One of the Beats codenames MacRumorsfound in the macOS Tahoe 26.7 update (B518) appears to be for the Beats 360, a new set of over-ear headphones that we could see launch soon.
Multiple Reddit users found signs of the Beats 360 on UK websites like Amazon, though those listings have now been removed.
The headphones have a look that is distinct from the existing Beats Studio Pro over-ear headphones, featuring a rounder design with AirPods Max-like mesh fabric ear cups and headband. The ear cups and headband will be replaceable with interchangeable cushion options. The headphones will ship with Performance Knit cushions, but an UltraPlush option will also be available. Beats will sell the headphones in Pink, Black, Sky, and Cloud. Volt and Navy may also be color options, but there are only listings for cushions in the shades.
One listing says these are the first-ever sweat-resistant and water-resistant over-ear headphones Beats has come out with, so it sounds like they should be better for wearing during workouts than current Beats over-ear options. From the listing:
Beats 360 have interchangeable cushion options for both ear cups and headband, so you can have a fresh set ready after your workout or a new colour just to switch up your look. These over-ear noise-cancelling headphones are built for active lifestyles and all-day comfort.
Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) blocks out unwanted noise to help you focus, after adapting to your environment and unique fit - with up to 1.75x more noise cancellation than Beats Studio Pro.
The bespoke, high-fidelity acoustic platform delivers powerful bass and pinpoint precision across the tonal range with ultra-low distortion for the ultimate listening experience. Personalised spatial audio with dynamic head tracking delivers immersive surround sound.
Ear cushions are built from acoustically engineered memory foam and shaped to fit comfortably over your ears, forming an optimal seal for incredible sound.
Exceptional call quality powered by an advanced Al-trained algorithm and beam-forming mic system that filters out background noise.
Our first-ever sweat- and water-resistant over-ear headphones, with an IPX4 rating to ensure they're built to go everywhere you do.
All-day battery life for extended playback even with ANC on.
Compatible with both Apple and Android for one-touch pairing and more. Easy-to-use controls are positioned on the back of each ear cup, including a volume rocker, a multifunction button to control music and calls, a power button and a listening mode button.
Fold-flat design for extra comfort and convenience. Woven ripstop fabric case included.
What's in the box: Beats 360 true wireless over-ear headphones with interchangeable performance knit cushions, woven ripstop fabric carrying case, warranty card and Quick Start Guide. Additional Beats 360 cushion kits, USB-C charging cable and power adapter sold separately.
Pricing is expected to start at $299 in the United States. There's no word on when the new Beats headphones will launch, but with listings popping up, they could come anytime.
We previously saw signs of the new headphones in May, when the U.S. Federal Communications Commission published documents featuring the rounded design that's showing up on product pages, and in July when Beats gave them to World Cup players as a teaser.
Anker and Jackery have introduced big discounts across their most popular portable power stations this week, including up to $1,500 off select models from each company. We're tracking Anker's best deals over at Amazon, while Jackery's discounts can be found on the retailer's own website.
Anker SOLIX
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Jackery and Anker. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
The majority of Anker's portable power station deals are from the SOLIX brand on Amazon, and all of these deals have been automatically applied on each page. There are plenty of notable discounts, including the popular Anker SOLIX C300 Portable Power Station with Lantern for $199.99, down from $249.99.
Over on Jackery's website, you'll find up to $1,500 off a wide array of portable power stations, solar generators, add-on batteries, and more. This sale is aimed at anyone preparing for storm season power outages and is set to last for another few days, ending the night of August 26.
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.
Deals Newsletter
Interested in hearing more about the best deals you can find in 2026? Sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we'll keep you updated so you don't miss the biggest deals of the season!
Apple on Monday seeded the macOS 26.7 Release Candidate, and the upcoming software update has seemingly leaked more than 10 new Apple products.
macOS 26.7's code contains references to AirPods with infrared cameras for Visual Intelligence, the long-rumored foldable iPhone, an all-new Apple smart home hub, the first-ever MacBook and iPad mini models with OLED displays, an updated Siri Remote for a next-generation Apple TV, and more, according to MacRumors contributor Aaron Perris.
