Apple News 3 Days

Last updated: August 5, 2026, 11:30 AM ET

Apple Product Rumors and Launches

Apple is preparing for its annual September iPhone event, where it is expected to announce at least five new devices, with the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and an all-new model possibly debuting. iPhone 18 Pro is rumored to feature three long-anticipated upgrades. There is also speculation about a potential price increase for iPhones, with reports suggesting a starting price of $1,399 for the iPhone 18 Pro, though this figure may be exaggerated. Global foldable shipments are projected to grow by 20% this year, partly driven by Apple's entry into the category with the "iPhone Ultra." The iPhone Ultra is expected to launch this fall, with its timing aligning well with the current market for foldable devices. Leaks also suggest that next year's iPhone models could feature bigger displays, with one prototype measuring around 6.4 inches. Additionally, the 20th-anniversary iPhone is rumored to have a glass-heavy construction and improved cooling, drawing inspiration from the iPhone Air. Manufacturing problems for the iPhone Fold have reportedly been resolved, and it remains on schedule for a September launch. Apple's main manufacturer, Foxconn, has already announced record monthly earnings ahead of the production of the iPhone 18 Pro and the folding iPhone.

Apple is also gearing up for a significant update to its Mac lineup, with the M5 15-inch MacBook Air with 24GB of RAM currently discounted by $200, bringing its price down to $1,499. Amazon is offering substantial discounts on 2026 MacBook Pro models, with some prices dropping below their July levels, with savings of up to $500 available. Best Buy's Back to School sale includes markdowns on various Apple devices, such as Mac Books and Air Pods. Memory supply is expected to be a concern for Apple, as suppliers have sold out their entire production capacity for 2027 at high prices.

In the realm of wearables and accessories, Apple Watch users in China can participate in the National Fitness Day challenge this weekend to earn virtual rewards. The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is currently available for $100 off, with Series 11 models starting at $299, alongside discounts on Air Pods and Anker chargers. Apple also launched a revamped shopping experience for its accessories on the Apple Online Store and within the App Store app, making it easier to browse and purchase items. LISEN Qi2.2 Mag Safe battery, featuring a unique lanyard and supporting the Qi2.2 standard, is now available.

Software and Services Updates

iOS 27 is bringing a variety of new features and improvements to the Messages app, aimed at saving users time. Photos app in iOS 27 is also receiving a significant update, including enhancements to slideshows, shared albums, and a much-needed camera roll feature. FaceTime is set to receive a powerful new upgrade with iOS 27 as well. Apple has released a fourth beta version of firmware for the Air Pods Pro, Air Pods Pro, and Air Pods, which includes features aligned with iOS. Apple Pay expanded its availability to the Philippines, allowing iPhone and Apple Watch owners in the country to add supported cards.

Mac Paw is developing an on-device AI technology stack specifically for the Mac through a partnership with Liquid AI, starting with their AI tool, Eney. OpenAI has announced the shutdown of Chat GPT Atlas, its dedicated web browser for Mac, which will occur this weekend.

App and Platform News

Ted Lasso is officially back for season, with the premiere episode now available for Apple TV subscribers. To celebrate the season 4 premiere, Apple is hosting a Ted Lasso look-alike contest in New York.

WhatsApp is rolling out updates to its group chat features, including an "@all" mention functionality and improvements to polls, alongside a quicker method for creating new groups from existing ones. The beta version of WhatsApp for Mac is testing flexible update schedules, allowing users to choose between daily and weekly updates. Signal's latest update enhances its multi-device feature, making it easier for users to access the app across multiple iPhones and other devices.

Spotify has surpassed 300 million paying subscribers, marking a significant milestone in its competition with Apple Music, which is preparing upgrades for iOS. Bingers, new TV and movie tracking app from a co-founder of TV Time, has been released and focuses on social features. Wikipedia iOS has introduced a new app widget for the Home Screen, allowing users easier access to the platform.

Industry and Legal Matters

Apple is facing a class-action lawsuit in Brazil seeking R$300 million (approximately $59 in damages, alleging that children can access casino-style games on the App Store without adequate age verification. A multi-billion-dollar class-action lawsuit against Apple over its Photos app face recognition feature will proceed, alleging violations of Illinois' Biometric Information Privacy Act, potentially costing the company over $30 billion. Apple is also reportedly challenging a UK-mandated "backdoor" to encryption for the second time.

Russia's antitrust regulator has opened a formal case against Apple concerning the mandatory preinstallation of domestic apps. Telegram briefly removed from the App Store on Monday after content violating guidelines against child sexual abuse material was found, but was later restored after the content was removed.

A theory suggesting iCloud mess played a role in a former Apple employee accessing confidential documents after joining OpenAI has been dispelled. Reports indicate that Apple's combination of work and personal iCloud accounts may have allowed some employees access to confidential documents post-departure.

Incoming Apple CEO John Ternus is reportedly rehiring Laura Legros, a retired former vice president of hardware engineering, to his team. Apple recently agreed to acquire Plasma Solve, a move that is expected to significantly benefit its product roadmap.

Advice and Trends

Viral social media advice suggesting refrigerating hot iPhones should be disregarded, as it can cause damage. TikTok has been noted for spreading misinformation, including advice to put phones in the fridge, which benefits repair shops.

Global RAM production is sold out through 2027, which will continue to impact Apple's memory supply.

CarPlay is expanding its reach beyond vehicles and will now be available on pontoon boats through a partnership between Master Craft Boat Holdings, Crest Marine, Balise Pontoons, and Savvy Navvy.

Apple's future glasses and headsets are being designed to function as health and fitness devices, according to reports. DuckDuckGo is offering anti-AI glasses that feature no cameras and no notifications.

Financial and Market Performance