Apple News 3 Days

Last updated: August 11, 2026, 12:02 PM ET

Apple Intelligence and Paid Features

Apple CEO Tim Cook hinted that some Apple Intelligence features will carry costs, and iOS 27 beta 5 now includes an option to upgrade an iCloud+ subscription for more AI capabilities. The beta adds references to tiered iCloud+ plans that unlock additional AI processing, confirming earlier speculation about a paid model for advanced Siri and on-device AI tasks.

iOS 27 Beta 5: New Icons, Settings, and More

The fifth developer beta of iOS 27 arrived this week and brings redesigned Liquid Glass icons for Siri, Safari, Settings, and other core apps. Apple has expanded Siri AI voice customization options, allowing users to adjust pace and expressiveness. The beta also introduces a new "Before Searching" settings section, updated app icons, and tweaks to the Wallet app that now includes bold card designs and AI tools for better digital wallet replacement.

iPhone 18 Pro: Storage, Battery, and Color Leaks

A report suggests the iPhone 18 Pro will start with 256GB of storage instead of 128GB, potentially raising the base price. An alleged photo leak reveals the iPhone 18 Pro Max battery at 5,391mAh, roughly 12% larger than the 17 Pro Max. Meanwhile, a leaker has weighed in on the correct shade for the "Dark Cherry iPhone 18 Pro" color, settling a debate over its actual hue.

20th Anniversary iPhone: Glass Redesign Reports Conflict

Conflicting reports emerged about next year’s 20th anniversary iPhone. Jefferies analyst Edison Lee claimed Apple’s all-glass iPhone design has been canceled, but Mac Rumors reports that Apple is still planning a glass-centric iPhone redesign for 2027. The confusion suggests the final form factor remains undecided.

Unreleased iPhone Models Spotted in iOS 27 Beta

Code in iOS 27 beta 5 references six unreleased iPhone models, likely the iPhone 18 lineup and possibly the iPhone Fold. Separate leaks indicate the foldable "iPhone Ultra" may launch in silver and dark blue colors and that the iPhone Ultra 3 could feature larger displays when it arrives around 2028.

Apple Watch Rumors: Round Case, Ceramic Return, and Fitness Tracker

A Bloomberg report suggests Apple is considering a radical rethink of the Apple Watch lineup, including a round model and a screenless fitness tracker. The ceramic case could return with the Apple Watch Series 12 as soon as this year. Meanwhile, analysis on whether a round Apple Watch or an Apple Ring is more likely leans toward the ring as a more probable accessory.

Foldable iPhone and "iPhone Ultra" Colors

Camera protector accessory images for the "iPhone Ultra" suggest Apple’s first foldable will be offered in silver and dark blue finishes. Separate reports assert the iPhone Fold may ship in silver or dark blue, aligning with these accessory leaks.

Memory Shortage and Chip Stockpile Rumors

Apple is cutting back 2026 hardware shipments due to a DRAM shortage, according to analyst Ming‑Chi Kuo. This shortage is now affecting MacBook Air availability, with dwindling supply reported. Meanwhile, a rumor that TSMC is holding a $1 billion stockpile of Apple chips was cast into doubt by Kuo, who poured water on the claim.

China Memory Chip Testing and Siri AI in China

Apple has been testing memory chips from China’s CXMT in iPhones and Mac Books, per a Wall Street Journal report. However, China is now less likely to solve Apple’s memory crunch due to geopolitical and quality concerns. Separately, Apple briefly posted a guide explaining how Siri AI will work in China using Alibaba’s Qwen AI before pulling it, raising privacy questions.

Zoom Vulnerability and iCloud Private Relay Lawsuit

A Zoom flaw discovered with AI assistance gave attackers the ability to remotely execute code on devices, including iPhones and Macs. Apple is now facing a class action lawsuit accusing it of fraud over iCloud Private Relay, which allegedly fails to properly protect user identities. A separate article details the iCloud Private Relay class action and its request for damages.

Apple TV+ News: New Thriller and Cuarón Series

Apple TV+ released the trailer for Last Seen, a crime thriller kicking off its big fall lineup. The streamer has also picked up Alfonso Cuarón’s Ascension series, marking his second collaboration with Apple TV.

Apple Pay Launch in India by October

Apple Pay will launch in India by this October, according to Business Standard. The service will not initially support UPI, but will allow card payments via the Wallet app.

Apple Arcade Adds Two Puzzlers in September

Apple Arcade is adding two beloved puzzlers to its ad-free platform in September, following the major Madden NFL 27 release in August.

