Apple News 8 Hours

Last updated: August 6, 2026, 9:39 PM ET

iPhone 18 Pro supply and pricing concerns

The iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the foldable "iPhone Ultra" could face significant supply shortages this year due to a memory component shortage. The shortage affects high-bandwidth memory needed for the A20 Pro chip, which could limit production volumes at launch and cause the devices to sell out fast. Pricing for the iPhone 18 Pro lineup remains a key question ahead of the expected September announcement, which is now roughly a month away. The new models are expected to feature an upgraded camera system and the A20 Pro chip, with analysts projecting a price increase of roughly $100 to $200 over the current generation. Apple continues dominate the premium smartphone segment, owning 65% of the market for phones priced above $600. The company grew 9% year over year in the first half of 2026, though Chinese brands are making a dent in local market share.

iPad and cellular network changes

Apple reported a 5% year-over-year drop in iPad revenue for the June quarter, and a new report indicates iPad shipments fell 8% in Q2 2026 amid a global tablet market decline. T-Mobile retired its 2G GSM network on Monday, August 3, meaning all three major US carriers have now ended 2G service. The shutdown means the original iPhone has lost its last cellular network, rendering the device unable to make calls or use data on any US carrier.

iOS 27 fitness and Air Pods features

iOS 27 basically turns your iPhone and Air Pods into an Apple Watch at the gym, expanding Gym Kit capabilities beyond the wearable. Gym Kit, which in 2017, lets your Apple Watch share heart rate data with compatible gym equipment while the machine sends back workout metrics. Air Pods are getting a variety of new features in iOS, two of which are exclusive to Air Pods Pro. These new features include enhanced health tracking and improved workout integration that leverage the Air Pods Pro 3's sensors.

Software security and legal updates

Apple has published security details for its latest mac OS Tahoe, Sequoia, and Sonoma updates, which address a serious Screen Sharing vulnerability. The vulnerability could allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code, and Apple recommends all users update immediately. In a joint status report filing, Apple flagged delays in Jon Prosser's response to its leak lawsuit, saying it hadn't heard from his lawyer in a month. Prosser's counsel the delay to Prosser caring for his newborn child.

Apple TV content and services

TV's fall lineup includes Ted Lasso season, which is now airing, along with a slate of new shows and movies coming soon. One of Apple TV's surprise hit series this year is making the jump to theaters for one night only, a rare move for a streaming show. Madden NFL Arcade Edition is now available on Apple Arcade, offering a full Madden NFL game without any in-app purchases.

AI and OpenAI developments

Bloomberg has shared new pricing and design details about OpenAI's first smart device, which is described as a doughnut-shaped speaker. The device is expected to integrate with Chat GPT and could launch at a premium price point. OpenAI continues to churn out upgrades to its GPT models, with the latest GPT-5.6 promising to be more succinct and provide confident wrong answers less often. new ChatGPT version includes a 'Think' button that will help it find "more reliable facts."

X Money and Apple Health

Following X launch last month, one question has repeatedly surfaced: what happens to your money if X suspends or closes your social media account. X Money offers a 6% APY, physical cards, and Apple Wallet integration, but account suspensions remain a concern for users. Apple Health app on iPhone is more powerful than most users realize, recording data from Apple Watch and importing records directly from doctors. The app integrates with a wide range of health data sources, making it a central hub for wellness tracking.

Podcast recap

9to5Mac Daily is available on iTunes and Apple's Podcasts app, offering a recap of the top stories of the day. The latest episode covers potential iPhone 18 Pro shortages and other key Apple news.