Apple News 3 Days

Last updated: August 4, 2026, 8:30 PM ET

Apple Product Launch and Update News

Apple expected to announce at least five new devices next month at its annual iPhone-centric event, with potential for additional devices that were previously awaiting Siri integration. The company has released a fourth beta firmware version for the Air Pods Pro, suggesting upcoming feature enhancements. Apple is preparing for its major September iPhone event, where the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and a completely new model are anticipated to debut. Leaks suggest that the iPhone 18 Pro will feature three long-rumored upgrades. There are also rumors of larger displays for next year's iPhone models, with prototypes including a 6.4-inch screen for a potential 20th-anniversary iPhone. The 20th-anniversary iPhone is rumored to feature a glass-heavy design and improved cooling, drawing inspiration from the iPhone Air. The iPhone Fold is reportedly on schedule for a September launch, with production issues having been resolved. Further leaks indicate that Apple has two distinct iPhone designs planned for the next year, including the iPhone Ultra and a new design for the iPhone Pro next year. The iPhone Ultra is expected to launch this fall, while the iPhone Pro design is slated for next year. iPhone 18 Pro is anticipated to have a starting price that, according to some reports, is not credible. Apple is also expected to increase iPhone prices with the launch of the iPhone 18 Pro next month. The Photos app in iOS 27 will receive a substantial update, including improvements to slideshows, shared albums, and a much-needed camera roll feature. Apple Watch in China can participate in the National Fitness Day challenge this weekend to earn virtual rewards. Master Craft Boat Holdings has announced that Car Play will be coming to pontoon boats, in partnership with Savvy Navvy. Apple Pay officially launched in the Philippines, allowing iPhone and Apple Watch owners in the country to add supported cards.

App and Service Updates

Following the sunsetting of TV Time last month, one of its co-founders, Antonio Pinto, has launched Bingers, a new app focused on tracking TV shows and movies with enhanced social features. Signal has released an update for its iOS app that expands its multi-device functionality for iPhone users, making it easier to use the app across multiple iPhones and other devices. WhatsApp has announced several updates for group chats, including an "@all" mention feature, three new poll upgrades, and a quicker method for creating new groups from existing ones. The latest beta version of WhatsApp for Mac is testing flexible update schedules, allowing users to choose between daily and weekly updates or check manually. The Wikipedia app for iOS now features a new widget for the Home Screen, offering a convenient way to access the platform.

RevenueCat's annual mobile hackathon is currently underway, running until September 30th, and offering significant prizes for winning applications. OpenAI has provided details on what will happen when Chat GPT Atlas, its dedicated web browser for Mac, shuts down this weekend. Apple updated its online store and App Store app with a revamped "Apple Accessories" shopping experience, designed to simplify browsing and purchasing accessories.

Legal and Regulatory Matters

Telegram was briefly removed from the App Store on Monday night after a review identified content violating guidelines against child sexual abuse material. an incident where an extortionist allegedly planted AI-modified child sexual abuse material to prompt Apple to remove the app. Telegram was restored after the offending content was removed. Russia's antitrust regulator has initiated a formal case against Apple concerning the mandatory preinstallation of domestic apps. Apple is facing a civil lawsuit in Brazil seeking approximately $59 million in damages due to allegations that children can download and access casino-style games on the App Store without adequate age verification. Apple will proceed with a class-action lawsuit in Illinois that alleges violations of the Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA), a case that could potentially cost the company over $30 billion. Apple is reportedly launching a second legal challenge against a UK order that mandates a "backdoor" to its encryption.

Industry and Market Trends

Spotify has surpassed 300 million paying subscribers, marking a significant milestone for the audio streaming service as it competes with Apple Music. Apple has achieved a record $10 billion in annual sales in India, with its second major iPhone manufacturing base contributing to this figure despite currency and other challenges. Amazon is offering significant discounts on Apple products, with savings of up to $500 on Macs, iPads, Air Tags, and Apple Watches. Amazon also has discounts on M4 iPad Air models, with reductions of up to $69. Further Amazon deals include the 15-inch MacBook Air M5 with 24GB RAM for $1,499 after a $200 discount, and the 16-inch MacBook Pro M5 Max with 2TB SSD available for $1,200 off. Upgrade program requires users to have a subscription with AT&T, T-Mobile, or Verizon for iPhone leasing.

The AI datacenter buildout is causing significant supply shortages for the MacBook Air due to a crisis in high-bandwidth memory (HBM2) DRAM. Incoming Apple CEO John Ternus is reportedly rehiring Laura Legros, a former vice president of hardware engineering who retired in 2022. Apple agreed to acquire Plasma Solve, a company whose acquisition is expected to align well with Apple's product roadmap.

Entertainment and Media

Ted Lasso is returning tonight for its fourth season, and Apple is celebrating the premiere with a Ted Lasso look-alike contest in New York City. Apple is highlighting the start of the Leagues Cup, an annual tournament featuring teams from Major League Soccer and LIGA MX, which kicks off tomorrow on Apple TV.

Wearables and Accessories

Apple has released new beta firmware for Air Pods, incorporating features from iOS. AirPods Pro 3 are currently available with a $50 discount, and there are also discounts on the Air Tag 2 and other Apple Watch models. Amazon is offering the Air Pods Pro 3 for $199.99, along with discounts on the Air Pods 4 and Air Pods Max. The LISEN Qi2.2 Mag Safe battery features a unique lanyard design and supports the Qi2.2 standard. A new translucent case for the iPhone, called GAMEBABY, transforms the phone into a Game Boy with physical buttons.

Other Apple News

Apple Card can now benefit from accelerated loyalty rewards when using Booking.com. Google Health data from wearables like Fitbit trackers and the Pixel Watch can now sync to Apple Health following an update to the Google Health app for iOS. Apple is reportedly working on a feature to enable cross-device copy and paste between iOS devices and Windows PCs, following a request from Microsoft within the EU interoperability system. Apple's future glasses and headsets are intended to function as health and fitness devices, according to reports. Apple is debating whether to include a camera in its upcoming glasses product. Outgoing Apple CEO Tim Cook's comments suggest that heavy Siri AI usage could be more costly than initially anticipated. Apple reportedly combined work and personal iCloud accounts in a way that allowed former employees to access confidential documents. Apple continues legal efforts to contest a UK order mandating access to encrypted iCloud data.