MacRumors

Several iCloud services are experiencing issues, according to Apple's system status page.

Find My, Game Center, Photos, ‌iCloud‌ Calendar, ‌iCloud‌ Mail, ‌iCloud‌ Contacts, ‌iCloud‌ Web Apps, and iWork for ‌iCloud‌ are all experiencing service interruptions.

Apple says only some users may run into problems. The issue started at 3:33 p.m. Eastern Time and is ongoing.

Apple is working on a home hub that incorporates Siri AI, and it's set to launch as soon as this year. The home hub will use a Widget Gallery that lets users select the content they want to appear on the device's home screen.

Mentions of the Widget Gallery were found in macOS Tahoe 26.7, an update that leaked a long list of unreleased Apple products. The strings were found in a file named PosterKit-J490, and J490 is the codename for the home hub. PosterKit is Apple's framework for Lock Screen customization, and the hub's home screen could have many of the same options for icons, widgets, and clock faces.

Apple already uses the Widget Gallery on iPhone, iPad, and Mac for adding widgets to the Home Screen and Lock Screen of those devices, and the home hub will have a similar mechanism.

Based on the code, widgets installed on a linked iPhone will be suggested on the home hub, much like how iPhone widgets are available on a Mac without an app being installed. It looks like third-party app widgets may be supported in addition to Apple's own apps. iPhone app widgets displayed on the home hub will have information mirrored from the iPhone.

All users in the home will be able to see the widgets installed on the home hub, but content in widgets will only be visible when the primary linked device is in the home for privacy protection.

A Smart Stack will automatically rotate through widgets to show relevant information throughout the day, and users will also be able to flip through the different Smart Stack options. Apple already has Smart Stack on its other devices, including the Apple Watch.

The home hub isn't expected to have its own App Store, but it will support Apple apps like Safari, Apple News, Apple Music, Notes, Calendar, Photos, and Home. Tapping on an installed widget from the home screen could launch a full app with more information. Code references a Face Gallery too, suggesting users will be able to select different clock options for the device's home screen, and it indicates that the hub will be able to be added to HomeKit scenes and automations alongside other smart home accessories.

Apple's hub is expected to have a 7-inch square display with options to put it on a base or mount it on the wall. More information about the device can be found in our guide.

Apple will launch its annual National Parks Apple Watch activity challenge on Sunday, August 23 to celebrate national parks across the United States.

Apple Watch owners can earn an Apple Watch activity award by doing a hike, walk, run, or wheelchair push that lasts for 20 minutes or more on August 23, 2026.

Earning this award is a walk in the park. Or a run. Or a hike. Or a wheelchair push. Just record one of these workouts for 20 minutes or more on August 23.

Like all of the Apple Watch activity challenges, earning the award will provide users with animated stickers that can be used in the Messages app.

Along with a new Apple Watch challenge, Apple typically offers other national parks-themed content in August, including an Apple Pay donation program, Apple TV content, Apple Music songs, books, podcasts, and more.

The camera-equipped AirPods that we've confirmed Apple is working on are likely going to be part of the AirPods Pro lineup rather than separate "AirPods Ultra."

A macOS Tahoe 26.7 file that references the new AirPods is labeled "AirPods Pro," hinting at the new name. It's possible that's a placeholder name, so AirPods Ultra isn't entirely out of the question, but given Apple put a full video of the new AirPods in the software, there isn't much need for a placeholder.

Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said in March that Apple was considering several devices with the Ultra name, including the foldable iPhone Ultra, AirPods Ultra, and an OLED MacBook Ultra, but that may not be a term we see for the new AirPods. He suggested Apple might use the name because the camera-equipped AirPods were expected to be more expensive than the $249 AirPods Pro 3, so Apple's "Pro" choice could also be a hint that pricing won't be too far off the current model.

Rumors about camera-equipped AirPods have been a little confusing, and that could account for any naming discrepancies. Most of the rumors about the AirPods with a camera were about a product with the codename B798. In June, Gurman said the camera AirPods had been delayed because of issues with Siri AI, and would not launch until September 2027 alongside the 20th anniversary iPhone.

In early August, Gurman revised his launch timing and said Apple was close to debuting camera AirPods with the codename B790. The B790 AirPods had apparently been progressing alongside the B798 model, and Gurman said the company "famously creates competing versions of the same product internally," with B790 closer to launch than B798.

It's not known if there are differences between the B790 and B798 products Apple has been working on, but it looks like we're going to see the camera AirPods this year. The AirPods video in ‌macOS Tahoe‌ 26.7 suggests the device is near-ready to launch.

