Apple News 3 Days

Last updated: August 8, 2026, 11:48 PM ET

Upcoming iPhone Lineup

Apple's September event is expected to feature a split launch with the iPhone 18 Pro and a foldable iPhone Ultra leading the lineup, while the standard iPhone 18 arrives next spring. The iPhone 18 Pro will reportedly include a 2nm A20 chip, a custom C2 modem, and under-display Face ID, according to a comprehensive rumor roundup. Pricing could jump by $250–$300, as detailed in a price analysis. Meanwhile, the foldable iPhone Ultra may debut in silver and dark blue, per a leak. A poll asks which flagship readers plan to buy. As early as Monday, August 10, iPhone 17 prices could rise, according to a new rumor. An argument suggests buying the iPhone 17 Pro now instead of waiting for the 18 Pro. Apple expanded its trade-in values for iPhones, Macs, and more, detailed in two reports — but better deals may exist elsewhere. A RAM shortage is reportedly slowing iPhone 18 Pro assembly, as noted in an AppleInsider report. Apple is also preparing for the launch by expanding its reach through new programs. The iPhone Air turns one soon, and the MacRumors Show discusses what might change for its successor. The original iPhone lost its last cellular network as T-Mobile killed 2G.

iOS and Software Updates

iOS 27 has been in beta for about two months, and a 9to5Mac piece calls it “the easiest beta to forget about.” The update fixes a common Wi‑Fi to cellular lag issue, as reported. A new compact clock option gives wallpaper more breathing room. iOS 27 also adds a long‑awaited physical pass import feature to Apple Wallet. Gym Kit comes to iPhone and Air Pods, effectively turning them into an Apple Watch at the gym. Car Play gains a mini player and scrubbing for Apple apps. The software hints at an all‑new Apple Home product, likely a security camera. Air Pods Pro 3 get new features exclusive to iOS 27. Apple is also testing iOS 26.6.1 internally. Meanwhile, iOS 26 received its first jailbreak via the Dopamine tool after 326 days.

watch OS, mac OS, and Other OS Updates

watchOS 27 could improve Apple Watch’s hypertension notifications. Apple released macOS Tahoe 26.6.1 with security fixes, addressing a serious Screen Sharing vulnerability. The latest macOS updates also cover Tahoe, Sequoia, and Sonoma.

Mac and iPad Hardware

Apple is rumored to launch two new MacBook Pro models this fall, including an M6 and an Ultra variant, as detailed. Apple is skipping its M6 Pro and M6 Max chips to accelerate the M7 launch, per Bloomberg. The company’s refurb store now includes rare M5 MacBook Pro configs, Apple TV 4K, and more, as noted. Deals on M5 MacBook Air up to $200 off are ending soon. Amazon is offering up to $190 off the M5 MacBook Air. The 11th‑generation iPad is on sale for $399 at Amazon, its best price since a June hike, per MacRumors. iPad shipments fell 8% in Q2 2026 amid a global tablet decline. Apple’s Mac shipments grew while the PC market declined, according to IDC data discussed in Apple @ Work. A new rumor claims three “Ultra” products will launch by early next year. The original Mac Pro, affectionately called the “cheese grater,” turns 20 years old today — five months after Apple discontinued it. An AppleInsider piece celebrates it as the best Mac ever made. The 34‑year‑old text editor BBEdit remains a Mac legend, as highlighted in an article.

Apple TV and Services

Apple TV launched a clever “Welcome Back” commercial for Ted Lasso season four, now airing, as covered. The fall lineup reveals every new show and movie coming soon, per a 9to5Mac list. The surprise hit series “Widow’s Bay” is making the jump to theaters for one night only. Actor James Marsden was confirmed for his third Apple TV project, “Bad News Dads.” However, “The Bonfire of the Vanities” series was dropped by Apple TV due to creative differences. New Air Pods with cameras could launch next month alongside the iPhone 18 Pro, as speculated. Madden NFL 27 Arcade Edition is now available on Apple Arcade. The Apple Account Card expanded to four new countries, as reported.

Car Play, Accessories, and Smart Home

A report explains why Tesla, Rivian, and GM still don’t support Car Play. Car Play connection issues may be caused by radio interference, not your iPhone. Apple added nearly 45 hearing devices to its Made for iPhone compatibility list. Lutron Caseta now integrates with Sonos voice control for hands-free smart home control.

Legal and Security

Apple flagged discovery delays in its trade secret lawsuit against Jon Prosser, with no response from his lawyer in a month — his counsel cited newborn care. A massive backdoor was found in Chinese routers sold under multiple brand names. Mac malware can steal crypto wallet funds via a single pasted Terminal command. Apple’s bug bounty changes finally make sense, according to Security Bite. A separate episode explains why scammers love Face Time.

AI and Third-Party Developments

OpenAI delayed its next major AI model, “Astra,” over critical hacking concerns, as reported. The company is also working on a donut‑shaped speaker device, per Bloomberg, with pricing and design details shared. A new Chat GPT version (GPT-5.6) introduces a “Think” button for more reliable facts. Users may soon be able to export custom stickers from Chat GPT straight to WhatsApp. OpenAI’s GPT-5 turns one, and the company introduced Agent Plugins, an open standard. Claude Code added cross‑session messaging on mac OS, and will enable auto mode as default next week. Adobe integrated with Chat GPT to become the creative engine behind AI.

Apple’s Market Position and Supply Chain

Apple captured 65% of the global premium smartphone market in the first half of 2026. Supplier SK Hynix is making a $38B bet on AI memory demand through 2029, but it won’t cut iPhone prices. Apple’s bid to use Chinese chipmaker CXMT as leverage against Samsung and SK Hynix appears to have backfired.

Miscellaneous

WhatsApp enhanced parent‑managed accounts on iPhone. X Money’s FAQ covers account suspensions, 6% APY, and physical cards. Apple’s Cinematic mode has been abandoned, which one writer calls a mistake. iOS 27 also adds compact clock and GymKit to iPhone. Apple Health tips are shared. The Indie App Spotlight features Pocket Jam, a song‑learning app, as profiled. 9to5Mac Overtime discusses native retro games on iPhone. The 9to5Mac Daily podcast recaps the top stories of August 7, as noted. Another podcast episode covers earnings, clipboard interoperability, and iPhone event chatter. The Apple Insider Podcast discusses AI costs, frozen iPhones, and scam avoidance. Deals today include AirPods Pro 3 at 25% off and M5 MacBook Air discounts. Samsung Galaxy pre‑orders end today with up to $350 Amazon gift card. Apple sweetened trade‑in values but better options may exist elsewhere.