Apple News 8 Hours

Last updated: August 11, 2026, 5:59 PM ET

Software Updates and Betas

Apple has released a wave of new betas ahead of its fall software launches. The third iOS 27 public beta is now available, bringing Siri AI upgrades and speed improvements, while iPadOS 27 public beta 3 and the third public beta of tvOS 27 and watchOS 27 are also out. For developers, iOS 27 beta 5 lets users make the Liquid Glass effect more transparent than ever. mac OS users can test the third public beta of macOS Golden Gate. Apple also released new AirPods beta firmware for public testers, build 9A5336b, supporting Air Pods Pro 2 and Pro. A leak reveals that the Modular watch face in watch OS 27 will gain new color customization options. Among new features, iOS 27 celebrates friends' birthdays with on-call fireworks, and users subscribed to an iCloud+ plan with at least 2TB of storage receive new Home app perks in iOS. The 9to5Mac Daily podcast recaps these top stories, including iOS 27 beta 5 and glass iPhone rumors.

Hardware and Product Rumors

Apple is gearing up for major hardware launches. Multiple reports indicate that everyone at Apple calls the upcoming foldable the iPhone Ultra, and Mark Gurman confirms the name is used internally. The iPhone Ultra is said to include two features that Pro users will love. Meanwhile, the iPhone 18 Pro is just weeks away and rumored to bring three notable camera upgrades. Separately, Sonos is planning a premium over-ear model called the Ace Ultra with a big AI push. In supply chain news, Apple is stockpiling OLED panels amid rising component prices. The new Grok Bot from Space XAI brings always-on AI agents to mac OS and iOS, and it is an all-new app built in partnership with Cursor.

Services, Legal, and Business

Apple extended its 2026 Back to School Promotion until September 24, giving students almost a month more to take advantage of the offer. In legal news, Apple lost a stay bid in its Epic Games fee fight and must now detail fees for outbound links within 24 hours. A proposed class action lawsuit accuses Apple of fraud and false advertising over a security flaw in iCloud Private Relay. Apple is also in talks to acquire streaming rights for golf’s Open Championship, according to a report. On the executive front, Apple Pay chief Jennifer Bailey is retiring in October. Apple Arcade is adding two new puzzle games: Block Blast!+ and Art of Fauna: Cozy Puzzles+. On Apple TV+, a new crime thriller called Last Seen will kick off the streamer’s big fall lineup. In mobile spending trends, a new report from Sensor Tower shows that non-gaming apps drove global mobile spending growth in Q2 2026, while gaming revenue declined 4.5% year over year.

Deals and Discounts

Several notable deals are available. Amazon is offering the AirPods Max 2 for $449.00 in all five colors, a $100 discount. AirPods Pro 3 are also 25% off, along with deals on MacBook Pro and Anker accessories. LG has launched a Back to School sale with major discounts on OLED TVs and monitors, and you can save up to $5,000 on LG OLED TVs with the 32-inch Ultra Fine 6K monitor dropping to $1,099.