The camera in the AirPods will not be used for capturing photos and videos and will instead feed visual information to ‌Siri‌ AI for an easier-to-use version of Visual Intelligence.

Apple today announced changes to its App Store policies and fees in the European Union to comply with the Digital Markets Act. Apple says the changes were made after "close collaboration" with the European Commission, and the updates simplify the fee structure and "resolve Apple's disagreements with the Commission over business terms and alternative distribution."

The initial acquisition fee and store services fee are being removed for apps distributed outside of the ‌App Store‌, and Apple will now charge a 5% Core Technology Commission on digital purchases that replaces the prior per-install Core Technology Fee.

Commission rates are changing for ‌App Store‌ apps, alternative payments, and apps distributed through alternative app marketplaces or the web.

• App Store Apps With In-App Purchase - Apple will charge a 26% fee for apps distributed through the ‌App Store‌ that use in-app purchase. The fee will be 15% for Small Business Program, Mini Apps Partner Program, and Video Partner Program participants. It will also be 15% for auto-renewing subscriptions after their first year.
• App Store Apps Using Alternative Payments - Apps in the ‌App Store‌ that use in-app alternative payment processing will pay 20%. Developers in Apple's programs will pay 10%.
• Apps That Link Out of the App for Purchases - Apps that link to a website purchase option will pay 15%. Developers in Apple's programs will pay 10%.
• Alternative App Marketplace Apps - Apple will charge a 5% Core Technology Commission.
• Apps Distributed via the Web - Apple will charge a 5% Core Technology Commission.

Developers can offer in-app purchase options alongside alternative payment options in the EU, which is something Apple did not allow before. Apple says there will be presentation requirements so users have a consistent, transparent experience.

Developers distributing apps in the EU must select their payment options and maintain those options for 12 months before making changes to "provide consistency and clarity for users." Apple will still use a Notarization process for apps downloadable through the web and through alternative app marketplaces.

Apps in the Kids category or being used by children under 13 will not include links to websites to complete transactions. All apps that use alternative payment processing or link to a website for transactions have to include a parental gate if the user is under 18.

Apple is relaxing the rules for operating an alternative app marketplace or distributing apps via the web in the European Union. Apple used to require developers to have a one million euro standby letter of credit from an A-rated financial institution, but the new rules are as follows:

• Meet a moderate financial-stability bar as scored by Dun & Bradstreet.
• Are publicly traded or owned by a publicly traded company.
• Have received venture funding from an established investment firm.
• Have completed a financial audit by a licensed accountant.
• Are a government entity, educational institution, or nonprofit.

Developers can sign the new terms starting today, and the changes go into effect on October 1.

Note: Due to the political or social nature of the discussion regarding this topic, the discussion thread is located in our Political News forum. All forum members and site visitors are welcome to read and follow the thread, but posting is limited to forum members with at least 100 posts.

Now through September 15, you can get 5% Daily Cash when you use the Apple Card via Apple Pay on up to $750 in combined eligible purchases at Booking​.com, Hertz, ChargePoint, Exxon, and Mobil. The maximum total Daily Cash you can earn through this offer is $37.50, according to Apple, with complete details outlined on this page.

Ordinarily, the Apple Card offers 3% Daily Cash at these partners, but this limited-time promotion provides an additional 2% Daily Cash on eligible purchases up to the $750 limit. Apple has given the offer an "August road trip" theme, as the eligible purchases include hotel rooms, rental cars, gas, and electric vehicle charging.

Apple's credit card is available in the U.S. only.

OpenAI is adding a ChatGPT mode for teenagers that includes parental controls, enhanced content safeguards, and a focus on learning.

ChatGPT for Teens is "designed to help teens learn, think critically, deepen understanding, and use AI with confidence," said the company in a blog post announcing the feature.

The feature includes learning-focused starter prompts for facilitating studying, practicing skills, or exploring ideas. ChatGPT's Study mode is baked in, as are learning tools (including quizzes when available), and Study hours that let the teen or a linked parent/guardian choose when eligible new chats start in study mode.

OpenAI says reminders encourage users to take breaks, and there are built-in provisions for making it clear that ChatGPT is AI, and does not have consciousness, experience feelings or emotions. That backstop aims to discourage relationship-forming with the chatbot.

ChatGPT automatically enables ChatGPT for Teens for eligible accounts identified as belonging to someone under 18. Users who think they are seeing the feature by mistake can verify their age and ask ChatGPT to remove the teen protections.

OpenAI says ChatGPT for Teens is rolling out globally to eligible teen accounts on Free and paid personal ChatGPT plans beginning August 18, with full availability in Australia expected September 8.

