Last updated: August 7, 2026, 1:07 PM ET

Apple News Briefing: August 5-7, 2026

iPhone 18 Pro and September Event Preparations

Apple is officially gearing up for its September iPhone event, which is expected to debut the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and an all-new foldable device. The company has reportedly begun preparing for the event with internal logistics and retail staff preparations already underway. Based on Apple's announcement history over the past six years, the event date announcement typically arrives roughly two weeks before the actual presentation, which is expected in early September.

The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are rumored to arrive with 12 new features, including an upgraded camera system, the A20 Pro chip, and a redesigned battery. Reports suggest the devices will look similar to the iPhone 17 Pro but include significant internal upgrades across processing, imaging, and connectivity. The iPhone 18 Pro is also expected to get "even more Pro" this year in three key ways: camera improvements, battery life, and a higher price point.

On pricing, rumors point to a significant increase, with some reports suggesting the iPhone 18 Pro could start at $1,399, representing a $250–300 jump over current models. As iPhones get more expensive, T-Mobile has launched a new 3-year plan to help spread the cost across a longer period. Several other Apple products are also likely facing price hikes next month, extending the recent round of increases across the lineup.

However, supply concerns loom large. The iPhone 18 Pro could sell out fast due to a global DRAM shortage, with Apple's A20 Pro processor assembly reportedly slowed by RAM supply constraints. The RAM supply issue is also affecting the broader electronics industry, with prices expected to rise further before improving. The global RAM and SSD crisis continues to echo through home electronics pricing, and memory manufacturers are reaping massive profits while a fix remains far off.

The event format remains a topic of debate. While Apple's employee lottery for the September launch has stirred speculation, it's unlikely to be a live-presented event and will probably follow the same pre-recorded format as recent years. However, some analysts suggest the event could be "livelier" this year, with Bloomberg's Mark Gurman hinting at possible format changes.

iPhone Ultra and the Foldable Revolution

Apple's first foldable iPhone, reportedly named the iPhone Ultra, is expected to launch alongside the iPhone 18 Pro lineup. Based on rumors about the software experience, the device sounds truly deserving of the "Ultra" name, with a unique multitasking interface and foldable-specific features. Apple's fall event is expected to look different this year, with rumors pointing to a flagship-only lineup of three premium models rather than four closely related devices, leaving the cheaper base iPhone 18 for spring.

The foldable market is poised for a boost, with global foldable smartphone shipments expected to grow 20% in 2026, largely driven by Apple's entry into the category. However, both the iPhone 18 Pro and the foldable iPhone Ultra could face supply constraints due to memory shortages, potentially leading to sellouts at launch.

Apple's Market Dominance and Financial Performance

Apple continues to dominate the premium smartphone market, capturing 65% of the global premium segment in the first half of 2026, as the premium segment's share of overall smartphone sales climbed to a record 29%. For smartphones selling at over $600, Apple's share grew 9% year over year, though Chinese brands are making inroads in local markets.

Ahead of iPhone 18 Pro mass production, Apple's main manufacturer Foxconn has announced record monthly earnings, driven by AI infrastructure demand. Meanwhile, Apple's attempt to use Chinese memory maker CXMT as leverage against Samsung and SK Hynix has backfired, with the Korean chipmakers gaining more pricing power rather than less.

On the tablet front, iPad shipments fell 8% in Q2 2026 amid a broader global tablet market decline, following Apple's reported 5% year-over-year drop in iPad revenue for the June quarter. The company's overall earnings call revealed interesting details about the last of the Tim Cook era, including a universal clipboard interoperability initiative.

Software Updates: iOS 26.6.1 and mac OS Tahoe 26.6.1

Apple appears to be testing a forthcoming iOS 26.6.1 update for iPhone users, coming nearly two weeks after iOS 26.6 was released. The company's software engineers are internally testing the update, according to Mac Rumors visitor logs, as Apple accelerates its iPhone software refresh cycle.

On the Mac side, Apple has released macOS Tahoe 26.6.1 with security fixes, addressing a serious Screen Sharing vulnerability. The security details for the macOS Tahoe, Sequoia, and Sonoma updates have now been published, with the Screen Sharing flaw being the most critical issue patched.

iOS 27 New Features

iOS 27 continues to deliver a wealth of new features across the platform. The update adds four new ways to customize the Lock Screen, including new wallpaper settings and design controls. A new compact clock option gives your wallpaper more room to breathe, offering the opposite of iOS 26's oversized clock display.

