Apple News 3 Days

Last updated: August 11, 2026, 2:54 AM ET

Hardware & Design

Apple's all-glass 20th anniversary iPhone has reportedly been canceled, according to Jefferies analyst Edison Lee, contradicting earlier expectations. However, the company is still planning a "glass-centric" iPhone redesign for 2027, aiming to refute those cancellation claims. Meanwhile, a photo leak backs up a massive 5,391mAh battery for the iPhone 18 Pro Max, nearly 12% larger than its predecessor. Another leak reveals the rumored "Dark Cherry" shade for the iPhone 18 Pro, with a leaker weighing in on its correct color. The foldable "iPhone Ultra" may ship in Silver or Dark Blue, based on images of camera protector accessories, while the iPhone Fold could also come in those two colorways. Looking further ahead, Apple is already planning a third-generation foldable "iPhone Ultra 3" with larger displays for a potential 2028 launch. On the current lineup, iPhone 17 prices could rise as soon as Monday, according to a rumor, and the iPhone 17 is set to break a 15-year record for longest-supported flagship. For buyers debating timing, one analysis argues you should buy iPhone 17 Pro now instead of waiting for the iPhone 18 Pro. Apple also considered a "white-glove" element for its Upgrade program that would have delivered pre-set leased iPhones, but the idea never launched. That scrapped Apple Upgrade feature would have made setup much more seamless.

iOS 27 & Software Updates

Apple seeded the fifth developer betas of iOS, iPad OS, tv OS, watch OS, vision OS, and mac OS 27 this week. A new in-depth look covers everything new in iOS 27 beta 5, including updated Liquid Glass icons for Siri, Safari, and Settings. The latest beta also expands Siri AI voice customization with pace and expressiveness options. References in iOS 27 beta 5 point to a new feature to authenticate that a photo came from an iPhone camera. Additionally, Apple Maps gets significant upgrades — here's everything new for Apple Maps in iOS 27. The beta also introduces "Before Searching" settings and other tweaks. One perspective argues that iOS 27 is the easiest beta to forget about. For older devices, Apple released beta security updates for iOS 26.6.1, iPad OS 26.6.1, and mac OS Tahoe 26.6.2 with security fixes. Separately, Apple preps beta security updates for iOS 18 and mac OS. The company also released macOS Tahoe 26.6.2 beta and iOS 26.6.1 beta for developers. On the AI front, Apple briefly posted a China guide for connecting Siri to Qwen AI, revealing how Siri AI features work in China using Alibaba's models. A feature request suggests ending the guessing game with iPhone app settings. For photography, your iPhone can capture the Perseids meteor shower if you use the right tools. A new indie app called "Pocket Jam" helps you learn and practice your favorite songs on iPhone. Third-party updates include WhatsApp's latest beta for iOS adding references to an in-chat search tool. Meta launched a brand-new Facebook Creator Studio app for iPhone.

Apple Watch & Wearables

Apple is re-evaluating the Apple Watch lineup with radical new designs, including a possible round model, a screenless fitness tracker, and more. A round Apple Watch is possible, but an Apple Ring is considered more likely according to analysts. The ceramic case could return with the Apple Watch Series, as reported by Mark Gurman. For Air Tag owners, a new add-on accessory extends battery life to 10 years for the AirTag 2. The latest 9to5Mac Daily podcast covers these Apple Watch rumors and more.

Mac & iPad

New M6 MacBook Pro and refreshed iMacs are likely coming in October, based on Apple's typical schedule. Apple is skipping its M6 Pro and M6 Max chips to accelerate the M7 launch. For the iPad, an OLED iMac panel could include an extra layer to fight screen burn-in. The 11th-generation iPad (A16) is at its best price since June's hike, starting at $399 on Amazon. Apple is also testing Chinese memory chips from CXMT in iPhones and Mac Books, according to a Wall Street Journal report. RAM shortages are now affecting MacBook Air availability, and Apple is cutting back 2026 hardware shipments due to DRAM shortages, per Ming-Chi Kuo. The analyst also poured water on a rumor of $1B Apple chip stockpile at TSMC. For enterprise, IDC's latest shipments show Mac growth, with implications for the MacBook Neo and Air.

Apple TV, Services & Content

Apple TV teams up with Academy Award-winning director Alfonso Cuarón for the second time, picking up his Ascension series. The streaming service also announced 3D MLB games coming to Vision Pro. Apple TV welcomed back Ted Lasso with a clever new commercial for season four. Separately, the official Apple certified refurb store offers savings on top picks of the week, including hundreds off Mac Books and iPads.

Corporate & Legal

Apple settled a lawsuit alleging discrimination against a Jewish employee, agreeing to pay $150,000 to the EEOC. A crime blotter reports thieves tried using stolen credit cards at a Miami Apple Store, among other incidents. In the opinion pages, a piece argues generative AI needs ethical leaders and should be controlled like nuclear power. The Sunday Reboot column discusses AI device worries and Ted Lasso cheapness.

Deals & Accessories

This week's best deals include the M5 MacBook Pro $300 off, Air Pods Pro 3 nearly 25% off, and the Apple Watch SE 3 for just $219 on Amazon. B&H is blowing out the M4 15-inch MacBook Air at $1,279, but the closeout deal is limited to stock on hand. For accessories, the TESSAN AERO 5000 brings a titanium finish to an ultra-thin Mag Safe battery. A hands-on review covers the Ohsnap MCON modular controller that slides open to transform your iPhone into a mobile game console. The Eve Weather sensor is highlighted as a must-have for Apple Home automations in 2026. A flight tracking poster and Schlage Sense Pro review are featured on the Smart Home Insider podcast. Will price hikes force Apple to stop dragging its feet on certain product upgrades? One analysis examines the impact of the memory crisis on prices like the iPad Air jumping from $599 to $749.

Miscellaneous

Anthropic updated Claude Code for mac OS with cross-session messaging, allowing separate coding sessions to communicate directly. The Home Kit Weekly column recommends the Eve Weather sensor for automations. The Indie App Spotlight series showcases Pocket Jam. A new feature request proposes a shortcut to fix iPhone app settings guessing. The Sunday Reboot column covers AI device worries and Ted Lasso cheapness.