Apple News 3 Days

Last updated: August 10, 2026, 9:02 AM ET

iPhone Lineup: Cost Surge, Release Timeline, and Foldable Ambitions

Apple's upcoming iPhone 18 Pro is expected to cost 38% more to manufacture than its predecessor, driven by soaring memory prices, according to a new TrendForce analysis. The memory crisis is the primary culprit, with component costs rising nearly 40%. The 9to5Mac report notes that Apple may still absorb some of the increase, but price hikes for consumers are likely. The iPhone 18 Pro launch is expected around September 9, 2026, according to industry estimates. Rumors point to a 2nm A20 chip, C2 modem, and under-display Face ID for the Pro model. Meanwhile, a separate rumor claims iPhone 17 prices could rise as soon as Monday, August 10, well ahead of the expected September refresh. The iPhone 17 is also set to break a 15-year flagship record for longest time without a price cut, analysts say.

For shoppers on the fence, one analysis argues you should buy iPhone 17 Pro now rather than wait for the iPhone 18 Pro, citing diminishing returns. The iPhone Air reaches one year on sale next month, and speculation about its successor is ramping up. On the foldable front, the iPhone Fold is expected to ship in silver or dark blue, while the third-generation foldable iPhone Ultra 3 is rumored for a 2028 launch. First-gen foldable iPhone Ultra colors are also silver and dark blue. A poll asks readers which they plan to buy: iPhone 18 Pro or foldable iPhone Ultra.

Mac: New Models, Chip Strategy, and Supply Constraints

Apple is likely to unveil a new M6 MacBook Pro and refreshed iMacs in October, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. The company is rumored to give MacBook Pro users two compelling new options this fall, including a possible MacBook Ultra. In a surprising move, Apple is skipping its M6 Pro and M6 Max chips to accelerate the M7 launch, according to Bloomberg. Meanwhile, MacBook Air stock is dwindling due to RAM shortages affecting supply. Apple's M5 MacBook Pro and other models have appeared in the Certified Refurbished Store. The original Mac Pro turns 20 years old, with many still praising it as the best Mac ever made. The legendary text editor BBEdit continues to be a Mac app legend at 34 years. IDC data shows Mac shipments growing as the broader PC market declines, boosting the case for MacBook Neo and Air in the enterprise.

Apple Watch: Ceramic Returns, Radical Redesigns, and Health Upgrades

Apple is planning to reintroduce its ceramic Apple Watch casing as soon as this year with the Series, per Bloomberg. The company is also re-evaluating the Apple Watch lineup, considering round models, a screenless fitness tracker, and other radical designs. Software-wise, watchOS 27 may upgrade the Apple Watch's hypertension alerts, making that important health feature even better. For smart home enthusiasts, the Eve Weather sensor is touted as a must-have for Apple Home automations in 2026.

Services, Software, and AI Developments

Apple is testing iOS 26.6.1 internally, while iOS 26 has received its first jailbreak via Dopamine after 326 days. The upcoming iOS 27 beta is described as easy to forget, but it includes a long-awaited fix for a common iPhone wireless issue with Wi-Fi to cellular lag. In iOS 27, Apple Wallet gains the ability to import physical passes, a feature long wished for. The Apple Account Card has expanded to four new countries: Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Slovenia. Apple added 43 new MFi hearing devices across 22 brands.

In China, Apple Support briefly posted a guide for using Alibaba's Qwen AI with Siri before removing it. Separately, OpenAI has delayed its next major AI model "Astra" over critical hacking concerns. OpenAI is also working on exporting custom ChatGPT stickers to WhatsApp. Claude Code now supports cross-session messaging on mac OS. Apple's supplier SK hynix is making a $38B bet on AI memory demand lasting until 2029, but that won't lower iPhone prices. Apple holds 65% of the global premium smartphone market in the first half of 2026.

Car Play, Accessories, and Other Hardware

If you're experiencing CarPlay connection drops, radio interference may be the cause. Three major automakers — Tesla, Rivian, and GM — still don't support Car Play, and here's why. WhatsApp has made parent-managed accounts easier to set up on iPhone. Apple is rumored to launch three new Ultra products by early next year. New AirPods with cameras could launch next month alongside the iPhone 18 Pro. The Ohsnap MCON modular controller transforms your iPhone into a mobile game console. OLED iMac panels from LG Display may include an extra layer to fight screen burn-in. Apple considered a leased iPhone program with pre-set devices but dropped it, as did a similar seamless setup feature for Apple Upgrade. Pocket Jam is an indie app for learning songs. The A16 iPad is at its best price since June's hike at Amazon.

Apple TV+ and Media

Apple TV+ launched a clever new commercial for Ted Lasso season four. Actor James Marsden was confirmed for his third Apple TV project, "Bad News Dads". The Sunday Reboot column covers AI device worries and Ted Lasso cheapness.

Legal, Crime, and Miscellaneous

Apple flagged discovery delays in its trade secret lawsuit against Jon Prosser. Crime blotter includes a Miami Apple Store theft involving stolen credit cards. Apple has abandoned Cinematic mode, which one writer calls a mistake. A price hike analysis wonders if rising costs will force Apple to deliver on product upgrades. The 9to5Mac Overtime podcast discusses native retro games on iPhone, and the 9to5Mac Daily covers iPhone Fold hype and mac OS updates.