Last updated: August 7, 2026, 2:40 PM ET
iPhone 18 Pro & September Event
Apple's fall iPhone event is expected to look different this year, with rumors pointing to a flagship-only September lineup rather than four closely related models. Rather than unveiling four closely related models, reports suggest Apple will introduce three premium devices, leaving the cheaper base iPhone 18 for spring. The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are just a month away, expected to look similar to the iPhone 17 Pro but with at least 12 rumored new features. Rumors point to an upgraded camera system, the A20 Pro chip, and more significant changes across the lineup. The iPhone 18 Pro is getting even more "Pro" this year in at least three ways, including cameras, battery, and pricing. Apple's iPhone 18 Pro rumor roundup includes a 2nm A20 chip, C2 modem, and under-display Face ID technology. The iPhone 18 Pro launch is expected around September 9, 2026, based on Apple's historical announcement patterns. Apple's event announcement history gives a remarkably consistent window for when invitations will arrive next month.
The iPhone 18 Pro could sell out fast due to a DRAM shortage, affecting both the Pro models and the foldable iPhone Ultra. The RAM supply situation is reportedly slowing assembly of the iPhone 18 Pro, with the A20 Pro processor not being cranked out as fast as it could be. Apple's bid to use Chinese chipmaker CXMT as leverage against Samsung and SK Hynix has backfired, giving the Korean chipmakers more pricing power. The global RAM and SSD crisis continues to echo through home electronics pricing, with RAM manufacturers reaping massive profits. A fix is coming, but it is a long time away and may not help consumers immediately. Apple supplier SK hynix is investing $38 billion to expand chip production amid global shortages, though it won't make your next iPhone any cheaper. The investment is a massive bet on the AI boom lasting until 2029, according to the company's projections.
The iPhone 18 Pro price predictions suggest a $250 to $300 increase is expected, with some reports citing a $1,399 starting price. As iPhones get more expensive, T-Mobile has launched a new 3-year plan to help customers manage the higher costs. Several Apple products are likely getting more expensive next month, following recent price increases across much of the product lineup. Apple is gearing up for a more focused iPhone launch this fall, with the cheaper base iPhone 18 being saved for spring. Apple's employee lottery for the September iPhone launch doesn't mean it will be a return to a live-presented event, as it will probably be the same pre-recorded format. However, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman stirred things up with a deliberately teasingly-phrased tweet that some took as a reference to a live keynote.
The foldable iPhone Ultra sounds truly deserving of the "Ultra" name, based on rumors about the product's software experience. Apple's first foldable iPhone is coming very soon, and it sounds very much like a premium device. Global foldable smartphone sales are expected to rise 20% this year due to the "iPhone Ultra" effect, according to industry analysts. Apple is expected to announce at least five new devices next month at its annual iPhone-centric event, possibly including devices waiting on Siri. The iPhone Air reaches one year on sale next month, and Apple is now closer to launching its successor than to the original's debut. The MacRumors Show podcast discussed what changes after a difficult first year for the iPhone Air.
Memory Shortage & Supply Chain
The world's RAM supply crisis is going to get worse before it gets better, with prices soaring and supply shortages expected to worsen. 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 iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max, and foldable iPhone Ultra could be in short supply this year due to the memory shortage. Apple's A20 Pro processor isn't being cranked out as fast as it could be because of RAM shortages, reportedly slowing assembly of the iPhone 18 Pro. Apple supplier SK hynix's $38 billion investment is a massive bet on AI demand lasting until 2029, but it won't lower iPhone prices. Ahead of producing the iPhone 18 Pro and the folding iPhone, Foxconn has announced record monthly earnings driven by AI demand.
Market Share & Financials
Apple captured 65% of the global premium smartphone market in the first half of 2026, as the wider premium segment's share of overall smartphone sales climbed to a record 29%. For smartphones selling at over $600, Apple owns 65% of that market and grew 9% year over year in the first half of 2026, according to Counterpoint Research. However, Chinese brands are making a dent in local market share, even as iPhone demand remains strong globally. 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's Q3 2026 earnings of $109.4 billion in revenue were up 16%, though iPad sales lagged. The 9to5Mac Daily podcast recapped the top stories of the day, including iPhone Fold hype and mac OS updates.
iOS & mac OS Updates
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. Apple's software engineers are internally testing iOS 26.6.1 according to Mac Rumors visitor logs, as Apple speeds up its iPhone update cadence. Apple today released macOS Tahoe 26.6.1 with security fixes, coming a little over a week after the previous update. The latest macOS updates address a serious Screen Sharing vulnerability, with Apple publishing security details for mac OS Tahoe, Sequoia, and Sonoma updates.
