Apple News 3 Days

Last updated: August 9, 2026, 2:50 AM ET

iPhone 18 Pro & Foldable iPhone Ultra

Apple’s annual September iPhone event is roughly a month away, and this year the company is moving to a split launch for the iPhone 18 lineup. Rather than unveiling four closely related models, rumors point to a flagship-only September lineup consisting of three premium models: the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the first-ever foldable iPhone Ultra. A new rumor suggests the iPhone Ultra will launch in two colors — silver and dark blue. The foldable device is expected to be announced next month alongside the Pro models, with Apple also rumored to launch three new “Ultra” products by early next year, including the foldable iPhone, a new Apple Watch Ultra, and possibly an Ultra-branded Mac. On the Pro side, a comprehensive rumor roundup details the iPhone 18 Pro’s expected features: a 2nm A20 Pro chip, Apple’s C2 modem, under-display Face ID, and an upgraded camera system. Pricing is a major concern, with predictions of a $250–$300 increase over the current iPhone 17 Pro. Meanwhile, Apple is sweetening trade-in values for most devices, though third-party vendors may offer more. The company is also preparing for launch by expanding its reach with new programs, saving the cheaper base iPhone 18 for spring 2027. For those considering whether to buy an iPhone 17 Pro now, an analysis argues you should buy iPhone 17 Pro now rather than wait, given the expected price jump and incremental upgrades. A poll asks readers whether they plan to buy the iPhone 18 Pro or the foldable iPhone Ultra. Additionally, a rumor claims iPhone 17 prices could rise as soon as Monday, August 10, ahead of the wider increases expected with next month’s launch.

iOS 27 & watch OS 27

iOS 27 has been in beta for about two months, with the public release still 4–6 weeks away. Some describe it as “the easiest beta to forget about,” but it packs several notable improvements. One long-awaited fix addresses a common wireless issue: Wi-Fi to cellular lag when switching networks. A new compact clock option for the Lock Screen gives your wallpaper room to breathe, allowing you to choose a smaller time display. Car Play in iOS 27 adds two new features for popular Apple apps: a mini player and scrubbing controls. Gym Kit support expands beyond Apple Watch: iOS 27 basically turns your iPhone and AirPods into an Apple Watch at the gym, letting them connect to compatible equipment. Apple Wallet gains a feature that’s been on many wishlists for years: physical pass import, allowing users to scan and add paper tickets and passes. For Air Pods Pro, iOS 27 brings new exclusive features, including adaptive audio refinements and conversation awareness tweaks. iOS 27 also hints at an all-new Home product launching soon, possibly a security camera. On the watch side, watch OS 27 could make the Apple Watch’s hypertension notifications even better, with upgrades to the alert system. Meanwhile, Apple is internally testing iOS 26.6.1 for older iPhones, and mac OS Tahoe 26.6.1 has been released with security fixes. A separate mac OS update addresses a serious Screen Sharing vulnerability in mac OS Tahoe, Sequoia, and Sonoma.

Mac & iPad

Apple’s Mac lineup is seeing significant changes. According to reports, Apple is skipping its M6 Pro and M6 Max chips to accelerate M7 launch, aiming to bring M7 Pro, M7 Max, and M7 Ultra chips to market sooner. MacBook Pro users will soon have two compelling new upgrade options: a new MacBook Pro with an M6 chip and a higher-end MacBook Ultra model rumored for fall. Meanwhile, the iconic Mac Pro turns 20 years old today, five months after Apple discontinued the tower. The original “cheese grater” design is still celebrated as the best Mac ever made. In the iPad segment, shipments fell 8% in Q2 2026 amid a global tablet market decline, contributing to a 5% year-over-year drop in iPad revenue for Apple’s June quarter. On a brighter note, Apple has added a host of products to its Certified Refurbished Store, including rare M5 MacBook Pro configs, the Studio Display XDR, and Apple TV 4K. Deals continue on M5 MacBook Air models: Amazon is taking up to $190 off, and the offer is described as the best since a price hike earlier this year. Time is running out to grab up to $200 off M5 MacBook Air laptops, with many deals ending this weekend. Additionally, the 11th-generation iPad (A16) is at its best price since June’s hike: $399 at Amazon.

