The iOS 26.6.1, iPadOS 26.6.1, and macOS Tahoe 26.6.2 updates Apple released today fix almost 30 security vulnerabilities, according to Apple's security support document. This is Apple's third security release in three weeks as AI surfaces bugs faster than the company's typical release schedule can absorb.


Apple says the software includes security fixes that were previously added to the iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS Golden Gate betas.

There are fixes for an audio vulnerability that could allow an app to leak sensitive user information, an image vulnerability that could allow for arbitrary code execution, a trio of kernel vulnerabilities, and several WebKit bugs that could cause memory corruption or Safari crashes. Of the 29 CVEs outlined in the document, 21 are WebKit-related, and nine are credited to OpenAI Codex Security.

On iOS, Apple also fixed a telephony bug that could allow an attacker in a privileged network position to bypass IPSec authentication and intercept network traffic.

None of the vulnerabilities are known to have been actively exploited, but Apple always recommends updating to new versions of iOS, iPadOS, and macOS as soon as possible. Now that the vulnerabilities have been made public, attackers could target devices still running earlier versions of the software.

Apple also released iOS 18.7.10 and iPadOS 18.7.10 for devices unable to run iOS 26 and iPadOS 26. Apple did not ship macOS Sequoia or macOS Sonoma updates for Macs unable to run ‌macOS Tahoe‌.

The updates can be installed by opening up the Settings app, tapping into the General section, and selecting Software Update.
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In May, Apple agreed to pay $250 million to settle a U.S. class action lawsuit over Siri AI's delayed launch, and eligible iPhone users could receive up to a $95 payout. Apple's settlement received preliminary approval last month, but final approval is not expected until next year, according to a new court document.

The judge presiding over the case last week set the final approval hearing for February 24, 2027, and payments will not begin for several months beyond that date. For now, no action is required from customers, as the settlement website with a claims form has yet to go live. We will continue to provide updates on the case as they become available.
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Best Buy is hosting its big 60th Anniversary sale this week, with notable markdowns on Apple devices, TVs, headphones, monitors, and much more. This event is set to last for the rest of this week, and you don't need to be a My Best Buy Plus or Total member to see most of the deals.

Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Best Buy. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.

In terms of Apple devices, you can find solid deals on AirPods Pro 3, iPhone Air, Beats accessories, and MacBook Pro. You can get the AirPods Pro 3 for $189.99 ($60 off), as well the AirPods Max 2 for $429.00 ($120 off).



Another notable Apple offer is on the MacBook Neo, which isn't discounted itself, but Best Buy is throwing in a free $25 Starbucks gift card with any MacBook Neo purchase this week. You can also get up to $160 off iPhone Air unlocked models in this event.

Apple

• AirPods 4 - $99.99 ($30 off)


• AirPods Pro 3 - $189.99 ($60 off)


• AirPods Max 2 - $429.00 ($120 off)


• iPad Air - Get $100 off M4 models


• MacBook Neo - Get a free $25 Starbucks gift card


• 16-inch MacBook Pro (M5 Max, 36GB, 2TB) - $3,999.00 ($400 off)


• 16-inch MacBook Pro (M5 Max, 48GB, 2TB) - $4,499.00 ($500 off)

TVs

• 55-inch Toshiba C350 4K Smart Fire TV - $249.99 ($150 off)


• 55-inch Insignia 4K UHD QLED Smart TV - $249.99 ($450 off)


• 65-inch LG UA7050 4K Smart TV - $329.99 ($160 off)


• 98-inch Hisense QLED 4K Smart Google TV - $999.99 ($1,400 off)


• 65-inch Samsung The Frame TV (2025) - $999.99 ($600 off)


• 65-inch LG OLED 4K Smart TV - $1,499.99 ($1,200 off)

Audio

• Beats Pill - $99.99 ($50 off)


• Beats Solo 4 Headphones - $129.99 ($70 off)


• Beats Studio Pro Headphones - $169.99 ($180 off)


• Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones - $329.99 ($45 off)

If you're on the hunt for more discounts, be sure to visit our Apple Deals roundup where we recap the best Apple-related bargains of the past week.