Apple Wallet gains a feature that's been on many users' wishlists: physical pass import, allowing users to digitize physical cards and passes. The Messages app gets a time-saving one-tap suggestion feature that streamlines common responses. Car Play in iOS 27 adds two new features for popular Apple apps, including a mini player and scrubbing controls.

iOS 27 also brings Gym Kit to iPhone and Air Pods, essentially turning your devices into an Apple Watch at the gym. Air Pods Pro 3 users get two exclusive new features in the update. Apple has also released a fourth beta firmware for Air Pods models with iOS 27 features. iPad OS 27 adds two new iPad features that enhance the Notes app and multitasking experience.

Apple Watch, Health, and Fitness

The Apple Watch is getting a major upgrade with watch OS, which could make the hypertension notifications feature even better with more detailed health insights. The Apple Watch Ultra 4 is coming next month with three new features that have early reviewers excited, launching alongside the iPhone 18 Pro.

The Apple Health app on iPhone is more powerful than many realize, with capabilities ranging from recording Apple Watch data to importing doctor records. Apple Watch users in China can participate in the National Fitness Day challenge this weekend to unlock virtual rewards.

Deals and Pricing

This week brought some of the best Apple deals of the summer. The AirPods Pro 3 are now at $189.99, nearly 25% off, alongside up to $500 off select MacBook Pro models and the lowest iPad Air prices since Apple's price hike. Amazon is offering up to $190 off M5 MacBook Air models in what are the best deals since the price increase. Apple's own refurbished store has added rare M5 MacBook Pro configs and Apple TV 4K models.

Apple has also increased trade-in values for most iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch models, though third-party vendors and carrier offers may still provide better value. The loaded M5 Max MacBook Pro with a 40-core GPU is $500 off at Amazon, representing the largest discount on the 16-inch lineup. Best Buy's Back to School sale continues with notable markdowns on Apple devices, TVs, and headphones.

Apple Watch deals are particularly strong this month, with discounts of up to $172 off Series 11 and Ultra 3 models at Amazon and Walmart. The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is $99 off at Amazon. The Apple Watch Series 11 is $172 off alongside Nike Watch bands and Air Pods Pro 3 deals. MacBook Neo models are up to $120 off in Apple's refurbished store. M5 MacBook Air laptops are up to $200 off with deals ending this weekend.

Samsung's newest line of smartphones and smartwatches launches tomorrow, making today the last chance for pre-order discounts including up to $350 in Amazon gift cards. Amazon's broader Apple sale offers up to $500 off across Macs, iPads, and Apple Watch, with prices starting at just $27.

Security and Privacy

Security researchers have uncovered a serious issue with Apple's iCloud Private Relay, which is leaking users' real IP addresses despite promises of masking. Researchers Tommy Mysk and Talal Haj Bakry documented the flaw, which affects the paid Safari protection feature.

In other security news, researchers have discovered Mac malware that can steal cryptocurrency wallets through a single pasted Terminal command, draining credentials and funds. The most blatant backdoor yet seen in an internet router has been found in Chinese routers sold under multiple brand names, with a firmware implant that phones home to command servers.

Apple's bug bounty program changes, which were initially baffling, finally make sense according to security experts. Telegram CEO Pavel Durov claims an extortionist manipulated Apple into removing the app from the App Store by planting AI-modified CSAM content. The unsafe iMessage-for-Android app Sunbird is back despite Apple now supporting RCS. Scammers are increasingly using FaceTime for fraud according to the latest Security Bite podcast.

Users should also be wary of a scam Uber email making the rounds that attempts to steal payment information. They should never put a hot iPhone in the fridge or freezer despite viral social media advice.

Apple TV+ and Entertainment

Ted Lasso is officially back, with season 4 now streaming on Apple TV after a three-year hiatus. The show's return headlines Apple's fall lineup of new shows and movies, alongside upcoming seasons of Slow Horses and Dark Matter. Apple TV's surprise hit series Widows Bay is making the jump to theaters for one night only.

However, not all news is positive. The high-profile television version of Tom Wolfe's "The Bonfire of the Vanities" has been dropped by Apple TV due to creative differences. Madden NFL 27 Arcade Edition is now available on Apple Arcade as a full Madden NFL game without in-app purchases or ads.

