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Apple simplifies EU App Store fees, replaces complex structure with flat commissions
This week, Apple announced significant changes to its business terms for apps in the European Union, aiming to resolve ongoing disagreements with the European Commission under the Digital Markets Act (DMA). The updates introduce a unified set of commission-based terms for all developers distributing apps in the EU, eliminate several prior fees, and take effect on October 1st. Developers can begin signing the new terms immediately.
The European Commission welcomed the changes and said it would monitor their implementation. Apple stated the revisions follow close collaboration with regulators and reduce complexity by moving every developer to a single business model similar to those offered in markets like Japan and Brazil.
Key Changes: Before vs. After
Previously, Apple’s EU fee structure—particularly after adjustments in 2024 and mid-2025 to address DMA requirements—was multi-layered and often criticized as overly complex. Under the earlier alternative business terms:
• Developers using the App Store typically paid a reduced commission of 17% (or 10% for Small Business Program participants and certain subscriptions) on digital goods and services, plus a 3% fee if using Apple’s In-App Purchase system (effectively around 20% or 13% total in many cases). Traditional standard terms remained closer to the global 30%/15% rates.
• Apps directing users to alternative payments or external links faced additional charges, including an initial acquisition fee (often 2–5% on sales from new users for a set period) and a store services fee (tiered at 5% for limited services or 10–13% for fuller App Store features).
• High-volume apps incurred a Core Technology Fee (CTF) of €0.50 for each first annual install over a one-million threshold, applying to apps distributed via the App Store, alternative marketplaces, or the web. This per-install model applied mainly to a small percentage of large-scale developers.
These elements created variable total costs depending on distribution method, payment processing, user acquisition timing, and scale, which regulators argued discouraged alternative distribution channels.
Under the new terms effective October 1st:
• App Store apps using Apple In-App Purchase: 26% commission (15% for the vast majority of developers in the Small Business Program, Mini Apps Partner Program, Video Partner Program, or for auto-renewing subscriptions after the first year).
• App Store apps using alternative payment processing: 20% commission (10% for eligible program participants).
• App Store apps that link out to complete purchases: 15% commission (10% for eligible program participants).
• Apps distributed via alternative app marketplaces or the web: A flat 5% Core Technology Commission on digital transactions.
The prior Core Technology Fee (per-install), initial acquisition fee, and store services fee are eliminated entirely. The new Core Technology Commission replaces the CTF specifically for outside-App Store distribution.
Apple will also allow developers to offer Apple In-App Purchase alongside alternative payment options (previously restricted in the EU), subject to presentation rules and a requirement to maintain chosen options for 12 months. Additional child safety measures apply to alternative payments, including parental gates and restrictions on linking out for younger users. Eligibility to operate alternative marketplaces or distribute via the web has been expanded to more companies meeting financial stability or other criteria. All alternatively distributed apps still require Apple’s notarization review.
MacDailyNews Take: These changes mark Apple’s latest effort to align with EU overregulation while preserving value for its significant platform investments and maintenance.
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Apple’s camera-equipped AirPods must heed lessons of Meta Ray-Bans Pervert Glasses, warns Bloomberg’s Dave Lee
In an opinion column on Wednesday, Bloomberg News’ Dave Lee argues that Apple’s imminent AI-enhanced wearable (revealed through a leaked demo video embedded in an upcoming macOS update) represents a pivotal moment for the company, but one that carries significant risks if privacy is mishandled.
The 13-second video shows a man wearing AirPods holding up a book, with a voice-over promoting “Visual Intelligence”: “your world becomes savable. See something you like? Just ask me to save it for later.”
Here is your first look at AirPods with Cameras in action using Visual Intelligence.
This video file came from macOS 26.7 RC pic.twitter.com/yo7RI4MCeu
— Aaron (@aaronp613) August 18, 2026
Lee notes this confirms earlier Bloomberg News reporting and signals a possible launch as soon as Apple’s September iPhone event. Unlike routine iPhone upgrades, a wearable device with a camera marks a landmark shift: done right, it could give Apple an edge by letting ordinary users interact with AI in the physical world. Done poorly, it could backfire spectacularly.
Lee stresses that the details matter, especially how users define a “camera” and what the feature actually does. Drawing on the backlash against Meta’s smart glasses (widely derided as “pervert glasses” over privacy scandals, non-consensual recording, and related controversies), he warns Apple must learn those lessons.
MacDailyNews Take: No other company is as well-positioned as Apple to succeed in wearables where privacy is prized.
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AirPods Max 2 are $120 off this week
Apple’s AirPods Max 2 are currently available on Amazon for $429, marked down from their regular $549 price. That $120 discount is offered on two colors this week.
These over-ear headphones are powered by the Apple H2 chip and deliver up to 1.5x more effective Active Noise Cancellation than the previous generation, along with a more natural-sounding Transparency mode. They also introduce Adaptive Audio, which automatically balances noise cancellation and ambient sound based on your surroundings, plus Conversation Awareness that lowers media volume when you start speaking.
Additional intelligent features include Live Translation (powered by Apple Intelligence) for real-time cross-language conversations, Voice Isolation for clearer calls, Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, and Adaptive EQ. A custom high-dynamic-range amplifier works with the Apple-designed drivers to produce richer bass, more natural vocals, and precise instrument placement.
Users also get lossless audio and ultra-low-latency performance when connected via the included USB-C cable, studio-quality audio recording capabilities, and Digital Crown controls that can double as a camera remote. Battery life reaches up to 20 hours with Active Noise Cancellation enabled, and the headphones support Bluetooth 5.3.
MacDailyNews Note: Standard free delivery on Amazon has the headphones arriving around August 22nd, while Amazon Prime members can often choose same-day delivery depending on location. This is the lowest price tracked on the AirPods Max 2 since June and sits roughly $30 above the all-time low. Get ’em while they last here.
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tvOS 27 leak points to Siri AI coming to Apple TV 4K
Siri AI was unveiled this summer for most Apple platforms (currently available only in betas) — but Apple TV and HomePod were left out. Fresh evidence from the tvOS 27 simulator in Xcode now strongly suggests the AI-powered assistant is on the way for Apple TV 4K this fall, potentially tied to new hardware.
