Apple News 3 Days

Last updated: August 9, 2026, 8:46 PM ET

iPhone 18 Pro and Foldable Lineup

Apple’s fall iPhone event is expected to look different this year, with rumors pointing to a flagship-only September lineup. The iPhone 18 Pro is expected to feature a 2nm A20 chip, Apple’s C2 modem, and under-display Face ID, with a launch event likely scheduled for September 9. Meanwhile, the foldable iPhone Ultra is rumored to ship in silver and dark blue, with a third-generation model expected as early as 2028. A separate report suggests the iPhone Fold may also come in those two colorways. Apple is also re-evaluating the Apple Watch lineup and considering a round model and screenless fitness tracker. For those on the fence, a buying guide argues you should buy iPhone 17 Pro now instead of waiting for the 18 Pro. A poll asks readers whether they plan to buy the iPhone 18 Pro or the foldable iPhone Ultra. The iPhone 17 could see a price hike as soon as Monday, August 10. Additionally, the iPhone 17 is set to break a 15-year record for flagship longevity. The iPhone Air 2 reaches one year on sale next month, and Apple is now closer to launching its successor.

Mac Updates and Shortages

Apple’s Mac lineup is facing supply constraints due to RAM shortages. The MacBook Air is now seeing dwindling stock, expanding the availability issues beyond the MacBook Pro. Apple is reportedly skipping its M6 Pro and M6 Max chips to accelerate the M7 launch, which will include M7 Pro, M7 Max, and M7 Ultra variants. Two compelling new MacBook Pro upgrade options are expected this fall, including an M6 model and an Ultra model. The Mac Pro turns 20 years old today, and enthusiasts still celebrate it as the best Mac ever made, even though Apple discontinued the tower five months ago. IDC’s latest shipment data shows Mac growth even as the broader PC market declines, with implications for the MacBook Neo and Air in the enterprise.

Apple Watch and Health

Apple is planning to reintroduce the ceramic Apple Watch casing as soon as this year, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. The company is also exploring radical new designs, including a round model and a screenless fitness tracker. In software, watchOS 27 could upgrade the Apple Watch’s hypertension notifications, making the health feature even better.

Software and iOS 27

The iOS 27 beta has been described as the easiest to forget about after two months of testing. One long-awaited fix addresses a Wi-Fi to cellular lag issue. iOS 27 also introduces a compact clock for the Lock Screen, giving wallpaper more room. The update adds a physical pass import feature to Apple Wallet, a long-requested capability. Meanwhile, Apple is testing iOS 26.6.1 internally. The first jailbreak for iOS 26 has been released via the Dopamine jailbreak tool after 326 days.

Services and Content

Apple TV+ launched a clever new commercial to welcome back Ted Lasso for season four, but the promotion has been criticized for its cheap prizes. Actor James Marsden has been confirmed for his third Apple TV+ project, the series Bad News Dads. The Apple Account Card in Wallet expanded to four new countries this week, including Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Slovenia. The Sunday Reboot column also covers AI device worries and the Ted Lasso promotion.

Suppliers, Shortages, and Pricing

Apple’s memory supplier SK hynix is making a massive $38B investment in AI chip production, but the move won’t cut iPhone prices. RAM shortages are now affecting MacBook Air availability. The article on price hikes asks whether Apple will stop dragging its feet on certain product upgrades after dramatic price increases earlier this summer. The iPhone 17 price rumor suggests a hike as early as Monday.

Accessories and Third-Party

The Eve Weather sensor is highlighted as a must-have for Apple Home automations in 2026, providing local weather data for smart triggers. The Ohsnap MCON controller is a modular controller that slides open to transform your iPhone into a mobile game console (hands-on). Apple added 43 new Made for iPhone hearing devices across 22 brands. New AirPods with cameras could launch next month alongside the iPhone 18 Pro, featuring a very exciting new feature.

Security and Privacy

OpenAI has delayed its next major AI model, Astra, over critical hacking concerns, pausing activities related to its cyber capabilities. Apple evaluated a feature that would preload data for iPhone Upgrade buyers, but nixed it over privacy optics. A similar scrapped Apple Upgrade feature would have made setup much more seamless. In a crime blotter, thieves used stolen credit cards at a Miami Apple Store, and Anthony Fauci's iPhone is involved in a Senate committee investigation. Apple has flagged discovery delays in its trade secret lawsuit against Jon Prosser. Car Play connection issues may be caused by radio interference, not your iPhone or cable. The Security Bite podcast explains why scammers love Face Time now. WhatsApp is bringing parent-managed accounts to iPhone, making it easier for parents to set up controls. Tesla, Rivian, and GM still don’t support CarPlay, and here’s why.

Miscellaneous

BBEdit, the legendary Mac text editor, turns 34 years old and remains a powerful tool. Apple expanded its Certified Refurbished Store with rare M5 MacBook Pro configs, Apple TV 4K, and more. Claude Code has added cross-session messaging on mac OS, allowing separate coding sessions to communicate directly. The Indie App Spotlight features Pocket Jam, which helps you learn and practice songs on iPhone. WhatsApp may soon let you create and export custom stickers from Chat GPT. Claude Code will enable auto mode as default next week for Pro, Max, and Team users. The 9to5Mac Overtime podcast discusses native retro games on iPhone, including a Mario Kart 64 port. Apple’s Cinematic mode seems to have been abandoned, which the author argues is a mistake. The AppleInsider Podcast covers paying for AI, freezing iPhones, and avoiding scams. The MacRumors Show discusses the iPhone Air 2 after a difficult first year. The 9to5Mac Daily podcast recaps top stories including iPhone Fold hype and mac OS fixes. Apple’s premium smartphone market share stands at 65% globally in the first half of 2026. The A16 iPad is at its best price since June’s hike, $399 at Amazon. Apple is rumored to launch three new ‘Ultra’ products by early next year.