Apple News 3 Days

Last updated: August 11, 2026, 5:55 PM ET

Software Updates

Apple has begun rolling out the fifth developer betas of iOS 27, iPad OS, watch OS, tv OS, vision OS, and mac OS 27 as testing intensifies ahead of a fall release. The new iOS 27 beta 5 introduces redesigned app icons for Siri, Safari, Settings, and more, along with expanded Siri AI voice customization options including pace and expressivity controls. Users can now make the Liquid Glass effect more transparent than ever, and a new birthday reminder feature triggers fireworks during calls when it’s a contact’s special day. The beta also adds “Before Searching” settings and references to an upcoming photo authentication feature that verifies images were captured by an iPhone camera. For Apple Maps, iOS 27 brings new navigation and discovery tools. The third public betas of iOS 27, macOS Golden Gate, and watchOS/tvOS 27 are now available for non‑developers. Apple also seeded the fifth watchOS 27 beta, and visionOS 27 beta 5 to developers. Meanwhile, Apple is preparing beta security updates for iOS, iOS, and mac OS, and has released iOS 26.6.1 and iPadOS 26.6.1 betas as well as macOS Tahoe 26.6.2 beta with security fixes. For AirPods users, Apple released a new iOS 27 Air Pods firmware beta for public testers. watchOS 27 will also upgrade the popular Modular watch face with new color options, according to a leak. The latest iOS 27 beta references six unreleased iPhone models, hinting at the entire iPhone 18 roadmap. A new leak reveals that iPhone users who pay for enough iCloud storage (at least 2TB iCloud+) get new perks in the Home app on iOS.

Hardware Rumors

A persistent rumor claims that “everyone” at Apple calls the upcoming foldable iPhone the “iPhone Ultra,” though the final retail name may differ. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman adds that the foldable will offer two features that “Pro” users should love, and accessory leaks suggest the “iPhone Ultra” will launch in silver and dark blue finishes. A separate report points to iPhone Fold colorways of Silver or Dark Blue. Apple is already making plans for a third‑generation foldable expected as early as 2028 with larger displays. For the iPhone 18 Pro, rumors indicate three new camera upgrades are coming, and it will reportedly start with 256GB of storage. An alleged photo leak claims a 5,391mAh battery for the iPhone 18 Pro Max, nearly 12% larger than the iPhone 17 Pro Max. A known leaker has weighed in on the correct shade of “Dark Cherry” for the iPhone 18 Pro Max. The iPhone 17 is set to break a 15‑year flagship record for longest‑running price‑protected model. Conflicting reports continue over Apple’s 20th anniversary iPhone; one analyst says the all‑glass design has been canceled, while others suggest it’s still in development. Regarding the Apple Watch, Bloomberg reports that Apple is exploring radical redesigns including a round model and even a screenless fitness tracker. A ceramic case could return with the Apple Watch Series. A separate analysis suggests a round Apple Watch is possible, but an Apple Ring is more likely. An OLED iMac panel from LG Display could include an extra layer to fight burn‑in. New M6 MacBook Pro and refreshed iMacs are likely coming in October. AirTag 2 gets even better with an add‑on accessory that extends battery life to 10 years. Sonos is planning Ace Ultra headphones with a big AI push, per a report.

Apple Services & Content

Apple Pay chief Jennifer Bailey is retiring in October, and Apple Pay will launch in India by October as well. Apple is in talks to acquire streaming rights for golf’s Open Championship, according to a report. Apple TV+ unveiled a new crime thriller “Last Seen” that will kick off its fall lineup, and has teamed up with Alfonso Cuarón again for the Ascension series. Apple and MLB announced 3D MLB games coming to Vision Pro in September. Two new puzzle games, “Block Blast!+” and “Art of Fauna: Cozy Puzzles+,” are coming to Apple Arcade. Apple has revealed how Siri AI features will work in China using Alibaba’s Qwen models, raising privacy questions. The company briefly posted and then pulled a China guide for connecting Siri to Qwen AI. Chat GPT users can now book tables and join restaurant waitlists through Yelp. Meta released a new Facebook Creator Studio app for iPhone. Bluesky now lets you hide reposts from specific users in your feeds. The WhatsApp beta for iOS adds references to an in‑chat search tool. The 9to5Mac Daily podcast covered iOS 27 beta 5 and glass iPhone rumors, while another episode discussed Apple Watch rumors.

Business & Legal

Apple lost its bid to delay fees in the Epic Games fight and now has only 24 hours to file details on App Store fees for outbound links. A separate report confirms Apple fails to delay filing new App Store fees. Apple agreed to pay $150,000 to settle a religious discrimination lawsuit brought by the EEOC. A class action lawsuit accuses Apple of fraud and false advertising over an iCloud Private Relay security flaw. Due to a global DRAM shortage, Apple is cutting back 2026 hardware shipments, according to Ming‑Chi Kuo. RAM shortages are now affecting MacBook Air availability. Apple is stockpiling more OLED panels amid rising prices. The company has been testing memory chips from China’s CXMT in iPhones and Mac Books. Kuo also pours water on a rumor of a $1B Apple chip stockpile at TSMC. China now even less likely to solve Apple’s memory crunch as CXMT faces US restrictions. Price hikes may force Apple to accelerate certain product upgrades. iPad Air OLED panel orders could be split with BOE in 2027. Apple scrapped a plan to ship leased iPhones already set up for users. A Zoom flaw let attackers take over devices, including iPhone and Mac. Non‑gaming apps drove mobile spending growth in Q2 as gaming revenue fell 4.5%. Apple extended its 2026 Back to School promotion until September 24. The Apple @ Work podcast compared Chrome OS vs mac OS after 300 devices. The Sunday Reboot column covered AI device worries and Ted Lasso cheapness.

Deals & Accessories

Amazon is offering AirPods Max 2 for $100 off in all five colors, and AirPods Pro 3 at 25% off. LG launched a Back to School sale with major discounts on OLED TVs and monitors, and you can save up to $5,000 on LG OLED TVs and a 32″ Ultra Fine 6K monitor for $1,099. B&H is blowing out M4 15‑inch MacBook Air at $1,279. Amazon has the Apple Watch SE 3 for $219. The M5 MacBook Pro is $300 off in a broader deals roundup. Apple’s official refurb store has top picks with savings. The TESSAN AERO 5000 is an ultra‑thin Mag Safe battery with a titanium finish. The Ohsnap MCON modular controller transforms your iPhone into a mobile game console. The Eve Weather sensor is a must‑have for Home Kit automations. The crime blotter covers thieves using stolen credit cards at a Miami Apple Store. Your iPhone can capture the Perseids meteor shower with the right tools. A feature request aims to end the guessing game with iPhone app settings. The Smart Home Insider podcast covered a flight tracker and Schlage Sense Pro review. An opinion piece argues that generative AI needs ethical leaders and should be controlled like nuclear power. The Grok Bot from Space XAI brings always‑on AI agents to mac OS and iOS, and is also an all‑new iPhone and Mac app developed with Cursor.