In a notable addition to the unreleased Apple products referenced in yesterday's macOS Tahoe 26.7 software update, AirPods 5 models have also been spotted. Internally codenamed B868M and B868E, the models almost certainly refer to AirPods 5 and AirPods 5 with Active Noise Cancellation. Current AirPods 4 models, launched in September 2024, have the codenames B768M and B768E.
While next-generation features are unknown, AirPods 5 could get an updated H3 chip with improved sound quality and lower latency. Launch timing however remains unclear. On a side note, macOS 26.7 also contains a reference to an unreleased Beats Solo Buds model.
Apple's upcoming iPhone 18 Pro models may be differentiated by a new camera feature that could be exclusive to the larger Pro Max model, if a Chinese leaker is to be believed.
Since 2024, we've been hearing rumors about Apple's plans to introduce a variable aperture camera on the iPhone 18 Pro models – a first for any iPhone – but it was understood until now that the feature would come to both devices.
Leaker Ice Universe claims that's not the case. The iPhone 18 Pro Max will "exclusively feature a variable aperture," they said in a new post on Weibo, a Chinese social media platform.
"Looks like even Apple can't escape the reality that if you want the absolute best camera experience, you'll have to put up with a phone that weighs like a brick," the leaker added.
We already know a variable aperture lens is coming to the iPhone 18 Pro Max, thanks to the June leak of internal files from Apple supplier Tata Electronics. The files revealed that the iPhone 18 Pro Max will feature a new Sony IMX905 sensor with variable aperture support.
The smaller iPhone 18 Pro model was not mentioned in the leaked file, but it wasn't clear if that meant it wouldn't get a variable aperture lens, or it the leaked files simply didn't include that information.
Apple has never implemented a variable aperture on an iPhone. From the iPhone 14 Pro through the iPhone 17 Pro, the main camera uses a fixed ƒ/1.78 aperture, meaning the lens remains fully open at all times when capturing images.
With a variable lens, the iPhone 18 Pro Max could allow users to manually shift the aperture, similar to on a DSLR camera. It could mean more control over depth of field, enabling sharper focus on subjects or smoother background blur. That all depends on how Apple implements the feature, of course. It may be more automated than that.
Beyond size and battery life, the last time Apple differentiated its iPhone Pro models was with the iPhone 15 Pro, which lacked the tetraprism telephoto lens that was included to the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
The iPhone 18 Pro Max is rumored to be bigger and heavier than its predecessor this year. Apart from the rumored aperture lens, it is expected to be otherwise equivalent to its smaller sibling. Both iPhone 18 Pro models are set to launch next month alongside Apple's first foldable iPhone, the "iPhone Ultra."
Apple is working on camera-equipped AirPods that appear to be nearly ready to launch, based on a video MacRumors found in the macOS Tahoe 26.7 release candidate.
In a short demo, a man holds a book up so the camera in the AirPods can see the title. "With Visual Intelligence, your world becomes savable. See something you like? Just ask me to save it for later," says the voiceover text.
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
The camera on the AirPods will feed information to Visual Intelligence, and Siri will be able to answer questions about the wearer's surroundings and log information. There is a direct reference to setting up Visual Intelligence on the AirPods.
If hair is covering the AirPods up, you'll receive an alert. "To get the most accurate information about things in your environment, make sure AirPods are not covered," it says.
The camera-equipped AirPods have the codename B790, which was also previously mentioned by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. Gurman suggested the AirPods could launch as soon as September, so we could see them at the iPhone-centric event where Apple will unveil the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and foldable iPhone Ultra.
The macOS Tahoe 26.7 release candidate that Apple seeded today has references to several unreleased products, from home devices to iPhones, iPads, AirPods, and Macs.
Some of these codenames have shown up in prior software updates but have new feature flags, while others haven't been seen in the code before.
Home Accessories
Home Hub (J490 and J491) - There are references to Siri setup for a "J490" home accessory, which has previously been identified as Apple's upcoming home hub. There's a second reference to J490 and J491. J490 is believed to be the version of the home hub with a base, while J491 is the version that's meant to be mounted on a wall.
HomePod mini (B525) - Code mentions "Argentium" has been installed on a product codenamed B525, which likely corresponds to the HomePod mini. The current HomePod mini has a B520 codename.
