Apple is set to unveil new iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max models on Wednesday, September 9, and the devices are expected to feature a design that's largely similar to the iPhone 17 Pro models, with a peppering of enhancements inside. Major changes are not expected until next year, when Apple is expected to introduce a radically redesigned 20th-anniversary iPhone.


If you're thinking of trading in your current iPhone for this year's latest, consider the following features rumored to be coming to next September's iPhone 20 models (Apple is expected to skip the iPhone 19 for its commemorative edition). Taken together, they may just give you pause for thought.

• A quad-curved, all-glass design: The display glass reportedly curves away on all four sides of the iPhone 20, concealing the metal frame during normal use for a borderless effect. Apple is said to be working with Samsung on an "equal-depth quad-curved" display to achieve the feat.


• Advanced OLED technology: Apple is planning to use a brighter, thinner OLED panel for the 20th anniversary iPhone. Rumors suggest that Apple will adopt Samsung ‌OLED‌ displays with Color Filter on Encapsulation (COE) technology, which reduces the thickness of the overall display stack, and lets more light through to improve brightness while reducing power draw.


• Under-display Face ID and camera: Apple is reportedly continuing to test hardware that would eliminate the Dynamic Island – the visible cutout – from the front of the device, with Face ID components moving under the screen and an under-camera display said to be in development. Whether the technology will be ready in time for a fall 2027 launch remains uncertain.


• Custom Apple image sensor: Apple is said to be developing its own stacked image sensor to replace the Sony sensors it has traditionally used for the iPhone. Apple has reportedly already developed a working prototype. The sensor is said to use LOFIC technology, which would let each pixel store varying amounts of light and potentially reach up to 20 stops of dynamic range.


• Solid-state buttons: Apple is said to be testing haptic replacements for the Side, Volume, Action, and Camera Control buttons. The buttons could be integrated directly into the device's frame, with no actual physical movement when pressed, yet retaining a tactile responsiveness.


• A 2-nanometer A21 chip: The 20th anniversary models are expected to feature a second-generation 2-nanometer chip. With the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro models widely expected to debut the A20 Pro chip, the anniversary models would likely be powered by the A21 Pro.


• Silicon anode battery: Apple is reportedly exploring a new battery technology that uses a silicon anode capable of storing more lithium ions per gram, potentially delivering longer battery life without increasing the physical size of the battery.


• Mobile high bandwidth memory: Apple is rumored to be evaluating vertically stacked DRAM technology to improve memory bandwidth and boost on-device AI performance.


• Two sizes: The two anniversary models could have a larger display size compared to this September's iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, which are expected to use 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch displays similar to iPhone 17 Pro models. In contrast, Apple is rumored to be prototyping a 6.4-inch display for the iPhone 20 Pro, and a 7-inch display for the larger 20 Pro Max.
  

With all that said, we're still 12 months out, and Apple's plans shift constantly behind closed doors, plus features this ambitious have a habit of slipping a year or two. Under-display Face ID in particular has been "two years away" for about five years now.

Still, the combined leaks describe the most dramatic iPhone rethink since 2017 when the 10th-anniversary iPhone X debuted. If even half of the features make it to the shipped device, the iPhone 20 should be worth holding out for. For everything we know so far, check out our dedicated guide.
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Apple is looking at further ways to monetize the App Store and increase the company's recurring revenue from the platform, according to a new report.


Writing in his latest Power On newsletter, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said that newly appointed Apple CEO John Ternus and services chief Eddy Cue are behind the effort to raise margins from the App Store, which already generates Apple an estimated $30 billion a year.

Interestingly, Gurman ties the effort to Apple Fellow Phil Schiller's decision to step away from running the App Store and work on other unspecified projects. Schiller, now 66 and edging toward retirement, "seems to believe that such moves will only irk developers and governments," he said. Based on what Gurman has heard from internal sources at the company, he added that "there was no internal blowup or anything like that, [but] it's something he wanted no part of."

Back in February 2025, as part of Apple's ongoing legal battle with Epic Games, Schiller testified that he initially opposed the 27 percent commission Apple originally wanted to charge on purchases made outside the App Store, citing compliance risks and potential developer backlash.

Schiller said in court that he had concerns that the fee would create an "antagonistic relationship" between Apple and developers, and worried about Apple becoming "some kind of collection agency" that might need to audit developers who didn't pay.

Apple has not collected fees from App Store link-outs in the U.S. since April 2025, after being found to be in contempt of court for charging 27 percent commission and ordered by a judge to stop the practice. The Supreme Court has agreed to hear Apple's challenge to the contempt ruling, but hasn't yet decided it.

Meanwhile, Apple is now said to be moving responsibility for the ‌App Store‌ to Cue, who oversaw it until 2015, when Schiller took over. Carson Oliver, who has long been on the ‌App Store‌ team, will oversee its day-to-day operations.

App Store Earnings Down

Apple admitted during its July earnings call that regulatory changes have started to weigh on its Services growth. Apple reported services revenue of $30.7 billion for the June quarter, a record for the period but short of the $31.4 billion that analysts expected.

Separately, analytics firm Appfigures said in August that Apple's U.S. commission revenue from the App Store has fallen 18 percent since the start of 2026. It also found App Store revenue declining in Brazil and Japan since both countries introduced new regulations.
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Tim Cook will attend the screening for Apple's "Surprise and Shine" event this Wednesday, but he will not feature in the event video itself, according to sources cited by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. Cook stepped down as Apple CEO on September 1 to become executive chairman of the company, paving the way for John Ternus to take over the top job.

In his latest Power On newsletter, Gurman said that Apple has "carefully orchestrated this transition to make Ternus the face of the foldable iPhone and all the new products to come. Putting Cook in the presentation would just undermine that."
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Consumer technology maker Ugreen has announced HomeAgent, its first smart home platform, combining security camera storage, on-device AI, and Matter-based device control in a single hub.


The hub is capable of processing and storing camera footage, files, and other media with no monthly storage fee. Ugreen says the onboard AI can also identify people, vehicles, pets, and packages in footage, as well as summarize events and search recorded video by keyword.

The hub is then able to create highlight reels from camera footage as well as stored photo libraries, and it can display them on Ugreen's Gallery LCD Smart Frames.

The hub works as a Matter controller and can talk to third-party devices over Wi-Fi, Zigbee, Thread, Bluetooth, NFC, ONVIF/RTSP, and PoE. Ugreen's compatibility list includes devices from Aqara, ThirdReality, SwitchBot, and Eve, with the company promising more third-party support to come, though the initial phase is limited to lights, switches, sensors, and curtains.

