ChatGPT is now able to read and send iMessage messages, an Apple Watch detected a serious heart issue in a runner, the expected pre-order and launch date for the iPhone 18 Pro, 5 Apple products to receive OLED screens, Apple accidentally reveals over 10 new products, the iPhone 18 Pro Max may get an exclusive camera upgrade, Apple agrees to modify its app tracking transparency feature in Germany, iOS 27 finally solves the issue of replying to Android messages, a teardown of the Galaxy Z Fold8 reveals challenges that may face the foldable iPhone, iPhone 17 Pro cases fit the iPhone 18 Pro, a decline in Apple’s App Store revenue in the United States, Tim Cook talks about his legacy before stepping down as CEO, and other exciting news on the sidelines…
iPhone 18 Launch Schedule: What devices are coming and when?
Apple is preparing to change its iPhone launch schedule this year, as it will not release all iPhone 18 models in September as usual. In the fall of 2026, the company will unveil the iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max, along with the first foldable iPhone, which may be named iPhone Ultra. The 18 Pro is expected to come with an A20 processor using 2nm manufacturing technology, a smaller Dynamic Island, and a main camera with a variable aperture, while the 18 Pro Max may get a larger battery, with the new Dark Cherry color being introduced for both models. As for the foldable phone, it may measure about 5.5 inches when closed and 7.8 inches when opened, with Touch ID and a dual-camera system, and its price could range between $2,000 and $2,500. In the spring of 2027, Apple is expected to launch the standard iPhone 18, the 18e, and the second generation of the iPhone Air, with improvements in the processor, memory, cameras, and battery. Expectations suggest a price increase of about $100 to $300 for the Pro models due to the increased cost of memory components, but Apple has not officially announced any of these details yet.
ChatGPT is now able to read and send iMessage messages
OpenAI has announced a new addition to the ChatGPT app on Mac that allows it to access the Messages app, enabling it to search within messages, suggest and write replies, analyze conversations, and even send messages to people. The tool can handle iMessage, SMS, and RCS messages, and can also be used to find birthdays within messages and add them to the calendar or detect spam messages you might want to delete. To protect the user, sending any message requires user approval by default, and OpenAI recommends not enabling permanent approval. For the feature to work, ChatGPT needs broad access permissions in system settings, in addition to access to contacts and automation tools. The feature is currently available in ChatGPT Work and Codex on Macs equipped with Apple Silicon, but it does not work within regular conversations in ChatGPT.
Apple Watch detected a serious heart issue in a runner
In a new advertisement, Apple revealed the experience of an athlete named Connor, who noticed during his training for a triathlon that his heart rate was abnormally fast. He opened the ECG app on his Apple Watch, which showed signs indicating the possibility of atrial fibrillation. After undergoing examinations, doctors discovered he had a congenital heart defect and he had to undergo open-heart surgery, meaning the alert provided by the watch likely contributed to saving his life. The ECG app is available on Apple Watches starting from Series 4 and all Apple Watch Ultra models, while it is not available on Apple Watch SE versions.
iPhone 18 Pro: Expected pre-order and launch date
Although Apple has not yet officially announced the announcement or launch date for the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Ultra, the company usually follows a similar schedule every year. Based on this, the iPhone event this year is expected to be held in the first half of September, with Wednesday, September 9 being the most likely date for the announcement, especially since this date coincided with a previous iPhone event in 2015. If things go according to the usual schedule, pre-orders could begin on Saturday, September 12, with devices reaching the market on Friday, September 18. Another possibility is that Apple might postpone the event to Tuesday, September 15, in which case pre-orders could start on September 18 and the launch would be on September 25. However, all these dates are just predictions until Apple announces the official dates.
