Apple News 8 Hours

Last updated: August 13, 2026, 8:59 PM ET

Hardware & Software Updates

With the iPhone 18 launch just weeks away, Apple’s ecosystem is in a state of transition. A retrospective on the iPhone 17 Pro examines how its battery, durability, and features held up after a year of use. Meanwhile, Apple’s September event is expected to introduce at least five new devices, including the iPhone 18 Pro, a foldable, and updated Apple Watches. On the lower end, rumors suggest the MacBook Neo 2 will finally get a base RAM upgrade to 12GB, addressing the biggest critique of the original.

Apple also quietly updated its vintage and obsolete lists. The iPhone X and the 2018 15-inch MacBook Pro are now officially obsolete, meaning parts and service will become increasingly scarce, as confirmed by AppleInsider. In software, iOS 27 beta 5 brings a new Wallet Discover section that surfaces nearby stores, loyalty cards, and transit passes. Looking further ahead, a podcast episode covers future Apple wearables, including a fresh look at fitness tracking and early details on the “glassy” iPhone.

A new patent hints at a privacy feature for Apple Glasses: a recording chime audible only to the wearer, solving a lesser-known problem with covert filming. Meanwhile, insights from an iFixit teardown of the Galaxy Z Fold8 offer a preview of the engineering hurdles Apple will face when it launches its own foldable.

Legal & App Store

Apple’s ongoing battle with Epic Games took several turns today. The company submitted a court-ordered proposal to charge developers between 5% and 15% on purchases made via links outside the App Store. Apple wants to charge up to 15% for that linking, but Epic argues any fee above 0% is unacceptable, as reported by AppleInsider. A separate 9to5Mac article outlines Apple’s proposed commissions of up to 15% for off-App Store purchases in the US. The Supreme Court has denied yet another stay in the case, pushing Apple to deliver its finalized plan as deadlines loom.

Services & Entertainment

Ted Lasso continues to dominate Apple TV+. The season four debut pulled in nearly 300 million U.S. viewing minutes across its first two days, marking the biggest premiere ever for the platform. Coverage from AppleInsider and 9to5Mac both confirm the record-breaking start. In other subscription news, Chase recently added free Apple TV+ and Apple One perks to its Sapphire Preferred credit card, sweetening the deal for cardholders.

Messaging app WhatsApp is testing a major chat customization update in its latest iOS beta, introducing animated wallpapers and revamped themes. On the desktop, ChatGPT for Mac now offers an opt-in Computer History feature that lets the AI learn from activity outside the app, effectively replacing the previous Chronicle functionality.

Manufacturing & Retail

Apple celebrated the opening of its Advanced Manufacturing Center in Houston, Texas, ahead of Mac mini production. The facility, located in the same Houston area, will focus on advanced assembly and tooling, as detailed by 9to5Mac. For shoppers, Amazon deals are offering up to $190 off Beats headphones and earbuds, plus Nomad iPhone cases as low as $19.

Smart Home & Other

The Matic Cues software update brings voice and gesture control to the Matic robot vacuum and mop, allowing users to simply point at a mess or speak a command to start cleaning.

Podcast Roundup

Today’s 9to5Mac Daily recaps MacBook Air shortages and new iPhone Ultra launch rumors, available on Apple Podcasts and other platforms.