All of this can be controlled by talking to the onboard AI assistant Uliya, which can also check live status or event history, and can generate voice notifications for events like packages arriving or the sound of a baby crying.

The hub is available in three configurations, each with increasing levels of AI processing power. The entry-level HA100 comes with storage, camera security, and device control, and responds to voice commands, while the HA100 Pro offers faster network connectivity and more compute for heavier workloads.


Then there's the MasterAgent Ma100, which runs on NVIDIA's Jetson Thor T5000 platform. Ugreen says it runs at up to 2,070 FP4 TFLOPS of local compute and calls it the hub for larger models juggling multiple devices and tasks at once.

Preorders for all hub models are open now on Ugreen's website, with a $50 deposit securing 50% off ahead of a Kickstarter campaign that starts on October 27. Early bird pricing for the three models is $899, $2,999, and $9,999, respectively.

Elsewhere, Ugreen has also launched a 25W MagFlow Pro Magnetic Power Bank, featuring a 10,000mAh battery. The company is touting it as the world's first liquid-cooled Qi2 power bank, since it features a micro-pump that circulates coolant behind a transparent window, so you can actually watch it flowing around inside.


The MagFlow Pro costs $149.99 and is available now from Ugreen and Amazon.

The company has also launched a MagFlow Pro 3-in-1 Magnetic Wireless Charging Stand 25W, priced at $159.99, also available from Ugreen and Amazon.

Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
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Apple last month only managed to produce "a few hundred units a day" of its upcoming foldable iPhone because of the company's extremely high quality control standards, according to Nikkei Asia ($), citing supply chain sources.


From today's report:

"Production is ramping up slowly, with output currently at only a few hundred units a day in late August. That initial volume could be challenging to meet market demand," one supply chain manager with knowledge of the matter told Nikkei Asia.

Multiple reports have suggested the iPhone Ultra's production has faced hurdles because of how difficult the device is to build, with the hinge structure and display durability testing having been the principal bottlenecks. Those issues were thought to have been resolved during trial production at Foxconn, with Apple subsequently raising its order to around 10 million units, up from 7-8 million units for the year, Nikkei previously reported.

But the publication's sources now claim that Apple carried out an additional verification process in August for the foldable iPhone to make sure it can be mass-produced according to its specified design. "The surface flatness and the performance of the hinge are among the details where Apple is asking for better production yields," a person with knowledge of the matter told Nikkei.

All of this has apparently "pushed back commercial production for weeks," suggesting Apple could fall short of its production target unless it can ramp up output more quickly. Apple and its suppliers are said to be working "around the clock" to ramp up production and avoid limited stocks at distribution centers.

It sounds like timing couldn't be tighter for Apple's foldable. A previous report even suggested the device could face a staggered market launch, with availability initially limited to the U.S.

However things pan out, Apple is still expected to unveil the iPhone Ultra alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max on Wednesday, September 9 at the company's "Surprise and shine" event. For everything we know about the device, be sure to check out our latest roundup.


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Apple appears to be working on some major new HomePod home theater features, including a four-speaker surround sound system and a new "Party Mode," according to code found in audioOS 27 beta 8, and shared on the MacRumors forums by member pdfu.


References in the software for the second-generation HomePod suggest the ability to tune for a setup with front-left, front-right, rear-left, and rear-right HomePods. The four-speaker surround configuration references automatic room calibration, speaker-position mapping, timing adjustments, bass management, EQ, dialogue enhancement, and different processing modes for movies and music.

For stereo content, the code suggests the ability to either spatialize sound across all four speakers or limit traditional stereo playback to the two front speakers.

The files also reference a new tuning system called "Forklift" that combines two second-generation HomePods with two speakers that use an unidentified AID12007 hardware family. We haven't seen this identifier before – it doesn't correspond to any existing HomePod models – suggesting it refers to a future HomePod mini, third-generation HomePod, or some other unreleased audio device.

In addition, Apple appears to be working on a new "Party Mode" feature for stereo-paired HomePods. The feature applies a more diffuse sound field that's designed to spread sound more evenly across the room for a more immersive listening experience, rather than optimizing playback for a single listening position.

The Home app and Apple TV do not currently provide a way to configure four HomePods as a surround system. Indeed, none of these features have been referenced before. All we can say at this point is that they indicate that Apple is testing them, but whether Apple ultimately releases them remains to be seen.

A new HomePod mini, a new Apple TV, and an all-new Apple smart home hub are all coming soon, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, so it's possible that these features could be part of Apple's broader Home refresh. Watch this space.
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We are just five sleeps away from Apple's unveiling of its new-generation iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max models, not forgetting its first foldable iPhone.


Apple is expected to introduce the devices at its annual iPhone fall event, which is this year carrying the tagline "Surprise and shine." The event takes place on Wednesday, September 9. To help you get some shuteye in the meantime, here's a rundown of the features we're expecting from Apple's iPhone 18 Pro models.

• Overall Design: The iPhone 18 Pro models are expected to stick to the overall iPhone 17 Pro design, but they could feature a more seamless rear casing with less contrast between the glass and aluminum frame.


• Battery Life: The iPhone 18 Pro Max is rumored to feature a larger 5,100–5,200 mAh battery and a slightly thicker, heavier design as a result.


• Smaller Dynamic Island: Apple is expected to shrink the Dynamic Island, made possible by moving some Face ID components beneath the display.


• Upgraded Display: The iPhone 18 Pro models are said to use a more power-efficient LTPO+ display, supplied by Samsung Display and LG Display.


• A20 Pro Chip: Apple's next-generation chip will use TSMC's advanced 2nm process, including Wafer-Level Multi-Chip Module (WMCM) technology, which should bring improvements to performance and power efficiency.


• C2 Modem: Apple's next-generation in-house cellular modem could feature in the Pro models, offering faster speeds, and improved efficiency. However, it's possible the C2 still lacks mmWave capability, and that the devices will use a Qualcomm modem in the United States and Apple's C2 modem in other parts of the world.


• New Camera Sensor: Samsung is believed to have developed a new three-layer stacked image sensor for the iPhone 18 Pro lineup that improves responsiveness, noise, and dynamic range.


• Variable Aperture: The 48-megapixel Fusion camera on both iPhone 18 Pro models is expected to gain a variable aperture for greater control over light and depth of field.