In a social media post today, Apple CEO Tim Cook said Apple will be donating to relief efforts on the ground in Indonesia as the country reels from a deadly earthquake and aftershocks.

Apple has donated to the Red Cross following past natural disasters, but it does not disclose the dollar amounts.

Amazon and Best Buy this week have multiple discounts on the M4 iPad Air, providing $100 off these 2026 models. These are the best prices we've seen in the wake of Apple's summer price hikes.

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.

You'll find savings on both the 11-inch and 13-inch models of the M4 iPad Air, with savings mainly focused on 128GB and 256GB Wi-Fi tablets. All of these discounts have been automatically applied and do not require a coupon code or a special membership.

The new iPad Air features the M4 chip, C1X modem, and N1 networking chip, which brings support for Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6. In terms of design, the 2026 models are identical to the 2025 iPad Air tablets, with an edge-to-edge display, slim bezels, and aluminum chassis.

11-inch M4 iPad Air

• 128GB Wi-Fi - $649.00 ($100 off) [matched at Best Buy]
• 256GB Wi-Fi - $749.00 ($100 off) [matched at Best Buy]

13-inch M4 iPad Air

• 128GB Wi-Fi - $849.00 ($100 off) [matched at Best Buy]
• 256GB Wi-Fi - $949.00 ($100 off) [matched at Best Buy]
• 1TB Wi-Fi - $1,449.00 ($100 off) [matched at Best Buy]

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 next-generation Apple TV 4K will ship with an upgraded Siri Remote, according to macOS 26.7 code findings.

The code does not reveal any specific changes planned for the remote, but it suggests that a new Apple TV is finally coming soon, following years of rumors. The new model, expected to be powered by an A17 Pro chip or newer, will likely be unveiled this September or October.

Apple's AirTag 2 is on sale for $89.00 this week on Amazon, down from $99.00. This deal is on the 4-Pack of the AirTag 2, and it's a match of the record low price first seen during Prime Day.

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.

We're also tracking a smaller deal on the AirTag 2 1-Pack, available for $24.00, down from $29.00. This is another record low price on the AirTag 2, and both have estimated delivery dates of August 23.

The new AirTag is equipped with a second-generation Ultra Wideband chip, enabling the Precision Finding feature to work up to 50% farther away from an item compared to the previous-generation model.

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 commission Apple earns from the App Store is shrinking in markets where it has been forced to relax its grip on in-app purchases, based on new analytics data.

According to Appfigures, cited by the Financial Times ($), Apple's U.S. commission revenue 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.

Separately, Sensor Tower said U.S. consumer spending through the App Store was down 6 percent in the second quarter, compared to 9 percent growth a year earlier.

The figures follow Apple's admission during last month's 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.

Apple traditionally has taken 15 to 30 percent of digital purchases made inside apps on the App Store. However, a U.S. injunction won by Epic Games now forces the company to let developers steer users to outside payment options without taking a cut. Sensor Tower said the U.S. slowdown had been heavily affected by the ruling. Apple has not collected fees from link-outs in the U.S. since April 2025.

Sonos just updated its iOS app with new Live Activities support, providing quick access to playback controls from your Lock Screen.

Sonos shared a Reddit post announcing the new feature, which appears after you initiate playback on a Sonos device and then close the app.

The Live Activity shows the current room or group you were last playing audio from and allows you to play/pause or skip tracks. Even if you initiate playback on Sonos from outside the Sonos app (Direct Control from supported services, Bluetooth, or AirPlay) you can still use the local playback controls that appear on the Live Activity.

As things stand, album art can't be displayed on the Live Activity, but the company said it's looking into alternative ways to enhance the Lock Screen experience. Sonos also mentioned that Live Activities work on Apple Watch and CarPlay, but "right now the controls aren't supported" in these instances.

Sonos called Live Activities support a "much requested, anticipated, and needed feature."

(Via 9to5Mac.)

In a notable addition to the unreleased Apple products referenced in yesterday's macOS Tahoe 26.7 software update, AirPods 5 models have also been spotted. Internally codenamed B868M and B868E, the models almost certainly refer to AirPods 5 and AirPods 5 with Active Noise Cancellation. Current AirPods 4 models, launched in September 2024, have the codenames B768M and B768E.

While next-generation features are unknown, AirPods 5 could get an updated H3 chip with improved sound quality and lower latency. Launch timing however remains unclear. On a side note, macOS 26.7 also contains a reference to an unreleased Beats Solo Buds model.

Apple's upcoming iPhone 18 Pro models may be differentiated by a new camera feature that could be exclusive to the larger Pro Max model, if a Chinese leaker is to be believed.

