Apple News 3 Days

Last updated: August 5, 2026, 5:30 PM ET

Apple's Upcoming September Event and New Product Lineup

Apple is reportedly gearing up for a significant September event, with expectations high for the launch of the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, alongside an entirely new model. This event is also anticipated to unveil at least five new devices, though some speculate additional products awaiting the new Siri integration might also be introduced. The iPhone 18 Pro is rumored to feature three long-anticipated upgrades, and some reports suggest a starting price of $1,399, though this figure is considered potentially exaggerated by some outlets. In addition to the standard Pro models, Apple is expected to launch its first foldable iPhone, tentatively named the iPhone Ultra, which is poised to significantly contribute to a projected 20% growth in global foldable smartphone shipments for 2026. Leaks also indicate a potential for larger displays on future iPhone models, with prototypes of a 6.4-inch screen being tested for a 20th-anniversary iPhone. iPhone 18 Pro's production is reportedly on schedule for September, with manufacturing challenges having been overcome.

Siri AI and Software Updates

A major highlight of the upcoming software updates will be the enhanced Siri AI, which is slated to be a significant upgrade for iOS, mac OS Golden Gate, and other platforms. However, this advanced Siri functionality will exclusively be available on newer Apple devices, limiting access for older hardware. iOS 27 is set to bring substantial improvements across various applications, including the Messages app, which will receive a variety of new features and enhancements aimed at saving users time. Photos app in iOS 27 will also see significant upgrades, including improvements to slideshows, shared albums, and the long-awaited addition of a camera roll feature. Face Time is also receiving a major upgrade in iOS 27 with a powerful new feature. iPad OS 27 is launching next month with new features for applications like Notes. iOS 27 will introduce four new ways for users to customize their iPhone's Lock Screen, continuing Apple's trend of offering greater design control.

Apple Watch and Accessories

The Apple Watch Ultra 4 is expected to launch next month alongside the iPhone 18 Pro, bringing with it three new features that are already generating excitement. other Apple Watch news, deals are currently available for the Apple Watch Ultra, with discounts of up to $100. Apple Watch users in China will have an opportunity to participate in the National Fitness Day challenge this weekend to unlock virtual rewards. On the accessory front, the Memoket Gem is an 11g AI wearable that can be worn alongside an Apple Watch, designed to capture conversations with a single press.

App and Service Updates

WhatsApp is developing a feature that will allow channel admins to flag AI-generated media, in response to the EU's new transparency requirements for AI content. messaging app has also introduced updates to group chats, including an "@all" mention feature and several poll upgrades. For Mac users, Mac Paw is collaborating with Liquid AI to develop an on-device AI technology stack that will function across various Mac applications, starting with Eney, Mac Paw's AI assistant. OpenAI is shutting down Chat GPT Atlas, its dedicated web browser for Mac, this weekend and has provided details on what users can expect. Telegram experienced a brief removal from the App Store due to the availability of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), but was later restored after the content was removed. Apple Pay expanded its availability to the Philippines, allowing iPhone and Apple Watch owners in the country to utilize the payment service. Apple has also launched a revamped shopping experience for "Apple Accessories" on its online store and within the App Store app. The company is also reportedly exploring ways to enhance its smart glasses and headsets to function as health and fitness devices.

Deals and Market Trends

Significant discounts are currently available on various Apple products, including the 16-inch MacBook Pro with an M5 Max chip and 40-core GPU, which is $500 off. The 15-inch M5 MacBook Air with 24GB of RAM is priced at $1,499 after a $200 discount, though availability is limited. Amazon is also offering discounts of up to $500 on Macs, iPads, and Apple Watches, with some prices on 2026 MacBook Pro models now lower than in July. Buy's Back to School sale includes markdowns on Apple devices, among other electronics. In the broader tech market, global RAM and SSD prices are expected to continue rising due to supply chain issues. Spotify has reached a milestone of over 300 million paying subscribers, positioning itself as a competitor to Apple Music, which is preparing for iOS 27 upgrades.

Security and Legal Matters

Security researchers have found that Apple's paid iCloud Private Relay feature does not always mask users' real IP addresses. Apple is also facing a class-action lawsuit in Illinois alleging violations of the Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA) related to its Photos app's face recognition technology, with potential damages exceeding $30 billion. Brazil, Apple is being sued for R$300 million (approximately $59 over allegations that children can access casino-style games on the App Store without adequate age verification. Russia's antitrust has initiated a formal case against Apple regarding the mandatory preinstallation of domestic apps. Apple is also engaged in a legal battle against a UK-mandated "backdoor" to encryption, having launched a second legal challenge. The company is reportedly working on a feature to enable copy and paste between iPhones and Windows PCs in the EU, following a request from Microsoft.

Entertainment and Content

Ted Lasso officially back for its fourth season, with the first episode now available to stream on Apple TV+. To celebrate the premiere, Apple is hosting a Ted Lasso look-alike contest in New York. Apple TV subscribers can also look forward to other popular shows, with new content additions expected throughout August. Leagues Cup 2026, an annual competition featuring teams from Major League Soccer and LIGA MX, is set to begin on August 4th and will be available on Apple TV.

Other Notable Developments

Meta has released Muse Code, an AI coding tool for mac OS that can be accessed via a simple terminal command. Surgeons are finding the Apple Vision Pro to be a valuable tool, with studies indicating its superiority over existing medical equipment in certain surgical procedures. Apple Card can now benefit from a partnership with Booking.com, which aims to accelerate loyalty rewards. Boat owners can now enjoy Apple Car Play integration on Crest and Balise pontoon boats. Apple also reportedly agreed to acquire Plasma Solve, a move that is seen as strategically beneficial for its product roadmap. Incoming Apple John Ternus is bringing back retired hardware engineering executive Laura Legros to his team.