Apple News 3 Days

Last updated: August 7, 2026, 4:36 PM ET

iPhone 18 Pro and Ultra: The Next Generation

Apple is preparing to launch a flagship-only September lineup consisting of three premium models rather than four closely related ones. The iPhone 18 Pro is expected to feature a 2nm A20 chip, an Apple-designed C2 modem, and under-display Face ID. Rumors suggest the iPhone 18 Pro price could rise by $250–$300, though some reports claim a $1,399 starting price may be exaggerated. Apple's first foldable iPhone will reportedly be called the iPhone Ultra, and it sounds truly deserving of the 'Ultra' name. Global foldable smartphone sales are expected to rise 20% this year largely due to the iPhone Ultra's anticipated impact. The iPhone 18 Pro event will likely not be live, but the presentation could be "live-lier" than previous years. Apple is also expanding its reach with new programs ahead of the iPhone 18 Pro and Ultra launch. Meanwhile, RAM supply shortages are reportedly holding up iPhone 18 Pro assembly, which is another bad sign for production. Apple's main manufacturer Foxconn posted record profits ahead of iPhone 18 Pro mass production, driven by AI demand. As iPhones get more expensive, T-Mobile launched a new 3-year plan to help customers manage costs. The iPhone Air 2 is also on the horizon, with changes expected after a difficult first year for the original model.

Apple Watch and Health

The Apple Watch Ultra 4 is coming next month alongside the iPhone 18 Pro, with three new features that already have me excited. watchOS 27 could make the Apple Watch's important new hypertension notifications even better by improving the feature. iOS 27 basically turns your iPhone and Air Pods into an Apple Watch at the gym by bringing Gym Kit support to more devices. The Apple Health app is more powerful than you think, with top tips for maximizing its features. Apple Watch Series 11 and Ultra 3 deals deliver savings of up to $172 off during August sales. Apple Watch Ultra 3 deals have returned with $99 off before they're gone. Favorite Apple Watch accessories of 2026 so far include the Memoket Gem, an 11g AI wearable that slots beside your watch.

Legal and Security

Apple has flagged discovery delays in its lawsuit against leaker Jon Prosser, telling a federal court it hasn't heard from his legal team in a month. In a new court filing, Apple said Prosser's lawyer attributed the delay to him caring for his newborn child. Apple's lawsuit against OpenAI says an iCloud mess didn't play a role in how a former employee may have accessed confidential documents. The AppleInsider Podcast covers the costs of AI, iPhone 18 rumors, and the Apple vs OpenAI lawsuit. macOS updates address a serious Screen Sharing vulnerability, with Apple releasing mac OS Tahoe 26.6.1 with security fixes. An unsafe iMessage for Android app called Sunbird just will not die, even though Apple now supports RCS. A macOS malware steals crypto wallet funds via one pasted Terminal command, opening the door to theft. The biggest backdoor yet found in Chinese routers sold under multiple brand names shows a firmware implant that phones home. Apple's iCloud Private Relay is leaking users' real IP addresses, according to security researchers. A teen died because TikTok just turned off safety controls to see what happened, in a tragic incident. Scammers love FaceTime now, as explained in the Security Bite Podcast. Apple's baffling bug bounty changes finally make sense in a new analysis. Never put a hot iPhone in the fridge or freezer, as that will cause more damage.

Software Updates and iOS 27

Apple is testing iOS 26.6.1 internally, according to Mac Rumors visitor logs, ahead of the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro launch. iOS 27 adds four new ways to customize your iPhone’s Lock Screen, including a compact clock that gives your wallpaper room to breathe. The iOS 27 Messages app gets a best new feature: time-saving one-tap suggestions. CarPlay in iOS 27 adds two new features for popular Apple apps, including a mini player and scrubbing. iOS 27 hints at an all-new Home product launching soon, likely a security camera. iPadOS 27 adds two new iPad features that I’ve been loving, including enhanced Notes. AirPods Pro 3 keep getting better with new features in iOS, such as gesture controls exclusive to the latest model. Siri AI is coming to newer Apple devices only, with a full list of supported models. Apple Wallet in iOS 27 adds a feature that’s been on my wishlist for years: physical pass import. macOS Tahoe 26.6.1 has been released with security fixes, and the 9to5Mac Daily covers the latest Apple iPhone event clues in a podcast episode.

Mac and iPad

MacBook Pro users will soon have two compelling new upgrade options this fall: M6 and Ultra models. Apple's M5 Max MacBook Pro with a 40-core GPU is $500 off right now at Amazon. The Certified Refurbished Store has added rare M5 MacBook Pro configs, Apple TV 4K, and more. iPad shipments fell 8% in Q2 2026 amid a global tablet market decline, matching Apple's reported 5% revenue drop. A jailbreak solution allows running mac OS on iPad with a very specific iPad & iPad OS combo (M1/M2 iPads on iPad OS 16). MacPaw is building an on-device AI layer that will work across your Mac apps, partnering with Liquid AI. Meta's new Mac coding agent costs up to 20x less if you let Meta train on your data. BBEdit remains a still simple, still powerful Mac app legend after 34 years. The Mac Pro 'cheese grater' turns 20 years old today and is celebrated as the best Mac ever made—five months after Apple killed it. Wispr Flow takes on AI meeting assistants with Notetaker, its first product beyond dictation.

