Apple News 3 Days

Last updated: August 15, 2026, 8:32 AM ET

Apple Card and Financial Services

Seven years after its debut, the Apple Card remains a significant product for Apple, though not without its controversies. The credit card, launched in August 2019, has seen widespread adoption in the US. Elsewhere, Chase has integrated free Apple TV and Apple One perks into its popular Sapphire Preferred credit card, adding value for cardholders.

Mac and Desktop Computing

Classic console games are now playable natively on the Mac thanks to a growing community creating decompiled and recompilations of these beloved titles, bypassing the need for traditional emulation. For those seeking productivity enhancements, several AI tools are making life easier on the Mac, streamlining workflows. In terms of hardware, Amazon is offering substantial discounts on the 2026 MacBook Pro, with savings up to $500 on select models. The M5 Pro MacBook Pro is also seeing a $300 price cut on Amazon, bringing a 48GB RAM configuration down. Further deals include the M5 MacBook Air starting at $1,099, and a 1TB M5 MacBook Air with 24GB RAM priced at $1,649. Apple's M4 Mac mini models are back at Amazon, with one configuration on sale.

iPhone and Mobile Devices

Rumors suggest the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro will feature lower display prices despite ongoing RAM shortages. The base iPhone 18 model is also expected to receive significant upgrades, including 12GB of RAM and the Dynamic Island. The iPhone Ultra, Apple's rumored foldable device, might see a staggered market rollout, with initial availability potentially limited to the US, similar to the Vision Pro. Screen protectors for the iPhone Ultra indicate an asymmetric corner design. In terms of software, iOS 27 is bringing numerous enhancements, including new features for the Apple Photos app, such as slideshow and shared album upgrades. Apple Calendar is also set to receive a significant Home Screen widget upgrade in iOS. The company has also issued a wave of mercenary spyware warnings to users in 110 countries. US smartphone sales saw a 5% decline in Q2 2026, attributed to rising prices. Apple has declared the iPhone X obsolete.

Apple Watch and Wearables

New Apple Watch models are expected to launch next month, alongside the big iPhone event. The watchOS 27 update will introduce two new apps to the Apple Watch: Siri and Find My. While watch OS 27 does not appear to include new watch faces yet, users are finding value in minimalist approaches. The Apple Watch sleep score can be made more useful through specific settings and customization. Apple's commitment to fitness is further highlighted by the Bow Flex T6 treadmill, which integrates Apple GymKit for seamless workout data exchange with the Apple Watch.

Apple TV and Streaming

Apple TV has added a collection of classic movies to its streaming library at no extra cost. The service also saw the premiere of "Ted Lasso" season, which marked Apple's most popular TV show debut ever. The trailer for the fifth season of the Peabody and Emmy Award-winning mindfulness series "Stillwater" has been released. The upcoming tvOS 27 update for Apple TV owners is expected to encourage upgrades to new Apple TV 4K models, which are rumored to feature a faster chip.

AI and Software Developments

Chat GPT is rolling out enhanced integration with Google Drive, allowing users to add and edit files directly within the chat interface. OpenAI has also introduced an opt-in Computer History feature for Chat GPT on Mac, replacing the previous Chronicle functionality. In other AI news, Apple is reportedly in talks with publishers to secure content deals for Siri AI, aiming to power its voice assistant with up-to-date news. Twitch is implementing an opt-out system for streamers to prevent Amazon from using their content to train generative AI.

App Store and Developer Relations

Apple has proposed a court-ordered plan detailing commission fees for US apps that link to external purchase options, facing a tight deadline to submit the proposal. The developer of the Stop The Madness Safari extension has criticized Apple's App Store review process, stating that "obvious" ratings fraud is going undetected.

Accessories and Peripherals

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. Deals are available on various Apple accessories, including Beats products with discounts up to 54% and Nomad iPhone and Apple Watch accessories as low as $19. Anker, Sony, and Samsung accessories are also on sale.

Miscellaneous Apple News

Apple has hired a former airline executive as its new vice president of government affairs. The company's Apple Card has been a success but also faced controversy. Apple has also begun selling ads on Apple Maps in the US and Canada. In a controversial move, an Apple billboard in Italy featuring a toddler with an iPhone was taken down after accusations of normalizing "electronic babysitting." Apple is also reportedly training its own AI model for China with assistance from Alibaba. The company has confirmed that its Basingstoke store will close in November 2026, while a nearby Reading location will undergo expansion.

Third-Party and Cross-Platform News

WhatsApp is developing customizable emoji reaction sets for iOS and is also working on chat themes with animated wallpapers. Users will soon be able to save a contact's username alongside their phone number within WhatsApp. The popular fishing management sim "Dave the Diver" is set to launch on iPhone, iPad, and Mac in mid-September. For Mac users, classic console games are becoming accessible through fan-made decompilations. Robot vacuum cleaner company Matic has introduced voice and gesture control through a software update called Matic Cues. Google's recent Pixel announcements, including the Pixel 11 and Pixel Watch, are seen as potential indicators of Apple's plans for the iPhone 18 Pro.