Apple News 8 Hours

Last updated: August 10, 2026, 5:57 PM ET

iOS 27 and iPad OS 27 Beta 5

Apple today seeded the fifth developer betas of iOS, iPad OS, and mac OS Golden Gate, arriving after an unusually long three-week gap. The update introduces redesigned Liquid Glass icons for Siri, Safari, and Settings, as documented by MacRumors. Apple Insider highlights new “Before Searching” settings and updated app icons across the board. The iPadOS 27 beta 5 is also rolling out to developers, alongside watchOS 27 beta 5, and visionOS 27 beta 5. Apple’s macOS Golden Gate beta 5 is available to developers as well.

Siri AI Voice Customization and Photo Authentication

The latest iOS 27 beta expands Siri AI voice customization, adding pace and expressivity controls. Separately, references in iOS 27 beta 5 point to a new feature that authenticates photos as coming from an iPhone camera. The updated Apple Maps in iOS 27 also brings a wide array of new capabilities.

Security Updates and Older Betas

Apple is gearing up to release beta security updates for iOS, iOS, and mac OS. Today the company also shipped a surprise second wave: iOS 26.6.1 beta for iPhone, plus iOS 26.6.1 and iPadOS 26.6.1 betas with security fixes. A beta of macOS Tahoe 26.6.2 is also available to developers and public testers.

Hardware Rumors and Supply Chain

A leaked photo appears to confirm the #iPhone 18 Pro Max will have a 5,391mAh battery — nearly 12% larger than the iPhone 17 Pro Max’s. A separate leak backs up that massive battery claim. Meanwhile, a known Weibo leaker weighed in on the correct shade for the “Dark Cherry” iPhone 18 Pro. On a less optimistic note, Jefferies analyst Edison Lee says Apple’s all-glass 20th anniversary iPhone has been canceled. In the supply chain, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo disputes a rumor of a $1B Apple chip stockpile at TSMC, while also noting that Apple is cutting 2026 hardware shipments due to DRAM shortages.

Accessories and Add-Ons

A new add-on for the AirTag 2 extends battery life to 10 years, addressing a key limitation of the tracker that launched this year with improved range and a louder speaker. The official Apple Certified Refurbished Store is offering top picks of the week with hundreds in savings on iPhone, MacBook, and more.

Services and Content Deals

Apple TV+ has picked up Alfonso Cuarón’s series Ascension, marking the director’s second collaboration with the platform. Apple and MLB announced 3D MLB games coming to Vision Pro as part of the September Friday Night Baseball schedule. Separately, Meta released a new Facebook Creator Studio app for iPhone.

Deals

B&H is clearing out M4 15-inch MacBook Air inventory at $1,279. Amazon has the Apple Watch SE 3 for $219. The M5 MacBook Pro is $300 off, alongside deals on Air Pods Pro, Apple Sport Bands, and an Anker 3-in-1 Qi2 25W Mag Safe charger.

Podcasts and Commentary

This week’s Smart Home Insider covers a flight tracker poster, a Home Deck smart home dashboard app, and a review of the Schlage Sense Pro. An op-ed argues that generative AI needs ethical leadership and should be controlled like nuclear power, citing irresponsible behavior by AI companies.