Last updated: September 30, 2026, 2:06 PM ET
Apple Watch & Health
The new Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 have arrived, with two additional health-focused features coming later this year. For shoppers deciding between models, a comprehensive buyer's guide compares the SE 3 against the Series, helping consumers weigh price versus capabilities. Meanwhile, Apple has partnered with the American Academy of Pediatrics to release a new Screen Time guide, and the company also shared a dedicated guide for using iOS 27 parental controls to help families establish healthy digital habits.
iPhone & iOS
A small number of iPhone 18 Pro users are reporting speaker "pops" or "clicks," a complaint echoed by other owners experiencing crackling. A detailed review of the iPhone 18 Pro Max cameras calls them Apple's best yet, but notes the improvements are only visible when you "squint." A teardown reveals how Apple cleverly embedded Face ID beneath the iPhone 18 Pro's display. On the software side, iOS 27.2 will bring three new features to iPhones soon. The 9to5Mac Daily podcast recapped top stories including iOS 27.0.1 and iPhone Duo features.
iPhone Duo Launch & Pre-Orders
Apple expects the iPhone Duo to sell six million units by the end of 2026. Customers can "Get Ready" to pre-order the iPhone Duo starting October 12, with actual pre-orders beginning October 16. Apple has announced the timeline for when customers can start the pre-order process, and Mac Rumors confirms you can get ready for orders on that date. However, a PSA warns users to not open links to an early iPhone Duo pre-order page, as scammers have launched a fake site. That fake page can steal crypto wallet data and more.
iPad & Camera Apps
The iPad Mini 8 will offer 10 new features according to leaked details. In the camera app space, Halide 3.2 has arrived as a pro camera update, bringing an iPhone 18 Pro aperture feature and two new looks.
Apple Pay in India
After more than nine years of negotiations, India finally gets Apple Pay. The service is now rolling out to Axis Bank customers, and is available with Axis Bank cards. The launch was reported earlier as happening today.
Home & Smart Home Products
Apple's October 13 hardware event will not include one rumored product — a new full-size Home Pod — according to a report. However, Apple still plans to release one eventually. A refreshed HomePod mini, Apple TV and new Home Hub are coming on October 13. Three new Apple smart home products will launch that day. Apple's HomePad smart home hub is launching on October 13 with an iMac G4 design, per Bloomberg. The smart home hub will feature that iconic design. Apple is also working to expand HomeKit for its smart home push.
Air Pods & Audio
A teardown of the AirPods 5 shows batteries are removable, but the case remains tough to repair. Apple has also released new AirPods beta firmware for several models.
MacBook Deals & Prime Day
Amazon is taking up to $150 off select M5 MacBook Air models. The M5 15" MacBook Air with 24GB RAM and 1TB SSD falls to $1,849 ahead of fall Prime Day. Broader early fall Prime Day deals are now live, covering MacBook, Air Tag, Mag Safe gear, and more. A full roundup of deals includes iPhone 17 Pro Max, MacBook Pro, Home Kit Prime Day discounts, and Apple Watch bands from $7.
Apple TV+ & Entertainment
A new Apple TV comedy called "Small Prophets" has a 100% Rotten Tomatoes score, and the trailer is now available. Apple TV has also renewed the French drama "Carême" for a second season.
Door Dash & AI
DoorDash has unveiled AI food ordering through Apple's Messages app, inviting U.S. customers to join a waitlist. The service now lets you order by text in Apple Messages, launched today.
Competition & Industry Impact
Bank of America says Meta's Muse highlights a new risk for Apple's services revenue. Meanwhile, OpenAI has launched always-on "Dots" agents to rival Meta's Muse.
App Store Controversy
Apple faces renewed scrutiny over the removal of the ICEBlock app from the App Store, with CNN reporting on the controversy.