Apple News 3 Days

Last updated: August 11, 2026, 11:49 PM ET

Apple’s Software Betas Hit New Milestones

Apple this week shipped the fifth developer betas of iOS 27, iPad OS, tv OS, watch OS, vision OS, and mac OS, ending an unusually long three-week gap. The updates bring redesigned app icons for Siri, Safari, and Settings, expanded Siri AI voice customization options, and a new Liquid Glass transparency slider. Public testers also got their third betas: iOS 27 public beta 3 introduces Siri AI and performance boosts, while iPadOS 27 public beta 3 and the third macOS Golden Gate public beta are now available. New in the fifth beta: “Before Searching” settings, birthday fireworks on calls, and a Home app perk for iCloud+ subscribers with at least 2TB of storage. The iOS 27 beta 5 also contains references to six unreleased iPhone models, hinting at the full iPhone 18 lineup.

Separately, Apple seeded security-focused betas: iOS 26.6.1 beta for iPhone and iPad, macOS Tahoe 26.6.2 beta with security fixes, and a wave of beta security updates for iOS, iOS, and macOS 26.

Hardware Rumors: iPhone, Foldable Ultra, and More

As the iPhone 18 Pro launch nears, leaks and analyst notes are piling up. The iPhone 18 Pro is rumored to start at 256GB of storage and bring three significant camera upgrades. A leaked photo allegedly reveals an iPhone 18 Pro Max battery capacity of 5,391mAh — nearly 12% larger than the iPhone 17 Pro Max. The device may also debut in a new “Dark Cherry” color, with a leaker weighing in on the correct shade.

Internally, Apple employees are calling the upcoming foldable the “iPhone Ultra,” according to a new rumor. Two features for Pro users — likely larger displays and enhanced multitasking — are expected. Accessory leaks suggest the foldable iPhone Ultra will come in silver and dark blue finishes. A third-generation “iPhone Ultra 3” is already in planning for a 2028 launch, per Bloomberg. Conflicting reports surround Apple’s 20th anniversary iPhone: while one analyst claims an all-glass design has been canceled, another suggests Apple’s long-term vision remains intact, with glass iPhones still in the pipeline.

Apple Watch Redesigns and New Models

Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reports that Apple is exploring radical Apple Watch redesigns, including round watch faces, a screenless fitness tracker, and the return of the ceramic case as soon as the Series. An Apple Ring is considered more likely than a round watch. Meanwhile, watch OS 27 will add new color customization options to the Modular watch face, according to a leak. The watchOS 27 fifth beta has been seeded to developers, and public beta 3 is now live.

Audio and Accessories

Samsung is catching up to Apple on hearing health: the Galaxy Buds Hearing Aid feature has received FDA clearance, with a 2026 rollout. Sonos is working on upgraded Ace Ultra headphones with AI voice assistant support, aiming to rival Air Pods Max. Apple released new AirPods beta firmware (build 9A5336b) for public testers, including Air Pods Pro 2 and Air Pods Pro. For Mag Safe fans, Satechi launched the ChargeView 240W Desktop Charger with six USB-C ports, and the TESSAN AERO 5000 brings a titanium finish to an ultra-thin battery.

Apple Services: Apple Pay, TV+, and More

Apple Pay chief Jennifer Bailey is retiring in October. Apple Pay will finally launch in India by October, according to Business Standard. Apple is also in talks to acquire U.S. streaming rights for golf’s Open Championship, per The Guardian. Apple TV+ released the trailer for Last Seen, a new crime thriller, and has picked up Alfonso Cuarón’s Ascension series. Two new puzzle games — Block Blast!+ and Art of Fauna — are coming to Apple Arcade. For sports fans, Apple and MLB announced 3D games coming to Vision Pro as part of Friday Night Baseball’s September schedule.

Legal Battles and Settlements

Apple lost its bid to delay filing App Store fees related to the Epic Games dispute; it now has 24 hours to detail fees for outbound links. The company agreed to pay $150,000 to settle an EEOC religious discrimination lawsuit. A proposed class action lawsuit accuses Apple of fraud and false advertising over an iCloud Private Relay security flaw. Additionally, a Zoom vulnerability allowed attackers to remotely execute code on devices; Apple users are urged to update.

Component Shortages and Supply Chain

RAM shortages are now affecting MacBook Air availability and forcing Apple to scale back 2026 hardware shipments. Apple is stockpiling OLED panels amid rising prices and testing memory chips from China’s CXMT for iPhones and Mac Books. Ming-Chi Kuo disputed rumors of a $1B Apple chip stockpile at TSMC. The DRAM shortage may also delay iPad Air OLED panel orders, with BOE potentially splitting supply with LG in 2027. Price hikes — iPad Air went from $599 to $749 — may push Apple to finally upgrade certain product lines. Meanwhile, a 20th anniversary iPhone glass design cancellation report is disputed.

Deals and Discounts

Apple extended its 2026 Back to School promotion until September 24. Better deals are available from resellers: Amazon has the AirPods Max 2 for $449 (all five colors) and AirPods Pro 3 at 25% off. B&H is clearing out M4 15-inch MacBook Air for $1,279, and the Apple Watch SE 3 is $219 on Amazon. LG’s Back to School sale includes up to $5,000 off OLED TVs and a 32” Ultra Fine 6K monitor for $1,099. The Apple Certified Refurbished Store also has top picks.

Other Notable Stories

A new leak reveals that WhatsApp’s beta for iOS adds references to an in-chat search tool. Bluesky now lets users hide reposts from specific users. ChatGPT users can book restaurant tables through Yelp. Meta released a brand-new Facebook Creator Studio app for iPhone. Apple is working on a feature to authenticate that a photo came from an iPhone camera, per references in iOS 27 beta. The AirTag 2 gets even better with an add-on accessory that extends battery life to 10 years. For developers, the Mcon controller review highlights a modular sliding design that turns an iPhone into a mobile console. Finally, Steve Wozniak turned, prompting a reflection on how he gave Apple its engineering soul.

Weekend Reads and Podcasts

The latest 9to5Mac Daily episodes recap iOS 27 beta 5 and Apple Watch rumors. The Apple @ Work Podcast shares insights from deploying 300 Chrome OS vs mac OS devices. Smart Home Insider covers a flight tracker and Schlage Sense Pro review. A long-form piece argues that generative AI needs ethical leadership and control like nuclear power. And the Sunday Reboot column ponders AI device worries and Ted Lasso cheapness.