Apple News 3 Days

Last updated: August 10, 2026, 2:53 PM ET

Software Updates

Apple has been busy releasing a fresh wave of beta software across all its platforms. The company seeded the fifth developer beta of iOS 27 after an unusually long three-week wait, alongside companion updates for iPad OS, tv OS, watch OS, vision OS, and mac OS 27 Golden Gate. The macOS Golden Gate fifth beta arrives two weeks after the previous build, signaling continued progress toward the milestone release. For those still on last year's OS, Apple also released surprise second-wave betas for iOS 26.6.1 and iPad OS 26.6.1 with security fixes, as well as a macOS Tahoe 26.6.2 beta for developers and public testers. The watchOS 27 beta 5 is now available for download, and a separate tvOS 27 beta 5 has been seeded to developers. Additionally, Apple provided the fifth visionOS 27 beta for Vision Pro testing. According to one analysis, iOS 27 beta 5 continues beta testing of a major Siri AI upgrade expected later this year. However, the iOS 27 beta cycle has felt uneventful, with few headline features compared to previous years. Notably, iOS 27 includes a long-awaited fix for the lag when switching from Wi‑Fi to cellular. Separately, the iOS 26 jailbreak has finally arrived after 326 days via the Dopamine jailbreak tool. For Mac users, the text editor BBEdit remains a legendary 34‑year‑old app that is still simple and powerful.

iPhone 18 and Anniversary iPhone Rumors

Leaks and rumors are heating up ahead of Apple’s September event. A leaked photo appears to show a massive 5,391 mAh battery for the iPhone 18 Pro Max, nearly 12% larger than the iPhone 17 Pro Max. Another report alleges that the iPhone 18 Pro Max’s battery may be a record capacity. The flagship color for the iPhone 18 Pro is rumored to be a dark cherry red, with a known leaker weighing in on the correct shade. Meanwhile, the rumored all-glass 20th‑anniversary iPhone has reportedly been canceled, according to Jefferies analyst Edison Lee. Two separate sources confirm that the all‑glass design for next year’s iPhone is apparently canceled. The cancellation led Jefferies to downgrade Apple stock to Underperform and cut its price target to $263.66. A new Bloomberg report says Apple has eight new products to unveil at its September event, including the iPhone 18 Pro. The iPhone 18 Pro will cost Apple 38% more in components, according to Trend Force, though there is some good news. The parts cost increase for the iPhone 18 Pro over the 17 Pro is estimated at 38%, driven by memory prices. A separate TrendForce analysis confirms the iPhone 18 Pro will cost nearly 40% more to build. The iPhone 17 may see a price increase as soon as Monday, according to a rumor. Meanwhile, the iPhone 17 is set to break a 15‑year record as the longest‑lasting flagship without a price drop. For those considering a new phone, an analyst argues you should buy iPhone 17 Pro now instead of waiting for the.

Foldable iPhone and Apple Watch Redesigns

Apple’s foldable iPhone plans are becoming clearer. The device, potentially called “iPhone Ultra” or “iPhone Fold,” is expected to come in silver and dark blue colorways, according to leaked camera protector accessories. The foldable iPhone Ultra is rumored to launch in those two finishes. Meanwhile, a report from Bloomberg suggests Apple is exploring a major Apple Watch shake-up, including a round model and a screenless fitness tracker. A round Apple Watch is possible, but an Apple Ring is more likely. Apple is also planning to reintroduce the ceramic Apple Watch casing as soon as this year. Additionally, Apple is re-evaluating the entire Apple Watch lineup and considering radical new designs. The foldable competition is heating up: Apple's foldable iPhone Ultra faces a surging Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8. A third‑generation foldable 'iPhone Ultra 3' is rumored to feature larger displays and launch as early as 2028. Apple also dropped its plan to ship leased iPhones pre‑set up, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. The scrapped “white‑glove” Apple Upgrade feature would have made setup much more seamless.