Disney could introduce a free ad-supported Disney+ tier in the future, according to comments from Disney CEO Josh D'Amaro during the company's earnings call. A new TV-tracking app called Bingers, from the founder of TV Time, has launched with a stronger focus on social features.

AI, OpenAI, and the Apple Lawsuit

The Apple vs. OpenAI legal battle continues to unfold, with Apple's lawsuit clarifying that the iCloud mess didn't play a role in how a former employee may have accessed confidential documents. Apple has also flagged delays in Jon Prosser's response to the leak lawsuit, with his counsel attributing the delay to Prosser caring for his newborn child.

OpenAI continues to expand its ecosystem. New details have emerged about the company's first smart device, a doughnut-shaped speaker with specific pricing and design plans. The latest Chat GPT version, GPT-5.6, promises 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 for reusable AI-agent extensions.

Adobe is positioning itself as the creative engine behind AI with a new Chat GPT plugin that ensures creators use Adobe tools regardless of platform. Meta has launched Muse Code, a terminal coding agent for mac OS that costs up to 20x less if users allow Meta to train on their data. Mac Paw is building an on-device AI layer for Mac apps in partnership with Liquid AI, starting with its Eney AI assistant.

The cost of AI is a growing concern, as discussed in the latest AppleInsider Podcast, which covers iPhone component costs, the OpenAI lawsuit, and the reality that someone has to pay for all this AI. Siri AI is coming to newer Apple devices only, with a full list of compatible hardware now available.

Mac, Mac Pro Anniversary, and Accessories

The original Mac Pro, affectionately known as the "cheese grater," turns 20 years old today, and enthusiasts are celebrating it as the best Mac ever made. The anniversary lands five months after Apple discontinued the machine for good, with the original unveiled on August 7, 2006.

BBEdit, the legendary Mac text editor, has been earning devotees for 34 years with its simple yet powerful approach to text editing. Apple's Newton handheld computer, launched 33 years ago, is being remembered as both the company's biggest failure and its greatest peek into the future, setting the stage for the iPad and iPhone.

A new jailbreak solution allows users to run macOS on M1 and M2 iPads still running iPad OS, though the process is extremely limited. Surgeons are praising the Apple Vision Pro as a great bargain for surgical applications, with a new study concluding it's superior to existing medical equipment.

Apple Account Card, Wallet, and Smart Home

Apple has expanded the Apple Account Card in the Wallet app to Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Malta, continuing the feature's global rollout. The card's expansion raises questions about what it is and what it isn't, as it functions differently from traditional payment cards.

iOS 27 includes hints about an all-new Apple Home product launching soon, likely a home security camera. Lutron Caseta is expanding its smart home integration with Sonos Voice Control, enabling hands-free control of smart-home devices. Abode has launched new Apple Home-compatible sensors for garage doors, gates, and sheds.

The Home Pod mini 2 is expected soon, with Apple preparing smart home updates for its small wireless speaker. Crest Marine and Balise are bringing Apple CarPlay to pontoon boats, giving boat owners a new entertainment option on the water.

Other Notable News

T-Mobile has retired its 2G GSM network, meaning the original iPhone has lost its last cellular network in the United States. X Money has launched with a comprehensive FAQ covering account suspensions, 6% APY, and physical cards, addressing what happens to funds if X suspends an account.

Spotify has crossed 300 million paying subscribers, a major milestone as Apple Music prepares iOS 27 upgrades. Signal's latest iOS update expands its multi-device feature, making it easier to use the app across different iPhones. WhatsApp channel admins will soon get the ability to flag AI-generated media as EU transparency requirements take effect.

Wispr Flow has launched Notetaker, its first product beyond dictation, offering AI-powered meeting assistance for Mac users. Revenue Cat's annual Shipaton mobile hackathon is back with $1 million worth of prizes, running through September 30. A new translucent case from GAMEBABY turns your iPhone into a Game Boy with real buttons.

TikTok is facing serious scrutiny after a report that the platform deliberately turned off safety controls for 15 million American teenagers, leading to a teen's death and subsequent lies about responsibility. For Apple Watch enthusiasts, a roundup of favorite accessories of 2026 highlights the Memoket Gem, an 11g AI wearable that slots beside the Apple Watch.