Apple News 3 Days

Last updated: August 11, 2026, 3:04 PM ET

Software Updates

Apple has released a flurry of betas across its operating systems this week. The fifth developer betas of iOS 27, iPad OS, watch OS, tv OS, vision OS, and mac OS 27 are now available after an unusually long three-week gap. The company also seeded the third public betas for watchOS 27 and tv OS, alongside public beta 3 for macOS Golden Gate and iPadOS 27. In a surprise move, Apple also shipped beta updates for older operating systems: iOS 26.6.1 and macOS Tahoe 26.6.2, both containing security fixes, as well as a beta for iOS 18. The fifth beta of visionOS 27 is also available for developers.

iOS 27 beta 5 brings a host of visual changes and new features. Apple has redesigned icons for Siri, Safari, Settings, and other core apps with a refreshed Liquid Glass look. The beta expands Siri AI voice customization options for pace and expressivity. A new “Before Searching” settings panel and updated app icons are also included, as detailed in a hands-on overview of everything new in iOS 27 beta 5. The release also introduces a birthday reminder feature that triggers fireworks on your iPhone when you're on a call with someone celebrating their special day. References in the beta point to a new feature that can authenticate whether a photo was taken with an iPhone camera. Additionally, the beta reveals six unreleased iPhone models, hinting at the full iPhone 18 roadmap. For Apple Maps, iOS 27 brings several improvements, including enhanced transit directions and location sharing, as outlined in a comprehensive guide to everything new for Apple Maps.

On the wearable side, watchOS 27 beta 5 is now seeding to developers. A leak suggests that the popular Modular watch face will gain new color customization options in the upcoming watchOS 27 update. The broader beta cycle also includes the fifth developer beta for iPadOS 27 and the companion releases. One journalist noted that iOS 27 has become the easiest beta to forget about, given the stability and incremental nature of the updates.

Hardware Rumors & Leaks

A flurry of leaks is shaping expectations for Apple’s upcoming hardware. The iPhone 18 Pro will reportedly start with 256GB of storage, a jump from the iPhone 17 Pro’s base. A leaked photo suggests the iPhone 18 Pro Max will feature a massive 5,391mAh battery, nearly 12% larger than its predecessor. Another alleged battery pack leak corroborates the larger battery capacity. A known leaker has weighed in on the correct shade for the rumored “Dark Cherry” color of the iPhone 18 Pro, suggesting a very deep, almost black hue.

Meanwhile, rumors about the 20th anniversary iPhone remain conflicted. One report claims Apple’s all-glass iPhone has been canceled, according to Jefferies analyst Edison Lee. Another report suggests that next year’s 20th anniversary iPhone may still embody Apple’s long-term vision, with conflicting details about the design. The iPhone 17 is set to break a record as the longest-supported flagship, surpassing a 15-year milestone.

Foldable iPhone rumors continue. A foldable “iPhone Ultra” is rumored to come in silver and dark blue colors, based on leaked camera protector accessories. Another source confirms the iPhone Fold may ship in those two finishes. A third-generation foldable, the “iPhone Ultra,” is rumored for a 2028 launch with larger displays. The upcoming iPhone Ultra is said to include two features that “Pro” users will love, likely focusing on camera and performance.

In the Mac space, new M6 MacBook Pro and refreshed iMacs are expected in October, according to Mark Gurman. An OLED iMac panel could include an extra layer to fight screen burn-in, as reported by The Elec. For iPad Air, OLED panel orders could be split with BOE in 2027, according to a report on iPad Air OLED. The AirTag 2 can get even better battery life—up to 10 years—with a new add-on case.

Apple Watch Redesign & New Models

Apple is re-evaluating the Apple Watch lineup, with Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reporting a potential radical rethink that could include a round model and a screenless fitness tracker. A round Apple Watch is possible, but an Apple Ring is considered more likely. The ceramic case could return with the Apple Watch Series 12 as soon as this year.

Services & Apps

Apple Pay is set to launch in India by October, according to a report from Business Standard. iPhone users who subscribe to iCloud+ with at least 2TB of storage will receive new iOS 27 perks in the Home app. Apple TV+ unveiled a trailer for a new crime thriller, “Last Seen,” which kicks off the streamer’s big fall lineup. Apple TV also teamed up with Academy Award-winning director Alfonso Cuarón for the second time, picking up his series Ascension. Two new puzzle games, “Block Blast!+” and “Art of Fauna: Cozy Puzzles+,” are coming to Apple Arcade. Apple and MLB announced 3D games coming to Vision Pro as part of Friday Night Baseball.