Pricing, Supply, and Component News

Memory chip shortages and price hikes continue to impact Apple’s lineup. Apple has been testing Chinese memory chips from CXMT in iPhones and Mac Books, while rivals are already shipping them. The RAM shortages are now affecting MacBook Air availability, with dwindling supply. A new report reveals Apple has been testing CXMT memory in more than just iPhones. Apple is expected to pay 38% more for iPhone 18 Pro components than last year. The memory crisis will make the iPhone 18 Pro 40% more expensive to manufacture. As a result, an analyst asks whether price hikes will force Apple to speed up product upgrades. iMacs with OLED screens are now predicted for 2029, with LG Display developing five‑layer panels to fight burn‑in. The OLED iMac panel could include an extra layer to prevent burn‑in. Ahead of the September event, M6 MacBook Pro and refreshed iMacs are likely coming in October. Apple is reportedly skipping its M6 Pro and M6 Max chips to accelerate the M7 launch. Apple also briefly posted a China guide for connecting Siri to Qwen AI, raising privacy questions. A guide to Apple Intelligence using Qwen briefly appeared for Apple users in China. A support guide explaining the Siri AI integration with Alibaba’s Qwen was published and then quickly removed.

Content, Services, and Entertainment

Apple announced a series of live Immersive Video MLB games for Apple Vision Pro. The Friday Night Baseball season will stream key games live in Apple Immersive for US viewers. Apple and MLB have released the September schedule for Friday Night Baseball, with four games in immersive video. The 3D MLB games coming to Vision Pro mark another step for live sports in spatial computing. Apple TV also launched a clever new commercial to welcome back Ted Lasso for a fourth season. Actor James Marsden has confirmed his third Apple TV+ project. A feature request highlights the need to end the guessing game with iPhone app settings. Additionally, a new episode of the Smart Home Insider podcast covers a flight tracking poster and a Schlage Sense Pro review. The Eve Weather sensor is a must‑have for Apple Home automations in 2026.

AI and Ethical Considerations

OpenAI has delayed its next major AI model Astra over critical hacking concerns. The company is “pausing” activities because of its dangerous cyber capabilities. Separately, generative AI needs ethical leaders and to be controlled like nuclear power, argues a column. Anthropic updated Claude Code to add cross‑session messaging on mac OS. OpenAI is also working on a feature to export custom ChatGPT stickers directly to WhatsApp.

Accessories, Deals, and App News

Meta released a brand‑new Facebook Creator Studio app for iPhone. WhatsApp is making parent‑managed accounts easier to set up on iPhone. Apple added nearly 45 hearing devices to its Made for iPhone compatibility list. If your CarPlay connection drops, radio interference might be the cause. Several automakers like Tesla, Rivian, and GM still don’t support CarPlay — here’s why. A hands‑on review of the Ohsnap MCON controller shows a modular controller that transforms your iPhone into a mobile game console. New AirPods with cameras could launch next month alongside the iPhone 18 Pro. Apple is rumored to launch three new ‘Ultra’ products by early next year. The Indie App Spotlight features Pocket Jam, which helps you learn and practice your favorite songs. A 9to5Mac Overtime episode discusses native retro games on iPhone. B&H is blowing out M4 15‑inch MacBook Air inventory at $1,279. Amazon has the Apple Watch SE 3 for $219. The A16 iPad is at its best price since June’s hike at $399. Deals also include AirPods Pro 3 at nearly 25% off and other accessories.

Other Notable News

A crime blotter reports that thieves tried using stolen credit cards at a Miami Apple Store, and a Senate committee has Anthony Fauci’s iPhone. The Sunday Reboot column covers AI device worries and Ted Lasso cheap prizes. Apple is exploring an Apple Watch rethink that could include a round model. The foldable iPhone colors are silver and dark blue. Finally, Apple’s Apple Maps in iOS 27 brings a wide array of new features.