5 Apple products to receive OLED screens
Apple plans to equip a number of iPads and Macs with OLED screens over the next three years, according to a new report from DigiTimes. Expected devices include the iPad mini in 2026, the MacBook Pro in late 2026 or early 2027, the iPad Air in 2027, and then the iMac and MacBook Air in 2028 or 2029. OLED screens feature better image quality than LCD screens, with clearer colors, higher contrast, and true blacks. It is said that the iPad Air will use an OLED screen with lower brightness and a 60Hz refresh rate compared to the iPad Pro, which makes sense given its lower price. In contrast, basic iPad and MacBook Neo devices are expected to continue using LCD screens, while there is no confirmed information yet on the possibility of launching a Studio Display XDR with OLED technology.
Ceramic Apple Watch may return with Series 12
According to a new leak, Apple is preparing to reuse the ceramic casing with the Apple Watch Series 12, which is expected to be launched this year. Apple first introduced this design with the Apple Watch Series 2 in 2016, then brought the white ceramic color back with Series 5 in 2019, before discontinuing it entirely with Series 6 in 2020. The ceramic casing was characterized by high durability and a luxurious appearance, and later became one of the favorite editions for Apple Watch collectors. This leak comes after a previous report that indicated the possibility of the return of ceramic this year or in 2027, while new information suggests that its return might actually be with Series 12, which is also expected to come with a new processor and other improvements, coinciding with the Apple Watch Ultra 4 and the iPhone 18 series and Apple’s foldable phone next month.
Fake cases reveal potential new colors for iPhone 18 Pro
Photos and videos of unofficial cases for the iPhone 18 Pro Max have appeared, which may give an early glimpse of some of the case colors that Apple might launch with the phone. Among the most prominent is a transparent case in light blue, which aligns with rumors about the launch of the iPhone 18 Pro in light blue, in addition to TechWoven cases in multiple colors such as black, cherry red, brown, green, blue, and light gray, with special attention drawn to the cherry red color that matches the "Dark Cherry" color expected for the phone. Although these cases are fake, manufacturers in China often start production early based on leaked dimensions and preliminary designs, so they might give us an idea of some of the official accessories that Apple will reveal with the iPhone 18 Pro, 18 Pro Max, and the foldable phone expected to be launched in September.
Apple rejects OpenAI’s request to drop trade secret lawsuit
Apple has asked the federal court to reject OpenAI’s attempt to dismiss the lawsuit accusing it of obtaining confidential information from former Apple employees, asserting that the company’s defense relies on speculation and inaccurate interpretation of facts. Apple filed the lawsuit in July, stating that more than 400 of its former employees currently work for OpenAI, and accused a former engineer of accessing confidential engineering files after joining OpenAI, while accusing another official of using secret project names during job interviews to obtain information about unreleased products, and even requesting to bring some components that an Apple employee worked on to OpenAI.
In response, OpenAI says that Apple has not clearly defined what it considers protected trade secrets, but Apple responds that disclosing these details at this stage could mean publishing the secrets it is trying to protect, and that the dispute should be examined after gathering evidence, with the court session scheduled for October 1st.
AirPods with cameras will not arrive before 2027 despite a leaked video
Despite the appearance of a demo video within the beta version of macOS Tahoe 26.7 showing AirPods equipped with cameras, Apple does not plan to launch them this year, and they are expected to arrive in 2027 due to ongoing work on some manufacturing and software issues. Reports indicate that Apple is developing two versions of these headphones, one of which was part of the 2026 plans before its launch was canceled, while the other version is intended for next year. The new headphones will contain low-resolution cameras that can send what they see to Siri to use features like object recognition and reading information, but they will not be able to take photos or record video. They may be launched in the fall of 2027, coinciding with the 20th anniversary iPhone.
Meta launches Meta AI app for Mac with screen sharing and voice dictation
Meta has launched a new app called Meta AI for Mac, which is currently available in beta and is primarily aimed at businesses and content creators. The app integrates with Facebook and Instagram, and can analyze account performance and answer questions related to statistics. It can also access Google Workspace documents for professional accounts. The app also allows sharing a window from the screen during a conversation so the assistant can provide tips based on what is displayed, in addition to a voice dictation feature that works within various Mac apps. Meta is also working on adding other capabilities for professional users, such as performing repetitive tasks, reminders, and creating presentations, documents, and spreadsheets. However, one must be mindful of privacy, as Meta’s policy clarifies that interactions with AI features may be used to train its models, while the app is available for free with Meta One plans having higher usage limits.
