Last updated: August 6, 2026, 10:29 PM ET
iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Ultra Launch Prep
Apple is preparing for its September iPhone event, expected to debut the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the all-new foldable "iPhone Ultra" within the next month. The iPhone 18 Pro lineup is anticipated to feature 12 new capabilities including an upgraded camera system, the A20 Pro chip, and three upgrades that have been rumored for years. Apple is reportedly saving the cheaper base iPhone 18 for a spring launch, leaving the more expensive Pro and Ultra models to anchor this fall's release. Analysts expect global foldable smartphone shipments to grow 20% in 2026 compared to last year, with Apple's first entry into the category cited as a key driver of that increase. Reports suggest the iPhone Ultra, Apple's first foldable, sounds truly deserving of the "Ultra" name based on rumored specifications. Apple is also prototyping a second new iPhone display measuring around 6.4 inches that could be destined for the 20th anniversary iPhone.
Memory Shortage Threatens iPhone 18 Pro Supply
The iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and foldable iPhone Ultra could be in short supply this year due to a global memory shortage. RAM supply constraints are reportedly holding up iPhone 18 Pro assembly, slowing production of the A20 Pro processor. Apple's attempt to use Chinese memory maker CXMT as leverage against Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix has backfired, with the two Korean chipmakers ending up with more pricing power rather than less. The global RAM and SSD crisis continues to echo through home electronics pricing, with RAM manufacturers reaping massive profits and a fix still a long time away. Even before iPhone 18 Pro mass production began, AI demand drove Apple's main manufacturer Foxconn to record monthly earnings.
iPhone 18 Pro Pricing and Event Details
The iPhone 18 Pro is expected to launch at a starting price of $1,399, though some reports suggest that figure may be exaggerated. Apple recently raised prices across much of its product lineup, and even more increases are expected next month for iPhone and other devices. Apple hasn't sent invitations for the September event yet, but its announcement history over the last six years gives a remarkably consistent window for when to expect them. While an employee lottery for the September iPhone launch has stirred speculation, the event will likely remain a pre-recorded presentation rather than a return to live keynotes. T-Mobile has launched a new 3-year plan in response to rising iPhone prices.
mac OS Security Updates and Vulnerabilities
Apple has released mac OS Tahoe 26.6.1, an update that addresses a serious Screen Sharing vulnerability along with other security fixes. The company published security details for today's mac OS Tahoe, Sequoia, and Sonoma updates, which patch critical flaws. Apple's iCloud Private Relay, a paid Safari protection feature that promises to keep user IP addresses masked, doesn't always work according to security researchers Tommy Mysk and Talal Haj Bakry. Researchers have also uncovered Mac malware that can steal credentials and drain all or a selected percentage of a cryptocurrency wallet. A separate malware campaign using fake Zoom updates and business files to install Screen Connect has expanded its reach to mac OS. The most blatant security backdoor yet seen in an internet router was found in models sold under multiple brand names, with a firmware implant phoning home.
Apple TV+ Fall Lineup and Ted Lasso's Return
Ted Lasso season 4 is now streaming on Apple TV, with the first episode available as of today after a three-year gap since the season 3 finale. Apple TV's fall lineup reveals every new show and movie coming soon, with Ted Lasso confirmed as the platform's most popular show this year. One of Apple TV's surprise hit series is making the jump to theaters for one night only, marking a rare theatrical release for an Apple series rather than a movie. Meanwhile, the high-profile television version of Tom Wolfe's "The Bonfire of the Vanities" will reportedly no longer be made for Apple TV because of creative differences.
iOS 27 Feature Deep Dive
iOS 27 continues Apple's trend of giving users more control over their iPhone's Lock Screen with four new customization options, wallpaper settings, and more. The update transforms iPhone and Air Pods into an Apple Watch-like fitness device at the gym, building on the Gym Kit feature that launched in 2017. AirPods are getting a variety of new features in iOS, two of which are exclusive to Air Pods Pro. CarPlay in iOS 27 adds two new features for some of Apple's most popular apps. iOS 27's best new Messages feature is all about saving time, based on hands-on time with the beta. FaceTime receives a powerful new upgrade in iOS 27 as well. iPad OS 27 adds two new iPad features that have been well-received, including new capabilities in the Notes app. iOS 27 also hints at an all-new Apple Home product launching soon, alongside references to the new iPhone Ultra. Siri AI, a major upgrade highlight of iOS 27 and mac OS Golden Gate, will be available only on newer Apple devices.
