Apple News 24 Hours

Last updated: August 7, 2026, 6:23 PM ET

iPhone 18 Pro and Foldable Ultra

Apple will likely hold its iPhone 18 Pro launch event on September 9, 2026, according to analysts, though a new rumor claims a price increase could come as soon as next week. The device is expected to feature a 2nm A20 chip, an Apple-designed C2 modem, and under-display Face ID. A separate analysis predicts the iPhone 18 Pro could cost $250–$300 more than its predecessor. The company is also rumored to launch three new "Ultra" products by early 2027, including a foldable iPhone. The iPhone Air 2 faces mounting pressure after a difficult first year, as discussed on this week's The MacRumors Show. A 9to5Mac poll asks readers whether they plan to buy the iPhone 18 Pro or the foldable iPhone Ultra.

iOS and watch OS Updates

The long-awaited iOS 27 fixes a common iPhone wireless issue that caused lag when switching between Wi-Fi and cellular networks. iOS 27 also adds a new compact clock option that gives wallpapers more breathing room, and it now allows users to import physical passes directly into Apple Wallet. Meanwhile, Apple is internally testing iOS 26.6.1 for iPhones ahead of a likely public release. iOS 26 has also received its first jailbreak after 326 days, thanks to the Dopamine tool. On the wearable side, watch OS 27 may upgrade the Apple Watch's hypertension alerts with more detailed, potentially life-saving notifications.

Other Software and Services

A new episode of 9to5Mac Overtime explores running native retro games like Mario Kart 64 on iPhone. OpenAI has delayed its next major AI model "Astra" over critical hacking concerns, which the company says it is pausing to assess. OpenAI is also developing a feature to let users create custom stickers in Chat GPT and export them to WhatsApp. Anthropic has announced that Claude Code auto mode will become the default permission setting starting August 14. Apple expanded its Apple Account Card in the Wallet app to four new countries this week. The Apple Health app is more powerful than many realize, and a new guide shares top tips for leveraging its full capabilities. Madden NFL 27 Arcade Edition is now available on Apple Arcade, offering a full NFL experience without in-app purchases. The Security Bite podcast explains why scammers have turned to FaceTime for their schemes.

Hardware and Accessories

New AirPods with integrated cameras could launch next month alongside the iPhone 18 Pro, enabling spatial audio and AR features. MacBook Pro buyers will soon have two compelling upgrade options: models powered by the M6 chip and a new high-end MacBook Ultra. Apple has expanded its Certified Refurbished Store with rare M5 MacBook Pro configurations, the Studio Display XDR, and the Apple TV 4K. SK hynix, one of Apple's key memory suppliers, is investing $38 billion AI chip production through 2029, though the move is unlikely to lower iPhone component prices. Tesla, Rivian, and GM still refuse to support Car Play, and 9to5Mac breaks down why these three automakers continue to resist the platform.

Legal and Business

Apple has told a federal court that it has not heard from Jon Prosser's legal team in a month, flagging discovery delays in its trade secret lawsuit against the leaker. The AppleInsider Podcast examines the rising costs of AI features and the company's ongoing legal battle with OpenAI. In market data, Apple captured 65% global premium smartphone market in the first half of 2026, as the premium segment's share of overall sales climbed to a record 29%. The original iPhone lost its last cellular network this week after T-Mobile shut down 2G, ending connectivity for the 2007 device. iPad shipments fell 8% in Q2 2026, in line with a broader global tablet market decline. Actor James Marsden has been confirmed for his third Apple TV+ project, a series titled "Bad News Dads."

Long-Form and Opinion

Apple appears to have quietly abandoned Cinematic mode, and 9to5Mac argues that was a mistake given its creative potential. The original Mac Pro turned 20 years old today, and Apple Insider celebrates it as the best Mac ever made, even though Apple discontinued the tower just five months ago. The venerable text editor BBEdit remains a legend on the Mac after 34 years of continuous development. A new editorial also suggests that Apple's decision to drop the Mac Pro was premature, noting the machine's enduring legacy.