Since 2024, we've been hearing rumors about Apple's plans to introduce a variable aperture camera on the iPhone 18 Pro models – a first for any iPhone – but it was understood until now that the feature would come to both devices.

Leaker Ice Universe claims that's not the case. The iPhone 18 Pro Max will "exclusively feature a variable aperture," they said in a new post on Weibo, a Chinese social media platform.

"Looks like even Apple can't escape the reality that if you want the absolute best camera experience, you'll have to put up with a phone that weighs like a brick," the leaker added.

We already know a variable aperture lens is coming to the iPhone 18 Pro Max, thanks to the June leak of internal files from Apple supplier Tata Electronics. The files revealed that the iPhone 18 Pro Max will feature a new Sony IMX905 sensor with variable aperture support.

The smaller iPhone 18 Pro model was not mentioned in the leaked file, but it wasn't clear if that meant it wouldn't get a variable aperture lens, or it the leaked files simply didn't include that information.

Apple has never implemented a variable aperture on an iPhone. From the iPhone 14 Pro through the iPhone 17 Pro, the main camera uses a fixed ƒ/1.78 aperture, meaning the lens remains fully open at all times when capturing images.

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, enabling sharper focus on subjects or smoother background blur. That all depends on how Apple implements the feature, of course. It may be more automated than that.

Beyond size and battery life, the last time Apple differentiated its iPhone Pro models was with the iPhone 15 Pro, which lacked the tetraprism telephoto lens that was included to the iPhone 15 Pro Max.

The iPhone 18 Pro Max is rumored to be bigger and heavier than its predecessor this year. Apart from the rumored aperture lens, it is expected to be otherwise equivalent to its smaller sibling. Both iPhone 18 Pro models are set to launch next month alongside Apple's first foldable iPhone, the "iPhone Ultra."

Apple is working on camera-equipped AirPods that appear to be nearly ready to launch, based on a video MacRumors found in the macOS Tahoe 26.7 release candidate.

In a short demo, a man holds a book up so the camera in the AirPods can see the title. "With Visual Intelligence, your world becomes savable. See something you like? Just ask me to save it for later," says the voiceover text.

The camera on the AirPods will feed information to ‌Visual Intelligence‌, and Siri will be able to answer questions about the wearer's surroundings and log information. There is a direct reference to setting up ‌Visual Intelligence‌ on the AirPods.

If hair is covering the AirPods up, you'll receive an alert. "To get the most accurate information about things in your environment, make sure AirPods are not covered," it says.

The camera-equipped AirPods have the codename B790, which was also previously mentioned by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. Gurman suggested the AirPods could launch as soon as September, so we could see them at the iPhone-centric event where Apple will unveil the iPhone 18 Pro, ‌iPhone 18 Pro‌ Max, and foldable iPhone Ultra.

‌macOS Tahoe‌ 26.7 has multiple other mentions of the B790 product, as well as references to a long list of other unreleased Apple products.

The macOS Tahoe 26.7 release candidate that Apple seeded today has references to several unreleased products, from home devices to iPhones, iPads, AirPods, and Macs.

Some of these codenames have shown up in prior software updates but have new feature flags, while others haven't been seen in the code before.

Home Accessories

• Home Hub (J490/HomeAccessory17,1 and J491/HomeAccessory17,2) - There are references to Siri setup for a "J490" home accessory, which has previously been identified as Apple's upcoming home hub. There's a second reference to J490 and J491. J490 is believed to be the version of the home hub with a base, while J491 is the version that's meant to be mounted on a wall.
• HomePod mini (B525) - Code mentions "Argentium" has been installed on a product codenamed B525, which likely corresponds to the HomePod mini. The current HomePod mini has a B520 codename.
• Home Accessory (J229) - There is a reference to "J229Architecture," a codename for an unreleased Apple product. J229 previously popped up in iOS 26 last December and was found by Macworld. The site said it was a device with multiple sensors and the ability to detect alarm sounds and capture images. It's possible J229 is the rumored security camera Apple is working on, or some kind of accessory to go with its home hub products.
• Pebble - There's a reference to "Pebble," which Bloomberg previously said was Apple's codename for the homeOS operating system that runs on the home hub.
• HomeAccessory17,3 (J595) - A tabletop robot.
• Mystery Colors - There are references to colors for a home accessory, which might be linked to the ‌HomePod mini‌ 2, the home hub, or something else. The colors are Rose Pink, Silver, Space Gray, and Starlight.
• Audio Accessory Visual Reasoning - There is an audio_accessory_visual_reasoning string, which could be for the home hub.