Apple TV+ & Entertainment

Apple TV+ is gearing up for a busy fall. The streaming service welcomed back Ted Lasso with a clever new “Welcome Back” commercial alongside the season four premiere. Actor James Marsden has been confirmed for his third Apple TV project, titled “Bad News Dads,” after his role in “Your Friends & Neighbors.” The fall lineup reveals every new show and movie coming soon, including “Widow’s Bay,” a surprise hit series that is making the jump to theaters for one night only. However, not all projects survive: the high-profile series adaptation of Tom Wolfe’s “The Bonfire of the Vanities” has been dropped by Apple TV due to creative differences. On the gaming front, Madden NFL 27 Arcade Edition is now available on Apple Arcade, offering a full Madden experience without in-app purchases.

Apple Services, Wallet & More

Apple this week expanded support for its Apple Account Card in the Wallet app to Estonia, Latvia, and other countries, giving users a clearer picture of what the card is and isn’t. In iOS, Wallet gains the ability to import physical passes, as noted. The Apple Health app is more powerful than many realize; a guide offers top tips for maximizing its features, including data from Apple Watch and integration with doctors. For music and smart home, Lutron Caseta now integrates with Sonos voice control, enabling hands-free commands. Car Play in iOS 27 gets new features for Music and Podcasts. However, three major automakers—Tesla, Rivian, and GM—still don’t support Car Play, and an article explains why they resist and whether that might change.

Supply Chain, Chips & RAM

Apple’s chip supply chain is facing challenges. SK Hynix, one of Apple’s memory suppliers, is making a massive $38B bet on AI boom lasting until 2029, but that won’t make iPhones cheaper. Meanwhile, RAM supply issues are holding up iPhone 18 Pro assembly, with a shortage of memory reportedly slowing production of the A20 Pro processor. Apple’s attempt to use Chinese memory maker CXMT as leverage against Samsung and SK Hynix has backfired, giving the Korean chipmakers more pricing power. In other supply chain news, a massive backdoor found in Chinese routers sold under multiple brand names raises security concerns, though it’s not Apple-specific.

Security & Legal

Apple has told a federal court that 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, Apple flagged delays in Prosser’s response, which his counsel attributed to caring for his newborn child. Separately, Apple’s bug bounty program recently underwent changes that are now explained. A malicious Mac malware that can steal cryptocurrency wallet funds via a single pasted Terminal command has been uncovered. Additionally, the most blatant security backdoor yet in internet routers has been found, affecting multiple brands. On a positive note, Apple has published security details for mac OS updates that patch a serious Screen Sharing vulnerability.

AI & OpenAI

OpenAI has been busy. The company delayed its next major AI model “Astra” over critical hacking concerns, pausing activities because its cyber capabilities are too advanced. A new Chat GPT version introduces a “Think” button to find more reliable facts, and GPT-5 turns one as OpenAI shares a new Agent Plugins standard. You may soon be able to create and export custom ChatGPT stickers straight to WhatsApp. In other AI news, Adobe is hell-bent on becoming the creative engine behind AI with a new ChatGPT plugin. Anthropic’s Claude Code adds cross-session messaging on mac OS, and Claude Code will enable auto mode as default next week. The cost of AI is also a theme: someone has to pay for it, as discussed on the AppleInsider Podcast.

Deals & Market

Apple captured 65% of the global premium smartphone market in the first half of 2026, according to Counterpoint Research. The premium segment’s share of overall smartphone sales climbed to a record 29%. On the deals front, today’s best offers include Air Pods Pro 3 at nearly 25% off, M5 MacBook Air $190 off, iPhone Air $150+ off, and more. Amazon also has up to $190 off M5 MacBook Air models, and last day for up to $350 Amazon gift card with Samsung Galaxy pre-orders is today. Apple’s trade-in values have been raised for iPhone, Mac, and more, but you can still do better with carrier deals or private sales.

Miscellaneous

The original iPhone loses its last cellular network as T-Mobile kills 2G. A new indie app called Pocket Jam helps you learn and practice your favorite songs on iPhone. The Mac Rumors Show this week discusses iPhone Air 2 and what changes after a difficult first year. BBEdit, the 34-year-old Mac text editor, remains a legend. Apple seems to have abandoned Cinematic mode, which an op-ed argues is a mistake. For those interested in retro gaming, a podcast discusses retro games on iPhone. Finally, Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro launch event is expected on September 9, 2026, based on estimates. The Apple Insider Podcast covers paying for AI, freezing iPhones, and avoiding scams.