Home Accessory (J229) - There is a reference to "J229Architecture," a codename for an unreleased Apple product. J229 previously popped up in iOS 26 last December and was found by Macworld. The site said it was a device with multiple sensors and the ability to detect alarm sounds and capture images. It's possible J229 is the rumored security camera Apple is working on, or some kind of accessory to go with its home hub products.
Pebble - There's a reference to "Pebble," which Bloomberg previously said was Apple's codename for the homeOS operating system that runs on the home hub.
HomeAccessory17,2 and HomeAccessory17,3 - These are new mentions of home devices, but it's not clear what they are.
Mystery Colors - There are references to colors for a home accessory, which might be linked to the HomePod mini 2, the home hub, or something else. The colors are Rose Pink, Silver, Space Gray, and Starlight.
Audio Accessory Visual Reasoning - There is an audio_accessory_visual_reasoning string, which could be for the home hub.
Headphones
AirPods with Cameras (B790) - B790 is the codename for AirPods with a camera, according to Bloomberg. Confusingly, these are not the camera-equipped AirPods rumored for 2027 because those have a B798 codename, but are a "separate camera AirPods project" that could come out as soon as September. Code specifically mentions an image stream for the device: "B790 start image stream failed for left bud."
Beats (B518 and B522) - B518 and B522 could reference upcoming Beats headphones.
AirPods Pro 4 - There is a reference to AirPodsPro1,4, which could be fourth-generation AirPods Pro. The current AirPods Pro 3 are AirPodsPro1,3. There's also a reference to AirPod3,5.
iPhone
iPhone Air 2 (V62) - V62 was previously seen in iOS 27 code, and Macworld says it's the iPhone Air 2. The iPhone Air 2 isn't expected until spring 2027.
iPhone 18 Pro (V63) - V63 was previously seen in iOS 27 code, and Macworld says it's the iPhone 18 Pro. The iPhone 18 Pro is expected in September.
iPhone 18 Pro Max (V64) - V64 was previously seen in iOS 27 code, and Macworld says it's the iPhone 18 Pro Max. The iPhone 18 Pro Max is expected in September.
iPhone 18 (V67) - V67 was previously seen in iOS 27 code, and Macworld says it's the iPhone 18. The iPhone 18 isn't expected until spring 2027.
iPhone Ultra (V68) - V68 was previously seen in iOS 27 code, and Macworld says it's the foldable iPhone Ultra. The iPhone Ultra is expected in September.
Mac
MacBook Pro (J804) - J804 is the entry-level 14-inch MacBook Pro that's going to be updated with an M6 chip before the end of the year. The current M5 MacBook Pro is J704.
iMac (J833 and J834) - J833 and J834 are the codenames for new iMac models Apple is working on, according to Bloomberg.
MacBook Pro - K114c, K114s, K116c, and K116s reference upcoming MacBook Pro models. It's possible these are the higher-end OLED MacBook Pro models Apple is working on.
iPad
iPad mini (J510 and J511) - J510 and J511 are the codenames for the next-generation iPad mini rumored to be getting an OLED display and A19 Pro chip.
Headset
Headset (N109) - N109 is in the code. Bloombergpreviously said N109 was a second-generation Vision Pro, while The Information said it was a cheaper version of the Vision Pro. A more affordable version of the Vision Pro was reportedly canceled last year.
Apple TV Remote
There's a mention of ATVRemote1,5, which appears to be a new Apple TV remote. Rumors previously suggested the next Apple TV could come with an updated remote control.
Apple Intelligence in China
There are references to Writing Tools coming to China. Code mention temporary restrictions due to triggering safety alerts, and content that won't be able to be edited with Apple Intelligence.
Content safety update required. iPhone will be able to use Writing Tools once the automatic update completes.
Unable to edit this text. %1$@ may be able to help with this type of content. This text will need to be sent to %2$@.
Writing Tools are temporarily restricted due to triggering safety alerts multiple times.
Unknown Model Numbers
There are multiple model numbers listed that do not correspond to any existing Apple product and they don't have a clear link to an upcoming product.