Ryan Christoffel for 9to5Mac:
I’ve long assumed that Siri AI will come to Apple TV and HomePod this fall, but Apple can’t announce it yet because it will be exclusive to unreleased hardware.
And now, new evidence in tvOS 27 seemingly confirms that — at least for Apple TV.
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.
MacDailyNews Take: We’re soon going to be buying a slew of new Apple TV 4K replacement units!
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Apple’s AI stance turns into stock market baggage as investor sentiment shifts
Apple’s positioning as a relative outsider to the artificial intelligence spending boom – which had propelled its shares earlier in 2026 – has flipped into a liability as market sentiment pivots back toward AI beneficiaries, according to a report by Bloomberg News’ Ryan Vlastelica.
For much of the first half of the year, investors treated Apple as an “anti-AI” play. The company largely avoided the massive capital expenditures on data centers and computing infrastructure that rivals poured into generative AI. That capital-light approach, relying instead on partnerships for AI features, appealed to traders skeptical of whether the heavy spending by other tech giants would deliver adequate returns. Apple shares benefited, helping the stock reach a record high in late July.
That dynamic has reversed. Since the July 28th peak, Apple shares have declined about 10%, pressured by disappointing earnings results. At the same time, strong reports from Microsoft, Amazon, and Alphabet eased concerns about overspending on AI, prompting a rotation into companies seen as direct AI winners, along with semiconductor firms and other related stocks.
Over a recent multi-week stretch, Apple ranked among the worst performers in the S&P 500. Meanwhile, the Nasdaq 100 rose and the Philadelphia Stock Exchange Semiconductor Index (SOX) advanced more sharply. This marks a clear reversal from July, when Apple gained while the Nasdaq 100 and SOX declined sharply amid questions about the sustainability of AI capital spending.Apple’s stock has shown increasing detachment from the broader market. Its 40-day correlation with the S&P 500 has approached zero (the lowest in years), and its correlation with the chip index has turned negative—meaning the shares have often moved in the opposite direction of semiconductor stocks.
Portfolio managers note the see-saw nature of investor attitudes toward AI capital expenditure. When fears of excess spending dominate, Apple’s restraint looks smart. When confidence returns, the company does not capture the same upside as peers more directly tied to the AI infrastructure cycle.
The AI buildout is also creating headwinds for Apple itself. Surging demand for memory chips from data centers has driven up component costs (memory can account for a meaningful portion of smartphone production expenses). Elevated prices raise concerns about pressure on Apple’s margins or the need for higher iPhone prices, which could weigh on demand – particularly ahead of an expected foldable iPhone. Some analysts have cited these risks in downgrading the stock.
Apple’s valuation has also left limited room for error, according to Vlastelica. The shares trade at a premium multiple relative to other top U.S. technology firms, he says, making them more vulnerable to any shortfall in growth or margins.
In short, the same anti-AI characteristics that once served as a safe haven for investors have become baggage in a market that has renewed its appetite for AI exposure. The report underscores how quickly sentiment around capital spending and technology leadership can shift, leaving even the largest companies exposed to rotation risk.
MacDailyNews Take: Apple isn’t “anti-AI” at all. Clearly, Apple is a bit late to AI, however, after using Siri AI in Apple’s OS betas, the company is well-positioned in AI now (or soon will be with the public releases of their next-gen OSes). Profit from the naysayers’ discount AAPL!
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macOS Screen Sharing flaw already exploited in the wild to install crypto miners
A recently patched vulnerability in macOS Screen Sharing that let attackers gain remote control without credentials is now being actively exploited. The Netherlands’ National Cyber Security Center (NCSC-NL) reports attackers have used it to seize root access on exposed systems and install Monero crypto miners. Apple issued fixes in macOS Tahoe 26.6.1 (and corresponding updates for Sonoma and Sequoia); users who haven’t updated should do so immediately.
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.
MacDailyNews Take:
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Apple announces changes for apps in the European Union
Apple today announced changes to its business terms for apps in the European Union, following close collaboration with the European Commission. These changes resolve Apple’s disagreements with the Commission over business terms and alternative distribution. They also reduce complexity by moving every developer that distributes apps in the EU to a single set of business terms. Developers can sign the new terms today, and changes will go into effect on October 1st.
Unified Business Terms for Developers That Distribute Apps in the EU
Under this new model, Apple will charge a commission on the sale of digital goods and services. The Core Technology Fee, a per-install fee for developers that achieve extraordinary scale, will be replaced by the Core Technology Commission, a simple 5 percent commission on digital transactions in apps distributed outside the App Store. The new terms also eliminate the initial acquisition fee and store services fee.
In addition, Apple is adjusting commission rates across the App Store, alternative app payments, and alternatively distributed apps. Each of these commissions reflects the many ways Apple creates value for developers’ apps, whether they use the App Store and/or Apple In-App Purchase.
Under the new terms:
• For App Store apps using Apple In-App Purchase, the commission will be 26 percent. For the vast majority of developers, including those in the App Store Small Business Program, Mini Apps Partner Program, or Video Partner Program, and for auto-renewing subscriptions after their first year, it will be 15 percent.
• For App Store apps using alternative payment processing, the commission will be 20 percent. Developers in the programs mentioned above will pay a reduced rate of 10 percent.
• For App Store apps that link out of the app to complete purchases, the commission will be 15 percent. Developers in the programs mentioned above will pay a reduced rate of 10 percent.
• For apps distributed via alternative app marketplaces or the web, Apple will charge a 5 percent Core Technology Commission.
Alternative Payments and Apple In-App Purchase
Apple In-App Purchase is the safest, most trusted way for users to purchase and download apps and make seamless and secure payments in those apps. Under the updated terms, developers can now offer Apple In-App Purchase alongside alternative payment options, which had not previously been permitted in the EU. This is subject to presentation requirements designed to give users a consistent, transparent experience.
To provide consistency and clarity for users, developers distributing apps in the EU will select their payment options — Apple In-App Purchase, alternative payment processing in their app, linking out to the web, or a combination — and must maintain those options for 12 months.