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"iPhone Ultra" supply will be very limited when the foldable device is first released later this year, according to Fixed Focus Digital, a known leaker on the Chinese social media platform Weibo.

The account also claimed that the iPhone 18 Pro's A20 Pro chip will be up to 18% faster and up to 30% more power efficient compared to the iPhone 17 Pro's A19 Pro chip. The A20 Pro chip will be the first iPhone chip manufactured with TSMC's 2nm process, rather than the current 3nm process.

Apple's annual iPhone event is likely less than a month away.
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Apple today released iOS 26.6.1, iPadOS 26.6.1, visionOS 26.6.1, and macOS 26.6.2, with all of the updates containing security fixes.


Apple also released iOS 18.7.10 and iPadOS 18.7.10 with security fixes.

All of the iOS and iPadOS updates released today deliver security fixes that were first made available in the iOS 27 and iPadOS 27 betas, according to an Apple support document, which provides more specific details. Likewise, macOS 26.6.2 delivers security fixes that were first made available in the macOS Golden Gate 27 beta.

Apple says visionOS 26.6.1 security fix details are coming soon.

Be aware that iOS 26.6.1, iPadOS 26.6.1, and macOS 26.6.2 have new build numbers compared to the Release Candidate versions that were seeded last week.
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Apple today provided developers with the sixth beta of an upcoming visionOS 27 update for testing purposes. The beta comes a week after Apple released the fifth beta.


visionOS 27 can be installed by opening the Settings app, going to Software Updates, and opting into Beta Updates.

visionOS 27 introduces Siri AI, the smarter and more capable version of ‌Siri‌ that's similar in capability to chatbots like ChatGPT and Claude. On the Vision Pro, ‌Siri‌ can answer questions about anything the wearer is looking at, and there's a new ‌Siri‌ orb that can be placed anywhere in wearer's virtual space.

Panorama photos can be turned into spatial environments, and there's a new Icelandic Thórsmörk environment that features dramatic mountains, valleys, and glaciers, along with the northern lights. Web Environment support allows developers to create 360-degree environments in Safari for a more native Vision Pro browsing experience.

App windows are now curved to provide a more immersive workspace, and Control Center has been reorganized to make system controls easier to find. Apple added a smaller widget size, and notifications automatically expand when the wearer looks at them.

More on what's new in visionOS 27 is listed in our Vision Pro roundup.
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Apple today seeded the sixth beta of watchOS 27 to developers, with the update coming a week after the launch of the fifth beta.


The beta can be downloaded through the Watch app on the iPhone with a free developer account. The Apple Watch will need to be on the charger, connected to Wi-Fi, and have a battery level of 50 percent or above for new software to be installed. The beta is available for all Apple Watch models compatible with ‌watchOS 27‌ except for the Apple Watch Ultra 3.

‌watchOS 27‌ gains Siri AI, the smarter, more capable version of ‌Siri‌. ‌Siri‌ can hold back-and-forth conversations, plus it has access to general world knowledge and your personal data to answer questions and find information. ‌Siri‌ AI on Apple Watch requires an iPhone that supports Apple Intelligence, including the iPhone 15 Pro and later.

There's a new Dynamic app grid that highlights ‌Siri‌ suggested apps, and more intuitive Smart Stack Suggestions. You can find your parked car, see pinned messages, get noise alerts, and view identity and transit cards.

Liquid Glass has been updated to improve legibility, and Workout Buddy works on the Apple Watch even when an iPhone isn't nearby. Workout Buddy also gains new metrics like progressive increases to distance, pace, or duration. Apple added a new all-in-one Find My app with support for Precision Finding, and there are performance optimizations that improve battery life.

More on what's new in ‌watchOS 27‌ is available in our watchOS 27 roundup.

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Apple today seeded the sixth beta of tvOS 27 to developers for testing purposes, with the update coming a week after Apple released the fifth beta.


The beta can be downloaded and installed through the Settings app on the Apple TV. A free developer account is required.

tvOS 27 has few new features compared to the other 27 software updates, but it does add a redesigned Podcasts app, options for larger text, and a more responsive Control Center.

AirPlaying to an ‌Apple TV‌ from another Apple device is faster, and apps and animations are smoother. You can also now see AppleCare coverage details in the Settings app.

