Apple News 3 Days

Last updated: August 8, 2026, 2:52 PM ET

iPhone 18 Pro & Foldable iPhone Ultra

Apple’s annual September event is expected on September 9 for the iPhone 18 Pro lineup, though it will be a pre-recorded video rather than a live presentation. Rumors indicate a split launch this year, with the cheaper base iPhone 18 saved for spring and only the premium Pro and Ultra models arriving in September. The iPhone 18 Pro is expected to feature a 2nm A20 chip, Apple’s C2 modem, and under-display Face ID. Prices could rise by $250-$300 over current models, partly due to RAM shortages slowing assembly. Additionally, a rumor claims iPhone 17 prices could increase as soon as August 10, ahead of next month’s wider round.

On the foldable front, Apple is preparing a flagship-only September lineup with three premium models: iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max, and a foldable iPhone Ultra. Three new “Ultra” products are rumored to launch by early 2027, including the foldable iPhone Ultra. Apple is expanding its reach with new pre-order programs to prepare for the launch. Meanwhile, the first generation iPhone Air reaches its one-year anniversary next month, and a successor is being discussed on The MacRumors Show.

Apple Watch & Air Pods

The Apple Watch Ultra 4 is coming next month with three exciting new features including a new sensor. watch OS 27 could upgrade hypertension notifications on Apple Watch, making the health feature even better. In the Air Pods line, new AirPods with cameras are rumored to launch next month alongside the iPhone 18 Pro, potentially bringing spatial awareness features. Air Pods Pro 3 will gain exclusive features in iOS, including new capabilities. Deals this week include Air Pods Pro 3 at nearly 25% off, Air Pods Max 2 at $100 off, and more in the latest 9to5Toys roundup.

Mac & iPad

Apple is rumored to skip M6 Pro/Max chips to accelerate the M7 launch, according to Bloomberg. MacBook Pro users will soon have two compelling upgrade options: an M6 MacBook Pro and a higher-end model with an Ultra chip. The Mac Pro turned 20 years old this week, five months after Apple discontinued the tower. It’s celebrated as “the best Mac ever made” by AppleInsider. On the iPad side, Amazon offers the A16 iPad at its best price since June’s hike, starting at $399 after a $50 discount. iPad shipments fell 8% in Q2 2026 amid a global tablet market decline. Apple’s M5 MacBook Air is up to $200 off in limited-time deals from Amazon and other retailers, with last call to save.

Software & OS Updates

Apple is internally testing iOS 26.6.1 for iPhones, according to MacRumors. mac OS Tahoe 26.6.1 was released with security fixes addressing a serious Screen Sharing vulnerability. iOS 27 introduces several long-awaited features: a compact clock for the Lock Screen that gives your wallpaper room to breathe, a physical pass import to Apple Wallet that’s been on the wishlist for years, and Gym Kit support for iPhone and Air Pods so you can track workouts without an Apple Watch. Additionally, iOS 27 hints at an all-new Apple Home product, possibly a security camera. Car Play in iOS 27 adds a mini-player and scrubbing features for popular Apple apps.

AI & Developer Tools

OpenAI delayed its next major model “Astra” over critical hacking concerns, pausing activities. Meanwhile, GPT-5 turns one as OpenAI shares a new Agent Plugins standard. A new Chat GPT version features a “Think” button to find more reliable facts. Claude Code gains cross-session messaging on mac OS, allowing separate coding sessions to communicate directly. Claude Code auto mode will become the default permission setting next week for Pro, Max, and Team users. Meta launched Muse Code, a terminal coding agent for mac OS that costs up to 20x less if you let Meta train on your data. Adobe integrated with Chat GPT to become the creative engine behind AI. OpenAI also shared new pricing and design details about its first device, a doughnut-shaped speaker.

Streaming & Entertainment

Ted Lasso season 4 premiered this week on Apple TV+, with a clever new commercial called “Welcome Back.” James Marsden confirmed his third Apple TV+ project, “Bad News Dads,” after starring in “Your Friends & Neighbors.” Apple TV’s surprise hit “Widow’s Bay” is making a one-night-only jump to theaters. The high-profile “Bonfire of the Vanities” series was dropped by Apple TV due to creative differences. Apple’s fall lineup for Apple TV+ was previewed, including new shows and movies. Madden NFL 27 Arcade Edition is now available on Apple Arcade. Disney+ could get a free ad-supported tier in the future, per Disney CEO comments.

Security & Privacy

Apple’s mac OS updates patch a serious Screen Sharing vulnerability (detailed above). Security researchers uncovered Mac malware that can steal crypto wallet funds via a single Terminal command — a reminder to stay vigilant. A massive backdoor was found in Chinese routers sold under multiple brand names, with a firmware implant phoning home. Apple’s baffling bug bounty changes finally make sense in a Security Bite analysis. Scammers love Face Time now, as discussed on the Security Bite podcast. Beware of a scam Uber email making the rounds that tries to steal payment information.

Market & Financial

Apple captured 65% of the global premium smartphone market in the first half of 2026, with the premium segment reaching a record 29% of overall sales, according to Counterpoint. Apple’s memory supplier SK hynix is making a massive $38B investment in AI chip production, but that won’t cut iPhone prices. Apple’s attempt to use Chinese chipmaker CXMT as leverage against Samsung and SK hynix backfired, giving the Korean firms more pricing power. The Apple Account Card in Wallet expanded to Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Slovenia. Apple also raised trade-in values for iPhone, Mac, iPad, and Apple Watch, though better deals exist elsewhere.

Miscellaneous Apple News

iOS 27’s new Siri AI will be available only on newer Apple devices; here’s the full list. The original iPhone lost its last cellular network as T-Mobile killed 2G. WhatsApp introduced parent-managed accounts on iPhone and is working on a feature to label AI-generated media in channels. OpenAI is building custom ChatGPT stickers that can be exported to WhatsApp. Apple added nearly 45 hearing devices to its Made for iPhone compatibility list. Lutron Caseta expanded hands-free smart home controls through Sonos voice control. Abode launched new Apple Home-compatible sensors for garages and gates. The Apple Health app has powerful tips to maximize its features. The BBEdit text editor remains a Mac app legend at 34 years old.

Apple’s lawsuit against Jon Prosser continues, with Apple flagging delays in Prosser’s response; his counsel cited caring for his newborn. The 9to5Mac Overtime podcast discussed native retro games on iPhone, including a Pokémon 3D Mod and Mario Kart 64 port. Apple’s recent earnings call and universal clipboard interoperability were topics on the 9to5Mac Daily podcast. The AppleInsider podcast covered AI costs, iPhone 18 rumors, and the OpenAI lawsuit.

Car Play connection issues may be caused by radio interference, not your phone, cable, or car. Three automakers (Tesla, Rivian, GM) still don’t support Car Play, and here’s why. X Money launched with a 6% APY, account suspension concerns, and physical cards; an FAQ covers details. Samsung’s Galaxy pre-order deals for smartphones and smartwatches end today.

Deals & Accessories

Amazon offers up to $190 off M5 MacBook Air models in the best deals since the price hike. Apple’s Certified Refurbished Store added rare M5 MacBook Pro configs, Studio Display XDR, and Apple TV 4K. Apple Watch deals this month deliver up to $172 off Series 11 and Ultra. My favorite Apple Watch accessories of 2026 include the Memoket Gem AI wearable that slots beside the watch. Air Pods Pro 3 and MacBook Air deals (mentioned earlier) are part of a broader sale. Apple sweetened trade-in deals, but you can still do better by comparing carrier offerings.