A3436, A3437, A3438, A3439, A3440, A3441
A3456, A3457
A3465
A3529, A3530, A3531, A3532, A3533
A3543
A3577
Device1,8234
Device1,8236
Device1,8238
Device1,8240
Device1,8241
Device1,8242
Device1,8246
Device1,8247
Device1,8248
We'll see the first devices on this list launch this September, when Apple is expected to introduce the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and iPhone Ultra. We don't yet know when new home products or Macs might come out. Apple often holds two fall events, so there could be a second event in October or November for the MacBook Pro, iMac, iPad mini, and home accessories.
Apple today released the fourth public betas of iOS 27, iPadOS 27, tvOS 27, and macOS Golden Gate, allowing anyone with a compatible device to download and test the new software. The fourth betas come a week after Apple seeded the third betas and just a few hours after the sixth developer betas.
You can get started by signing up on Apple's beta website and then opting in to the public beta by opening up the Settings app on your device, selecting General, and choosing Software Update.
We are nearing the end of the beta testing process, and few new features were found in today's developer betas. macOS Golden Gate includes new wallpapers, while iOS 27 has a Shortcuts splash screen and a new Game Center icon.
Apple today added two new Golden Gate-themed wallpaper options in the sixth beta of macOS 27.
There are new Golden Gate Day and Golden Gate Evening wallpaper options that join the Golden Gate Sunset and Golden Gate Night wallpapers that Apple introduced in earlier betas.
macOS 27 also includes abstract Golden Gate wallpaper options for those who don't prefer scenery.
Golden Gate Day and Golden Gate Evening animate when you unlock your Mac, and can be set as a screen saver. When used as screen saver, both wallpapers feature cars slowly driving across the bridge.
Apple also tweaked the look of the traffic light buttons in macOS Golden Gate beta six, adding a Liquid Glass aesthetic.
macOS Golden Gate is available for developers and public beta testers, with a public launch coming in September.
The iOS 26.6.1, iPadOS 26.6.1, and macOS Tahoe 26.6.2 updates Apple released today fix almost 30 security vulnerabilities, according to Apple's security support document. This is Apple's third security release in three weeks as AI surfaces bugs faster than the company's typical release schedule can absorb.
Apple says the software includes security fixes that were previously added to the iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS Golden Gate betas.
There are fixes for an audio vulnerability that could allow an app to leak sensitive user information, an image vulnerability that could allow for arbitrary code execution, a trio of kernel vulnerabilities, and several WebKit bugs that could cause memory corruption or Safari crashes. Of the 29 CVEs outlined in the document, 21 are WebKit-related, and nine are credited to OpenAI Codex Security.
On iOS, Apple also fixed a telephony bug that could allow an attacker in a privileged network position to bypass IPSec authentication and intercept network traffic.
None of the vulnerabilities are known to have been actively exploited, but Apple always recommends updating to new versions of iOS, iPadOS, and macOS as soon as possible. Now that the vulnerabilities have been made public, attackers could target devices still running earlier versions of the software.
Apple also released iOS 18.7.10 and iPadOS 18.7.10 for devices unable to run iOS 26 and iPadOS 26. Apple did not ship macOS Sequoia or macOS Sonoma updates for Macs unable to run macOS Tahoe.
The updates can be installed by opening up the Settings app, tapping into the General section, and selecting Software Update.
In May, Apple agreed to pay $250 million to settle a U.S. class action lawsuit over Siri AI's delayed launch, and eligible iPhone users could receive up to a $95 payout. Apple's settlement received preliminary approval last month, but final approval is not expected until next year, according to a new court document.
The judge presiding over the case last week set the final approval hearing for February 24, 2027, and payments will not begin for several months beyond that date. For now, no action is required from customers, as the settlement website with a claims form has yet to go live. We will continue to provide updates on the case as they become available.
Best Buy is hosting its big 60th Anniversary sale this week, with notable markdowns on Apple devices, TVs, headphones, monitors, and much more. This event is set to last for the rest of this week, and you don't need to be a My Best Buy Plus or Total member to see most of the deals.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Best Buy. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
In terms of Apple devices, you can find solid deals on AirPods Pro 3, iPhone Air, Beats accessories, and MacBook Pro. You can get the AirPods Pro 3 for $189.99 ($60 off), as well the AirPods Max 2 for $429.00 ($120 off).
