Apple News 8 Hours

Last updated: August 28, 2026, 10:38 PM ET

Apple Hardware & Auctions

A piece of computing history changed hands this week as Steve Jobs’ 1968 science fair project, a hand-built frequency counter he constructed for 8th grade, sold at auction for $34,375. The bidding, conducted by RR Auction, closed well above initial estimates, underscoring the enduring collector interest in artifacts from Apple’s co-founder. The hand-built exhibit fetched the final price after a competitive round, with the device’s provenance tied to Jobs’ early engineering curiosity.

On the manufacturing side, Apple’s Kentucky iPhone glass plant is set to add 200 permanent jobs as it becomes a larger part of the supply chain. The expansion brings both long-term roles and temporary positions, strengthening domestic production of the Corning-made glass used in iPhones.

Software & Smart Home

Apple Photos is getting a significant upgrade in iOS, with one of the app’s most popular features receiving a major overhaul. The update enhances iCloud Shared Albums, making it easier to collaborate and organize photos, part of a broader set of Photos improvements coming to the OS. Meanwhile, the smart home space saw a new entry from Linkind, whose Smart Light Stick brings flame effects via Matter support. The bulb simulates a “live flame” flicker, a novel concept that integrates with Home Kit and other Matter-compatible platforms.

Podcasts & Deals

The latest 9to5Mac Daily episode recaps the day’s top stories, including foldable iPhone expectations and new iPhone 18 Pro rumors, available on iTunes and Apple’s Podcasts app. In a separate discussion, the 9to5Mac Overtime podcast compares the outgoing M4 model with the new M6 Mac mini, priced at $899, alongside the M5 Pro variant and Apple’s new Mac Studio designs.

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