Apple News 24 Hours

Last updated: September 4, 2026, 3:09 PM ET

iPhone 18 Pro & Event Preview

With Apple's September 9 event now just days away, expectations are running high for the company's next-generation smartphones. The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are expected to feature a mechanical variable aperture for the main camera, a significant upgrade that could dramatically improve depth-of-field control and low-light performance. The devices will also reportedly sport two new display upgrades, including a new LTPO panel that enables more efficient refresh rates anda smaller Dynamic Island cutout. A new report details the flagship camera system, while the MacRumors Show podcast offers a comprehensive rundown of everything to expect from the "Surprise and shine" event. With just five sleeps remaining, the rumor millis churning out final details about the devices, including potential battery improvements and charging speeds.

iPhone Ultra & Foldable

The most anticipated product at next week's event is likely Apple's first-ever foldable iPhone, reportedly dubbed the iPhone Ultra. Case manufacturers have already produced dummy units offering a glimpse at the device's design, which features a book-style folding mechanism with an external display. However, production is facing significant constraints: supply chain reports indicate that Apple's "extremely high quality control standards" have limited output to just a few hundred unitsa day during August, according to Nikkei Asia. This slow ramp could lead to severe shortages at launch, with some analysts predicting months-long wait times. A comprehensive rumor roundup details everything known so far aboutthe device, including its expected 7.6-inch inner display, titanium frame,and dual-camera setup. The foldable's production challenges were also corroborated by Apple Insider, which noted that inspectors are rejecting units at an unusually high rate.

iPhone 20 & Future Roadmap

Looking beyond next week, a leaked iPhone roadmaphas revealed Apple's plans through 2028, including a larger foldable deviceand what Bloomberg describes as the"biggest overhaul" in iPhone history. The centerpiece of these plans is the iPhone 20, slated for a 2027 release to commemorate the iPhone's 20th anniversary. Reports indicate this model will feature the most dramatic design revampsince the iPhone X, potentially including a full-screen display with under-display Face ID,a titanium body,and a completely new industrial design language. Apple is reportedly planning to release 14 major products by early next year, according to a detailed breakdownof the company's upcoming roadmap.

Home Pod & Home Security

Apple is quietly developing significant upgrades for its smart home lineup. The company has been testing a new full-sized HomePod featuring Siri AI support, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. Code discovered in audio OS 27 beta 8 reveals references to a four-speaker surround sound system, along with a new"Party Mode" featurethat would allow multiple Home Pods to synchronize playback across a home. These surround sound capabilities appear to be in active development,with references to room calibration algorithmsthat would optimize audio output based on speaker placement. Additionally, Apple is working on new HomePod features including expanded multi-room audio controlsand improved Siri integration. On the security front, Apple's home security system has reportedly been delayed to 2027, with the company planning to launch an AI-powered security camera alongide a professional monitoring service, according to a new Bloomberg report.

MacBook Neo & Mac Mini

Apple's Mac lineup continues to evolve, with significant updates planned for early 2027. The company is reportedly planning to update the MacBook Neoin three key ways, including the addition of the A19 Pro chip, a new display technology,and improved battery life, according to Mark Gurman. This follows the resounding successof the original MacBook Neo,which launched earlier this yearand quickly became one of Apple's best-selling Macs ever. For those considering a Mac mini,a comprehensive buyer's guidecomparesthe newly announced M6and M5 Pro models, helping consumers decide which configuration best suits their needs. The Mac mini's compact form factor continues to make it a popular choice for creative professionalsand home users alike.

Software & App Updates

Apple has been actively refining its software ecosystem. The company recently fixed a frustrating TestFlight regressionthat was introduced with the app's search feature update back in July. The bug, which caused recent beta builds to disappear from the main list, has now been resolved in version 4.3.1, restoring default visibilityof recent betas for all users, as noted by Mac Stories editor-in-chief Federico Viticci. In iOS, Apple has also redesigned the Calendar appwith a fresh new look for key features like event creationand details viewing. The updated interface aims to make scheduling more intuitive, with larger touch targetsand improved visual hierarchy. For those new to video editing, a comprehensive iMovie guideoffers step-by-step instructions on getting started with the app on iOS 27and iPad OS, covering everything from importing footage to exporting final projects.

Deals & Accessories

Labor Day weekend brought a wave of significant discounts on Apple products. Retailers are offering up to $330 off Studio Displaysplus pre-order savings on the newly announced Mac mini models. Amazon's massive Labor Day sale features AirPods Pro 3 at $50 offandthe M5 MacBook Air at $150 off, along with all-time low pricing on Studio Displays—up to $500 off select models—and new Dark Cherry chargersfrom third-party accessory makers. Elsewhere, Ugreen has launchedits Home Agent AI smart home platform, combining security camera storage,on-device AI processing,and Matter-based device controlin a single hub, alongside a new liquid-cooled Qi2 charger. The Wokyis G7 Thunderbolt 5 dockoffers retro-styled aestheticswith speedy 80Gbps connectivity, making it an attractive add-on for Mac Studio users needing additional ports. Alogic has also announced six new monitors,including a 6K touchscreen modelanda 5K ultrawide display,both compatible with the Mac mini's docking stand.

Apple TV+ & Entertainment

Apple TV+ is rolling out a substantial fall lineup of new original content. The streaming service is now airing Ted Lasso season 4, along with a variety of other new showsand movies arriving throughout the season. A new action-comedy called Mayday,starring Ryan Reynoldsand Kenneth Branagh,is now streaming free for subscribers. The film follows a group of unlikely heroes who must save a sinking cruise ship,combining high-octane action sequenceswith the comedic chemistry of its leads.

Legal & Corporate

Apple's new CEO John Ternusis facing challenges early in his tenure. The company has been hit with a patent lawsuit from BASF,the global chemical giant,allegingthat Face ID technology violates face authentication patents held by the company. This legal action comes nearly a decade after Face ID debuted in the iPhone X. Meanwhile, Ternus's first week as CEO has been covered extensively,with discussions about how much former CEO Tim Cook will remain involved in day-to-day operations, as explored on the AppleInsider Podcastand in a 9to5Mac Daily episodethat also touches on last-minute iPhone event rumorsanda potential Apple TV+ price increase. The 9to5Mac Daily podcastoffers a daily recap of top stories, available on iTunesand Apple's Podcasts app,making it easy to stay informed on all the latest Apple news heading into next week's big event.