According to rumors, the next-generation Apple TV 4K will have at least five new features, including an A17 Pro chip or newer, increased RAM, Siri AI support, an Apple-designed N1 chip with Wi-Fi 7 support, and an updated Siri Remote.
Below, we recap everything rumored for the next Apple TV, along with potential launch timing.
Rumored Features
A17 Pro Chip or Newer
The next Apple TV will be equipped with the A17 Pro chip, according to MacRumors contributor Aaron Perris, who digs through Apple's code to uncover references to future devices. However, given the lengthy four-year wait for a new Apple TV, it is possible the device will instead receive an even newer A18 Pro or A19 Pro chip.
The current Apple TV uses the A15 Bionic chip that debuted in the iPhone 13 series in 2021.
With an A17 Pro chip or newer, the next Apple TV would have faster performance, hardware-accelerated ray tracing for improved graphics rendering in games, increased RAM, and likely support for some Apple Intelligence and Siri AI features.
Increased RAM
As mentioned above, the next Apple TV should have increased RAM. With an A17 Pro chip or newer, the device should be equipped with at least 8GB of RAM, up from 4GB in the current model. The extra memory would allow the Apple TV to support some Apple Intelligence features, and this will reportedly include Siri AI.
When running Device Hub via Xcode in macOS 27, the Apps list for tvOS 27 has a new addition: Siri.
The Siri entry features a 'com.apple.campo' string. Prior reporting indicates 'campos' is Apple's internal codename for Siri AI.
Comparing app lists for tvOS 26 and tvOS 27 simulator modes confirms that 'Siri' is not present in tvOS 26's list. It's new with tvOS 27.
This addition, combined with the 'campo' reference, strongly suggests that Siri AI will debut in tvOS 27 this fall. It might even come with a dedicated Siri app on Apple TV—though that's not guaranteed, as the 'Apps' list includes system functions beyond just user-facing apps.
Siri AI will likely be limited to the new Apple TV with sufficient RAM and processing power.
Wi-Fi 7 has increased bandwidth, in part because it allows for data transmission over the 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz bands simultaneously with a supported device and router. Wi-Fi 7 is theoretically up to 4× faster than Wi-Fi 6, but real-world speeds are typically bottlenecked by internet service providers and other factors.
In the latest iPhones, the N1 chip also supports Bluetooth 6, which would offer lower latency and other benefits compared to the current Apple TV's Bluetooth 5.
Updated Siri Remote
The new Apple TV will likely ship with an upgraded Siri Remote, according to both Bloomberg's Mark Gurman and macOS 26.7 code findings. However, the code did not reveal any specific changes that may be planned for the remote.
Design
The next Apple TV will reportedly have a similar design as the current model.
In 2024, it was reported that Apple had "discussed" offering an Apple TV with a built-in camera for FaceTime and gesture-based controls, but there is no indication that Apple is moving forward with that plan for the next model in particular.
tvOS 17 added a FaceTime app to the Apple TV, allowing for video calls with the rear camera on a connected iPhone or iPad. If the Apple TV gained a built-in camera, users would no longer need to rely on an external device for video calls on the TV.
tvOS 26 enhanced FaceTime in ways that would be fitting for an Apple TV with a camera:
With tvOS 26, users can enjoy a more personalized FaceTime experience that's consistent with iOS. Contact Posters on Apple TV make it easier and more personal by displaying a contact's customized photo and name when starting a FaceTime call on Apple TV. Live Captions expand to include French, German, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, and Spanish, enabling Apple TV to use on-device intelligence to display Live Captions for FaceTime conversations, so users can follow what's being said in even more languages. Additionally, FaceTime audio and phone call notifications will appear onscreen for the active profile, allowing users to answer on connected HomePod speakers or their iPhone, and ensuring that communication with loved ones remains at the forefront.
In the meantime, a Continuity Camera feature allows you to use an iPhone or iPad camera with the Apple TV 4K (3rd generation).
Launch Timing and Pricing
The new Apple TV will likely be unveiled in September or October this year, at either the annual iPhone event or a follow-up event. Apple reportedly plans to unveil a trio of new smart home products this year, including the new Apple TV, an all-new smart home hub with tabletop and wall-mounted versions, and an updated HomePod mini.