Hardware Updates: M6 MacBook Pro, OLED iMac, and iPad Air OLED

Apple is likely to unveil new M6 MacBook Pro and refreshed iMacs in October, according to Bloomberg. An OLED iMac panel could include an extra layer to fight burn-in. For iPad, iPad Air OLED panel orders could be split with BOE in 2027.

Apple Upgrades: Scrapped Leased iPhone Feature and Refurb Store

Apple considered a "white-glove" feature for its Apple Upgrade program that would have delivered pre‑set‑up iPhones to customers, but the plan was scrapped. Meanwhile, the official Apple refurb store is offering savings on iPhones, Mac Books, and more.

Apple Settles Religious Discrimination Lawsuit

Apple has agreed to pay $150,000 to settle a religious discrimination lawsuit brought by the EEOC over alleged discrimination against a Jewish employee.

Photo Authentication and Camera Source Feature

References in iOS 27 beta 5 point to a new feature that will authenticate that a photo came from an iPhone camera, adding a layer of trust to images.

Blue Sky, WhatsApp, Chat GPT, and Creator Studio

BlueSky now lets you hide reposts from specific users in your feeds. WhatsApp’s latest beta adds references to an in-chat search tool. ChatGPT users can now book tables and join waitlists through Yelp. Meta released a new Facebook Creator Studio app for iPhone.

Apple Maps and Apple News in iOS 27

Everything new in Apple Maps in iOS 27 includes richer navigation and points of interest. The Wallet app gets seven new features including AI tools and bold card designs.

Deals and Discounts

Amazon has AirPods 4 for $99, AirPods Pro 3 for $189, and AirPods Max 2 for $449. LG launched a Back to School sale with discounts on OLED TVs and monitors. B&H is blowing out M4 15‑inch MacBook Air at $1,279. An Apple Watch SE 3 for $219 is available on Amazon. Deals on M5 MacBook Pro and AirPods Pro 3 are still live.

Accessories: Mcon Controller, TESSAN Battery, Air Tag 2 Case

The Mcon mobile gaming controller offers a compact, Mag Safe‑compatible design for iPhone gamers. A hands‑on video review shows the modular controller sliding open to turn an iPhone into a mobile console. The TESSAN AERO 5000 is an ultra‑thin Mag Safe battery with a titanium finish. An AirTag 2 add‑on accessory extends battery life to 10 years.

Vision Pro: 3D MLB Games and vision OS 27 Beta

Apple and MLB announced 3D MLB games coming to Vision Pro as part of the September Friday Night Baseball schedule. The fifth visionOS 27 beta was seeded to developers this week.

watch OS, tv OS, and mac OS Betas

Apple seeded watchOS 27 beta 5, and macOS Golden Gate beta 5 to developers. Separately, Apple released iOS 26.6.1 and iPadOS 26.6.1 betas with security fixes, along with macOS Tahoe 26.6.2 beta.

Smart Home and Indie Apps

The Eve Weather sensor is highlighted as a must‑have for Home Kit automations in 2026. The Smart Home Insider podcast covers a flight tracker poster and Schlage Sense Pro review. Indie app Pocket Jam helps learn and practice songs on iPhone.

Miscellaneous: BBEdit, Crime Blotter, and Sunday Reboot

The legendary text editor BBEdit remains a powerful tool for Mac users after 34 years. The latest crime blotter details thieves trying to use stolen credit cards at a Miami Apple Store. The Sunday Reboot column discusses AI device worries and Ted Lasso cheapness.

Price Hikes and Product Upgrades

Apple’s recent price increases, such as the iPad Air rising from $599 to $749 and M5 MacBook Pro from $1,699 to $1,999, may force the company to stop dragging its feet on certain product upgrades to justify the higher costs.

iPhone 17 Record and Why Buy Now

The iPhone 17 is set to break a 15‑year record for the longest‑selling flagship without an immediate successor. The article advises why you should buy iPhone 17 Pro now rather than waiting for the iPhone 18 Pro.

Astrophotography Tips and Gaming Accessories

Your iPhone can capture the Perseids meteor shower using the right tools. The Mcon controller and TESSAN battery are further detailed in dedicated reviews and hands‑on articles.

Podcast and Newsletter Mentions

The 9to5Mac Daily podcast recaps top stories. The Apple @ Work podcast compares Chrome OS vs mac OS after 300 devices deployed. The Power On newsletter from Bloomberg provided the scoop on the scrapped Apple Upgrade feature and Apple Watch redesigns.

Feature Request: App Settings Shortcut

A feature request suggests Apple should end the guessing game when changing iPhone app settings by adding a direct shortcut.

Ethical AI Commentary

A commentary piece argues that generative AI needs ethical leaders and should be controlled like nuclear power, citing irresponsible practices in the industry.