• 5G Satellite Internet: The iPhone 18 Pro models could support full 5G connectivity via satellite, which would be quite an expansion of Apple's existing satellite-based emergency features.


• Simplified Camera Control: Apple is said to have redesigned the Camera Control button to use pressure sensing without a separate capacitive layer, simply to reduce complexity and cost.


• New Colors: Apple has reportedly tested several new finishes, but we're betting on these three: Light Blue, Dark Cherry, and Silver. We no longer expect a Black option.


• iOS 27: The iPhone 18 Pro will ship with iOS 27 and its overhauled Siri AI experience, which includes onscreen awareness, personal context, web knowledge, and expanded Apple Intelligence features.

Apple has held its fall event in the first two weeks of September in each of the last several years, with new iPhones typically going on sale the following Friday. It has been rumored that iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max pre-orders will begin on Saturday, September 12 at 12 a.m. Pacific Time this year.

Note that Apple isn't going to release a standard iPhone 18 in September 2026. The lineup will focus on its latest premium iPhones. The ‌iPhone 18‌, iPhone 18e, and iPhone Air 2 will come out in spring 2027 instead. For everything we know about the foldable "iPhone Ultra," be sure to check out our dedicated roundup.
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Apple has reportedly revised its plans for adopting OLED displays across its MacBook lineup, and its existing LCD-based MacBook Pro models with mini-LED backlighting are now expected to remain available for longer than anticipated.


According to a new OLED adoption roadmap published by research firm Omdia, Apple still intends long-term adoption of OLED panels across MacBooks and iPads, but the transition pace has recently changed, owing to higher memory and component costs.

Previously, Omdia had expected Apple to discontinue its existing LCD-based models sooner, once its 14-inch and 16-inch OLED MacBook Pro models arrive – either this year or in early 2027.

However, Omdia now predicts that Apple will continue to sell both 14-inch and 16-inch LCD MacBook Pro models in parallel with the OLED MacBook Pro product line into at least 2028, a product strategy arrangement that is said to be based on cost factors.

Previous reports had already suggested Apple will position the OLED-based "MacBook Ultra" above the existing MacBook Pro models in its lineup, but there was little information about how long Apple would keep the latter models around for. Omdia's roadmap is the first to suggest they could remain available for another year at least.
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Apple may introduce an entirely new 13.8-inch OLED MacBook model in 2029, potentially creating a new product tier between the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro, according to an updated product roadmap from research firm Omdia.


The firm's latest roadmap sandwiches a new 13.8-inch MacBook between the projected time line for the Air and Pro models. The surprise model is said to use a single-stack hybrid OLED panel, rather than the more sophisticated tandem OLED technology that is expected in the upcoming OLED MacBook Pro models, which are set to launch either later this year or early next year.

It seems this prediction hasn't come out of nowhere, either. According to a June report from ZDNet Korea, Apple sounded out Samsung Display, LG Display, and BOE for information regarding a 13.8-inch OLED MacBook panel earlier this year. At the time, the general assumption was that it was likely to be part of Apple's work on the first OLED MacBook Air, expected by 2028 at the earliest.

However, looking at Omdia's latest roadmap, the OLED MacBook Air is conspicuously absent, having been replaced by the 13.8-inch OLED machine in a separate "new" product category. The new model is expected to incorporate an LTPO+ backplane, integrated touch sensing, an under-panel camera, and a color filter integrated into the OLED encapsulation layer.

Omdia believes it is still too early to know for sure which display manufacturer would supply panels for the device, but the firm believes that it could potentially become an important mainstream MacBook product, positioned between the LCD MacBook Air and the higher-end OLED MacBook Pro.

Meanwhile, the MacBook Air line is shown as continuing to use LCD displays right into 2030.


Of course, Apple's wholesale OLED adoption plans could change, and Omdia itself caveats that its roadmap is based on current market expectations. On that basis alone, it could be adjusted at any time according to OLED manufacturing capacity, component costs, and Apple's wider product strategy. Additionally, this is the first we've heard of a completely new MacBook line, and it's still three years out. So with all due caution, file this one under "wait and see."
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Less than a week before Apple debuts new iPhone 18 Pro models, research firm TrendForce has estimated the prices of the devices based on the latest hardware cost environment.


TrendForce's price estimates compared to last year's models look like this:

Model	Starting Price	Model	Starting Price	Change
iPhone 17 Pro	$1,099	iPhone 18 Pro	$1,249-$1,299	+$150 to +$200
iPhone 17 Pro Max	$1,199	iPhone 18 Pro Max	$1,349-$1,399	+$150 to +$200

Apple is likely to raise iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max prices by around 10-20% compared to last year's Pro models, according to the firm. Taking TrendForce's June forecast of a 14-18% increase, which fits within its latest broader 10-20% range and translates more neatly to Apple's typical pricing scheme, we could see the iPhone 18 Pro starting price jump to between $1,249-$1,299 and the iPhone 18 Pro Max between $1,349-$1,399.

Meanwhile, TrendForce expects prices for Apple's first foldable iPhone (aka "iPhone Ultra") to start anywhere between $2,099-$2,299, with the highest storage option potentially exceeding $3,000.

The regular iPhone 18 model is not expected to debut until spring 2027. Nevertheless, TrendForce expects the same general 10-20% price increase to apply to that device as well.

The overriding reason for the price increases is memory costs. TrendForce says the cost of a 256GB memory chip has risen nearly 400% year-on-year, while its separate analysis puts the overall bill of materials (BOM) for a 256GB Pro model at around 38% more over the same period. That said, Apple is expected to absorb some of that increase via lower margins, rather than passing the full cost onto consumers.

Last year, Apple managed to avoid raising the price of the iPhone 17 Pro Max, and only marginally raised the iPhone 17 Pro price in the U.S. year-on-year by $100. This year, however, the insatiable AI infrastructure buildout has made memory costs even more expensive, effectively holding the rest of the electronics industry to ransom. And things don't look like they're going to get any better anytime soon.

We will find out the real prices during Apple's "Surprise and shine" event on Wednesday, September 9.
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Recently, Daring Fireball's John Gruber resurfaced an old tip that lets you quickly access the settings menu for the currently opened app on your iPhone. If you find it a hassle digging through the Settings app to find the associated app menu, this solution saves you the bother.