Child Safety Protections for Alternative Payments in the EU
The App Store is designed to be a safe and trusted place for everyone, particularly children. Apple has worked with the Commission to implement child safety measures for alternative payments similar to those already in place in other markets:
• Apps in the Kids category on the App Store will not include links to websites to complete transactions, to reduce the risk of fraud or scams targeting children.
• For users under 18 years old, all apps from the App Store that use alternative payment processing or link out to a website for transactions must include a parental gate that requires younger users to involve their parent or guardian before making a purchase.
• For users under 13 years old, apps from the App Store cannot link out to websites for transactions to protect against the risk of scams that target younger kids.
In EU member states that require parental consent for digital actions for children older than 13 years old, these protections will scale accordingly.
Expanded Eligibility to Operate Alternative App Marketplaces or Distribute via the Web
Apple is also expanding who is eligible to operate an alternative app marketplace or distribute apps via the web in the EU. Companies will now qualify if they:
• 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.
Web distribution, which is available only in the EU, does not have a marketplace operator standing behind it or ongoing oversight like the kind Apple provides for the App Store. This means a bad actor distributing via the web can operate for a long time, harming users, before anyone catches it. In order to keep EU users as safe as possible, Apple will continue to require every alternatively distributed app to go through Notarization — a baseline review focused on basic functionality and protection from serious threats.
Apple is providing detailed resources to help developers understand the options now available for their apps in the EU, which they can access from the Apple Developer Support page.
MacDailyNews Take: iOS and the App Store are Apple’s and, therefore, the company has every right to charge for their use accordingly.
Apple’s commissions have always funded the secure infrastructure, rigorous app review process, fraud protection, payment systems, and ongoing platform development that benefit users and honest developers.
How much did it cost developers to have their apps burned onto CDs, boxed, shipped, displayed on store shelves prior to Apple remaking the world for the better for umpteenth time? Apple incurs costs to store, review, organize, surface, and distribute apps to over one billion users. — MacDailyNews, June 10, 2022
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New Apple TV 4K expected to include improved Siri Remote
Apple’s long-awaited next-generation Apple TV 4K is on the way and will ship with an upgraded Siri Remote, according to findings from macOS 26.7 code reported by MacRumors.
While the code does not spell out the exact improvements to the remote, its presence strongly indicates a new Apple TV model is nearing release after years of speculation. The device is expected to be powered by an A17 Pro chip or a newer processor and is likely to be announced in September or October.
MacRumors notes that these software references are often reliable early signals of upcoming hardware. The new Apple TV would mark the first major refresh of the streaming box in some time, potentially arriving alongside other fall product announcements.
A Brief History of the Siri Remote
The Siri Remote has evolved through three generations since its debut, with each version addressing (or sometimes failing to address) user feedback.
• First-generation Siri Remote (2015, minor refresh in 2017)
Original Apple TV Siri Remote
Introduced with the fourth-generation Apple TV (later rebranded Apple TV HD) in October 2015, this slim black aluminum remote featured a large glass multi-touch trackpad covering the upper third of its face, Bluetooth 4.0, an infrared transmitter for TV volume control, and Lightning charging. A 2017 update that shipped with the first Apple TV 4K added a raised white ring around the Menu button to help with orientation and expanded motion-sensor data, while also dropping the standalone price to $59. General consensus reviews were largely negative. Critics and users frequently complained about the overly sensitive trackpad that caused accidental inputs, the perfectly symmetrical design that made it easy to pick up upside-down, the thin profile that disappeared into couch cushions, and accidental presses of the Siri button. While a minority appreciated its minimalism and gesture-based navigation, it was widely regarded as one of Apple’s most frustrating accessories.
• Second-generation Siri Remote (2021)
Siri Remote (Lightning, 2021)
Launched in May 2021 alongside the second-generation Apple TV 4K, this was a full redesign. It became thicker, taller, and heavier with a curved silver aluminum body. The large trackpad was replaced by a circular click pad inspired by the classic iPod click wheel (supporting both physical clicks and touch gestures, including circular scrubbing for video), with improved button layout—including a side-mounted Siri button, dedicated power button, and mute. It upgraded to Bluetooth 5.0 while retaining Lightning charging and IR. Reviews were overwhelmingly positive. Outlets such as Engadget, The Verge, Forbes, PCMag, and Macworld described it as a dramatic improvement—moving “from very bad to very best.” Reviewers praised the ergonomics, clearer orientation, more precise navigation, and overall usability. Many recommended existing Apple TV owners buy it separately for $59 even if they skipped the new hardware. Common criticisms were limited to the relatively high price for a remote and the continued lack of a Find My locator feature.
• Third-generation Siri Remote (2022)
Apple’s current Apple TV 4K and its Siri Remote (USB-C, 2022)Released in November 2022 with the third-generation Apple TV 4K, this model is essentially identical to the second generation except for the switch from Lightning to USB-C charging. Consensus reviews mirrored those of the 2021 version: it remained highly regarded for the same design and usability strengths, with the USB-C port viewed as a welcome modernization.
MacDailyNews Take: There is certainly plenty of room for improvement! Any upgrades in the forthcoming remote could build on the device’s trajectory, potentially refining ergonomics further, adding features such as improved battery life, better Find My support, or deeper Siri/Apple Intelligence integration.
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Apple TV debuts trailer for ‘Slow Horses’ season six
Apple TV on Tuesday unveiled the trailer for season six of “Slow Horses,” the Emmy and BAFTA TV Award-winning spy drama starring Academy Award winner Sir Gary Oldman, who has been honored with Golden Globe, Emmy Award, Actor Award and BAFTA TV Award nominations for his outstanding performance in the series. Adapted from “Joe Country” and “Slough House,” the sixth and seventh novels in Mick Herron’s CWA Gold Dagger Award-winning “Slough House” book series, the highly anticipated six-episode sixth season will premiere globally on Wednesday, September 16, 2026 with the first episode, followed by one episode weekly until October 21, 2026.