Apple accidentally reveals over 10 new products within a macOS update
Apple accidentally revealed references to over 10 unannounced products within the macOS 26.7 beta update. Internal system files point to new devices and products, including AirPods equipped with infrared cameras to support visual intelligence features, a long-awaited foldable iPhone, a new Apple smart home device, along with the first MacBooks and iPad minis with OLED screens, an improved Siri Remote for a new Apple TV, in addition to new AirPods models. Since the annual iPhone conference is usually held in September, Apple is expected to officially reveal some of these products during the next month.
OpenAI launches ChatGPT for teens with protection and parental control tools
OpenAI has announced a new mode in ChatGPT dedicated to teens, focusing on learning while providing parental controls and additional protection from inappropriate content. The mode offers ready-made suggestions that help with studying, practicing, and exploring ideas, in addition to activating a study mode and educational tools such as quizzes, with the ability to set times when new conversations automatically start in study mode. ChatGPT also reminds teens to take breaks and explains to them that it is just an AI system that does not have real feelings or consciousness, with the goal of preventing the formation of an emotional relationship with it. Teen protection is automatically activated for accounts believed to belong to users under 18, and the user can verify their age if it was activated by mistake. The feature began rolling out globally for eligible accounts starting August 18, with full availability in Australia on September 8.
iPhone 18 Pro Max may get an exclusive camera upgrade
New leaks indicate that Apple may distinguish the iPhone 18 Pro Max from the 18 Pro through an exclusive camera feature, which is the variable aperture that was previously thought to be available on both models. This technology allows changing the aperture size to better control lighting and image depth, which may give the user greater control over the clarity of elements and background blur, similar to professional cameras. Leaked files from one of Apple’s suppliers had already confirmed the existence of a new Sony sensor that supports this technology in the 18 Pro Max, while the name of the smaller 18 Pro did not appear in those files. If this information is correct, the iPhone 18 Pro Max will be slightly heavier and larger than the previous generation, while retaining most of the shared specifications with the 18 Pro.
Apple agrees to modify its app tracking transparency feature in Germany
Apple has agreed to make adjustments to the App Tracking Transparency feature in Germany, following pressure from the competition authority there. Since its launch with iOS 14.5, Apple has required apps to obtain user permission before tracking their activity across other apps and websites, which the company says enhances privacy, while some advertisers believe it has affected their revenue. Under the new agreement, Apple will remove some icons and phrases that might make it seem to the user as if it is discouraging them from allowing tracking, and will also give apps more space to explain the importance of personalized ads to their business model, and allow the tracking request to be integrated with other consent requests related to privacy. Apple will begin implementing these changes in Germany within four months, and they will remain in effect for seven years.
iOS 27 finally solves the issue of replying to Android messages
With the arrival of iOS 27 next month, iPhone users will be able to reply directly to a specific message coming from Android within the Messages app, instead of sending the reply as a separate message. All you have to do is long-press on the message and choose "Reply," and your reply will appear clearly linked to the original message. Interactions with messages will also work better, so that emojis reach Android users correctly instead of appearing as text messages describing the interaction. This feature comes thanks to Apple’s adoption of the RCS Universal Profile 3.0 standard, which supports direct replies within conversations, but its operation also depends on the support of the telecommunications company for both parties. You can check your device’s readiness through Settings > Apps > Messages > RCS Messages; if this option does not appear, it means the telecommunications company does not yet support the feature.
Tim Cook talks about his legacy before stepping down as CEO
In an interview with CBS, and during his final weeks as CEO of Apple, Tim Cook said that he does not define his legacy himself, but leaves that to others, adding that he hopes to be remembered as a "good and decent man." The interview came in conjunction with the opening of Apple’s advanced manufacturing center in Houston, where Cook reviewed his career that spanned more than a decade in leading the company after Steve Jobs. His words reflect his desire for his human and moral legacy to be evaluated as much as his professional success.