iOS 27 Features
iOS 27 adds a variety of new features for Apple Wallet, including physical pass import that's been on many users' wishlists for years. The new compact clock in iOS 27 gives your wallpaper room to breathe, offering the opposite of iOS 26's stretched clock option. iOS 27 basically turns your iPhone and AirPods into an Apple Watch at the gym, bringing Gym Kit to iPhone and Air Pods for the first time. GymKit has been one of Apple Watch's smartest fitness features since it launched in 2017, and now it's expanding beyond the watch. AirPods Pro 3 are getting new features in iOS 27, with two features exclusive to the Pro 3 model. CarPlay in iOS 27 adds two new features for popular Apple apps, including a mini player and scrubbing controls. iOS 27 adds four new ways to customize your iPhone's Lock Screen, continuing Apple's trend of giving users more design control. The best new Messages feature in iOS 27 is all about saving you time with one-tap suggestions based on your conversations.
iOS 27 hints at an all-new Home product launching soon, possibly a Home security camera, alongside hints about the new iPhone Ultra. iPadOS 27 adds two new iPad features that users have been loving, with new features in apps like Notes. Siri AI is coming to newer Apple devices only, with a full list of compatible devices for the major iOS 27 and mac OS Golden Gate upgrade. Apple has released a fourth version of beta firmware for Air Pods Pro, Air Pods Pro, and Air Pods 4 with iOS 27 features.
Apple Watch & Health
watchOS 27 could make Apple Watch's hypertension notifications even better, upgrading the important and potentially life-saving feature added last year. The Apple Watch added hypertension notifications in watch OS, and the new update promises improvements. August Apple Watch deals deliver savings of up to $172 off Series, Ultra, and SE 3 styles at Amazon and Walmart. Apple Watch Ultra 3 deals have returned with $99 off at Amazon, but they won't last long. The Apple Watch Ultra 4 is coming next month alongside iPhone 18 Pro, with three new features that already have users excited. The Apple Health app on iPhone is a powerful way to track all facets of your health, whether recording data from Apple Watch or importing records from your doctor.
Deals & Trade-In
B&H's $1,349 M5 MacBook Air deal with 24GB RAM ends this weekend, offering $150 off the upgraded model. Amazon is taking up to $190 off M5 MacBook Air with the best deals since the price hike, available on multiple models. Time is running out to save up to $200 on M5 MacBook Air laptops, with many deals ending this weekend. The AirPods Pro 3 are available for $189.99, with up to $500 off select MacBook Pro models and the lowest iPad Air prices since Apple's price hike. AirPods Pro 3 dropped even lower at 25% off, alongside the ongoing Air Pods Max 2 offer at $100 off. The 9to5Toys Lunch Break tracks the return of all Air Pods Max 2 deals and Apple Watch Series 11 at $172 off. Apple's loaded M5 Max MacBook Pro with 40-core GPU is $500 off at Amazon, the largest discount currently available across the 16-inch lineup. Best Buy's Back to School sale includes notable markdowns on MacBook Pro, Air Pods, TVs, headphones, and monitors. The MacBook Neo is up to $120 off alongside MacBook Pro at $500 off and Apple Watch SE 3 and Ultra 3 at $130 off.
Apple has significantly increased trade-in values for most devices, but you should compare carrier offerings and private sale values to get the most for your hardware. Apple today updated its U.S. trade-in estimates, raising values for most iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch models. Samsung's newest line of smartphones and smartwatches launches tomorrow, making today the last chance to get pre-order discounts including up to $350 in Amazon gift cards.
Legal News
Apple has told a federal court it hasn't heard from Jon Prosser's legal team in a month, as discovery drags on in its trade secret lawsuit against the leaker. In a joint status report filing, Apple said Prosser's counsel attributed the delays to him caring for his newborn child. The AppleInsider Podcast discussed Apple's lawsuit with OpenAI, noting that the legal battle is only just beginning. One theory about how a former Apple employee may have accessed confidential documents after joining OpenAI has been dispelled by Apple's lawsuit, with iCloud mess not playing a role. The 9to5Mac Daily podcast covered the latest Apple vs OpenAI drama in its August 4 episode.
Apple TV+ & Entertainment
Ted Lasso Season 4 is now streaming on Apple TV, with the first episode available as of today, three years after the season 3 finale. The Apple TV fall lineup reveals every new show and movie coming soon, including Ted Lasso season 4 and other hits. Ted Lasso is officially back for season 4, and two more hit Apple shows are coming soon including Slow Horses and Dark Matter. Apple TV's surprise hit series is making the jump to theaters for one night only, as Apple reserves theaters for its hit show. 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. Madden NFL 27 Arcade Edition is now available on Apple Arcade, a full Madden NFL game without additional purchases. Bingers, a new TV-tracking app from the founder of TV Time, is now available to download with more social features.