Here is when the previous four Apple TV models were announced:
Apple TV 4K (3rd generation): October 2022
Apple TV 4K (2nd generation): April 2021
Apple TV 4K (1st generation): September 2017
Apple TV HD: September 2015
In June, Apple raised prices on 14 products, including the Apple TV 4K. In the U.S., the Wi-Fi model with 64GB of storage now starts at $199 (up from $129), while the Wi-Fi + Ethernet model with 128GB of storage now starts at $249 (up from $149). It is unclear if the next Apple TV will maintain those prices or be even more expensive.
Cultured Code today released Things 3.23, featuring a significant update to the app's handling of repeating to-dos, addressing two of the most requested changes from users.
Until now, repeating to-dos in Things lacked some of the flexibility of standard to-dos and today's update closes that gap along with a handful of valuable smaller refinements throughout the app. The latest update's changes include:
Complete repeating tasks early: Repeating to-dos now display a regular checkbox, just like any other to-do, allowing them to be completed early, with the next copy scheduled based on the existing rule.
Make Exception or Update Rule: Rescheduling a fixed-schedule repeating to-do by moving it to a new date now prompts a choice between "Make Exception," which moves only that instance and leaves the rest of the schedule untouched, and "Update Rule," which changes the recurrence pattern itself going forward, so moving a Monday to-do to a Tuesday makes it repeat every Tuesday from then on.
After-completion repeat changes: To-dos that repeat a period of time after completion, rather than on a fixed schedule, simply move to the new date when rescheduled, with no prompt.
Create Next Copy: Selecting "Repeat" then "Create Next Copy" allows users get a head start on a to-do or project before its scheduled date, adding notes or completing checklist items in advance.
Repeat icon: Generated copies of repeating to-dos now feature a small grey repeat icon to indicate their origin.
Redesigned setup dialog: The setup dialog for configuring repeating to-dos now has a visual refresh with easier date selection.
Bulk actions: Multiple repeating to-dos can now be paused, resumed, or stopped at once.
Unified codebase: The display and editing of to-dos, both within lists and when expanded, is now driven by the same code across the Mac, iPadOS, and iOS.
Things already featured a list that gathers all repeating to-dos and projects along with their upcoming generated copies in one place, accessible by typing "Repeating" into the app's search field.
Things 3.23 is available now as a free update on the App Store for the Mac, iPad, iPhone, and Vision Pro. The update requires macOS 13.3, iOS and iPadOS 16.4, watchOS 9.1, and visionOS 26, or newer.
Amazon and Best Buy today have big discounts on the M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pro, with up to $500 off select models. A handful of models have better discounts when compared to the last time we tracked these deals, coming in as much as $100 off previous price points.
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 focusing on Amazon in the links below, but you can find every deal matched at Best Buy this week during its big 60th Anniversary Sale. This event includes savings on everything from Apple products to TVs, audio accessories, video games, appliances, and more.
14-Inch MacBook Pro
Prices start at $2,299.00 for the 24GB/1TB 14-inch M5 Pro MacBook Pro, down from $2,499.00. Amazon is also providing $400 off the 15-Core/24GB/2TB model, as well as $400 off the 18-Core/24GB/2TB model, both of which are the best prices we've seen in the wake of the recent price hikes.
In terms of the larger display models, we're tracking discounts on all four models on Amazon. These start at $2,759.99 for the 24GB/1TB M5 Pro configuration ($239 off), and reach up to $4,499.00 for the 48GB/2TB M5 Max device ($500 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.
Deals Newsletter
Interested in hearing more about the best deals you can find in 2026? Sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we'll keep you updated so you don't miss the biggest deals of the season!
According to the latest rumors, Apple is close to launching its next-generation iPad mini. So what should we expect from the successor to the iPad mini 7 that Apple released over 21 months ago. Read on to find out.
Processor and Performance
Apple is working on a next-generation version of the iPad mini (codename J510/J511) that features the A19 Pro chip, according to information found in code that Apple mistakenly shared in August.