It uses a simple Shortcut – made conveniently downloadable courtesy of Quinn Nelson – that you can add to Control Center (or better yet the Action button) by using the "Run Shortcut" control. We couldn't not highlight it here because it's so useful.
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The Elec reports that Google, Oppo, and Vivo plan to adopt ultra-thin glass (UTG) in their foldable phones next year, following Apple's lead. Apple's book-style iPhone Ultra, expected to be unveiled next week, reportedly uses two UTG layers, with the display sandwiched between them, isolating it from direct contact with the hinge.

The method, pioneered by Apple, is meant to spread mechanical stress across multiple layers to improve durability and reduce visible creasing over time. The UTG layers will be mass produced for Apple's rivals by Samsung, for wide adoption in 2027.
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Longtime leaker Sonny Dickson has shared an image of differently colored SIM card trays that he claims are for Apple's upcoming iPhone 18 Pro models, suggesting Apple's flagship lineup will again be available in a trio of colors: Silver, Dark Cherry, and Sky Blue.


Apple currently offers the iPhone 17 Pro in Cosmic Orange, Silver, and Deep Blue.

Dickson shared the image in response to a MacRumors report on Tuesday covering a Chinese leaker's claim that the iPhone 18 Pro models could come in Dark Cherry, Sky Blue, and Black.

Dickson told MacRumors the colors in the shared image are the only ones he's come across in recent months. However, the leaker did share iPhone 18 Pro dummy units back in May that included a fourth Black color. When that was pointed out to him, Dickson argued that black dummies are made every year, but it's not a color Apple prefers to use anymore.

iPhone models sold in the U.S., Canada, and several other regions use eSIMs and don't come with SIM card trays, but devices sold in Europe, Japan, China, and Australia still include one (with the exception of the iPhone Air, which lacked a SIM tray everywhere it was sold).

Chinese leaker Instant Digital in April said there would be no black color for the iPhone 18 Pro. Last year was the first time Apple's high-end iPhones have not been available with a black or dark gray color option in any way, so it's possible Apple will continue that trend. Macworld reported in the same month that Apple would offer Light Blue, Dark Cherry, Dark Gray, and Silver colors.

We'll know either way soon enough. Apple's ‌iPhone 18 Pro‌ and ‌iPhone 18 Pro‌ Max are expected to be unveiled at the company's September event next week, alongside the company's first foldable iPhone, aka "iPhone Ultra."
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Apple last month announced a new Mac mini and a new Mac Studio. Both machines start shipping on Tuesday, September 22, which means they will launch in the same month as new iPhones, Apple Watches, and AirPods.


Apple is expected to introduce the unannounced products at its annual iPhone fall event, which is this year carrying the tagline "Surprise and shine." The event takes place on Wednesday, September 9, making this month one of the busiest Apple has had in a while.

We should therefore see eight new Apple products go on sale before the end of September:

• Mac mini (M6 and M5 Pro): Announced last week, the new models start shipping September 22, with prices starting at $899.


• Mac Studio (M5 Max and M5 Ultra): Also announced last week, the new models begin shipping September 22, with prices starting at $2,499.


• iPhone 18 Pro: The flagship device set to be unveiled at Apple's fall event, with a smaller Dynamic Island and a A20 Pro chip.


• iPhone 18 Pro Max: The device is rumored to gain a camera upgrade exclusive to the larger model, alongside a bigger battery.


• Foldable iPhone: The company's first foldable is expected to have a ~5.5-inch display when closed, and a ~7.8-inch display when open, plus a super thin design with minimal crease and a durable hinge. It could be called "iPhone Ultra."


• Apple Watch Series 12: Apple's upcoming smartwatch is expected feature fitness tracking improvements and a faster S12 chip.


• Apple Watch Ultra 4: Apple's flagship rugged watch is expected to be updated alongside the Series 12, gaining the same S12 chip.


• AirPods 5: The new earbuds were referenced in macOS 26.7 and are reportedly ready for release, suggesting a launch alongside the new iPhones.

Apple isn't going to release a standard iPhone 18 in September 2026. The lineup will instead focus on more expensive iPhones. The ‌iPhone 18‌, iPhone 18e, and iPhone Air 2 will come out in spring 2027 instead. Apple does not plan to refresh the Apple Watch SE this year.

Apple has held its fall event in the first two weeks of September in each of the last several years, with new iPhones going on sale the following Friday.

Apple's "iPhone Ultra" was recently believed to have a delayed launch running into October, even though it's expected to be announced at the same time as the iPhone 18 Pro models. However, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said this week he would be "very surprised" if the foldable did not come out at the same time as the Pro iPhones or "very close to it."

"Either on the same launch date, a dual launch, or coming out within weeks later. This idea of a late October, November launch, massive delays, supply chain issues, I don't believe to be the case," he said.

Note that the Mac Studio configuration with 512GB of unified memory is coming in late October rather than on September 22. Every other Mac Studio configuration ships in September.
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Apple's annual fall event takes place on Wednesday, September 9, when it is expected to unveil new iPhone 18 Pro models, the first foldable iPhone, an Apple Watch Series 12, a fourth-generation Apple Watch Ultra, and potentially AirPods 5. Apple may also make some additional new products available at its "Surprise and shine" event, but there are a handful of rumored upcoming devices that we don't expect to make an appearance this month.


To help set expectations ahead of Apple's "Surprise and shine" event, here are the products that Apple is unlikely to announce in September, but rather later on in the year or in 2027.

iPhone 18

Strange as it sounds, Apple's fall event this year will be missing a new regular iPhone. The successor to the iPhone 17 isn't expected until spring next year, as part of Apple's reported split-launch strategy. Going forward, Apple will dedicate its annual September event to its more expensive Pro-model iPhones and successive generations of its upcoming foldable iPhone.

The iPhone 18 could adopt Apple's upcoming 2-nanometer A20 chip. As for memory, information is mixed. Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo expects the device to have 9GB of RAM, 1GB more than the iPhone 17, while analyst Jeff Pu believes Apple will upgrade it with 12GB. If the iPhone 18 is limited to 9GB RAM, it will not support all Apple Intelligence features.

All iPhone 18 models could include a 24-megapixel front-facing camera, up from 18 megapixels. There are reports that Apple will use an improved display, which could also feature a smaller Dynamic Island.

iPhone Air 2

The iPhone Air that came out in September 2025 alongside the iPhone 17 lineup didn't sell as well as expected, and a second version is no longer believed to be coming in September 2026. Despite some debate about the future of the iPhone Air, the latest rumors suggest a new model is still in development, and will likely arrive in spring 2027 alongside the iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e.

