Apple News 8 Hours

Last updated: August 7, 2026, 6:24 PM ET

iPhone 18 Pro and the Foldable Era

Apple is gearing up for a September 9 launch event where the iPhone 18 Pro is expected to debut. The latest rumor roundup points to a 2nm A20 chip, an in-house C2 modem, and under-display Face ID as key upgrades. A separate rumor suggests Apple may raise iPhone prices when the iPhone 18 Pro launches, though specifics remain unclear. Meanwhile, the company is rumored to launch three new "Ultra" products by early 2027, including a foldable iPhone Ultra that will sit alongside the Pro models. A poll asks readers whether they plan to buy the iPhone 18 Pro or the foldable iPhone Ultra, highlighting a potential shift to a premium-only lineup. The first year of the iPhone Air has been difficult, and the MacRumors Show discusses what changes might come with the iPhone Air 2 as its successor approaches. Additionally, the 9to5Mac Daily podcast covered iPhone Fold hype and mac OS updates today.

iOS, watch OS, and Software Fixes

After 326 days, iOS 26 has received its first jailbreak thanks to the Dopamine team, marking a significant milestone for the platform. In iOS, Apple has implemented a long-awaited fix for the Wi-Fi to cellular lag, promising more responsive and reliable wireless transitions. On the watch side, watch OS 27 could upgrade the Apple Watch’s hypertension alerts, building on the important health feature introduced last year. Outside of Apple’s own software, OpenAI has delayed its next major AI model Astra over critical hacking concerns, pausing activities due to cyber capability risks. Separately, Claude Code auto mode will become the default setting for Pro, Max, and Team users starting August 14, as Anthropic updates its permissions.

Mac, Air Pods, and Refurbished Hardware

MacBook Pro users will soon have two compelling new upgrade options: an M6-powered model and a new MacBook Ultra rumored to launch this fall. Apple has also expanded its Certified Refurbished Store with rare M5 MacBook Pro configurations, the Studio Display XDR, and high-end M5 MacBook Airs. New AirPods with cameras could launch next month alongside the iPhone 18 Pro event — an exciting feature that would add spatial awareness to the audio accessory. Meanwhile, Apple’s supplier SK hynix is making a $38 billion bet on the AI boom lasting until 2029, investing heavily in chip production, though it won’t cut iPhone prices.

Apple Ecosystem, Market Dominance, and Partnerships

Apple captured 65% of the global premium smartphone market in the first half of 2026, with the premium segment’s share of overall sales reaching a record 29%, according to Counterpoint data. On the automotive front, Tesla, Rivian, and GM still don’t support CarPlay, and the report explains why these automakers resist the platform. In media, actor James Marsden has been confirmed for his third Apple TV+ project, reprising his role in “Your Friends & Neighbors.” OpenAI is working on a feature that would let users create custom stickers in ChatGPT and export them directly to WhatsApp, expanding cross-platform integration. Additionally, Apple has told a federal court that discovery delays are dragging in its trade secret lawsuit against Jon Prosser, flagging a month without hearing from his legal team. Apple seems to have abandoned Cinematic mode on newer iPhones, and one writer argues that’s a mistake given its creative potential. Finally, the latest 9to5Mac Overtime podcast covers running native retro games on iPhone, including a Mario Kart 64 port and a Pokémon 3D Mod on Mac.