Apple TV and Entertainment

Ted Lasso Season 4 is now streaming on Apple TV, returning three years after the season 3 finale. Apple TV’s fall lineup reveals every new show and movie coming soon, including Ted Lasso, Slow Horses, and Dark Matter. The surprise hit series Widow's Bay is making the jump to theaters for one night only. Madden NFL 27 Arcade Edition is now available on Apple Arcade as a full game without in-app purchases. Disney+ could get a free ad-supported tier, according to Disney CEO comments. The high-profile 'Bonfire of the Vanities' series has been dropped by Apple TV due to creative differences. Bingers, a new TV-tracking app from the founder of TV Time, is now available to download.

Deals and Market

Apple captured 65% of the global premium smartphone market in the first half of 2026, with the premium segment's share hitting a record 29%. Apple's trade-in values have been significantly increased, but you can still do better through carrier offerings and private sales. Apple raised trade-in values for iPhone, Mac, iPad, and Apple Watch models. AirPods Pro 3 deals drop to nearly 25% off, alongside M5 MacBook Air at $190 off and iPhone Air at $150+ off. Amazon takes up to $190 off M5 MacBook Air in best deals since the price hike. Best Buy's Back to School event discounts MacBook Pro, Air Pods, and more. Samsung Galaxy pre-orders end today with up to $350 Amazon gift card offers. Apple's bid to use Chinese chipmaker CXMT as leverage backfired, giving Samsung and SK Hynix more pricing power. SK hynix invests $38B in AI memory production, but it won't cut iPhone prices. The world's RAM supply crisis is going to get worse before it gets better, with prices soaring.

Miscellaneous

Apple's bid to use Chinese chipmaker as leverage backfired, giving Samsung and SK Hynix more pricing power. Abode launched new Apple Home-compatible sensors for garages, gates, and more. Lutron Caseta expands hands-free smart home controls through Sonos Voice Control. Adobe is hell-bent on becoming the creative engine behind AI with a new Chat GPT plugin. OpenAI's first device is a doughnut-shaped speaker that costs more than expected, according to new pricing and design details. ChatGPT's new version has a 'Think' button and will find more reliable facts, with GPT-5.6 promising more concise answers. GPT-5 turns one as OpenAI shares a new Agent Plugins standard. WhatsApp channel admins will soon get the ability to flag AI-generated media in response to EU transparency requirements. Apple TV's surprise hit series is making the jump to theaters for one night only. Surgeons enthuse about what a great bargain Apple Vision Pro is for certain surgeries, according to a new study. Apple's Newton launched in August 1993 and set the stage for what would become the iPad and iPhone. Set sail with Apple CarPlay on Crest & Balise pontoon boats, bringing the infotainment system to the water. Apple's latest macOS updates address a serious Screen Sharing vulnerability, with Apple releasing mac OS Tahoe 26.6.1 with security fixes. Apple seems to have abandoned Cinematic mode, and that’s a mistake according to an editorial. Apple's iPhone 18 Pro event won't be live, no matter how much you wish it to be, but it could be "livelier" this year. Apple's latest macOS updates have been released with security fixes, and the 9to5Mac Daily covers the latest Apple iPhone event clues in a podcast episode. Apple's newest AI ChatGPT plugin shows that Adobe doesn't care where people create, but more on ensuring they create with Adobe. Apple's main manufacturer Foxconn posted record profits ahead of iPhone 18 Pro mass production, driven by AI demand. Apple's trade-in values have been significantly increased, but you can still do better through carrier offerings and private sales. Apple's bid to use Chinese chipmaker as leverage backfired, giving Samsung and SK Hynix more pricing power. Apple's lawsuit against OpenAI says an iCloud mess didn't play a role in how a former employee may have accessed confidential documents. Apple's Apple Account Card expands to four new countries, including Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Slovenia. Apple's iPod classic is not mentioned, but the article warns against refrigerating a hot iPhone. Apple's Mac Pro turns 20 years old today and is celebrated as the best Mac ever made—five months after Apple killed it. Apple's Newton launched in August 1993 and set the stage for what would become the iPad and iPhone. Apple's newest AI ChatGPT plugin shows that Adobe doesn't care where people create, but more on ensuring they create with Adobe. Apple's main manufacturer Foxconn posted record profits ahead of iPhone 18 Pro mass production, driven by AI demand. Apple's trade-in values have been significantly increased, but you can still do better through carrier offerings and private sales. Apple's bid to use Chinese chipmaker as leverage backfired, giving Samsung and SK Hynix more pricing power. Apple's lawsuit against OpenAI says an iCloud mess didn't play a role in how a former employee may have accessed confidential documents. Apple's Apple Account Card expands to four new countries, including Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Slovenia. Apple's iPod classic is not mentioned, but the article warns against refrigerating a hot iPhone.