In app news, Meta released a new Facebook Creator Studio app for iPhone. Bluesky now lets you hide reposts from specific users in your feeds, as reported by Bluesky. WhatsApp’s latest beta for iOS adds references to an in-chat search tool. Chat GPT users can now book restaurant tables and join waitlists through Yelp without leaving their chats. The indie app “Pocket Jam” helps you learn and practice your favorite songs, highlighted in this week’s Indie App Spotlight. A new app called Grok Bot, from Space XAI and Cursor, is an AI teammate for iPhone and Mac, as reported by Grok Bot. Sonos is planning “Ace Ultra” headphones with a big AI push, according to a report. The TESSAN AERO 5000 brings a titanium finish to an ultra-thin battery, reviewed in this week’s MagSafe Monday. A modular iPhone controller, the Ohsnap MCON, transforms your iPhone into a mobile game console, as seen in a hands-on video.

Apple & China

Apple has revealed how Siri AI features will work in China, using Alibaba’s Qwen models, raising privacy questions. The company briefly posted a support guide for connecting Siri to Qwen AI in China before pulling it, as noted by Apple in China. Apple is testing Chinese memory chips from CXMT in iPhones and Mac Books, according to The Wall Street Journal. However, China is now even less likely to solve Apple’s memory crunch, as a separate analysis explains China memory crunch.

Memory Shortage & Supply Chain

Apple is scaling back its 2026 hardware shipments due to a DRAM shortage, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. RAM shortages are now affecting MacBook Air availability, as reported by RAM shortages. In response to rising component prices, Apple has extended its stockpiling of OLED panels, as covered in Apple stockpiling. Kuo also poured water on a rumor of a $1B Apple chip stockpile at TSMC, disputing the claim in a post on Kuo disputes. Price hikes may force Apple to stop dragging its feet on product upgrades, as explored in price hikes. A scrapped Apple Upgrade feature would have delivered pre-set leased iPhones already loaded with customer data, but the idea never materialized, according to scrapped feature. Apple also dropped a plan to ship leased iPhones already set up for users.

Legal & Security

Apple faces a proposed class action lawsuit accusing it of fraud and false advertising over a security flaw in iCloud Private Relay. Apple has agreed to pay $150,000 to settle a religious discrimination lawsuit brought by the EEOC, as reported in Apple settles. A Zoom flaw discovered with the help of an AI tool allowed an attacker to take over devices remotely, including iPhone and Mac; details available at Zoom flaw. In crime blotter news, thieves tried using stolen credit cards at a Miami Apple Store, and a Senate committee has Anthony Fauci’s iPhone, among other incidents in crime blotter.

Deals & Discounts

Numerous deals are available this week. Amazon has AirPods 4 for $99, Air Pods Pro 3 for $189, and Air Pods Max 2 for $449. Other Air Pods deals include AirPods Pro 3 at 25% off and Air Pods Max 2 for $100 off. LG’s Back to School sale features major discounts on OLED TVs and monitors, with savings up to $5,000 on LG OLED TVs and a 32” Ultra Fine 6K monitor for $1,099. LG’s Back to School sale also covers monitors and TVs. B&H is blowing out M4 15-inch MacBook Air inventory at $1,279, as noted in B&H deal. Amazon has the Apple Watch SE 3 for just $219, a $30 discount, reported in Apple Watch SE 3 deal. The official Apple Certified Refurbished Store has top picks of the week with savings on iPhone, MacBook, and more, as highlighted in refurb store. Other deals include M5 MacBook Pro $300 off and Anker chargers, covered in deals roundup.

Other News

The 9to5Mac Daily podcast recaps top stories of the day, featuring Apple Watch rumors and more, available on 9to5Mac Daily. The Apple @ Work podcast discusses 300 devices later – thoughts on Chrome OS vs mac OS, in Apple @ Work. The Smart Home Insider podcast covers a flight tracking poster and Schlage Sense Pro review, detailed in Smart Home Insider. A Sunday Reboot column discusses AI device worries and Ted Lasso cheapness, in Sunday Reboot. An opinion piece argues that generative AI needs ethical leaders and to be controlled like nuclear power, in generative AI. Tips for capturing the Perseids meteor shower with your iPhone are available in astrophotography tips. The Eve Weather sensor is a must-have for Home Kit automations, explained in Eve Weather. A feature request argues for a better way to access iPhone app settings, in feature request. A hands-on review of the Ohsnap MCON controller is available in MCON review. Finally, an analysis of the 20th anniversary iPhone reports weighs conflicting glass design rumors in anniversary iPhone.