“Slow Horses” is a darkly humorous espionage drama that follows a dysfunctional team of British intelligence agents who serve in a dumping ground department of MI5 known unaffectionately as Slough House. Oldman stars as Jackson Lamb, the brilliant but cantankerous leader of the spies who end up in Slough House due to their career-ending mistakes and who frequently find themselves blundering around the smoke and mirrors of the espionage world. Season six sees the Slow Horses on the run as Diana Taverner embroils them all in a fatally high-stakes game of retaliation and revenge.
The ensemble cast includes Academy Award nominee Kristin Scott Thomas, Emmy Award nominee Jack Lowden, Saskia Reeves, BAFTA TV Award nominee Christopher Chung, Aimee-Ffion Edwards, Rosalind Eleazar, Joanna Scanlan, BAFTA Award nominee Samuel West, Ruth Bradley, Tom Brooke, Academy Award nominee Jonathan Pryce, and Hugo Weaving, alongside new addition, BAFTA TV Award winner Lenny Rush. Additionally, Olivia Cooke will reprise her role as Sidonie “Sid” Baker in the sixth season.
“Slow Horses” has been celebrated as “undoubtedly the best spy series on television,” a “truly epic espionage thriller” that is “utterly brilliant” and just “so damn good.” All five seasons of “Slow Horses” hold a Certified Fresh score, with two seasons receiving a rare, perfect 100 percent critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes, and the series continues to receive global accolades from critics and fans alike. The fifth season earned nine Primetime Emmy Awards, including a nod for Outstanding Drama Series, and nominations for Gary Oldman and Jack Lowden in the categories of Outstanding Lead Actor and Outstanding Supporting Actor, respectively.
The series is produced for Apple TV by See-Saw Films, with Jamie Laurenson, Hakan Kousetta, Julian Stevens, Iain Canning, Emile Sherman, Adam Randall, Gail Mutrux, Douglas Urbanski and Oldman serving as executive producers. Season six is adapted for television by co-executive producer Gaby Chiappe, with Randall returning to direct. The complete first five seasons of “Slow Horses” are now streaming on Apple TV.
Apple TV offers premium, compelling drama and comedy series, feature films, groundbreaking documentaries, and kids and family entertainment, and is available to watch across all of a user’s favorite screens. After its launch on November 1, 2019, Apple TV became the first all-original streaming service to launch around the world, and has premiered more original hits and received more award recognitions faster than any other streaming service in its debut. To date, Apple Original films, documentaries and series have been honored with 864 wins and 3,818 award nominations and counting including multi-Emmy Award-winning and history-making comedies “The Studio” and “Ted Lasso,” global cultural phenomenon “Severance,” Apple’s most-viewed drama “Pluribus,” Academy Award Best Picture winner “CODA” and Academy Award winner “F1,” the highest-grossing sports feature of all time.
MacDailyNews Take: More great news: Season 7 is already in production. “Slow Horses” has a notably efficient schedule of filming seasons back-to-back, so it is expected to follow the usual near-annual release pattern. No specific premiere date for Season 7 has been announced yet, though the show’s reliable yearly schedule makes 2027 the widely expected window.
MacDailyNews Note: Apple TV is available on the Apple TV app in over 100 countries and regions, on over 1 billion screens, including iPhone, iPad, Apple TV 4K, Apple Vision Pro, Mac, popular smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony, VIZIO, TCL and others, Roku and Amazon Fire TV devices, Chromecast with Google TV, PlayStation and Xbox gaming consoles, and at tv.apple.com, for $12.99 per month with a seven-day free trial for new subscribers. For a limited time, customers who purchase and activate a new iPhone, iPad, Apple TV 4K or Mac can enjoy three months of Apple TV for free.
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Nearly half of iPhone Pro owners ready to snap up Apple’s foldable iPhone
New Telsyte research shows Australian smartphone buyers are still splashing out on premium devices, with Apple holding nearly half the market. The standout finding? Almost 50% of iPhone Pro owners say they’d buy an Apple foldable — and one in six would even pay more than $3,000 for it—potentially turning foldables mainstream.
With the foldable category in the eyes of the market, Samsung, Motorola, Oppo, Google, Honor and others are yet to cross mainstream with their sales, Telsyte pointing to an Apple Foldable being a likely strong catalyst for the category going forward.
One third of iPhone users say they would consider an Apple foldable, and if you look at just the “Pro” series Apple iPhone users that jumps to almost half.
As for price, we’re yet to see how that will land, but one in six of those Pro users are willing to pay over $3,000 [US$2,132] for the elusive yet to be announced iPhone Ultra (Fold).
“Despite the potential lofty prices, a new foldable iPhone could finally propel the category into the mainstream,” Telsyte principal analyst Foad Fadaghi says.
MacDailyNews Take: We’ll be right there vying with millions of others when pre-orders begin, because they are going to sell out in the first minute!
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What’s new in iOS 27 beta 6
Apple released iOS 27 beta 6 to developers on August 17, 2026, just six days after beta 5. The build number is 24A5418b (replacing 24A5408d from the prior beta). Matching beta 6 updates also rolled out for iPadOS 27, macOS 27 “Golden Gate,” tvOS 27, watchOS 27, visionOS 27, and HomePod software.
This late-stage beta shifts focus from major new features to stability, performance polish, bug fixes, and minor interface refinements as Apple prepares for the expected September public release (alongside the next iPhone lineup). Developer beta 6 is expected to form the basis for the next public beta shortly.
Small user-facing changes and refinements
Early testing highlights several subtle interface and usability tweaks:
• Screen recording improvements: The recording indicator in Control Center now automatically clears after you stop a capture. A short (reported three-second) countdown also appears before recording begins, giving users a moment to prepare.
• Siri visual updates: The Siri icon continues replacing the older Apple Intelligence symbol in more places across the system for a more consistent look.
• Camera app: An “A” indicator now appears when Night Mode activates automatically, making computational photography settings clearer.
• Contacts: Company names display directly under contact names in lists and search results for easier identification of professional contacts.
• Control Center: Cleanup removes the duplicate cellular signal indicator when the device is already connected to Wi-Fi.
Other reported polish includes battery-related insights (such as alerts about poor cellular/5G coverage contributing to drain) that appeared or matured in recent betas, plus continued refinements to Liquid Glass design elements (including the transparency slider introduced earlier).
