Apple News 3 Days

Last updated: August 8, 2026, 5:55 PM ET

iPhone 18 Pro and Ultra: What to Expect

Apple’s annual September iPhone event is just about a month away, with a split launch that will leave the base iPhone 18 for spring and focus the fall on three premium models. The iPhone 18 Pro rumor roundup points to a 2nm A20 chip, an Apple C2 modem, and under‑display Face ID. Pricing is expected to jump significantly: the iPhone 18 Pro cost could increase $250–$300 over the previous generation. A new rumor also claims that iPhone 17 prices could rise as soon as Monday, ahead of the wider Pro‑series increase. Meanwhile, Apple prepares for iPhone 18 Pro launch by expanding its reach with new programs, but a RAM shortage is holding up assembly of the A20‑powered devices. For those deciding between models, a new poll asks whether you plan to buy an iPhone 18 Pro or foldable iPhone Ultra. And if you’re wondering whether to wait, an analysis argues you should buy iPhone 17 Pro now instead of holding out for the next generation. The iPhone Air 2 also reaches one year on sale next month, with its successor now closer than its debut.

Upcoming Apple Hardware: Macs, iPad, and Air Pods

Apple is making major changes to its Mac roadmap. According to reports, Apple is skipping its M6 Pro and M6 Max entirely to accelerate M7 launch, with the M7 family expected later. For the MacBook Pro, two compelling new models are rumored to arrive this fall: an M6‑powered Pro and a higher‑end “MacBook Ultra.” A broader rumor suggests Apple will launch three new Ultra products by early next year. Meanwhile, the Mac Pro turned 20 years old this week, and a retrospective calls it the best Mac ever made, even as Apple discontinued the line five months ago.

On the iPad front, the 11th‑generation A16 iPad is seeing its best price since June’s hike — Amazon is taking $50 off Wi‑Fi models, bringing the starting price to $399. However, new data shows iPad shipments fell 8% in Q2 2026, part of a wider tablet market decline. Apple also expanded its refurbished store with rare M5 MacBook Pro configs, Apple TV 4K, and more. For audio fans, new AirPods with cameras could launch next month, bringing spatial‑aware features.

Apple Software Updates: iOS, watch OS, mac OS

iOS 27 is packed with long‑awaited fixes and refinements. The update includes a fix for a common Wi‑Fi to cellular lag, making the iPhone feel more responsive. A new compact clock option lets your wallpaper breathe, while the Wallet app finally adds support for importing physical passes. Gym Kit is coming to iPhone and Air Pods, effectively turning them into an Apple Watch at the gym. For Air Pods Pro, iOS 27 brings exclusive new features including better adaptive audio and conversation awareness. Car Play gains two new features for popular Apple apps, including a mini‑player and scrubbing controls.

On the wearables side, watchOS 27 could upgrade hypertension alerts, making the Apple Watch’s important health feature even better. Apple is also testing iOS 26.6.1 internally, while the first jailbreak for iOS 26 arrived after 326 days thanks to the Dopamine team. For mac OS, Apple released macOS Tahoe 26.6.1 with security fixes. Additionally, iOS 27 hints at a new Home product — an Apple Home security camera — arriving soon.

Services and Media: Apple TV+, Wallet, Car Play

Apple TV+ launched a clever “Welcome Back” commercial to celebrate the return of Ted Lasso season four, using clips from iconic films to welcome back the show. Actor James Marsden was confirmed for his third Apple TV+ project, joining the cast of Bad News Dads after starring in Your Friends & Neighbors in a third project for Apple. The full Apple TV fall lineup reveals new shows and movies, and one surprise hit, Widow’s Bay, is making a one‑night‑only theater jump on August 22. Meanwhile, the high‑profile series adaptation of The Bonfire of the Vanities was dropped by Apple TV due to creative differences. On the streaming service front, Disney CEO Josh D’Amaro hinted that Disney+ could introduce a free ad‑supported tier in the future.