Apple Watch, Home Pod, and Smart Home News
Apple Watch Ultra 4 is coming next month, launching alongside iPhone 18 Pro with three new features that have already generated excitement. Apple is preparing smart home updates with a new HomePod mini expected soon, featuring Siri improvements and a compact design. Lutron is expanding its existing Caseta integration with Sonos, adding the ability to control smart-home devices using Sonos Voice Control. Abode expanded its Apple Home-compatible lineup with two new sensors designed to monitor garage doors, gates, sheds, and other entry points. Apple Watch users in China can participate in the next National Fitness Day challenge this weekend to unlock virtual rewards.
Apple Financial Results and Market Position
Apple hit a record $10 billion in annual retail revenue in India, with its second main iPhone manufacturing base generating strong sales despite currency challenges. For smartphones selling at over $600, Apple owns 65% of that market and grew 9% year over year in the first half of 2026. However, Chinese brands are making a dent in local market share. iPad shipments fell 8% in Q2 2026 amid a global tablet market decline, following Apple's reported 5% year-over-year drop in iPad revenue for the June quarter. Apple reported $109.4 billion in revenue for the June quarter, up 16%.
OpenAI, Chat GPT, and AI Competition
OpenAI continues to churn out upgrades to its GPT models, with the latest GPT-5.6 promising to be more succinct and provide confident wrong answers less often, featuring a new "Think" button. OpenAI's GPT-5 turns one this week, and the company is marking the occasion by introducing Agent Plugins, an open standard meant to let reusable AI-agent extensions work across platforms. Bloomberg shared new pricing and design details about OpenAI's first smart device, described as a doughnut-shaped speaker. OpenAI explained what will happen when Chat GPT Atlas, its dedicated web browser for Mac, shuts down this weekend. Adobe and OpenAI announced a Chat GPT plugin on Thursday, showing Adobe's push to become the creative engine behind AI regardless of where users create. Meta launched Muse Code, a terminal coding agent for mac OS that costs up to 20 times less if users let Meta train on their data. MacPaw announced a long-term strategic partnership with Liquid AI to co-develop an on-device AI technology stack built specifically for the Mac, starting with Mac Paw's AI assistant Eney.
Telegram App Store Controversy and Legal News
Telegram was briefly removed from the Apple App Store on Monday night after a review found content that violated Apple's guidelines against child sexual abuse material. Telegram CEO says an extortionist planted AI-modified CSAM to get Apple to remove the app from the App Store in a "takedown extortionist" scheme. The app was restored after the content was removed. Apple is facing a civil lawsuit in Brazil seeking R$300 million (roughly $59 million) in damages over allegations that children can download and access casino-style games on the App Store without age checks. In a joint status report filing, Apple said it hadn't heard from Jon Prosser's lawyer in a month regarding the leak lawsuit, which his counsel attributed to Prosser caring for his newborn child. Apple's lawsuit against OpenAI confirmed that iCloud mess didn't play a role in how a former Apple employee may have accessed confidential documents after joining OpenAI. A judge is allowing a $32 billion class-action lawsuit to proceed over Apple Photos face recognition, though Apple argues the feature is not a privacy threat.
Deals, Trade-Ins, and Retail Offers
Apple has significantly increased trade-in values for most iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch models, but comparisons with carrier offerings and private sale values may yield better results. Amazon is offering up to $190 off multiple models of the M5 MacBook Air in its best deals since the price hike, while Best Buy's Back to School event includes notable markdowns on Apple devices, TVs, headphones, and monitors. AirPods Pro 3 have dropped to nearly 25% off in one of the best deals of the year, alongside the ongoing Air Pods Max 2 offer at $100 off. Amazon has a few deals on the Apple Watch Ultra 3 at $99 off, and Apple Watch sales at Amazon and Walmart deliver discounts of up to $172 off SE, Series, and Ultra 3 styles. Apple's loaded 16-inch MacBook Pro with an M5 Max chip and 40-core GPU is $500 off today, the largest discount currently available across the 16-inch lineup. Amazon this week brought back notable discounts on the M4 iPad Air with markdowns of up to $69. Apple's August Amazon sale offers up to $500 off across Mac, iPad, Air Tag, and Apple Watch categories, with prices starting at just $27. Samsung's newest line of smartphones and smartwatches launches tomorrow, making today the last chance for pre-order discounts including up to a $350 Amazon gift card. M5 MacBook Air models are now up to $200 off with many deals ending this weekend, along with the MacBook Pro at $500 off and Apple Watch SE 3 and Ultra 3 at $130 off.