These changes are incremental and based on early reports; some may evolve further before the final release.
Under-the-hood updates and developer notes
Apple’s official iOS & iPadOS 27 Beta 6 release notes emphasize fixes and targeted enhancements rather than headline features. Notable items include:
• AirPlay: Fixed issues with AirPlay to Home Theaters when a PIN or password is required.
• App Intents: New support for passing an AttributedString name parameter to notes.createNote and notes.updateNote schemas, plus various fixes for entity images in Siri, default values, reminders, and size limits.
• Core AI / Neural Engine: Improvements for Apple Intelligence-capable devices, including restricted background access (similar to GPU rules), better large-model loading performance (over 1 GB), memory attribution to the app process, and a new entitlement for continued background inference. Multiple related inference and specialization bugs were also fixed.
• Dictation: Support for a new on-device model that boosts accuracy (enable via Keyboard settings > Dictation > “Advanced Dictation Preview”).
• Other fixes: Resolved issues affecting AirPods Max 2 firmware updates (supported since earlier betas), Camera Portrait mode blur, Clock alarms on the Lock Screen, various CarPlay navigation and audio problems, Control Center editing, Battery/Power Management boot behavior with deeply discharged batteries, and more.
• New capabilities for developers: Localized asset packs in Background Assets to reduce storage based on preferred languages; AudioAccessoryKit support for third-party headphones providing fixed spatial audio info (developer testing now; broader EU availability later); VideoToolbox enhancements for low-latency scaling and frame interpolation.
• Deprecations and requirements: AirPort Utility is no longer available for new App Store downloads (prior downloads remain reinstallable, but functionality on iOS 27+ is not guaranteed). Apps built with the latest SDK must adopt the scene-based lifecycle or they fail to launch. Additional deprecations affect certain URL handling and schemas.
Known issues remain in areas such as CarPlay Siri responsiveness under certain conditions and some Core Spotlight tool configurations.
What’s already in iOS 27
Beta 6 continues testing the major pillars introduced at WWDC 2026. The standout is Siri AI, a rebuilt assistant powered by next-generation Apple Intelligence and Apple Foundation Models. It offers richer, more natural conversations with personal context, on-screen awareness, broader world knowledge, and deeper app integration. A dedicated Siri app lets users revisit conversations across devices, and Visual Intelligence gains a new mode in the Camera app.
Additional system-wide highlights already available in the betas include:
• Performance gains (faster app launches, Photos loading, AirDrop transfers, keyboard responsiveness, and Wi-Fi/cellular handoffs—even on older supported iPhones).
• Expanded Apple Intelligence features across Photos (keywords, star ratings, Extend for wallpapers/slideshows, AI-generated wallpapers), Safari (topic-based tab organization, Notify Me), Messages, Mail, Passwords, Shortcuts, Home, and more.
• Design refinements to Liquid Glass (including the transparency slider).
• Quality-of-life additions such as continuous sending in Messages, Dual Capture in FaceTime, custom EQ for AirPods, easier Apple Pay card switching, and various Camera, recovery, and sharing improvements.
Many advanced AI features require Apple Intelligence-capable hardware (typically iPhone 15 Pro and later, with some limited to newer models).
MacDailyNews Note: Registered Apple Developer Program members can download beta 6 via Settings > General > Software Update (select the iOS 27 Developer Beta). Public beta testers should see an equivalent build soon. As with any beta, expect possible bugs, reduced battery life, and app incompatibilities — back up your device first and ideally test on a secondary iPhone.
iOS 27 remains on track for a mid-September public release. Beta 6 represents the polishing phase: fewer dramatic additions, more reliability work to make Siri AI and the rest of the update feel solid when it arrives for everyone.
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Apple releases macOS Tahoe 26.6.2
Apple has released macOS Tahoe 26.6.2, a security-focused update for the current generation of its desktop operating system. The update became available on August 17, 2026, via Software Update in System Settings on compatible Macs.
macOS Tahoe (version 26) is the major release that succeeded macOS Sequoia. The 26.6.2 point update delivers security fixes that were first made available in the macOS Golden Gate 27 beta. Apple’s release notes describe it simply as providing security fixes for the Mac, with no new user-facing features.
The security content addresses multiple vulnerabilities across components including Audio, ImageIO, IOGPUFamily, the Kernel, and WebKit. Issues fixed include potential information leaks, denial-of-service conditions, arbitrary code execution risks from processing images, memory corruption from malicious web content, unexpected system terminations, and various Safari crashes or data leaks from crafted web content. Apple lists numerous CVEs for the update (reports indicate around 28).
This release follows closely after macOS Tahoe 26.6 and the subsequent 26.6.1 security update. Apple has been issuing relatively frequent point releases in the Tahoe cycle as it prepares for the next major version, macOS Golden Gate (27), which is expected later in 2026 and will drop support for remaining Intel-based Macs.
MacDailyNews Note: Users are encouraged to install the update promptly through System Settings > General > Software Update. As with previous releases, the update is recommended for all macOS Tahoe users to maintain protection against the addressed vulnerabilities. Full security details are available on Apple’s support site here.
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Apple releases iOS 26.6.1 for iPhone
Apple has released iOS 26.6.1, a point update for iPhone users, on August 17, 2026. The software is available now via Settings > General > Software Update on compatible devices.
This is a security-focused release. Apple’s official release notes state: “This update provides security fixes for your iPhone.” Users are directed to Apple’s security content page (support.apple.com/100100) for details on the fixes, though the full list of addressed vulnerabilities may not appear immediately. It is possible the update also includes minor bug fixes or performance refinements, even if those are not highlighted in the notes.
iOS 26.6.1 follows the public release of iOS 26.6 in late July. The build number is 23G82. A matching iPadOS 26.6.1 update has also been issued. The release comes as Apple prepares for the larger iOS 27 rollout expected in mid-September.
To install, open Settings > General > Software Update, and follow the on-screen prompts. Ensure your iPhone is charged or connected to power and has a stable Wi-Fi connection. As with any system update, it is advisable to back up your device first.iOS 26.6.1 does not introduce new user-facing features. Users seeking major changes will need to wait for iOS 27. In the meantime, installing this update is recommended to keep devices protected with the latest security patches.
