Apple News 3 Days

Last updated: August 14, 2026, 8:32 PM ET

iPhone and Apple Watch Updates

Apple is gearing up for its September product launch event, with rumors pointing to the unveiling of new Apple Watch models. The highly anticipated iPhone 18 Pro and the innovative "iPhone Ultra" are expected to be central to this event. For the first time, Apple may forgo a standard entry-level iPhone, focusing instead on Pro models and potentially a foldable "Ultra" variant. Sources suggest the base iPhone 18 will receive significant upgrades, including 12GB of RAM and the Dynamic Island. In parallel, watchOS 27 is set to introduce new apps, including Siri and Find My, to the Apple Watch. The iPhone 18 Pro Max is rumored to possess unique advantages over its Pro counterpart. Meanwhile, the iPhone 17 Pro is now a year old, with reviews assessing its durability and battery life. Apple has also declared the iPhone X obsolete.

Mac and iPad Enhancements

Apple's Mac lineup is seeing continued attention, with new configurations of the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro now available in the Certified Refurbished Store. Deals are also prevalent, with significant discounts on the M5 Pro MacBook Pro, including a $300 price cut on a 48GB RAM configuration and up to $540 off other M5 Pro models. The M5 MacBook Air is also available with discounts, starting from $1,099. Supply chain issues are reportedly worsening for the MacBook Air, making availability increasingly difficult. For iPad users, a new app called Dashboard transforms the iPad into a wall-mountable command center for Home Kit setups. On the software front, macOS is gaining the ability to set different default languages for individual apps, enhancing user customization. Classic console games are also becoming playable natively on the Mac through fan-made decompilations and recompilations.

Apple Services and Software

New features are arriving across Apple's software ecosystem. WhatsApp is developing customizable emoji reaction sets and chat themes with animated wallpapers for iOS. The messaging app is also rolling out support for usernames when creating new contacts. For productivity, ChatGPT subscribers can now integrate and edit Google Drive files directly within the chat interface. OpenAI is also introducing an opt-in "Computer History" feature for Chat GPT on Mac, replacing Chronicle. Apple's own services are also receiving updates; iOS 27 is set to bring numerous enhancements, including upgrades to the Photos app with long-awaited slideshow and shared album features, a new 'Discover' section in Apple Wallet, and an improved Calendar widget for the Home Screen. Apple One subscribers will also see expanded benefits. Apple is also reportedly training its own AI model for the Chinese market with support from Alibaba.

Apple TV and Entertainment

Apple TV is expanding its content library with a collection of classic movies now available for streaming. The platform has also seen record-breaking launches, with the premiere of "Ted Lasso" season 4 becoming its most popular debut to date. Additionally, the trailer for the fifth season of the mindfulness series "Stillwater" has been released. The streaming service is also a hub for new original content, with "Women in Blue" season 2 now available. Apple has also issued a warning about potential spyware attacks to users in 110 countries. The latest software update, tvOS 27, is expected to encourage upgrades to new Apple TV 4K models.

Accessories and Emerging Tech

Apple's AirPods Pro may be on the verge of a significant upgrade, with rumors suggesting the inclusion of infrared cameras and enhanced AI capabilities. The company is also reportedly exploring advanced features for future wearables, including patent applications for "Apple Glasses" that could alert wearers to recording activity. In the realm of smart home technology, the TerraMow V1000 is noted as an exceptionally easy-to-use iPhone-controlled robot lawn mower. For home automation, Matic has introduced voice and gesture control to its robot vacuum and mop through a software update called Matic Cues. For fitness enthusiasts, the BowFlex T6 treadmill integrates with Apple Watch via Gym Kit.

Industry and Business

Apple is expanding its advertising efforts by allowing U.S. and Canadian firms to purchase ads on Apple Maps. The company is also proposing a 15% commission fee for U.S. apps that link to purchase options outside of the App Store. In a significant move, Apple has hired an airline executive as its new vice president of government affairs. The company's long-standing relationship with Foxconn is evolving, with Foxconn's revenue from Apple decreasing to below 29% as AI manufacturing gains prominence. Meanwhile, the iPhone market is experiencing shifts, with U.S. smartphone sales falling 5% in Q2 2026 due to rising prices. Google's recent price hikes for its Pixel phones may indicate a similar strategy for the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro. The iPhone X has been officially declared obsolete by Apple.