Headphones

• AirPods with Cameras (B790) - B790 is the codename for AirPods with a camera, according to Bloomberg. Confusingly, these are not the camera-equipped AirPods rumored for 2027 because those have a B798 codename, but are a "separate camera AirPods project" that could come out as soon as September. Code specifically mentions an image stream for the device: "B790 start image stream failed for left bud."
• Beats (B518 and B522) - B518 and B522 could reference upcoming Beats headphones.
• AirPods Pro 4 - There is a reference to AirPodsPro1,4, which could be fourth-generation AirPods Pro. The current AirPods Pro 3 are AirPodsPro1,3. There's also a reference to AirPod3,5.

iPhone

• iPhone Air 2 (V62) - V62 was previously seen in iOS 27 code, and Macworld says it's the iPhone Air 2. The ‌iPhone Air‌ 2 isn't expected until spring 2027.
• iPhone 18 Pro (V63) - V63 was previously seen in ‌iOS 27‌ code, and Macworld says it's the iPhone 18 Pro. The ‌iPhone 18 Pro‌ is expected in September.
• iPhone 18 Pro Max (V64) - V64 was previously seen in ‌iOS 27‌ code, and Macworld says it's the ‌iPhone 18 Pro‌ Max. The ‌iPhone 18 Pro‌ Max is expected in September.
• iPhone 18 (V67) - V67 was previously seen in ‌iOS 27‌ code, and Macworld says it's the iPhone 18. The ‌iPhone 18‌ isn't expected until spring 2027.
• iPhone Ultra (V68) - V68 was previously seen in ‌iOS 27‌ code, and Macworld says it's the foldable iPhone Ultra. The ‌iPhone Ultra‌ is expected in September.

Mac

• MacBook Pro (J804) - J804 is the entry-level 14-inch MacBook Pro that's going to be updated with an M6 chip before the end of the year. The current M5 ‌MacBook Pro‌ is J704.
• iMac (J833 and J834) - J833 and J834 are the codenames for new iMac models Apple is working on, according to Bloomberg.
• MacBook Pro - K114c, K114s, K116c, and K116s reference upcoming ‌MacBook Pro‌ models. It's possible these are the higher-end OLED ‌MacBook Pro‌ models Apple is working on.

iPad

• iPad mini (J510 and J511) - J510 and J511 are the codenames for the next-generation iPad mini rumored to be getting an ‌OLED‌ display and A19 Pro chip.

Headset

• Headset (N109) - N109 is in the code. Bloomberg previously said N109 was a second-generation Vision Pro, while The Information said it was a cheaper version of the Vision Pro. A more affordable version of the Vision Pro was reportedly canceled last year.

Apple TV Remote

There's a mention of ATVRemote1,5, which appears to be a new Apple TV remote. Rumors previously suggested the next ‌Apple TV‌ could come with an updated remote control.

Apple Intelligence in China

There are references to Writing Tools coming to China. Code mention temporary restrictions due to triggering safety alerts, and content that won't be able to be edited with Apple Intelligence.

• Content safety update required. iPhone will be able to use Writing Tools once the automatic update completes.
• Unable to edit this text. %1$@ may be able to help with this type of content. This text will need to be sent to %2$@.
• Writing Tools are temporarily restricted due to triggering safety alerts multiple times.

Unknown Model Numbers

There are multiple model numbers listed that do not correspond to any existing Apple product and they don't have a clear link to an upcoming product.

• A3436, A3437, A3438, A3439, A3440, A3441
• A3456, A3457
• A3465
• A3529, A3530, A3531, A3532, A3533
• A3543
• A3577
• Device1,8234
• Device1,8236
• Device1,8238
• Device1,8240
• Device1,8241
• Device1,8242
• Device1,8246
• Device1,8247
• Device1,8248

We'll see the first devices on this list launch this September, when Apple is expected to introduce the ‌iPhone 18 Pro‌, ‌iPhone 18 Pro‌ Max, and ‌iPhone Ultra‌. We don't yet know when new home products or Macs might come out. Apple often holds two fall events, so there could be a second event in October or November for the ‌MacBook Pro‌, ‌iMac‌, ‌iPad mini‌, and home accessories.

Apple today released the fourth public betas of iOS 27, iPadOS 27, tvOS 27, and macOS Golden Gate, allowing anyone with a compatible device to download and test the new software. The fourth betas come a week after Apple seeded the third betas and just a few hours after the sixth developer betas.

You can get started by signing up on Apple's beta website and then opting in to the public beta by opening up the Settings app on your device, selecting General, and choosing Software Update.

We are nearing the end of the beta testing process, and few new features were found in today's developer betas. ‌macOS Golden Gate‌ includes new wallpapers, while ‌iOS 27‌ has a Shortcuts splash screen and a new Game Center icon.