MacDailyNews Take: Yes, it’s snappy!
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Rothschild & Co Redburn upgrades Apple to Buy, raises price target to $400
Rothschild & Co Redburn has upgraded Apple (AAPL) to Buy from Neutral and raised its price target to $400 from $260, citing stronger-than-expected iPhone growth driven by the company’s planned entry into the premium foldable smartphone market.
Analyst Timm Schulze-Melander and the firm project iPhone sales growing at a 12% compound annual rate through fiscal 2030 — up to 14% above consensus expectations. The key catalyst is the anticipated launch of the iPhone Ultra, Apple’s first foldable device, expected to expand the premium segment and lift average selling prices.
Rothschild forecasts the foldable model will contribute meaningfully to unit growth with limited cannibalization of traditional iPhone sales. The firm’s iPhone earnings estimates run ahead of consensus, and a “strategic reset” in Apple Intelligence further supports its outlook, leaving overall fiscal 2030 estimates roughly 18% above the Street. Rothschild expressed confidence that Apple’s relative valuation multiple remains well supported.
Beyond hardware, the firm sees opportunity for Apple to position itself as a gatekeeper of consumer AI. By potentially leveraging a fleet of open-source models and monetizing through Apple Pay and other payment platforms, Apple could strengthen its high-margin Services business while reducing reliance on third-party closed models.
The upgrade comes as Apple trades near recent levels around $305, implying significant upside to the new $400 target. While risks such as production challenges for the foldable device remain, Rothschild views the combination of product innovation and AI optionality as underappreciated by the market.
MacDailyNews Take: From Schulze-Melander’ lips to Mr. Market’s ears!
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Apple Fitness+ may be eyeing live workouts, job listing hints
Apple could be preparing to introduce live content to its Fitness+ service, according to a recent job listing spotted by MacRumors.
The company is hiring a Studio Producer for Fitness+ with a strong background in live or live-to-tape multi-camera production. The in-person role, based at Apple’s Santa Monica studio and posted last month, seeks a “creative collaborator” who is “excited to experiment with new formats” and “push the boundaries of what live fitness content can be.” It also calls for someone with “a genuine curiosity about where live content is headed next.”
While the listed responsibilities largely align with standard Fitness+ production management, the repeated emphasis on live production skills stands out. Fitness+ launched in 2020 as an on-demand library of pre-recorded trainer-led workouts and meditations available on iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV, with Apple Watch integration for metrics. Unlike services such as Peloton, it has never offered live classes, real-time leaderboards, or scheduled sessions.
MacRumors notes that this hiring focus appears to mark new territory for the service, even if the job description stops short of spelling out exactly what any live content would look like. Skills from live production would transfer well to Fitness+’s existing needs, but the language strongly suggests Apple may be exploring real-time or live-to-tape formats.
The listing comes as Fitness+ remains under internal review. Bloomberg News’ Mark Gurman reported last year that the service was one of Apple’s weaker digital offerings, citing high churn and low revenue. Apple health vice president Sumbul Desai later took oversight as part of a broader reorganization, with the health division now reporting to services chief Eddy Cue. Gurman later indicated the review was still ongoing and floated the possibility of merging Fitness+ more closely with the Health app, potentially as a combined subscription — though he made no mention of live content plans.
If Apple does move forward with live workouts, it could help differentiate Fitness+ and address subscriber retention challenges. For now, the job listing offers the clearest public signal yet that live fitness experiences may be on the horizon.
MacDailyNews Take: If we had to guess, we’d guess “live-to-tape,” with Apple’s job posting wording being just a bit nebulous. But, hey, we’ll see!
Live-to-tape (sometimes called live-to-disk) is a production method in which a performance, show, or event is recorded in real time (exactly as if it were being broadcast live) but the recording is not aired or released immediately.
• The talent performs continuously in sequence, with the energy and flow of a live show.
• Multiple cameras usually roll at once (multi-camera).
• The recording is captured to tape or digital storage.
• After the performance, editors can make limited fixes (trim mistakes, adjust pacing, clean up audio/video) before the final version is released or aired later.
Live-to-tape sits between pure live broadcasting (no second chances) and fully pre-recorded, heavily edited content. The goal is to keep the spontaneous feel of a live event while still allowing some post-production polish.
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Apple to overhaul app tracking consent rules after German antitrust probe
Apple will modify its App Tracking Transparency (ATT) framework to address concerns that it unfairly favored the company’s own apps over third-party developers, Germany’s competition authority announced on Monday.
The Federal Cartel Office in Düsseldorf said it has closed a years-long investigation after Apple committed to changes in how consent prompts for personal data use in targeted advertising appear on iPhones and iPads. The regulator found that Apple’s existing system provided more favorable consent screens for its own apps compared with those of external developers, raising potential competition law issues.
Under the agreed commitments, Apple must redesign third-party consent pop-ups to eliminate discouraging language and symbols, making them visually and linguistically neutral. Third-party developers will also gain greater flexibility to combine Apple’s required tracking consent request with their own separate data-protection prompts.
Apple has four months to implement the changes once the formal decision is served. The commitments will remain in force for seven years and will be overseen by an independent trustee. The company stated that the revisions will apply in almost all European Union countries and that it adjusted the text and design of the prompts at the German authority’s request.
The ATT framework requires apps to seek user permission before tracking activity across other companies’ apps and websites for advertising purposes. Third-party developers, including Meta Platforms, have long argued that accurate user data enables more effective targeted ads, which generate higher revenue than broader campaigns.
France and Italy previously imposed fines of €150 million and €98.6 million, respectively, related to the same framework.
MacDailyNews Take: Regardless of wording, smart German users still won’t allow apps to track across third-party apps and websites.
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Apple Watch ceramic revival: glossy premium model eyed for this fall
Apple may be preparing to bring back one of its most distinctive and sought-after Apple Watch materials after a multi-year absence. According to a recent report from Bloomberg News’ Mark Gurman, the company is plotting the return of a ceramic case option either this year or in 2027 — raising the prospect that a ceramic Apple Watch could appear alongside the expected Series 12 and Ultra 4 updates this fall.