Security
Apple's iCloud Private Relay is leaking users' real IP addresses, according to security researchers Tommy Mysk and Talal Haj Bakry. The paid Safari protection feature that promises to keep your IP masked doesn't always work, the researchers found. The latest macOS updates address a serious Screen Sharing vulnerability, with Apple publishing security details for the Tahoe, Sequoia, and Sonoma updates. Researchers have uncovered Mac malware that can steal credentials and drain cryptocurrency wallets, with one pasted Terminal command opening the door to theft. The most blatant security backdoor yet seen in an internet router has been found in a range of Chinese routers sold under multiple brand names, with a firmware implant phoning home. Telegram was subject to a "takedown extortionist" who planted AI-modified child sexual abuse material to get Apple to remove the app from the App Store. The Security Bite podcast discussed why scammers love FaceTime now, explaining the latest scam tactics. Apple's baffling bug bounty changes finally make sense according to the latest Security Bite analysis. No, your Uber payment method didn't expire — it's just a scam email attempting to steal your payment information, and here's how to spot it. As social media advice goes, viral posts telling iPhone owners to refrigerate overheated devices should be ignored as that will cause condensation damage.
AI & OpenAI
OpenAI's GPT-5 turns one tomorrow, and the company is marking the week by introducing Agent Plugins, an open standard for reusable AI-agent extensions. The new ChatGPT version has a "Think" button and promises to find more reliable facts, with GPT-5.6 being more succinct and providing confident wrong answers less often. A new report shares pricing and design details about OpenAI's first device, a doughnut-shaped speaker that could cost significantly less than competitors. Adobe's newest AI ChatGPT plugin shows the company doesn't care where people create, but more on ensuring they create with Adobe. Meta today launched Muse Code, a terminal coding agent for mac OS that costs up to 20x less if you let Meta train on your data. 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. MacPaw is building an on-device AI layer that will work across your Mac apps, partnering with Liquid AI to co-develop the technology stack. Wispr Flow users on Mac can now access Notetaker, an AI-powered meeting assistant that uses calendars, connected apps, and personal dictionaries.
Mac & Other Products
MacBook Pro users will soon have two compelling new upgrade options, with rumors pointing to M6 and Ultra models launching this fall. The original Mac Pro turns 20 today, and even though the whole range is now gone, people are still celebrating this old, favorite workhorse. Apple announced the original Mac Pro 20 years ago today, with the anniversary landing five months after the company discontinued the machine for good. BBEdit has been rightly earning devotees on the Mac for 34 years, remaining simple, still powerful, and a true Mac app legend. Apple has added new products to its Certified Refurbished Store including M5 MacBook Pro models, the Studio Display XDR, and high-end M5 MacBook Air configurations. Apple is preparing some smart home updates with a new HomePod mini expected soon, featuring Siri improvements and smart home controls. A new study covering wearing an Apple Vision Pro during certain surgeries has concluded that it is superior to existing medical equipment, with surgeons enthusing about what a great bargain it is. Crest Marine and Balise are bringing CarPlay to pontoons, giving boat owners a new entertainment option as they bob on the water. 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. A jailbreak solution has emerged for M1 and M2 iPads still running iPadOS 16 that can install mac OS, though it is experimental. Lutron is expanding its 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. The Memoket Gem is an 11g AI wearable that slots beside your Apple Watch in a co-wear band, among the favorite Apple Watch accessories of 2026. Even though Apple now supports RCS, the risky Sunbird app is back to persuade Android users to route their iMessage conversations through its servers.
Apple Wallet & Other News
Apple this week expanded support for its Apple Account Card in the Wallet app to Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Malta. The Apple Account Card option for Wallet started rolling out earlier and continues to expand globally. T-Mobile retired its 2G GSM network on Monday, August 3, meaning the original iPhone has lost its last cellular network in the United States. All three major carriers in the US have now ended their 2G networks. X Money's launch last month raised questions about what happens to your money if X suspends or closes your social media account, with answers about account suspensions, 6% APY, and physical cards. 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. Apple seems to have abandoned Cinematic mode, and that's a mistake according to 9to5Mac, which argues the feature was a huge deal when unveiled with the iPhone 13 back in 2021. RevenueCat's annual Shipaton mobile hackathon is officially back, running August 1 through September 30 with $1 million worth of prizes for winning apps. TikTok boasted about adding measures to protect teenagers from harmful content but deliberately kept them from 15 million Americans until one killed himself, then lied about being responsible. The 9to5Mac Daily podcast covered Apple iPhone event clues in its August 5 episode. 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.