Apple News 8 Hours

Last updated: August 13, 2026, 6:11 PM ET

Obsolete Products: iPhone X and 2018 MacBook Pro

Apple has added the iPhone X and the 2018 15-inch MacBook Pro to its official obsolete products list, meaning those devices are no longer eligible for hardware service from Apple. Released in 2017, the iPhone X introduced an edge-to-edge OLED display and Face ID, but as MacRumors reports, the classification means parts and repairs are no longer available. The 9to5Mac article notes that the 15-inch MacBook Pro from 2018 also now joins the ancient hardware list, cutting off support for those models.

Ted Lasso Season 4 Sets Records

"Ted Lasso" season four has become Apple TV+'s biggest launch yet, drawing nearly 300 million U.S. viewing minutes over its first two days. According to AppleInsider, the comedy series once again packed the stands, breaking the platform's previous debut record. This milestone was similarly reported by 9to5Mac, which highlighted the show's strong start for its fourth season.

Apple Expands Manufacturing in Houston

Apple officially opened its Advanced Manufacturing Center in Houston, Texas, a facility that will support production of the Mac Mini and other devices. The MacRumors coverage details that the AMC is located in the city's same industrial hub. 9to5Mac calls the opening a celebration of Apple's commitment to U.S. manufacturing and its growing footprint in Texas.

iOS 27 Continues to Evolve

Apple Wallet in iOS 27 beta 5 introduces a clever new "Discover" section, helping users find and use Wallet features more easily. 9to5Mac explains the upgrade is part of several improvements coming to the app. Meanwhile, Apple Photos gains two long-awaited features in iOS 27: slideshows and shared album upgrades. The 9to5Mac article calls them major wish-list items that are finally arriving. A podcast roundup also discusses the beta's changes, along with Apple reportedly taking a fresh look at fitness wearables and details about the glassy iPhone.

Upcoming Apple Hardware Rumors

A new Apple TV 4K is expected this fall with a much faster chip, as 9to5Mac outlines everything known so far about the 2026 upgrade. The MacBook Neo 2 is rumored to get the key upgrade it needs most: more RAM. From a 9to5Mac report, the successor to the popular MacBook Neo could arrive next year with a 12GB base configuration. Apple is also reportedly looking at an "iPhone Ultra" that would avoid the dust ingress issues that have plagued Samsung foldables. 9to5Mac analyzes whether the iPhone Ultra can overcome the screen damage problems seen on the original Galaxy Fold. In addition, the MacRumors article predicts Apple's annual iPhone event will happen in September, where the iPhone 18 Pro and possibly the iPhone Ultra will be unveiled.

Apple Services and Third-Party Integrations

Chase recently added free Apple TV and Apple One perks to its Sapphire Preferred credit card, making the $95 annual fee more valuable. The 9to5Mac article explains that cardholders can now redeem these benefits. Meanwhile, WhatsApp is working on chat themes with animated wallpapers, as 9to5Mac reports — the latest beta for iOS includes references to a revamped set of customization options. On the desktop, Chat GPT for Mac has added an opt-in Computer History feature, replacing Chronicle, letting the AI learn from your Mac usage. 9to5Mac details how OpenAI is giving Chat GPT and Codex new ways to remember work done outside the app.

Deals and Accessories

Amazon is slashing up to $190 off Beats headphones and earbuds, plus Nomad iPhone cases are as low as $19. An AppleInsider article highlights discounts of up to 54% on Beats products and aggressive overstock sales on Nomad accessories. Apple's loaded 13-inch M5 MacBook Air with 1TB storage and 24GB RAM has dropped to $1,649 at Amazon and B&H. The AppleInsider coverage calls it a $150 discount on the high-end configuration. Meanwhile, two affordable iPhone 17 Pro accessories are worth trying, according to 9to5Mac — a case and screen protector that won't break the bank.

Other Notable News

iFixit's teardown of the Galaxy Z Fold8 offers a preview of the challenges Apple will face with its own foldable. The MacRumors piece notes that Samsung's new foldable looks so much like an Apple device you might confuse it, but the repair complexity reveals the hurdles ahead. A new patent suggests Apple Glasses could chime when recording, but only for the wearer — addressing a privacy alert issue. AppleInsider describes the patent details for alerting the user without disturbing others. However, App Store review is increasingly broken, argues an AppleInsider opinion piece, which says users are becoming the ones to find problem apps. The article warns that the system is failing when it is needed most. Finally, Matic has added voice and gesture control to its robot vacuum and mop through a software update called Matic Cues. 9to5Mac reports that you can simply talk to the vacuum or point at a mess to clean it.