Galaxy Z Fold8 teardown reveals challenges that may face the foldable iPhone
An iFixit teardown test of the Galaxy Z Fold8 revealed some issues that could pose a challenge for Apple in the expected foldable iPhone, especially in the hinge, screen, and repairability. The test showed that dust can infiltrate the hinge, which may cause noises and friction and prevent the phone from opening normally, while the screen crease did not disappear completely despite using a new hinge design and additional titanium support. The phone also received a low score of 4 out of 10 for repairability, because accessing the hinge or replacing the battery requires removing major parts of the device.
Rumors indicate that Apple is using different solutions to reduce these issues, such as a liquid metal hinge and a Samsung-designed screen with a special adhesive layer to reduce the appearance of the crease, but the real test will be when the first foldable iPhone is launched next September.
Miscellaneous News
◉ The Apple Card, managed via the Wallet app on iPhone and featuring daily rewards and no fees, celebrates seven years since its launch in the United States. Apple announced that Chase Bank will become the new issuer of the card by 2028 instead of Goldman Sachs, which withdrew from the consumer lending sector after financial losses. Until then, customers will continue to use the card normally, with the Mastercard payment network remaining, while Apple will announce additional details as the transition date approaches.
◉ High iPhone sales this year helped Samsung increase shipments of flexible OLED screens by 35% compared to last year, reaching about 120 million units in the first half of 2026. This growth accounted for about 65% of the global increase in this technology, reflecting the market’s heavy reliance on Apple. Experts expect strong demand to continue during the second half of the year with the approaching launch of the iPhone 18 Pro and foldable models in September.
◉ Apple announced an adjustment to App Store fees in the European Union to comply with the Digital Markets Act, as it reduced some fees and established a simpler price structure, which was welcomed by the European Commission, which confirmed that the step gives users greater freedom in choosing alternative distribution channels. However, Epic Games criticized these changes and described them as "junk fees," considering that they violate the law and keep competition limited, as there will still be fees of up to 20% on payments within alternative apps and 15% on external links. The Commission will monitor the implementation of these terms starting in October, while the debate continues between Apple and developers about whether these fees achieve the required fairness.
◉ Otterbox has already started selling special cases for the iPhone 18 Pro at Best Buy, even though the phone has not yet been officially announced. Interestingly, the product packaging indicates that iPhone 17 Pro cases could fit the iPhone 18 Pro and vice versa, which reinforces rumors that the design will remain largely similar. However, some leaks say that the iPhone 18 Pro Max version might become thicker and heavier due to a larger battery.
◉ New data showed that Apple’s revenue from App Store commissions in the United States has decreased by 18% since the beginning of 2026, as a result of laws that forced it to allow developers to use external payment methods. Revenue also declined in countries like Brazil and Japan after similar regulations were imposed, while American user spending through the store decreased by 6% in the second quarter compared to 9% growth last year. This decline reflects the impact of legal cases with Epic Games, as Apple has not collected fees on external links since April 2025, which has begun to put pressure on the growth of its services sector.
◉ In May, Apple agreed to pay $250 million to settle a class-action lawsuit in the United States due to the delay in launching Siri AI features, where eligible iPhone users could receive compensation of up to $95. However, according to court documents, the final approval of the settlement will not happen until February 2027, meaning that payments will not begin until several months after that date. Currently, customers do not need to take any action, as the claims website has not been launched yet.
◉ Apple announced that companies in the United States and Canada are now able to purchase advertising space within the Maps app, with an introductory offer that gives advertisers a 15% credit on spending of up to $1000 per month during the first year. Ads will soon appear in search results within Apple Maps and in a new section called "Suggested Places," although they have not yet been shown to users. This step comes as part of Apple’s expansion in its advertising services, with a focus on making ads clearer and more relevant to users.
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