Apple's A19 Pro chip since debuted in the iPhone Air and iPhone 17 Pro models. The iPhone 17 Pro models include the higher-end version of Apple's A19 Pro chip with a 6-core CPU and a 6-core GPU, while the iPhone Air uses a mid-tier A19 Pro chip with one fewer GPU core than the A19 Pro chip used in the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max.
If the code leak is accurate for the iPad mini 8, Apple is likely to use the mid-tier A19 Pro chip found in the iPhone Air. This is based on the fact that the A17 Pro chip used in the iPad mini 7 has a 6-core CPU with two high-performance cores and four efficiency cores, along with a 5-core GPU, compared to the 6-core GPU found on the A17 Pro used in the iPhone 15 Pro.
Apple built the A19 Pro chip on an upgraded third-generation 3-nanometer N3P process for modest speed and efficiency improvements. The chip includes a 16-core Neural Engine, next-generation dynamic caching, and unified image compression.
The GPU in the A19 Pro has an upgraded architecture with a larger cache, more memory, and Neural Accelerators that are built into each core. Apple says that this change provides 3× the peak GPU compute over the prior-generation chip. There's also an upgraded 16-core Neural Engine for AI tasks.
There is an outside chance that Apple opts for the A20 Pro chip for the new iPad mini. The claim has been made by a MacRumors tipster who analyzed a macOS kernel debug kit containing internal Apple codenames. However, the iPad mini has not always received Apple's newest A-series chip at the time it was updated, so the A19 Pro cannot be ruled out at this time. iPhone 18 Pro models are also expected to use the A20 Pro chip, which will reportedly be fabricated with TSMC's advanced 2nm process.
Display
Apple's plan to transition the iPad mini from an LCD to an OLED display is widely rumored. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the small form-factor tablet is likely to be the next Apple device to adopt OLED. According to a Chinese leaker with sources in Apple's supply chain, Apple has evaluated a Samsung-made OLED display for its next iPad mini model.
It remains unclear whether the iPad mini 8 will feature a higher refresh rate than the 60Hz LCD display used in the existing iPad mini 7, but since the new base iPhone 17 now uses a 120Hz ProMotion panel, it would be reasonable to expect the same on the first OLED iPad mini. A separate report has suggested the iPad mini 8's screen could increase in size from 8.3 inches to 8.7 inches with the adoption of OLED.
OLED panels can individually control each pixel, resulting in more precise color reproduction and deeper blacks compared to other common display technologies. They also provide superior contrast, faster response times, better viewing angles, and greater design flexibility. All of Apple's flagship iPhones use OLED panels, and in May 2024 the company brought the display technology to the iPad Pro for the first time.
Unlike Apple's iPad Pro models, which feature two-stack low-temperature polycrystalline oxide (LTPO) OLED panels, the iPad mini may have a single-stack low-temperature polycrystalline silicon (LTPS) panel, which would make it dimmer.
Chassis Design
Apple is reportedly working to give the iPad mini 8 a more water-resistant design, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. The updated casing would bring protection levels closer to those of the iPhone, making the tablet safer for use in damp environments.
To achieve this, Apple is said to have designed a new vibration-based speaker system that eliminates the need for traditional speaker holes. By using sound-emitting surfaces instead of open grilles, the company can reduce potential entry points for water and dust, resulting in a more sealed, durable enclosure.
On the iPhone, Apple relies on adhesives and gaskets to shield speakers and other openings from moisture. The iPad mini's approach appears to go further, doing away with the holes altogether. Current iPad mini models lack any official IP rating, but the upcoming version could mark the first in the lineup to feature a certified level of water protection.
Apple patents could offer further clues to the new design direction. For example, a 2014 patent outlines a "mechanically actuated panel acoustic system" that vibrates flat surfaces to generate sound, effectively turning parts of a device's chassis into a speaker diaphragm. This could potentially allow Apple to produce audio without visible speaker holes. The patent suggest Apple has been building towards a sealed, vibration-based acoustic system for several years.
Release Date
Korea's ET News and ZDNET Korea have both suggested that the iPad mini will be updated with an OLED display in 2026. Bloomberg has also said the update could come as soon as this year.