More on the features in tvOS 27 can be found in our Apple TV roundup.
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Apple today provided developers with the sixth beta of macOS Golden Gate, with the update coming a week after Apple seeded the fifth beta.


Developers can download ‌macOS Golden Gate‌ by going to System Settings > General > Software Update. Beta Updates will need to be enabled, and a free developer account is required.

‌macOS Golden Gate‌ includes multiple design improvements. Liquid Glass opacity has been improved to increase readability, there's a slider for controlling the level of transparency, and changes to shadowing make it easier to tell when a window is active. Apps now have uniform toolbars, edge-to-edge sidebars, and less rounded corners, plus there are fewer icons in menu bars.

Siri has been transformed into ‌Siri‌ AI, a chatbot-style assistant that combines general world knowledge, your personal data, and onscreen awareness to answer questions about anything and find information for you. ‌Siri‌ lives in Spotlight, and you can ask questions with the new Search or Ask interface.

There's also a ‌Siri‌ app where you can chat with ‌Siri‌ and view past conversations, and on newer Macs, you can set a custom voice for ‌Siri‌ with personalized pace and expressivity. Visual Intelligence is now on the Mac so ‌Siri‌ can answer questions about what's on your screen, and a Write with ‌Siri‌ feature lets ‌Siri‌ generate text or give feedback on your writing.

There are AI photo editing tools in the Photos app, AI tab organization in Safari, an option to use AI to automatically update weak passwords in the Passwords app, and a revamped Image Playground app that can generate photorealistic images.

More on all of the new features in ‌macOS Golden Gate‌ can be found in our macOS Golden Gate roundup.
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Apple today seeded the sixth betas of iOS 27 and iPadOS 27 to developers for testing purposes, with the update coming one week after Apple released the fifth betas.


Registered developers can download the betas from the Settings app on the iPhone or iPad by going to the General section and selecting Software Update.

‌iOS 27‌ introduces Apple's smarter version of Siri, ‌Siri‌ AI. ‌Siri‌ AI is a chatbot similar to ChatGPT, incorporating general world knowledge, personal data from apps like Messages and Mail, and onscreen awareness to answer questions and find information for you.

There are new Apple Intelligence features in apps like Photos, Safari, Shortcuts, Wallet, and Passwords, plus Apple added a standalone ‌Siri‌ app that houses ‌Siri‌ conversations. Write with ‌Siri‌ is available systemwide for generating text or offering feedback on your writing, and Visual Intelligence has been relocated to the Camera app with a new ‌Siri‌ mode.

Apple improved the look of Liquid Glass and added a slider for customizing transparency. There are multiple performance improvements to speed up iOS, so everything feels faster, even on older iPhones. Apps launch quicker, AirDrop transfers are faster, the keyboard pops up more quickly, and devices are better at transitioning between Wi-Fi and Cellular to keep you connected.

For more on what's new in ‌iOS 27‌, we have a dedicated iOS 27 roundup.
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Apple Sports was updated today with support for additional soccer leagues, including the Austrian Bundesliga, English Women's Super League, Greek Super League, Indian Super League, Saudi Pro League, Spanish Liga F, and Turkish Süper Lig.

Apple Sports already gained support for seven more soccer leagues in July, so the additions now total 14 over the past month. The app remains available on the iPhone only, with version 4.3 rolling out on the App Store now.
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Apple has agreed to make changes to its App Tracking Transparency feature in Germany, according to the country's competition regulator.


Since the release of iOS 14.5 in April 2021, Apple has required apps to ask for permission before tracking a user's activity across other apps and websites for personalized advertising. If a user selects the "Ask App Not to Track" option, the app is unable to access the device's advertising identifier. Apple says the feature is designed to enhance user privacy, but some advertisers have complained that it has significantly impacted their revenue.

In Germany, Apple has agreed to remove "possibly discouraging symbols and wording" from the App Tracking Transparency prompt, the regulator said. Apps will also be "given more scope to explain to users what significance personalized advertising has for their offering and their business model," and the "freedom to combine the consent request required by Apple with the consent requests required under data protection law."

Apple has four months starting on the date it is formally served with the decision to implement the changes in Germany, and it will test them with app developers first, the regulator said. The changes will apply for seven years.

