, Amazon is offering the 44mm Apple Watch SE 3 at a record-low price of $199.99. This all-time low price makes the Apple Watch SE an attractive option for those looking to upgrade without breaking the bank.

Apple TV+ and Apple One Price Increases

Apple has announced a price increase for its Apple TV streaming service and corresponding Apple One tiers. The Apple TV price hike brings the service to $14.99 per month in the U.S., and also affects Brazil, Chile, and Mexico. As a result, the Apple One Individual plan has also gone up in price. The increase comes just weeks after Apple raised prices for Apple Music and other Apple One subscriptions. The company informed MacRumors and others of the change, which takes effect starting today.

Apple TV+ Acquires "Small Prophets"

In a first for the streamer, Apple TV has acquired the worldwide rights to the BBC hit comedy "Small Prophets." This marks the first time Apple has bought an existing English-language hit rather than commissioning an original project. The critically-acclaimed BBC comedy serial will now be shown worldwide on Apple TV. The acquisition is atypical for the streamer, which usually develops its own content from scratch.

Siri Settlement, Steve Jobs Auction, and Flood Relief

Apple has agreed to pay $250 million to settle a U.S. class action lawsuit over Siri privacy, and the company has now revealed when iPhone owners can submit claims. In other news, Steve Jobs' 1968 science fair project, a hand-built exhibit from his 8th-grade year, has sold at auction for $34,375. The price is roughly the same as a brand-new midsize sedan, and the winning bid came through RR Auction. The science project was built by Jobs for his 8th-grade science fair.

Apple CEO Tim Cook has pledged that the company will make a donation toward relief and rebuilding work in Nepal and Tibet, where flash floods and mudslides have caused widespread devastation. This is part of Apple's ongoing effort to support relief efforts following natural disasters. Cook's announcement was also covered by MacRumors, which noted the pledge comes as the region deals with deadly flooding.

Software and App Updates

Apple Photos in iOS 27 is upgrading one of its most popular features: iCloud Shared Albums. The update brings significant improvements to the feature, making it more useful than ever. In other app news, WhatsApp is rolling out new chat themes on iOS, including animated wallpapers. OpenAI has confirmed that Chat GPT and Codex users can now add multiple Gmail and Google Calendar accounts, a feature many have requested.

For those missing the classic 1990s "After Dark" screen savers, developer Jeff Halter has released a new app called Afterglow that brings them to modern mac OS. The app, noted by Daring Fireball's John Gruber, lets users run the original 68k After Dark modules on current Macs. The Afterglow project is available for download and is sure to appeal to nostalgic Mac users.

Car Play, Home Kit, and Cinematic Mode

Volvo has confirmed that Spatial Audio support in CarPlay, powered by Dolby Atmos, is now rolling out in its vehicles. The feature is available in the Volvo EX90 and will provide an immersive audio experience for drivers and passengers. In smart home news, Linkind's Smart Light Stick brings flame effects with Matter support to Home Kit users. The bulb aims to bring the idea of a "live flame" to a smart bulb, a concept that is both novel and visually striking.

A video experiment has perfectly illustrated the frustrations many users have with iPhone Cinematic mode. The video shows that while the feature is frustratingly close to great, it still has significant flaws that prevent it from being a reliable tool for videographers. The experiment comes after observations that Apple appeared to have abandoned Cinematic mode, which many believe would be a mistake.

Deals, Tello Mobile, and AI Commentary

Amazon's massive 2026 Labor Day sale is now live, with significant discounts on Apple products. Highlights include $50 off AirPods Pro 3 and all-time low prices on Air Tag, starting at just $20 each. The sale also features the best prices ever on the 2026 AirTag 2 and all-time lows on iPhones and other Apple gear. For those looking to save on their phone bill, Tello Mobile offers plans that max out at $25/month, a stark contrast to the $60 to $100 per month many Americans pay for mobile service.

Finally, in a commentary piece, Apple Insider criticizes Sam Altman and other AI companies for their tone-deaf response to AI hacking. The article argues that these companies have created a massive problem and are now crying out for a public effort to solve it, which the author calls "put up or shut up" territory.