Apple News 3 Days

Last updated: August 15, 2026, 2:32 AM ET

Apple News and Updates

Apple has recently expanded its Certified Refurbished Store with a variety of new MacBook Air and MacBook Pro configurations, alongside unique iPhone 16 Plus models. For those seeking to upgrade their audio experience, Amazon is offering significant discounts on AirPods Pro 3, with prices reduced by nearly 25%. Further deals include M5 Pro MacBook Pro models with discounts up to $540, and M5 MacBook Air starting at $1,099. Anker and other accessory brands are also seeing price drops as part of back-to-school promotions. The company is also reportedly preparing for a long-awaited second generation of the HomePod mini 2, expected to arrive with updated features. Apple has also been issuing warnings to users in 110 countries about potential spyware attacks.

Upcoming iPhone and Apple Watch Models

Rumors suggest that the base iPhone 18 model, expected by March 2027, will feature 12GB of RAM and the Dynamic Island. The iPhone 18 Pro is also rumored to receive significant upgrades, with Apple reportedly securing lower prices for OLED displays amidst a RAM shortage. Further speculation points to an "iPhone Ultra" model potentially launching first in the U.S. market, with a staggered rollout. In September, Apple is expected to unveil new Apple Watch models, including the Apple Watch Ultra 4 and Series. The company is also reportedly considering a radical redesign for future Apple Watch iterations.

Software and Service Enhancements

iOS 27 is set to bring a host of new features, including significant upgrades to the Apple Photos app with long-awaited slideshow and shared album functionalities, and a new 'Discover' section within Apple Wallet. The Apple Calendar app will receive a favorite new Home Screen upgrade with an extra-large widget. For Apple TV owners, tv OS 27 is expected to drive upgrades to the Apple TV 4K, potentially encouraging users to purchase the latest hardware. Apple One is also getting enhancements in iOS, offering subscribers new benefits across services like iCloud+ and Apple Music. Users will also find new Siri and Find My apps in watchOS 27 for their Apple Watch.

App and Ecosystem Developments

WhatsApp is reportedly working on customizable emoji reaction sets for iOS, allowing users to personalize their messaging experience. The app is also developing chat themes with animated wallpapers and has started rolling out username support for creating new contacts. Chat GPT is enhancing its integration with Google Drive, enabling users to add and edit files directly within the chat interface. For Mac users, a new AI feature in Raycast allows users to ask AI questions about whatever is currently on their screen. Classic console games are also becoming playable natively on Mac through fan-made decompilations and recompilations.

Industry Trends and Apple's Strategy

Apple has begun selling ads on Apple Maps in the U.S. and Canada, offering incentives to advertisers. In a move to power its Siri AI, Apple is reportedly in talks with publishers to establish news content deals. The company also proposed a court-ordered commission of up to 15 percent for U.S. apps that link to purchase options outside of the App Store. In a contrasting development, U.S. smartphone sales reportedly fell 5% in Q2 2026, with rising prices impacting the low-end market. Apple has also declared the iPhone X obsolete, adding it to its official list of discontinued products.

New and Noteworthy Products

The TerraMow V1000 is being hailed as the easiest iPhone-controlled robot lawn mower tested to date. For smart home enthusiasts, a new iPad app turns Home Kit setups into wall-mountable command centers. In the world of gaming, "Dave the Diver" is set to launch on iPhone, iPad, and Mac in September. Apple TV+ is expanding its content library with a collection of classic movies now available for streaming, and the Ted Lasso season 4 premiere has set a new record as Apple TV's biggest launch ever. Meanwhile, the Bow Flex T6 treadmill offers Apple GymKit integration at a more accessible price point.

Apple's Global Operations and Executive Changes

Apple has confirmed the closure of its Basingstoke store in England in November 2026, while a nearby Reading location will undergo a major expansion. In a significant move for its government relations, Apple has hired former American Airlines executive Nick Gatten as its new vice president of government affairs. The company is also reportedly training its own AI model for the China market with support from Alibaba, and U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has expressed opposition to Apple purchasing Chinese memory chips. Foxconn's revenue diversification is evident, with its reliance on Apple decreasing as AI contributes more significantly.