Apple’s Wallet app continues to expand: the Apple Account Card is now available in four new countries including Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. For CarPlay, iOS 27 adds mini‑player and scrubbing features (covered above). Also, X Money launched last month, and a new FAQ addresses account suspensions, 6% APY, and physical cards.

Security and Privacy

A new episode of Security Bite explains why scammers love FaceTime — the platform’s high trust factor makes it a prime vector for phishing. Apple’s baffling bug bounty changes finally make sense in the latest Security Bite column, which explains the rationale behind the changes. Apple released mac OS Tahoe 26.6.1 to patch a serious Screen Sharing vulnerability that could allow attackers to run arbitrary code. Researchers also discovered new Mac malware that steals crypto wallet credentials — a single pasted Terminal command can lead to theft. On the network security front, the biggest backdoor yet was found in Chinese routers sold under multiple brand names, with a firmware implant that phones home to a command server. Finally, beware of a scam Uber email making the rounds — it claims your payment method expired but is actually trying to steal your payment information.

AI and Developer Tools

OpenAI is hitting delays: the company is pausing its next major model, Astra, because its cyber capabilities are too dangerous. Meanwhile, users may soon be able to create and export custom ChatGPT stickers to WhatsApp. The latest Chat GPT version introduces a “Think” button to find more reliable facts, while a report shares new pricing and design details about OpenAI’s first device — a doughnut‑shaped speaker. GPT‑5 turns one tomorrow, and OpenAI is celebrating by introducing Agent Plugins, an open standard for reusable AI‑agent extensions. Adobe is also embracing AI: the company integrated with Chat GPT to become the creative engine behind AI, allowing users to generate images directly in the chatbot.

On the coding assistant front, Anthropic updated Claude Code so that separate coding sessions can message each other directly, eliminating the need to manually copy context. Starting August 14, Claude Code auto mode will become the default for Pro, Max, and Team users unless pinned otherwise. Meta launched Muse Code, a new mac OS terminal coding agent that costs up to 20x less if you let Meta train on your data.

Enterprise and Market

Apple captured a record 65% of the global premium smartphone market in the first half of 2026, as the premium segment’s share of overall sales climbed to a record 29%, according to Counterpoint Research data. Meanwhile, Apple’s attempt to use Chinese memory maker CXMT as leverage against Samsung and SK Hynix backfired, giving the Korean chipmakers more pricing power. On the supply side, Apple RAM supplier SK hynix is making a massive $38 billion bet on AI demand lasting until 2029, but the investment won’t make your next iPhone cheaper. The Apple @ Work column explains what IDC’s latest shipments mean for the MacBook Neo and Air in the enterprise. A podcast episode on Apple Insider discusses who pays for AI, iPhone 18 rumors, and the lawsuit with OpenAI.

Apple also boosted its trade‑in values across most devices, but you can still do better by comparing carrier and private sale offers. The updated trade‑in estimates for iPhone, Mac, and more are now live.

Deals and News Briefs

Several notable deals are ending soon. Amazon has the M5 MacBook Air at up to $190 off — the best deals since the price hike. There’s also a last call to save up to $200 on M5 MacBook Air laptops, with many deals ending this weekend. Air Pods Pro 3 dropped again, now at nearly 25% off, alongside M5 MacBook Air and iPhone Air discounts in the 9to5Toys Lunch Break roundup. For Samsung fans, today is the last day for up to $350 Amazon gift card with Galaxy pre‑orders. And across the Apple Watch lineup, summer sales offer savings of up to $172 off Series, Ultra, and SE models.

In other news: the original iPhone lost its last cellular network as T‑Mobile retired its 2G GSM network. Apple added nearly 45 hearing devices to Made for iPhone compatibility. WhatsApp is bringing parent‑managed account controls to iPhone. Madden NFL 27 Arcade Edition is now available on Apple Arcade. And Apple Car Play connection issues might be caused by radio interference — not your phone or cable.