Apple News 3 Days

Last updated: August 13, 2026, 11:34 PM ET

Security and Spyware Alerts

Apple has issued a fresh wave of threat notifications to users in 110 countries, warning them of potential mercenary spyware attacks. These alerts are designed to inform individuals who may have been targeted by sophisticated surveillance operations. The notifications aim to provide users with critical information about the suspected attacks and recommend immediate actions to secure their devices.

App Store Commission Dispute

In the ongoing legal battle between Apple and Epic Games, Apple has proposed commission rates ranging from 5% to 15% for external App Store purchases. Epic Games, however, maintains that any commission above 0% is unacceptable and plans to appeal. Apple submitted this proposal under court order, outlining its stance on fees for apps that direct users to purchase options outside of the App Store. The Supreme Court has denied Apple's request for a stay in these proceedings, pushing the company to finalize its plan for App Store commissions. Apple proposes commissions of up to 15% for off-App Store purchases in the US.

New iPhone and Apple Watch Rumors

Anticipation is building for Apple's September event, where the company is expected to unveil at least five new devices, including the iPhone 18 Pro models. Rumors suggest the base iPhone 18 will receive significant upgrades, including 12GB of RAM and the Dynamic Island. The premium iPhone 18 Pro is rumored to start with 256GB of storage, with potential price increases. Furthermore, speculation about the "iPhone Ultra" continues, with reports indicating a staggered global rollout, potentially starting in the U.S. only, and internal discussions referring to it by that name. The iPhone 20, slated for release in 2027, is also rumored to feature an all-glass design. The base iPhone 18 is tipped to get Pro-level upgrades.

Apple TV+ Content and Records

The premiere of "Ted Lasso" season 4 has set a new record for Apple TV+, becoming its most popular show debut to date, drawing nearly 300 million U.S. viewing minutes in its first two days. Apple TV+ has also added a collection of classic movies for subscribers to stream at no additional cost and is set to launch a new crime thriller series, "Last Seen," as part of its fall lineup. The platform will also premiere the second season of "Women in Blue" and has released the trailer for the fifth season of "Stillwater". The Ted Lasso season 4 premiere was Apple TV's biggest launch ever.

Product Updates and Obsolete Devices

Apple has officially added the iPhone X and the 2018 15-inch MacBook Pro to its list of obsolete products. This designation means that official repairs for these devices will no longer be offered. Meanwhile, rumors persist about upcoming hardware, including a potential second generation of the HomePod mini and an upgraded MacBook Neo 2 with more RAM. Apple has also opened an Advanced Manufacturing Center in Houston, Texas, which is expected to support Mac mini production. The iPhone X and 2018 MacBook Pro are now on Apple's 'obsolete products' list.

Software Enhancements in iOS 27

iOS 27 is bringing a range of new features to Apple devices. The Wallet app will include a new "Discover" section, and users with 2TB or more of iCloud+ storage will receive new perks in the Home app. The Photos app is set to gain long-awaited features, including slideshows and shared album upgrades, while the Calendar app will feature a larger widget for the Home Screen. Additionally, iOS 27 will introduce a birthday reminder that triggers fireworks on calls for the user's contacts, and an upcoming photo authentication feature is referenced in the latest beta. watchOS 27 is also in development, with leaks suggesting upgrades to the Modular watch face and new apps like Siri and Find My.

Deals and Promotions

Amazon is offering significant discounts on Beats headphones, with up to 54% off, and Nomad iPhone and Apple Watch accessories are available for as low as $19. Several 2026 MacBook Pro models are discounted by up to $500 on Amazon, and the 13-inch M5 MacBook Air with 24GB/1TB is available for $1,649. Air Pods Pro 3 are nearly 25% off, and AirPods Max 2 are priced at $449.00, a $100 discount. Apple's annual Back to School promotion has been extended in Europe until September 24.

Third-Party Integrations and New Apps

WhatsApp is rolling out username support for creating new contacts and is working on chat themes with animated wallpapers. Microsoft Edge is testing support for Apple Account sign-ins, and Grok Bot has launched for mac OS and iOS, offering always-on AI agents. In gaming news, "Dave the Diver" will be released on iPhone, iPad, and Mac in September, and Apple Arcade is adding two new puzzle games: "Block Blast!+" and "Art of Fauna: Cozy Puzzles+".

Competitor News and Market Trends

Google has launched its Pixel 11 lineup, including the Pixel 11 Pro, which is being compared to Apple's iPhone 17 Pro. Google has also raised the price of its latest smartphones, a move that may signal Apple's strategy for the iPhone 18 Pro. U.S. smartphone sales reportedly fell 5% in Q2 2026 due to rising prices. Non-gaming apps are driving mobile spending growth, while gaming revenue has declined. Twitch now allows streamers to opt out of having their content used to train Amazon's AI.

Apple Retail and Business Moves

Apple's retail presence is shifting, with the Basingstoke store set to close in November 2026, while a nearby Reading location undergoes expansion. Jennifer Bailey, the head of Apple Pay, is retiring in October. Apple is also reportedly in talks to acquire streaming rights for golf’s Open Championship in the U.S. and is negotiating content deals with publishers to power Siri AI. Apple has hired a former airline executive as its new vice president of government affairs.

Other Notable Updates

Apple has sent out more threat notifications regarding mercenary spyware attacks, reaching users in 110 countries. The iPhone X and 2018 15-inch MacBook Pro have been officially declared obsolete by Apple. Chase has added free Apple TV and Apple One perks to its Sapphire Preferred credit card. Satechi has launched a new 240W ChargeView Desktop Charger with six USB-C ports. Bow Flex's T6 treadmill now supports Apple Gym Kit for seamless workout data exchange with Apple Watch. Apple is reportedly working on an AI-powered voice assistant for its future headphones, potentially rivaling Air Pods Max. Bluesky has introduced a feature to hide reposts from specific users.