Apple is said to be adding a second camera to the next iPhone Air to make it more appealing to consumers and to justify its $999 starting price. Apple also wants to improve battery life, either through an increased battery size or improvements to efficiency. Given that the design of the new model is similar to the current design, there may not be room for a larger battery. The device will use an A20 Pro chip built on Apple's new 2nm process, so it could feature better efficiency.

New Apple Watch SE 4

The current Apple Watch SE 3 is Apple's most affordable Apple Watch option. Apple updated it in September 2025, but we are not expecting a new model in 2026, and there's no word yet on when a new version is coming.

New Macs

Apple reportedly plans to release an updated 14-inch MacBook Pro with an M6 chip in late 2026, followed by a major high-end MacBook Pro redesign in late 2026 or early 2027. Reportedly dubbed "MacBook Ultra," the new 14-inch and 16-inch models are expected to feature M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, an OLED display, a touch screen, a Dynamic Island, and a thinner design.

Apple is also said to be readying new iMac models with an upgraded chip and new color options. The new version is likely to be an updated 24-inch model with an M6 chip, replacing the existing M4 model that arrived in October 2024.

While it isn't impossible, we're unlikely to see any Macs debut on September 9. Apple typically uses its fall event to focus on new iPhone and Apple Watch models. The company usually unveils new Macs in October via press release or a separate event.

Possibly, Maybe

In addition to new iPhone 18 Pro models, Apple Watch models, and AirPods, Apple is expected to prepare other products for release this year. Still, the company is unlikely to draw too much attention away from its flagship smartphones, and may choose to save the following products for a separate event or launch them via press release in October or November:

• iPad mini


• Apple TV


• HomePod mini


• Home hub

What are you looking forward to most from Apple this year? Let us know in the comments.

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Apple just announced a Subway Surfers+ crossover with hit Apple Arcade game Sneaky Sasquatch, with a "birdwatching update" coming September 17 that lets players photograph more than 30 species of birds in the game.

"Sneaky Sasquatch is the most beloved game on Apple Arcade and has had one of the most passionate communities of players since day 1," said Alex Rofman, Apple's senior director of Apple Arcade. "This exclusive crossover with Subway Surfers+ and the new birdwatching update are just the latest ways players can enjoy Sneaky Sasquatch, with more awesome updates planned for the game over the coming months."

As we reported in an earlier version of this article, Apple is seeking trademarks for Sneaky Sasquatch merchandise, including clothing, costumes, watches, jewelry, books, trading cards, bags, lunchboxes, bedding, towels, and more. Apple's request was filed on March 25 and is now under examination in the EU. It follows separate U.S. applications in October 2025 covering toys, plush figures, TV series, films, music, fan clubs, and board games.

Apple acquired Sneaky Sasquatch last year. Trademark filings don't guarantee that products will be released, but Apple may be exploring a wider merchandise line for the popular Apple Arcade game. Get your Sneaky Sasquatch iMessage stickers here.
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Apple's logo for its upcoming September 9 "Surprise and shine" event hints at two rumored iPhone 18 Pro features, including new color options and a new camera system.


Apple fans often like to read into Apple's event invite graphics for clues about unreleased products, and this year Bloomberg's Mark Gurman is also taking part in the fun on Twitter (X).

First, Gurman says he sees the shining light behind Apple's logo as a nod to the "mechanical aperture on the iPhone 18 Pro Max."

MacRumors has been reporting since 2024 that Apple could introduce a variable aperture camera on the iPhone 18 Pro models – a first for any iPhone. However, a recent rumor out of China suggests the feature could be exclusive to the larger Pro Max model.

With a variable lens, the iPhone 18 Pro Max could allow users to manually shift the aperture, similar to on a DSLR camera. It could mean more control over depth of field and bright light, enabling sharper focus on subjects. That all depends on how Apple implements the feature, of course. It may be more automated than that.

Second, Gurman links the sky blue color of the event invite to a "possible new iPhone 18 Pro color." According to Macworld, Apple will likely introduce the device in Light Blue, alongside Dark Cherry (the new headline color), Dark Gray, and Silver.


It's not like we have much longer to wait to find out whether these takes are correct. Apple's event is less than two weeks away. Stay tuned to MacRumors for all the last-minute details.
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Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has disputed the authenticity of iPhone Ultra renders shared by the typically-reliable leaker Evan Blass on X (Twitter). The images show the unreleased foldable iPhone in not just the rumored space gray and white colors, but also in a striking red.


"Hearing these renders came from Xiaomi," wrote Gurman, commenting on Blass's post. "This isn't a legitimate look at the foldable iPhone, which also doesn't come in red or green. Just renders made by Xiaomi for some reason. Carry on."

Apple is said to be planning to "stay away from fun colors" and stick to more traditional space gray/black and silver/white finishes for the book-style foldable iPhone. One rumor has described the darker color as a shade of indigo rather than black. Another rumor suggests there might not be a black color at all.

We'll know for sure soon. Apple will hold its annual iPhone-centric event on Wednesday, September 9 at the Apple Park campus in Cupertino, California, where the company is expected to debut the foldable alongside new iPhone 18 Pro models. The event will begin at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time. This year, Apple is using the tagline "Surprise and shine" for its fall event.
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Apple this week made available the fifth public beta of iOS 27, bringing a more stable version of the software to a wider audience following lengthy testing by developers. Keep reading to learn how to prepare your device for the beta software and how to install it.


Signing up to get the ‌iOS 27 or ‌iPadOS 27 public beta is simple once you know how – it can be done by enrolling an iPhone or iPad in Apple's free Apple Beta Software Program. The steps you need to complete to install the software on your device are provided towards the end of this article, but before you jump ahead, here are a few things worth considering.

Is My iPhone Compatible With iOS 27?

iOS 27 is supported on iPhone 11 and all of the same iPhone models as iOS 26. They include the following:

Is My iPad Compatible With iOS 27?

iPadOS 27 cuts support for more iPad models than last year's iPadOS 26 did, with older iPad Pro, iPad Air, ‌iPad‌, and iPad mini models all losing compatibility. iPadOS 27 is supported on the following iPad models:

Note that this compatibility list does not mean that all iOS 27/iPadOS 27 features will work with the above models. Several of the update's features are exclusive to iPhone 15 Pro and newer models, since they rely on Apple Intelligence.

For example, iOS 27's more intelligent and personal version of Siri is available on the iPhone 15 Pro and newer, while two specific features tied to it are exclusive to the iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and iPhone Air.

Should I Install iOS 27 Public Beta?