The ceramic finish last appeared on the Apple Watch Edition Series 5 in 2019. It was discontinued with the Series 6 in 2020 and has been missing from the lineup ever since, turning remaining units into collector’s items on the resale market. Apple first introduced white ceramic with the Series 2 in 2016 as a more accessible high-end alternative to the earlier solid-gold Edition models. A gray (sometimes described as black) variant followed with the Series 3 before the material was dropped for the Series 4 and briefly revived in white for the Series 5.
Ceramic cases were made from a compressed powder of zirconia and alumina, then polished with a diamond slurry. Apple marketed the material as four times harder than stainless steel, delivering excellent scratch resistance, a rich deep-gloss appearance, and a smooth, non-metallic feel that stood apart from aluminum or titanium. The result was a premium, almost lacquered look that appealed to buyers seeking something between a sporty smartwatch and a more luxurious timepiece.
Today’s Apple Watch lineup centers on aluminum (starting around the entry-level price) and titanium (a step up, with the Ultra remaining titanium-only). A returning ceramic option would likely sit at an even higher premium tier: historically, the Series 5 ceramic Edition commanded prices well above stainless steel or titanium models of the era (around $1,299–$1,349 when the base Series 5 started at $399). Analysts and reports expect any new ceramic model to follow a similar high-end positioning.
For the fall 2026 refresh, expectations for the Series 12 and Ultra 4 remain relatively modest overall: a meaningful performance increase via a new chip (after multiple generations relying on largely similar silicon), new color and band options, and incremental health and fitness upgrades. No major redesign is anticipated, meaning the familiar case shape introduced with the Series 10 would continue. The ceramic case is framed as a style addition rather than a full product overhaul, and Gurman has indicated the timing could slip to 2027.
Broader context from the same reporting points to Apple exploring longer-term changes to its wearable lineup—potentially including additional premium tiers, more affordable options, different screen sizes or shapes, and even screenless trackers, but those remain further out and uncommitted. A ceramic revival this fall would represent a relatively low-risk way to expand material choices and recapture interest among enthusiasts who missed the distinctive glossy finish.
Of course, nothing is confirmed until Apple announces its plans; typically expected in September alongside new iPhones. Gurman’s track record on Apple Watch details is strong, yet timelines for specialized materials can shift. If ceramic does return in 2026, it would mark roughly seven years since the last offering and give the upcoming models a standout aesthetic differentiator in an otherwise evolutionary update cycle. Collectors, style-focused buyers, and fans of the original ceramic Editions will be watching closely.
MacDailyNews Take: Bring back ceramic, Apple!
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U.S. Supreme Court clears path for App Store commission showdown as Apple must defend its rates in lower court
In a significant development in the long-running legal battle between Apple and Epic Games, the U.S. Supreme Court has rejected Apple’s bid to pause proceedings over the commissions it charges developers for sales made outside the App Store. Justice Elena Kagan on Thursday denied Apple’s request for a stay, allowing the lower court to move forward with determining a permissible commission rate while the high court considers a related appeal.
The decision supersedes a temporary pause Kagan had imposed the day before, clearing the way for U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers to oversee the rate-setting process. This stems from earlier findings that Apple violated an injunction by imposing restrictive rules and a 27% commission on external “link-out” purchases — transactions where users are directed from an iOS app to complete a purchase on the web or elsewhere.
Background on the Epic v. Apple Fight
The core dispute traces back to Epic’s antitrust challenge against Apple’s App Store practices. Courts previously ruled that Apple’s anti-steering rules limited competition by making it harder for developers to steer users toward alternative payment methods. After Apple implemented a high commission and other barriers, Judge Gonzalez Rogers found the company in contempt in 2025. The Ninth Circuit later upheld the contempt finding but reversed an outright ban on any commissions, directing the lower court to set a rate limited to costs that are “genuinely and reasonably necessary” for coordinating external links.
Apple has been charging zero commission on these external purchases in the U.S. since the contempt ruling, a status that remains in place for now. The Supreme Court has agreed to review the contempt finding itself (with arguments expected in the October 2026 term), but that review will not halt the parallel rate proceedings.
Apple’s Proposed Rates
Following the Supreme Court’s order, Apple submitted its proposal for commissions on linked-out purchases:
• 15% for standard apps (those subject to the usual 30% in-app purchase fee)
• 10% for participants in programs like Video Partner, News Partner, and Mini Apps, as well as subscription renewals
• 5% for Small Business Program apps
Apple maintains these rates are justified to recover costs related to App Store infrastructure, tools, and services. Critics, including Epic, argue that under the Ninth Circuit’s standard—focused narrowly on coordination costs for external links — the justified rate could approach zero. Epic has indicated it will challenge Apple’s proposal with expert analysis.
What’s Next
Epic will have an opportunity to respond (reports suggest around 60 days), followed by further briefing and a hearing before Judge Gonzalez Rogers. The outcome will determine the commission structure governing external purchases for U.S. developers going forward. Meanwhile, Apple continues to prepare its Supreme Court briefing on the contempt issues.
Developers may see lower costs for external sales in the near term, but the final rate — and any broader implications from the Supreme Court — could reshape how commissions work for years to come.
MacDailyNews Take: The whole thing is ludicrous. Again, it’s Apple’s App Store, not Epic’s. Apple has a right to charge developers for use of its App Store.
Apple’s commission (reduced to 15% for most app developers) has always funded the secure infrastructure, rigorous app review process, fraud protection, payment systems, and ongoing platform development that benefit users and honest developers. Epic wanted all the upside of that ecosystem with none of the contribution.
The bottom line is clear: Epic Games wants to enjoy all of the benefits of Apple’s App Store, including access to well over one billion of the world’s most affluent users for free. That is illogical, unfair, and, basically, theft. – MacDailyNews, May 4, 2021
How much did it cost developers to have their apps burned onto CDs, boxed, shipped, displayed on store shelves prior to Apple remaking the world for the better for umpteenth time? Apple incurs costs to store, review, organize, surface, and distribute apps to over one billion users. — MacDailyNews, June 10, 2022
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Next-gen Apple TV 4K expected to launch within weeks
Apple’s Apple TV 4K has gone nearly four years without a hardware update; the third-generation model debuted in October 2022 with an A15 Bionic chip. Reliable reports now indicate a refreshed version is nearly ready and expected this fall (most likely September or October), timed to coincide with Apple’s broader Apple Intelligence and Siri AI rollout in iOS 27, tvOS 27, and related software.