In May 2024, it was reported that Samsung Display had started developing sample OLED panels for a future iPad mini, with plans to initiate mass production at its facility in Cheonan in the second half of 2025. The same report claimed that Apple will bring an OLED panel to the iPad Air alongside the iPad mini in 2026, though Apple only refreshed the iPad Air in March, and more recent reporting suggests an OLED iPad Air will arrive in early 2027.
The latest reporting on the subject came last month from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, who said Apple is planning to release a new iPad mini model with an OLED display by October this year.
Pricing
The price of the current iPad mini 7 starts at $599 for the 128GB Wi-Fi-only model. Apple raised the price in late June, up from $499 (+$100).
The main reason for the price rise is rising memory and storage costs, brought about by the continuing AI data center buildout. Growing demand for memory and storage chips from AI companies has led to chip shortages and higher costs for everyone else, including Apple.
In late June, outgoing CEO Tim Cook told The Wall Street Journal that the price increases across its product lineup were "unavoidable." Cook said the company was doing its best to "mitigate the huge increases that are being passed to us," and that it was trying to shield customers from them, but the situation had become "unsustainable."
Even before Apple's price rises, there was an expectation that the next iPad mini would be more expensive, with Bloomberg's Gurman suggesting Apple could charge up to $100 more for the device.
Gurman has previously argued that Apple should consider a lower-end version of the mini, or at least a change to its starting price ($499 at the time – but now $599), given that it's up against rival products that cost a lot less.
However, Apple users who are looking for a more affordable option should probably consider the 10th-generation iPad instead. Now starting at $449, the iPad offers many iPad mini features, such as Touch ID and Center Stage, but at a lower price that balances functionality and affordability.
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman noted on X (Twitter) today that Otterbox is already selling iPhone 18 Pro cases at Best Buy. While the timing is early for a new iPhone that isn't expected to launch until mid-September, what's more interesting is that Otterbox's packaging indicates the iPhone 18 Pro will fit iPhone 17 Pro cases and vice versa.
Gurman passed on the packaging detail without saying whether he agrees with the implied sizing, but rumors suggest the iPhone 18 Pro lineup will largely retain the same design as the iPhone 17 Pro models. However, at least two leakers have claimed that the iPhone 18 Pro Max could be thicker and heavier than its predecessor, owing to its larger battery.
With iOS 27, Apple is introducing several CarPlay features that will improve your in-car experience, both when you're driving and when you're idle in the car. From new video experiences to Siri AI, there are multiple new options to look forward to.
Video Apps
CarPlay apps can include video browsing capabilities, so you can browse for and watch videos on your in-car display while parked. The video playback feature does not work when a car is in motion for safety reasons, but if you're watching something and shift into drive, playback will switch to audio only.
iPhone apps that support AirPlay can also stream content to the car's display.
Video apps require car manufacturers to enable support on the vehicle, and no automakers have announced plans to add support as of now. The Apple TV app is the first confirmed app that will work with the feature.
Siri AI
Apple's smarter, more capable version of Siri can be used in the car for hands-free conversations. Siri AI for CarPlay works like Siri AI on other devices, so you can ask it to complete tasks or find information for you while you drive.
Conversations in CarPlay sync to the Siri app on iPhone so you can pick them up later.
Audio
There is a persistent mini-player for the Now Playing CarPlay template. The player shows artwork and playback controls in the top right corner of audio and media apps.
The Now Playing interface in CarPlay also has a progress bar, so you can jump to a specific spot in a song, podcast, or audiobook.
Wallpapers
CarPlay includes the new iOS 27 wallpapers, formatted for the CarPlay interface. The wallpapers have wave-style designs in a range of colors, with 14 total options available.
CarPlay in iOS 27 also supports larger, more interactive content thumbnails, and it uses the updated Liquid Glass icons for apps like Maps and Weather.
Route Data
Navigation apps like Apple Maps and Google Maps can share route data with a vehicle for adding information like EV charging stops in directions. The car can check a map route against the range of the vehicle, and suggest a charging stop.
Reliability and Location Accuracy
Apple says wireless CarPlay is more reliable in iOS 27, with improved GPS location accuracy and navigation heading detection.