Over the past few years, Apple has faced similar regulatory pressures over the App Tracking Transparency feature in other EU countries, such as France, Italy, and Poland, and from the overarching European Commission.

Apple has maintained that App Tracking Transparency protects user privacy and is compliant with competition law in Germany. Nevertheless, it agreed to make the changes, and the regulator said the proceedings have thus concluded.

Apple issued the following statement regarding the changes:

At Apple, we believe privacy is a fundamental human right, and we introduced App Tracking Transparency to give users a simple way to control whether apps have permission to track their activity across other companies' apps and websites. While we believe the current ATT prompt provides a clear, easy-to-understand and effective way to keep users in control of their data—an opinion shared by the German data protection authorities—we have agreed to make changes to the text and formatting of the prompt at the FCO's request. These commitments ensure we can continue to provide this important privacy tool in Europe and keep users, not ad tech companies and data brokers, in control of their data.

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In select U.S. states, residents can add their driver's license or state ID to the Apple Wallet app on the iPhone and Apple Watch, and then use it to display proof of identity or age at select airports and businesses, and in select apps. According to a new report and evidence within Apple's code, the feature is set to expand to four more states.


A few days ago, North Carolina's DMV announced that it plans to launch a mobile ID program later this year. As reported by WRAL, North Carolina residents will be able to set up a digital ID through a new NC Wallet app starting in December, with Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, and Samsung Wallet support to follow in "early 2027."

To set up the feature, open the Wallet app on the iPhone and tap on the plus sign in the top-right corner. Next, tap on Driver's License and ID Cards, select your state from the list, and follow the on-screen steps to complete the process. Then, you can present your digital ID at participating TSA checkpoints and businesses, without handing over your device.

You can present an Apple Wallet ID where accepted by simply tapping your iPhone or Apple Watch on an identity reader. Then, you will be able to view the specific information being requested by the TSA or business. Only after authorizing with Face ID or Touch ID is the requested identity information released from your device.

As mentioned, you do not need to unlock, show, or hand over your device to present an Apple Wallet ID in person, ensuring user privacy.

Apple Wallet IDs are generally not accepted by law enforcement, so carrying a physical ID is still legally required for traffic stops. In addition, the number of businesses that accept Apple Wallet IDs is still quite small. At least for now, Apple Wallet IDs are designed to be a convenient alternative where they are accepted.

"Your mobile ID is a valid form of identification in North Carolina," the DMV said, in a FAQ on its website. "However, as retailers, restaurants and other businesses transition to mobile IDs, some may not be set up to accept them right away. For now, carrying your physical card gives you a backup when needed."

According to code seen by MacRumors, Apple Wallet IDs are also coming to Oklahoma, Utah, and Virginia, but there is no timeframe for availability.

All in all, Apple Wallet IDs are coming to these four states:

• North Carolina


• Oklahoma


• Utah


• Virginia

The following 14 states already offer Apple Wallet IDs:

• Arizona (since March 2022)


• Maryland (since May 2022)


• Colorado (since November 2022)


• Georgia (since May 2023)


• Ohio (since July 2024)


• Hawaii (since August 2024)


• California (since September 2024)


• Iowa (since October 2024)


• New Mexico (since December 2024)
• Montana (since August 2025)


• North Dakota (since September 2025)


• West Virginia (since October 2025)


• Illinois (since November 2025)


• Arkansas (since May 2026)

The feature is also available in Puerto Rico.

Apple Wallet IDs are accepted at TSA checkpoints in more than 250 airports in the U.S. for domestic travel, and North Carolina's DMV said this will include Charlotte Douglas International Airport and Raleigh-Durham International Airport.

Travelers should refer to TSA signage to confirm availability of the feature.
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When iOS 27 arrives next month, you'll be able to reply to a specific green chat bubble (aka an Android message) in a Messages conversation on your iPhone.


All you need to do is press and hold the message, tap Reply, then type your response. It will be received by the recipient as a real threaded reply (i.e. an inline reply), tying it directly to the message in question. It's the same with reactions – react to a shared photo and your contact will see the intended emoji instead of a message saying that you "liked an image."

