Apple News 3 Days

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

Apple's Upcoming Product Releases and Software Updates

Apple is gearing up for a significant product launch event in September, expected to unveil at least five new devices including the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. The company is also preparing for the launch of its first foldable iPhone, tentatively named the iPhone Ultra, which is reportedly on schedule for September after manufacturing issues were resolved. Leaks suggest the iPhone 18 Pro will feature three long-rumored upgrades, and that future iPhone models, possibly the 20th-anniversary iPhone, may feature larger displays, with one prototype measuring around 6.4 inches. iPhone Ultra is expected to significantly boost foldable smartphone shipments, projecting a 20% growth for the category in 2026. Apple Watch Ultra 4 is also slated for release next month, potentially alongside the iPhone 18 Pro.

iOS 27 is set to launch next month, bringing substantial upgrades to several Apple applications. The Messages app will receive a variety of new features and improvements, including a time-saving function that is considered its best new feature. Photos app in iOS 27 will get a long-needed camera roll feature, along with other enhancements to slideshows and shared albums. iPad OS 27 will also arrive next month, introducing two new features that have been well-received. Siri AI is a major upgrade and a highlight of iOS, mac OS Golden Gate, and other upcoming software, but will only be available on newer Apple devices. The intense usage of Siri AI could potentially incur higher costs than initially anticipated, based on a comment from Tim Cook.

Smart Home and Accessories

DIY smart security company Abode has expanded its Apple Home-compatible product line with two new sensors designed for monitoring garage doors, gates, and sheds. Apple is also preparing to release a new Home Pod mini, which is expected to bring several smart home updates. Apple launched a revamped shopping experience for "Apple Accessories" on its online store and within the App Store app, aiming to simplify browsing for compatible products. LISEN Qi2.2 Mag Safe battery, a new accessory, supports the Qi2.2 standard and features a unique lanyard design.

Deals and Sales on Apple Products

Several deals are currently available on Apple products across various retailers. Amazon is offering discounts of up to $172 on Apple Watch SE, Series, and Ultra 3 models. The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is also available with a $99 discount at Amazon, and further deals offer up to $130 off the SE 3 and Ultra 3 models. Savings up to $500 are available on Mac and iPad models at Amazon, with some 2026 MacBook Pro models seeing prices lower than in July. Best Buy's Back to School sale includes notable markdowns on Apple devices, including Mac Books and iPads. The 16-inch MacBook Pro with an M5 Max chip and 40-core GPU is currently $500 off, and the 15-inch M5 MacBook Air with 24GB of RAM is $200 off, bringing its price down to $1,499. AirPods Pro are available with a $50 discount, and Air Tag 2 is at an all-time low price.

App and Service Updates

Meta has launched Muse Code, a terminal coding agent for mac OS, which offers a lower cost if users allow Meta to train on their data. Disney is reportedly considering introducing a free, ad-supported tier for Disney+. Ted Lasso returned for its fourth season and is now streaming on Apple TV+, with the first episode available today. Apple TV+ can also anticipate other popular shows in August. Leagues Cup 2026 tournament will begin on August 4th and will be available on Apple TV. WhatsApp is rolling out updates for group chats, including an "@all" mention feature and enhanced poll options. WhatsApp is also developing a feature that will allow channel admins to flag AI-generated media, in line with new EU transparency requirements. The encrypted messaging service Signal has expanded its multi-device feature for iPhone users, making it easier to use the app across different devices. Spotify has surpassed 300 million paying subscribers, a significant milestone as it competes with Apple Music, which is preparing for iOS 27 upgrades.

Security and Privacy Concerns

A scam is circulating via email, falsely claiming that Uber payment methods have expired in an attempt to steal users' payment information. Apple's paid Safari protection feature, iCloud Private Relay, has been found to be leaking users' real IP addresses in certain circumstances, according to security researchers. A lawsuit is proceeding against Apple, alleging that its face recognition technology in Apple Photos violates Illinois' Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA) and could cost the company over $30 billion. Apple is also facing a civil lawsuit in Brazil seeking R$300 million (approximately $59 in damages over allegations that children can access casino-style games on the App Store without adequate age verification. A malware campaign that uses fake Zoom updates and business files to install Screen Connect, enabling attackers to gain remote control, has expanded its reach to mac OS.

Legal and Regulatory Matters

Russia's antitrust has initiated a formal case against Apple concerning the mandatory pre-installation of domestic apps. Apple is also engaged in a legal dispute in the UK, challenging a mandated "backdoor" to encryption. Apple's iCloud account policies are under scrutiny, with a lawsuit alleging that the company's combination of work and personal iCloud accounts allowed former employees to access confidential documents. A former Apple employee's alleged access to confidential documents after joining OpenAI is not related to an iCloud mess, according to Apple's legal filings. Telegram briefly removed from the App Store due to the availability of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), with the app being restored after the content was removed.

Other Technology News

Apple's Vision is being hailed by surgeons as a superior alternative to existing medical equipment for use during certain surgeries. Mac Paw is collaborating with Liquid AI to develop an on-device AI technology stack specifically for Mac, starting with Eney, Mac Paw's AI assistant. Wispr Flow launched Notetaker, an AI-powered meeting assistant for Mac users that integrates with calendars and other applications. OpenAI has announced that Chat GPT Atlas, its dedicated web browser for Mac, will be shut down this weekend. Duck Duck Go is developing anti-AI glasses that will feature no cameras and no notifications. global RAM and SSD crisis is expected to worsen before improving, with manufacturers currently experiencing significant profits. Apple completed the acquisition of Plasma Solve, a move that could significantly impact its product roadmap.