Great question! Before downloading the update, it's worth noting that Apple does not recommend installing iOS 27 beta updates on your main iPhone/iPad, so if you have a secondary device, use that. This is beta software, which means there are often bugs and issues that pop up that can prevent software from working properly or cause other problems. Apple still has fixes to make before the final release in September.

Make an Archived Backup of Your Device First

Before installing the beta, make sure to back up your iOS device before installing the software using the following method, otherwise you won't be able to revert back to iOS 26 if things go wrong.

1. Plug your iPhone into your Mac using the supplied cable.


2. Allow the accessory to connect by clicking Allow in the dialog prompt.


3. Open a Finder window by clicking the Finder icon in the Dock.


4. Click your iOS device's name in the sidebar.
   
   
5. If this is the first time connecting your device to your Mac, click Trust in the Finder window.
   
   
6. Tap Trust on your device when prompted, then enter your passcode to confirm.


7. In the General tab, click the circle next to where it says Back up all of the data on your iPad to this Mac.


8. If you want to encrypt the backup, check the box next to Encrypt local backup, then enter a password to protect your data.


9. If you don't want to create an encrypted backup, or you've already set up encrypted backups, click Back Up Now.
   
   

When the backup is finished, you can find the date and time of the last backup in the General tab, just above the Manage Backups button. Remember that this backup will not be overwritten when you manually or automatically back up your iPhone in the future, so you can restore it at any time by using the Restore Backup... option in the same Finder screen.

How to Download iOS 27 Public Beta

Downloading and install the iOS 27 Public Beta is very straightforward. Simply follow these steps:

1. Head over to Apple's Beta Software Program website and sign up using your Apple Account credentials.
   
   
2. Now go to Settings ➝ General ➝ Software Update on your iPhone.


3. Tap Beta Updates. If you don't see the option, try switching off Download iOS Updates (Automatic Updates ➝ Download iOS Updates), then tap Back and it should appear.


4. Select iOS 27 Public Beta in the list, then tap Back.


5. Wait for the Software Update screen to check Apple's servers. When the iOS 27 Public Beta appears, tap Download and Install, then follow the instructions and wait for installation to complete.

iOS 27 Features

iOS 27's headline change is a more intelligent and personal version of Siri, but the update also brings a wider set of improvements across Apple's core apps and services. A new Siri mode in the Camera app works with Visual Intelligence, which lets you point their iPhone at real-world items like receipts and take useful actions directly from what's on the screen.

Apple Maps gains an enhanced Flyover experience powered by AI, with sharper and more lifelike aerial imagery for select cities. In the U.S., a new Local Lists feature surfaces relevant place collections, including trending restaurants and family-friendly destinations.

Find My adds more flexible location sharing controls. You can now share your location for a custom duration, set an exact time for sharing to expire, or pause sharing with specific people until the End of the day. Reminders and Calendar now also support natural language input, and Apple Intelligence will automatically fill in details such as the date, time, and location.

Wallet, Apple Cash, and Apple Pay also get major upgrades. iOS 27 adds Apple Intelligence-powered bill splitting with Apple Cash, custom Wallet passes created from physical cards, richer hotel key experiences, and a redesigned Apple Pay checkout flow with easier card switching and more payment details. Tap to Pay on iPhone also gains Tap to Share, letting customers securely share contact, shipping, and Loyalty information with participating merchants.

Apple's media and cloud apps get updates too. Apple Podcasts adds Search within individual shows, iCloud Shared Albums support full-resolution cross-platform sharing and more file types, and Apple Music improves AutoMix while expanding Lyrics Translation to more Language pairings.

• How to Downgrade From iOS 27 Beta to iOS 26

For the full list of iOS 27 features, check out Apple's press release.
This article, "How to Install iOS 27 Public Beta 5 on Your iPhone" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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For anyone who's experienced the lengthy post-update indexing process when trialing the beta version of iOS 27, macOS 27 Golden Gate, iPadOS 27, or visionOS 27: Apple has published a Spotlight support document that explains what's going on.

Apple says indexing can take hours or even days depending on how much data you have stored. It completes more quickly when your device is not in use, and when it is connected to power and the internet. Apple also confirms that the index is stored locally, remains private, and is not shared with Apple or any of your other devices.
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Apple's newly announced M6 and M5 Pro Mac mini models still support up to three external displays, but there's now support for higher refresh rates, according to Apple's published technical specifications.


Here's what's changed versus the M4 generation:

• The M6 model runs two displays at up to 6K 60Hz or 4K 165Hz, up from 144Hz on M4, plus a third display at up to 5K 60Hz over Thunderbolt or 4K 60Hz over HDMI.


• The M5 Pro model runs all three displays at up to 6K 60Hz or 4K 165Hz, up from 144Hz on the M4 Pro.


• In a two-monitor setup, the M5 Pro model's second screen now supports 5K 120Hz or 4K 200Hz, whereas the M4 Pro listed 6K 60Hz or 4K 144Hz.


• The M5 Pro model supports all three displays through one Thunderbolt port, while the M6 still supports two per port.


• Single-display support is unchanged: Both chips support 8K 60Hz, 5K 120Hz, or 4K 240Hz.

As for port compatibility around the back, the M6 model has Thunderbolt 4 supporting DisplayPort 1.4, while the M5 Pro model has Thunderbolt 5 supporting DisplayPort 2.1.

The new models were announced on Tuesday. Pre-orders are open now, with shipping and in-store availability on September 22.
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Apple's Car Keys feature appears to be coming to supported vehicles made by Chinese maker Xiaomi Auto, based on code changes discovered by MacRumors in Apple's Wallet app backend.


Code spotted in the third developer beta of iOS 27 back in July revealed that Apple was preparing Car Keys support for Xiaomi, so this latest change suggest support is imminent.

The Chinese electronics maker has expanded into EVs with models like the SU7 sedan and YU7 SUV. Car key support would be one of the company's first tie-ins with Apple's ecosystem, despite Xiaomi being a major Apple rival in the smartphone market.

Car Keys allows an iPhone or Apple Watch with NFC capabilities to unlock a vehicle through the Wallet app. A digital version of a car key is stored in Wallet, and unlocking can be done simply by holding an Apple Watch or ‌iPhone‌ near a compatible vehicle's NFC reader.

What can be done with Car Keys may vary by car manufacturer, but at a minimum, Car Keys can be used to unlock your car, lock your car, and start your car, which are the features available with a physical key.