Carrier, Services, and App News
T-Mobile retired its 2G GSM network on Monday, August 3, meaning all three major carriers in the United States have now ended 2G service, and the original iPhone has lost its last cellular network. A T-Mobile outage last week left many iPhone users across the US without service for several hours, and affected customers could snag $10 to $80 in compensation. Spotify has crossed 300 million paying subscribers, a major new milestone for the audio subscription service as it competes with Apple Music. Apple has expanded support for the Apple Account Card in the Wallet app to Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Malta. Apple Card users have a new way to get more value out of Booking.com without spending months climbing its loyalty ranks, though the perks are limited. WhatsApp announced a series of updates to group chats, including an "@all" mention feature, three new poll upgrades, and a faster way to spin off new groups from existing ones. WhatsApp channel admins will soon get the ability to flag AI-generated media as the EU's new transparency requirements for AI-generated content take effect. Signal's latest iOS update expands its multi-device feature for iPhone users. Madden NFL 27 Arcade Edition is now available on Apple Arcade as a full Madden NFL game without in-app purchases. Disney could introduce an ad-supported Disney+ free tier in the future, according to comments Disney CEO Josh D'Amaro made during the company's latest earnings call. Following X Money's launch last month, one question has repeatedly surfaced: what happens to your money if X suspends or closes your social media account. RevenueCat's annual Shipaton mobile hackathon is officially back, running August 1 through September 30 with $1 million worth of prizes. Wispr Flow users on Mac can now access Notetaker, an AI-powered meeting assistant that uses calendars, connected apps, and personal dictionaries. Bingers, a new TV-tracking app from the founder of TV Time, is now available to download with a heavier lean on social features.
Security, Scams, and Safety Warnings
A malware campaign is using fake Zoom updates and business files to install Screen Connect, giving attackers remote control through software that can resemble legitimate IT activity, and it has now come to mac OS. No, your Uber payment method didn't expire — it's just a scam email attempting to steal your payment information. Viral posts telling iPhone owners to refrigerate overheated devices should be ignored, as that will cause condensation damage. TikTok boasted about adding measures to protect teenagers from harmful content but deliberately kept them from 15 million Americans until one killed himself, and then lied about being responsible. Even though Apple now supports RCS to let Android users join iMessage conversations, the risky Sunbird app is back to persuade them to route everything through its servers. Apple's baffling bug bounty changes finally make sense according to a new analysis.
Apple Watch Accessories, Gaming, and Miscellaneous
One of the favorite iPhone cases is back with a new look, as Bitmo Lab's GAMEBABY translucent case turns your iPhone into a Game Boy with real buttons. The Memoket Gem is an 11g AI wearable that slots beside your Apple Watch in a co-wear band, pressing once to capture a conversation. A new study covering wearing an Apple Vision Pro during certain surgeries concluded that it is superior to existing medical equipment. Boat owners are getting a new entertainment option as Crest Marine and Balise bring Car Play to pontoon boats. Apple's Newton handheld computer was both the company's biggest failure and its greatest peek into the future, now 33 years after its August 1993 launch. If you have a very specific iPad and iPad OS combo — M1 or M2 iPads still running iPad OS 16 — a jailbreak solution has emerged to install mac OS natively, though it is experimental. Apple released a fourth version of the beta firmware it is testing for the Air Pods Pro, Air Pods Pro, and Air Pods 4 with iOS 27 features. The Apple Health app on iPhone is a powerful way to track all facets of your health, whether recording data from your Apple Watch, importing records straight from your doctor, or integrating with third-party services. The 9to5Mac Daily podcast recapped the top stories of the day including potential iPhone 18 Pro shortages and Apple iPhone event clues. Benjamin and Chance returned for another episode recapping the week in Apple news, including the interesting details of Apple's most recent earnings calls and the last of the Tim Cook era. The Apple @ Work podcast examined the state of digital signage on Apple TV in 2026.