Bloomberg News’ Mark Gurman has described the new Apple TV (alongside a refreshed HomePod mini) as being in advanced testing and “nearly ready to launch” as part of Apple’s smart-home push. The company appears to have delayed the hardware so it can showcase the improved, more personalized Siri and related AI features rather than ship an incremental update.
Expected Hardware Upgrades
The biggest change is the processor. Software code references and reporting consistently point to the A17 Pro — the same chip introduced with the iPhone 15 Pro. This is the oldest Apple Silicon that supports Apple Intelligence, delivering meaningfully faster CPU and GPU performance, a stronger Neural Engine, hardware-accelerated ray tracing (potentially beneficial for more demanding Apple Arcade titles), and hardware AV1 decoding for efficient streaming. Some speculation has floated even newer chips (A18 or later) given the long wait, but A17 Pro remains the most frequently cited (it also helps keep the bill of materials cost down and Apple’s margins healthy). A RAM increase is also plausible to better support on-device AI.
Connectivity should see a clear step forward with Apple’s in-house N1 wireless networking chip (already used in recent iPhones and iPads). This is expected to enable Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and broader Thread support. The current model is limited to Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0, with Thread available only on the higher-end Ethernet configuration. The upgrades should improve speed, lower latency, reliability for Continuity features, gaming, and smart-home hub duties, even if everyday 4K streaming does not demand the full bandwidth of Wi-Fi 7.
No major design changes are anticipated. The next Apple TV 4K is expected to retain the same compact black plastic “squircle” puck form factor as the 2022 model—small, fanless, and unobtrusive. There are no credible recent indications of 8K support.
A refreshed Siri Remote is possible, though details are sparse and major changes are not expected. One rumored improvement is better Find My support (potentially Ultra Wideband for Precision Finding, which the current remote lacks).
Software and Features
The new model is expected to launch with (or quickly support) tvOS 27 and full access to the overhauled Siri experience plus other Apple Intelligence capabilities. Current hardware cannot run these AI features.
The current (3rd-generation) Apple TV 4K cannot run Apple Intelligence or the upcoming on-device Siri AI features due to chip architecture and memory bottlenecks:
• Processor (A15 Bionic): The 3rd-generation Apple TV 4K runs on the A15 Bionic chip (the same chip used in the standard iPhone 13 and iPhone 14). Across Apple’s product lineup, the minimum baseline processor required for on-device Apple Intelligence is the A17 Pro (or any M-series chip). Older chips lack the specialized Neural Engine throughput required for local Large Language Model (LLM) processing.
• RAM Allocation: Apple Intelligence on-device models require a minimum of 8 GB of RAM. The current 3rd-generation Apple TV 4K features only 4 GB of RAM, leaving insufficient system memory to load and execute localized AI models while simultaneously maintaining normal tvOS operations and app multitasking.
As a result, while the current Apple TV 4K will still receive standard performance and UI improvements included in tvOS 27, all on-device generative AI features, modernized context-aware Siri AI abilities, and personalized AI content tools will remain exclusive to the upcoming hardware.
Specific television-centric AI tools have not been detailed, but the device is positioned as a showcase for voice interaction, smarter recommendations, and deeper smart-home integration. Existing tvOS 27 improvements (faster app launches, responsive Control Center, Hi-Res Lossless audio support in Apple Music, and more) will benefit older models, but the full AI suite requires newer Apple Silicon.
Pricing and Availability
Pricing remains an open question. Apple raised the current third-generation model’s starting price from $129 to $199 (64GB Wi-Fi) and the Ethernet/Thread version from $149 to $249 in mid-2026, citing higher component costs. The next-generation unit is unlikely to return to the old low starting price and could begin at $200 or higher. Refurbished current models offer some savings in the meantime.
This is primarily an internal upgrade focused on performance, AI readiness, and modern wireless standards rather than a redesign or radical new features. For most users the existing Apple TV 4K remains capable for 4K HDR streaming, apps, and basic smart-home use. However, if you want the new Siri AI, Apple Intelligence features, faster performance, better connectivity as a home hub, or future-proofing for more demanding games and content, waiting for the fall 2026 model is the clear recommendation according to current reporting.
MacDailyNews Take: Get ready to upgrade – finally! – your old Apple TV units!
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Apple’s MacBook Neo 2 expected to sport 12GB of memory in key upgrade
Apple’s budget-friendly MacBook Neo has been a hit since its March 2026 launch, but the biggest complaint from many users centers on its 8GB of unified memory. According to recent reports from Bloomberg News’ Mark Gurman and other sources, the MacBook Neo 2 — or MacBook Neo (2027) is expected to address that limitation head-on by sporting 12GB of memory.
The current MacBook Neo relies on a binned A18 Pro chip paired with 8GB of unified memory. The next model is tipped to switch to an A19 Pro chip (the same family powering recent iPhone models), which comes configured with 12GB of memory. That represents a 50% increase and should deliver noticeably better multitasking headroom, smoother performance with multiple browser tabs or apps open, and stronger support for on-device Apple Intelligence features that benefit from extra memory.
Rumors indicate the MacBook Neo 2 will retain the same compact, lightweight design and focus on affordability rather than a full redesign. New color options beyond the existing Silver, Blush, Citrus, and Indigo finishes are also expected. Performance gains from the A19 Pro are projected in the 10-15% range for CPU tasks and higher for GPU workloads, thanks in part to built-in Neural Accelerators.
No official announcement or exact release date has been confirmed by Apple. Reports point to a 2027 launch, potentially in the first half of the year, keeping the Neo positioned as Apple’s most accessible MacBook while closing some of the gap with higher-end models that start at 16GB of memory.
MacDailyNews Take: The jump to 12GB of memory could make the MacBook Neo 2 an even more compelling option for students, everyday users, and anyone who wants solid Apple Silicon performance on a budget.
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