Apple introduced Car Keys in 2022, and car manufacturers like BMW, Rivian, Kia, and Hyundai have all implemented support for Car Keys. Apple maintains a full list of vehicles that support Car Keys on its CarPlay model availability webpage.
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Apple today announced a new Mac mini and Mac Studio, and pre-orders for both are already live on Apple's online store and in the Apple Store app in the United States and 30 other countries and regions.


Most configurations ship Tuesday, September 22, which is also when the new models will be available to buy in Apple Store locations and at Apple Authorized Resellers.

Both Mac mini models cost more than the machines they replace for reasons that should be familiar by now. The rapid buildout of AI data centers has pushed up demand for memory and storage chips across the tech industry, and Apple in June raised the M4 Pro Mac mini to $1,599, up from the $1,399 it launched at in October 2024. The M5 Pro version adds another $100 on top of that.

Model	Starting price	Education price	Base memory/storage
Mac mini (M6)	$899	$799	16GB / 256GB
Mac mini (M5 Pro)	$1,699	$1,599	24GB / 512GB
Mac Studio (M5 Max)	$2,499	$2,299	36GB / 512GB
Mac Studio (M5 Ultra)	$5,499	$5,099	96GB / 1TB

The $899 M6 mini is $300 more than the M4 model's $599 original launch price, but only $100 more than the $799 that Apple re-priced it to in June. Education prices reflect Apple's discounts for schools and students.

The M5 Ultra-powered Mac Studio with 512GB of unified memory won't be available until late October, and Apple hasn't announced pricing for it yet.
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Reports and rumors suggest the next high-end MacBook Pro that Apple will release might not be a ‌MacBook Pro‌ at all. It could actually be something altogether new and more exciting – a "MacBook Ultra" – marketed as the company's top-tier laptop offering. The device is likely to sit above the current M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pros, rather than replace them, suggesting that they will remain on sale.


One thing to state up front is that Apple is expected to stick with the existing M5 Pro and M5 Max chips for its touchscreen "Ultra" model. Apple reportedly plans to skip what would have been the "M6 Pro" and "M6 Max" for more powerful "M7 Pro" and "M7 Max" chips. A new entry-level ‌MacBook Pro‌ with the M6 chip is still expected to launch later this year, while the second-generation MacBook Ultra will adopt M7 chip architecture when it arrives later in 2027.

In his latest report, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman does not specify a release date for the first MacBook Ultra models, but the wording of his summary of upcoming Macs implies that it could still arrive between October and December this year, barring delays due to the global memory chip shortage.

Below, we've listed the features and changes we are expecting for the MacBook Ultra.

OLED Display

Bloomberg's Mark Gurman and analyst Ming-Chi Kuo say Apple is readying OLED technology for these models, and industry reports corroborate their claims. Samsung Display is said to be making the panels exclusively, and the supplier has invested heavily in an 8.6-generation OLED production line in South Korea. The line reached a key milestone for mass production in May.

OLED presents an overall upgrade over the current mini-LED display technology, bringing deeper colors and a higher contrast ratio with true blacks. In an OLED display, individual pixels turn off instead of dimming when not activated, so there's less light leakage and better power efficiency. OLED displays also tend to have better HDR ouptut than mini-LED, but they don't always match mini-LED brightness levels.

Touchscreen

The new ‌MacBook Pro‌ is expected to become the first Mac to support touch input directly on the display. It's a notable shift from Apple's longstanding position against bringing touchscreen functionality to the Mac.

Apple previously experimented with touch controls through the OLED Touch Bar on earlier ‌MacBook Pro‌ models, but the feature was ultimately discontinued following a lukewarm reception. Rather than positioning the ‌MacBook Pro‌ as a touch-centric device like the ‌iPad‌, Apple is reportedly planning to let users move seamlessly between touch and traditional trackpad or mouse input across the system.

There are features in ‌macOS Golden Gate‌ that hint at a future touchscreen Mac. Apple added direct touch input to Sidecar so users can tap and interact with macOS elements when using the ‌iPad‌ as a Mac display. macOS Golden Gate‌ also supports an iPhone-style pull-to-refresh option, and it can be used across apps like Safari, Mail, News, Podcasts, and Calendar. A pull-to-refresh option makes the most sense on a touch display.

Reinforced Hinge

Apple has reportedly developed a reinforced hinge and screen hardware to prevent the display from bouncing back or moving when touched. Apple is apparently aware of the same issue that plagues existing touch PCs.

Thinner Design

Gurman has reported that Apple is working to make the OLED MacBook Pro significantly thinner, as part of the company's plan to create "the thinnest and lightest products in their categories across the whole tech industry." (Think the latest iPad Pro and iPad Air – two of the thinnest devices the company has ever made.) Indeed, the reporter has said there's a good chance that the next MacBook Pro model will represent a "true overhaul" for the laptop, thanks to the combination of the OLED display and thinner design.

Notably, the MacBook Pro got thicker and heavier with its most recent redesign in 2021. A major highlight was the reintroduction of several ports that were removed in previous iterations in favor of chassis thinness. How Apple will make its redesigned MacBook Pro thinner without removing the functionality it reintroduced fairly recently is the big question.

Dynamic Island

The MacBook Ultra could ditch the current notch used in the MacBook Pro models for a display cutout potentially similar to the iPhone's Dynamic Island, according to Bloomberg. Such a move would mirror Apple's iPhone evolution, since the iPhone's notch became the current Dynamic Island starting with the iPhone 14 Pro models in 2022.

As with the iPhone‌, the Mac ‌Dynamic Island‌ will be interactive and it will contextually expand based on the app or Mac feature in use. The change should address long-standing user complaints about the notch, which physically ingresses into the macOS menu bar.

Price Changes

There is no doubt that Apple will unveil the MacBook Ultra as an ultra-premium product carrying a price tag that is higher than the current MacBook Pro 14-inch and 16-inch models. Apple increased the prices of all its Macs in June 2026 – MacBook Pro‌ pricing went up $300 – so the MacBook Ultra will likely be even more expensive than expected. ‌

For what it's worth, the higher-end 14-inch ‌MacBook Pro‌ with M5 Pro chip starts at $2,499 after the price increase, while the 16-inch M5 Pro ‌MacBook Pro‌ starts at $2,999.
This article, "'MacBook Ultra' Coming Soon With Touchscreen and 5 Other Changes" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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15 years ago today, Tim Cook was appointed Apple CEO following Steve Jobs' resignation on August 24, 2011. On September 1, Cook will step down and incoming CEO John Ternus will take over, ahead of Apple announcing new iPhone 18 Pro models and its first foldable iPhone.