It's all thanks to Apple's embrace of RCS Universal Profile 3.0, the GSMA standard it helped publish and has been adopting in stages. Universal Profile 2.4 first appeared in iOS 18 in September 2024, but it didn't support inline replies. Come this September, on supporting iPhones, that will finally change.

Bear in mind that the feature also depends on carrier support at both ends. Even before you update to iOS 27, you can see if your device is ready for the change: simply go to Settings ➝ Apps ➝ Messages ➝ RCS Messaging, and check that the RCS Messaging toggle is enabled. If the setting isn't displayed in said menu, your carrier has yet to enable the feature.
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Apple's AirPods Max 2 have hit $429.00 on Amazon this week, down from $549.00. This sale is available in two colors on Amazon, while Best Buy has all five models in stock at this low price.

Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.

Free delivery on Amazon has the AirPods Max 2 arriving around August 22, but Prime members should see same-day delivery options in many locations. This is the best deal on the headphones that we've tracked since June, and it's just about $30 higher when compared to the all-time low price.



If you're on the hunt for more discounts, be sure to visit our Apple Deals roundup where we recap the best Apple-related bargains of the past week.

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The screen sharing flaw that Apple rushed out a fix for earlier this month has already been exploited in the wild, according to the Netherlands' National Cyber Security Center (NCSC-NL).


On August 6, Apple released macOS Tahoe 26.6.1, an update to the ‌macOS Tahoe‌ operating system that came out last year. The update came a little over a week after Apple released macOS Tahoe 26.6.

In its security support document, Apple said that the update addressed a vulnerability that could allow an attacker to authenticate to Screen Sharing without valid credentials – in short, a bad actor could view a user's Mac screen and remotely take control of their keyboard and mouse. It appears however that hackers have already been taking advantage of the flaw.

As first reported by ArsTechnica, the NCSC-NL said that it had been notified of abuse of the vulnerability, "observed on multiple systems on which port 5900 was accessible from the internet." The reason is that when screen sharing is enabled, macOS's firewall intentionally exposes this port.

"In all these cases, root had been accessed on the affected system and a Monero crypto miner had been placed," the NCSC-NL added. In other words, a targeted Mac's resources are used to mine cryptocurrency.

When pushing the fix – which was also included in macOS Sonoma 14.8.9 and macOS Sequoia 15.7.9 – Apple said it had addressed the authentication issue with "improved state management." Users who have not updated their Macs should do so as soon as possible. Even for those who have updated, use of a VPN is also recommended when screen sharing is active.

If you're not sure if your macOS version is up-to-date, you can check by going into your Mac's System Settings and selecting General ➝ Software Update.
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Apple is hiring a Studio Producer for its Fitness+ service with a background in live production, in what could be a hint at the future of the service.


The job listing was posted last month, detailing an in-person role at Apple's Santa Monica studio. It calls for someone with a "strong foundation in live or live-to-tape multi-camera production and a genuine curiosity about where live content is headed next." Apple says it wants a "creative collaborator" who is "excited to experiment with new formats" and "push the boundaries of what live fitness content can be."

The role's actual list of responsibilities reads like Fitness+ production management rather than anything specific to live content. While Fitness+ is not a live service, many of the skills applicable to live production would likely be transferable to its needs.

Apple Fitness+ launched in 2020 as a library of trainer-led workout and meditation videos available on the iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV, all shot in advance and streamed on demand, with Apple Watch integration for workout metrics. Apple has never offered Peloton-style live classes, real-time leaderboards, or scheduled sessions through the service, so the listing's repeated emphasis on live production skills appears to mark new territory, even if the responsibilities section stops short of describing what that live content would look like.

The job listing arrives as Apple continues to consider Fitness+'s future. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reported in November that Fitness+ was "under review" amid a broader reorganization, describing it as one of Apple's "weakest digital offerings" due to high churn and low revenue. Apple health vice president Sumbul Desai took over the service as part of that restructuring, with the health division now reporting directly to services chief Eddy Cue.

Gurman said in February that the review was still ongoing, and guessed that Apple would eventually merge Fitness+ with the Health app directly in some form, "perhaps offering it as a combined subscription." He did not mention any plans for live content.

Thanks, Anthony!
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