Voice Control
All app categories are can now offer a voice control option, and Apple has designed a voice control template that can be integrated into apps for voice conversations.
Natural Language Improvements
In Apple Maps, Apple extended natural language search to navigation, and that also works with CarPlay. You can ask Siri for directions that avoid toll roads, highways, and more.
Compatibility
Using the new CarPlay features in iOS 27 requires a connected iPhone with iOS 27 installed. For Siri AI, you'll need an iPhone that supports Apple Intelligence, which includes the iPhone 15 Pro and later.
Availability
iOS 27 is available to developers and public beta testers right now, with a public launch expected in September.
Since 2019, Apple has released a more affordable standard iPhone and a higher-end "Pro" variant, giving customers multiple flagship iPhones to choose from. Apple is deviating from its standard release timeline this year and splitting the iPhone 18 launch.
We aren't going to get all of the iPhone 18 models in fall 2026, because Apple is holding the standard iPhone 18 until spring 2027. If you want an iPhone in the traditional September timeframe, it's going to cost you this year.
Fall 2026 iPhones
Apple's three most expensive iPhones will be introduced at its iPhone event in September.
iPhone 18 Pro - The iPhone 18 Pro will look like the iPhone 17 Pro, but it is expected to have a smaller Dynamic Island and a variable aperture Wide camera for more precise lighting adjustments. It will use Apple's next-generation A20 chip built on a 2nm process.
iPhone 18 Pro Max - The iPhone 18 Pro Max will be nearly identical to the iPhone 17 Pro Max, but it might be a little bit thicker because of a larger battery. There is a possibility the new camera will be limited to the Pro Max, but that's not confirmed. Both models will come in a new dark cherry color.
Foldable iPhone - Apple's first foldable iPhone could be called the iPhone Ultra. When closed, it'll be around 5.5 inches, and when open, it'll be around 7.8 inches. It will be similar in size and aspect ratio to an iPad mini in landscape mode, with new app multitasking features. It will have Touch ID instead of Face ID and will be limited to a two-camera system.
Multiple analysts agree the iPhone 18 Pro models are going to be more expensive than their iPhone 17 Pro counterparts. Memory supply shortages have driven up the cost of consumer DRAM, and Apple has to pay much more for memory.
Some of the increased cost will be offset by discounts Apple has negotiated on other components like the display, but an increase seems unavoidable after the June price hike on Macs and iPads.
Analysts have estimated a $100 to $300 price increase for both models. Current pricing starts at $1,099 for the iPhone 17 Pro and $1,199 for the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
Since there's no current foldable iPhone, there's no set price. Rumors suggest it'll cost between $2,000 and $2,500, and it could absorb some of the higher iPhone 18 Pro component costs.
Spring 2027 iPhones
iPhone 18 - The iPhone 18 will have a 2nm A20 chip, more RAM, a smaller Dynamic Island, and a new C2 modem chip. Apple could downgrade the display to save money, and the device might share more components with the iPhone 18e.
iPhone 18e - The iPhone 18e will follow the iPhone 17e. It's expected to get an upgraded chip and 9GB of RAM.
iPhone Air 2 - Apple is planning a second-generation iPhone Air that could launch alongside the iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e. Rumors suggest it could get a second camera to make it a better value (likely an Ultra Wide) and a bigger battery.
What's Next?
After launching the iPhone 18, iPhone 18e, and iPhone Air 2 in spring 2027, it's not clear if Apple will stick with the spring/fall split launch strategy or revert to its standard timing.
There are rumors of a 20th-anniversary iPhone coming in fall 2027, and it sounds like a higher-end device. Apple could opt to stick with the timing change it's making across 2026 and 2027 because it will better spread iPhone sales throughout the year.
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 Gurmansaid in March that Apple was considering several devices with the Ultra name, including the foldable iPhone Ultra, AirPods Ultra, and an OLEDMacBook 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.
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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.
Apple's first foldable iPhone, with a book-style design featuring a ~5.5-inch outer display and a ~7.8-inch inner display with a minimal crease down the middle.
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Bloomberg's Mark Gurman 
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