Ternus joined Apple as part of its product design team in 2001. He became VP of hardware engineering in 2013 and senior VP in 2021, and has overseen AirPods, Mac, iPad, and iPhone development in that time. Cook will remain at Apple as executive chairman, where he will engage with policymakers and help Apple navigate regulatory pressure.
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When Apple pushed out the release candidate for macOS Tahoe 26.7 last week, it contained references to a raft of unannounced products, from home devices to iPhones, iPads, AirPods, and Macs. It's not the first time we've seen this kind of thing, but the sheer amount of references – including a video showing off AirPods with cameras – is a bit unusual.


Code references to unreleased products turn up in early Apple betas quite regularly, but macOS Tahoe 26.7 was a Release Candidate, which means that – barring something unexpected – it's the final version of the software, just provided to developers a few days early for testing. In other words, it isn't meant to include anything Apple hasn't already rubber-stamped as good to go. So what happened?

In his latest Power On newsletter, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has offered what he believes to be the most likely explanation.

When Apple prepares an update, it doesn't assemble the software release from a single line of work. Instead, it merges separate development branches of code, including bug fixes, assets, and features, into the branch that ships to users. It also maintains internal builds containing software suppport for hardware that it hasn't announced yet so that it can be written and tested well ahead of a potential launch.

According to Gurman, one of those internal builds most likely got inadvertently merged into the branch destined for release. As a result, "something that was supposed to remain inside Apple got tangled up with the shipping software – and made it all the way to the release candidate," he writes. It suggests someone inside Apple got confused as to which versions they were merging. Or was it AI that made the mistake? We'll likely never know. Either way, expect all the references to be stripped out of the public release.

With one exception – the AirPods with cameras – all of the product references in macOS Tahoe 26.7 RC had appeared in previous software, but they still go to show that Apple continues to work on several rumored products. Meanwhile, the camera-equipped AirPods aren't expected until 2027, and the hardware shown in the video is believed to be a version that Apple has already shelved in favor of a newer model.
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Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reports that Apple is reorganizing parts of its brick-and-mortar stores this fall to make room for new home products.


Writing in his latest Power On newsletter, Gurman says the teams responsible for store layouts are preparing changes to the "Avenues," or the perimeter walls in Apple's newer stores, where accessories like HomePod, Apple TV, AirPods, and Beats are displayed alongside third-party accessories.

The work is said to involve rearranging sections of the Avenues and adding accessory bays for upcoming new devices.

Apple is already believed to have an upgraded Apple TV and a new HomePod mini coming up. Gurman said in July that both were nearly ready, with faster chips for Siri AI but no major design changes. Rumors indicate an A17 Pro chip or better in the new Apple TV, and an S9-series chip, improved sound, and a red finish for the HomePod mini, the current version of which is now over 2,000 days old.

All of that being said, Gurman says the scale of the retail changes suggests prep-work for the launch of its long-awaited home hub with a display (aka the rumored HomePod with Display or "HomePad").

Gurman reported last month that the smart home hub will arrive at some point between October and early next year. It's expected to have a 7-inch square display, and will be sold with either a tabletop base or a wall mount. There's also said to be an all-new operating system built around tvOS with Siri AI powering the device.

Code strings uncovered in macOS Tahoe 26.7 last week suggest the home screen will use a Widget Gallery similar to the iPhone's Lock Screen customization options. The code also indicates that the new device's home screen could have many of the same options for icons, widgets, and clock faces, with widgets from a linked iPhone suggested automatically.

Apple will need a dedicated space where customers can see how the hub works, what its purpose is, and how it fits into the wider home setup, Gurman reports.
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Apple is readying new iMac models with an upgraded chip and new color options, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.


Writing in his latest Power On newsletter, Gurman says the new version is likely to be an updated 24-inch model with an M6 chip, replacing the existing M4 model that arrived in October 2024.

New colors are also said to be on the menu, though Gurman does not say what they are. The current ‌iMac‌ comes in seven colors, including green, yellow, orange, pink, purple, blue, and silver.

Otherwise, no major design changes are expected. Apple is reportedly developing a 24-inch ‌iMac‌ with an OLED display, but this won't arrive for several years.

"All signs point to the M6 models being close to launch," says Gurman, with the new models expected to arrive before the end of the year.
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Apple's upcoming foldable iPhone Ultra is winning over the few people who have had hands-on time with the device, though the camera setup may leave some users wanting, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.


Writing in his latest Power On newsletter, Gurman says people who have used the device – which is reportedly referred to internally as the iPhone Ultra – like how it fits in your pocket, as well as the feel and durability of its hinge mechanism. Testers have also apparently praised the new iPad-like app layouts that take advantage of the larger internal display when the phone is unfolded.

Beyond productivity, video, and gaming, Gurman says Apple's foldable device also performs well as a camera viewfinder. However, the device lacks a telephoto lens, which could cost Apple some sales given the expected price. The device is expected to feature a dual-lens rear camera system built around a 48-megapixel main lens paired with an ultra-wide lens.

The foldable is also expected to fall back on Touch ID integrated into the side button instead of in-display Face ID – a compromise Apple has reportedly made to keep it around 4.5mm thick when unfolded. But like Gurman says, some users may prefer this traditional biometric setup. Like Samsung's recently released Z Fold 8, the iPhone Ultra is said have a 5.5-inch outer display and a roughly 7.8-inch inner display when opened, making for a wide book-style design.

Apple's first foldable is set to be unveiled alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max at a launch event on or around September 9. Reports suggest the device could start at $2,000 and even climb past $2,500 for higher storage tiers.
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Apple "has just laid off an entire team dedicated to VR development," reports AppleInsider, citing its own source. Apple is said to have laid off at least 60 employees from its Apple Vision Group.


Bloomberg's Mark Gurman previously reported that the Vision Pro team was disbanded and its members redistributed across other projects, following the October 2025 refresh of the Vision Pro and the headset's weak reception.

Incoming Apple CEO John Ternus also reportedly signed off on canceling both a second Vision Pro and a cheaper, slimmer "Vision Air," with Apple's focus now shifted to smart glasses.

Last month, The Elec reported that Apple had suspended development of the display for a cheaper, lighter version of the Vision Pro that it originally planned to launch in the next few years. Gurman doesn't expect Apple to launch another headset before late 2028 at the earliest.
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