Apple News 8 Hours

Last updated: August 28, 2026, 3:10 PM ET

Apple's Big Week

It's been an unusually busy stretch for Apple, with the company making a surprisingly big week of announcements. The spotlight fell on the new M6 chip, which debuted in the refreshed Mac mini. Among its upgrades, the M6 gains a feature previously exclusive to higher-end silicon like the M5 Pro and Max. Amazon has already launched the first preorder discounts on the new desktop, with prices starting at $879.99, marking the first M6 Mac mini deals. The retailer is also offering pre-order discounts on the machine, saving buyers $20 off the retail price.

iPhone 18 Pro and Foldable Rumors

Attention is now turning to Apple's September 9 event, where the iPhone 18 Pro and the first foldable iPhone are expected. A new report indicates that pre-orders may open on Saturday, September 12, a day later than the company's typical Friday schedule. This unusual timing is reportedly due to a less convenient start time, as Apple looks to sidestep a September 11 date. The preorder timing for both the Pro models and the folding device remains unclear, though the report suggests the shift could burden buyers. For those weighing an upgrade, two features are generating particular excitement, including a new camera system and a significant display upgrade, as outlined in a look at the iPhone 18 Pro's upgrade features. Meanwhile, a separate guide details what not to expect at the event, ruling out items like a new Home Pod or Mac Pro, and clarifying the September 9 event lineup. The rumor mill also offers a comprehensive look at the foldable iPhone Ultra, including its expected release date and key specifications. Apple is expected to launch more than 15 new products this fall, spanning iPhones, Macs, iPads, and more, with the full fall product lineup detailed ahead of the September 9 kickoff. Reports also suggest that pre-orders could kick off slightly later than usual for the iPhone 18 Pro.

Price Increases and Streaming

Apple has announced a price increase for its Apple TV streaming service and corresponding Apple One bundles. The Apple TV service will now cost $14.99 per month in the U.S., a $5 increase, with the price hike also affecting Brazil, Chile, and Mexico. As a direct result, the Apple One Individual plan has also risen in price. This marks the latest in a series of subscription increases, coming just weeks after Apple raised prices for Apple Music and other Apple One tiers. The company confirmed the changes today, with the new pricing taking effect immediately for new subscribers and on the next billing cycle for existing ones. The Apple TV service increase was communicated directly to Mac Rumors and other outlets.

Apple TV+ Acquisition

In a first for the streaming service, Apple TV has acquired the worldwide rights to Small Prophets, a critically acclaimed BBC comedy serial. This marks the first time Apple has bought an existing English-language hit rather than commissioning an original, a rare UK comedy deal that breaks with its usual operating model. The acquisition is seen as a significant move for the platform, bringing a proven hit to its catalog. The Apple TV purchase of the series, which stars Pearce Quigley, will bring the show to a global audience. The deal is notable as the streamer typically commissions its own content, and this breakout British hit will now be available worldwide on the platform.

Deals and Discounts

Amazon's massive Labor Day sale is now live, featuring significant discounts on a range of Apple products. The 44mm Apple Watch SE 3 has dropped to a record-low $199.99, a new low price at the retailer. The deal also extends to the Apple Watch SE 3 with GPS, now available for just $199.99. The sale also includes $50 off Air Pods Pro, all-time lows on Air Tag, and discounts on iPhones and Macs, with the full rundown available in the Labor Day deals roundup. Amazon has officially launched the massive sale, with the best prices ever on the 2026 Air Tag 2 and all-time lows on various iPhone models.

Software and Apps

WhatsApp is rolling out new chat themes on iOS, including animated wallpapers. The feature, which was previously spotted in development, is now available to iPhone users, adding a new level of customization to the app. The new chat themes allow users to personalize their conversations with dynamic backgrounds. In other software news, a new app called Afterglow brings the classic 1990s "After Dark" screen savers to modern mac OS. The app, developed by Jeff Halter, revives the nostalgic animations, as noted by John Gruber of Daring Fireball. The Afterglow app is available for download, offering a trip down memory lane for longtime Mac users.

Hardware and Accessories

Volvo has confirmed that Spatial Audio support in Car Play, powered by Dolby Atmos, is now rolling out to its vehicles, starting with the EX90. The feature brings an immersive audio experience to the car, with the Spatial Audio rollout beginning this week. For those looking to pair a new Mac mini or Mac Studio with a high-quality display, a guide highlights the best Retina-class monitors available. From smaller 4K options to Apple's high-end Studio Display, the guide covers the top choices for the new machines.

Miscellaneous

Apple CEO Tim Cook has pledged that the company will make a donation toward relief and rebuilding work in Nepal and Tibet, where flash floods and mudslides have caused widespread devastation. The donation pledge follows similar efforts after past natural disasters. Cook announced the aid on social media, confirming Apple's commitment to supporting the flood victims in the region. In a piece of nostalgia, Steve Jobs' eighth-grade science fair project sold at auction for over $34,000. The science project fetched $34,375, roughly the price of a new midsize sedan. The Apple Insider podcast also covered the week's big news, including the iPhone launch date, the M6 Mac mini, and AI Music, in its latest episode. Finally, a video experiment highlights the frustrations with iPhone Cinematic mode, which remains frustratingly close to great but falls short in key areas. In other news, Sam Altman and other AI companies are facing criticism for their response to AI hacking, with a call for public action described as tone-deaf given the industry's role in creating the problem.