Apple News 3 Days

Last updated: August 6, 2026, 11:30 AM ET

iPhone 18 Pro and Ultra Leaks and Rumors

The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are expected to launch next month with a similar design to their predecessors but will include 12 new features. Assembly of the iPhone 18 Pro may be slowed by RAM shortages affecting the production of the new A20 Pro processor. Apple's attempts to use Chinese chipmaker CXMT as leverage against Samsung and SK Hynix have reportedly backfired, potentially impacting chip pricing. Global foldable shipments are projected to increase by 20% in 2026, partly driven by anticipation of Apple's first foldable device, the "iPhone Ultra." This highly anticipated foldable iPhone is rumored to be named the "iPhone Ultra" and is expected to live up to its name. Prototyping for future iPhone models includes a display measuring around 6.4 inches, possibly for the 20th-anniversary iPhone. The iPhone 18 Pro is rumored to feature three long-anticipated upgrades. Some reports suggest the iPhone 18 Pro could have a starting price of $1,399, though this figure may be exaggerated. T-Mobile is introducing a new three-year plan to coincide with the increasing cost of iPhones. Apple's main manufacturer, Foxconn, has reported record monthly earnings ahead of the mass production of the iPhone 18 Pro and the folding iPhone. iPhone event in September is unlikely to be a live-presented keynote, following the trend of pre-recorded presentations. However, event itself might be more "live-lier" this year.

iOS 27 and New Apple Software Features

iOS 27 is set to bring significant enhancements across Apple's ecosystem, including a new all-new Apple Home product hinted at in the beta. Messages app within iOS 27 will receive a variety of new features and improvements designed to save users time. Face Time is also getting a powerful new feature in iOS. Photos app in iOS 27 will include a long-awaited camera roll feature, alongside improvements to slideshows and shared albums. iOS 27 will also introduce four new ways to customize your iPhone's Lock Screen, offering more control over design, settings, and wallpapers. iPad OS 27 is launching next month with two new features that have been well-received. AirPods beta firmware has been released, incorporating features from iOS.

Apple Hardware and Accessories

Samsung's latest and smartwatches are launching tomorrow, with today being the final opportunity for pre-order discounts, including up to $350 Amazon gift cards. Apple has updated its U.S. trade-in values, increasing them for most iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch models. Deals are available on the M5 MacBook Air, with savings of up to $190 on multiple models. Apple's 16-inch Pro, equipped with an M5 Max chip and a 40-core GPU, is currently $500 off. Amazon is offering discounts of up to $69 on new M4 iPad Air models. Buy's Back to School sale includes discounts on MacBook Pro models. The 15-inch M5 MacBook Air with 24GB of RAM is available for $1,499 after a $200 discount. Apple has launched a revamped shopping experience for "Apple Accessories" on its 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 Qi2.2 standards, is a notable new accessory.

Apple Services and Content

Apple Arcade has added Madden NFL 27 Arcade Edition, available on Mac and Apple TV. The high-profile television adaptation of "The Bonfire of the Vanities" will reportedly no longer be produced for Apple TV due to creative differences. Ted Lasso returned for its fourth season, with the first episode now available to stream. Apple has expanded support for the Apple Account Card in the Wallet app to Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Malta. Apple Pay officially launched in the Philippines, allowing iPhone and Apple Watch users in the country to utilize the service. Apple has partnered with Booking.com to offer faster loyalty rewards for Apple Card users. Apple is facing a civil lawsuit in Brazil seeking approximately $59 million in damages over allegations that children can access casino-style games on the App Store without adequate age verification.

Industry News and Security Concerns

The most significant security backdoor discovered to date in an internet router has been found in various models sold under multiple brand names. A malware campaign is distributing fake Zoom updates and business files for mac OS, installing Screen Connect to grant attackers remote control. WhatsApp is developing a feature that will allow channel administrators to flag AI-generated media, in response to new EU transparency requirements. WhatsApp has also introduced "@all" mentions and enhanced poll features for group chats, along with a faster method for creating new groups from existing ones. Signal's latest update expands its multi-device functionality for iPhone users. Spotify has reached a milestone of over 300 million paying subscribers, intensifying its competition with Apple Music. Meta has launched Muse Code, a terminal coding agent for mac OS, with a cost structure that offers discounts if users allow Meta to train on their data. OpenAI is shutting down Chat GPT Atlas, its dedicated web browser for Mac, this weekend. global RAM and SSD crisis is expected to worsen before it improves, with RAM manufacturers experiencing significant profits. Russia's antitrust has initiated a formal case against Apple concerning the mandatory pre-installation of domestic apps.

Apple Watch and Other Devices

August sales are offering discounts of up to $172 on Apple Watch SE, Series, and Ultra 3 models. Apple Watch 3 deals have returned, with a $99 discount available. Amazon is offering deals on Apple Watch Ultra 3 models. The Apple Watch Ultra 4 is expected to launch next month alongside the iPhone 18 Pro, potentially featuring three new features. A new study suggests that the Apple Vision Pro is superior to existing medical equipment for certain surgical procedures. The MacPaw company is developing an on-device AI technology stack for Mac applications in partnership with Liquid AI. Abode has released new garage and gate sensors that are compatible with Apple Home Kit.

Legal and Privacy Matters

Apple will face a class-action lawsuit alleging violations of Illinois' Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA), with potential damages exceeding $30 billion related to its Photos app's face recognition technology. A lawsuit in Brazil accuses Apple of not adequately checking ages for casino games in its App Store, seeking R$300 million (approximately $59 in damages. Apple's iCloud Private Relay feature, designed to mask users' IP addresses, has been found to leak real IP addresses according to security researchers. way Apple combines work and personal iCloud accounts may have allowed former employees to access confidential documents after leaving the company. One theory suggesting that a former Apple employee used iCloud to obtain confidential documents before joining OpenAI has been dispelled. Telegram briefly removed from the App Store due to child sexual abuse material (CSAM) being posted by a user, but was restored after the content was removed. The CEO of Telegram claims an extortionist manipulated Apple into removing the app from the App Store. A viral social media trend suggesting users refrigerate overheated iPhones is being advised against, as it can cause damage. TikTok has been criticized for allegedly turning off safety controls for teenagers, which reportedly contributed to a teen's death.

Deals and Discounts

Amazon is offering deals on M5 MacBook Air models with savings up to $190. Apple's 16-inch Pro with an M5 Max chip and 40-core GPU is available for $500 off. Amazon discounts on new M4 iPad Air models, with savings up to $69. Buy's Back to School sale includes deals on MacBook Pro models. The 15-inch M5 MacBook Air with 24GB of RAM is discounted by $200, bringing its price to $1,499. Apple Watch 3, Series, and Ultra 3 models are available with discounts of up to $172. Apple Watch Ultra 3 is available with a $99 discount. Various Apple including Macs, iPads, and Apple Watches, are on sale at Amazon with savings up to $500. AirPods Pro 3 are discounted by $60, and Air Tag 2 is at an all-time low price. Apple Watch 3 models are available for $100 off, and Series 11 models start at $299.