If you're on the hunt for more discounts, be sure to visit our Apple Deals roundup where we recap the best Apple-related bargains of the past week.
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"iPhone Ultra" supply will be very limited when the foldable device is first released later this year, according to Fixed Focus Digital, a known leaker on the Chinese social media platform Weibo.
The account also claimed that the iPhone 18 Pro's A20 Pro chip will be up to 18% faster and up to 30% more power efficient compared to the iPhone 17 Pro's A19 Pro chip. The A20 Pro chip will be the first iPhone chip manufactured with TSMC's 2nm process, rather than the current 3nm process.
Apple's annual iPhone event is likely less than a month away.
Apple today released iOS 26.6.1, iPadOS 26.6.1, visionOS 26.6.1, and macOS 26.6.2, with all of the updates containing security fixes.
Apple also released iOS 18.7.10 and iPadOS 18.7.10 with security fixes.
All of the iOS and iPadOS updates released today deliver security fixes that were first made available in the iOS 27 and iPadOS 27 betas, according to an Apple support document, which provides more specific details. Likewise, macOS 26.6.2 delivers security fixes that were first made available in the macOS Golden Gate 27 beta.
Apple says visionOS 26.6.1 security fix details are coming soon.
Be aware that iOS 26.6.1, iPadOS 26.6.1, and macOS 26.6.2 have new build numbers compared to the Release Candidate versions that were seeded last week.
Apple today seeded the sixth betas of iOS 27 and iPadOS 27 to developers for testing purposes, with the update coming one week after Apple released the fifth betas.
Registered developers can download the betas from the Settings app on the iPhone or iPad by going to the General section and selecting Software Update.
iOS 27 introduces Apple's smarter version of Siri, Siri AI. Siri AI is a chatbot similar to ChatGPT, incorporating general world knowledge, personal data from apps like Messages and Mail, and onscreen awareness to answer questions and find information for you.
There are new Apple Intelligence features in apps like Photos, Safari, Shortcuts, Wallet, and Passwords, plus Apple added a standalone Siri app that houses Siri conversations. Write with Siri is available systemwide for generating text or offering feedback on your writing, and Visual Intelligence has been relocated to the Camera app with a new Siri mode.
Apple improved the look of Liquid Glass and added a slider for customizing transparency. There are multiple performance improvements to speed up iOS, so everything feels faster, even on older iPhones. Apps launch quicker, AirDrop transfers are faster, the keyboard pops up more quickly, and devices are better at transitioning between Wi-Fi and Cellular to keep you connected.
Apple today provided developers with the sixth beta of macOS Golden Gate, with the update coming a week after Apple seeded the fifth beta.
Developers can download macOS Golden Gate by going to System Settings > General > Software Update. Beta Updates will need to be enabled, and a free developer account is required.
macOS Golden Gate includes multiple design improvements. Liquid Glass opacity has been improved to increase readability, there's a slider for controlling the level of transparency, and changes to shadowing make it easier to tell when a window is active. Apps now have uniform toolbars, edge-to-edge sidebars, and less rounded corners, plus there are fewer icons in menu bars.
Siri has been transformed into Siri AI, a chatbot-style assistant that combines general world knowledge, your personal data, and onscreen awareness to answer questions about anything and find information for you. Siri lives in Spotlight, and you can ask questions with the new Search or Ask interface.
There's also a Siri app where you can chat with Siri and view past conversations, and on newer Macs, you can set a custom voice for Siri with personalized pace and expressivity. Visual Intelligence is now on the Mac so Siri can answer questions about what's on your screen, and a Write with Siri feature lets Siri generate text or give feedback on your writing.
There are AI photo editing tools in the Photos app, AI tab organization in Safari, an option to use AI to automatically update weak passwords in the Passwords app, and a revamped Image Playground app that can generate photorealistic images.
Apple today seeded the sixth beta of watchOS 27 to developers, with the update coming a week after the launch of the fifth beta.
The beta can be downloaded through the Watch app on the iPhone with a free developer account. The Apple Watch will need to be on the charger, connected to Wi-Fi, and have a battery level of 50 percent or above for new software to be installed. The beta is available for all Apple Watch models compatible with watchOS 27 except for the Apple Watch Ultra 3.
watchOS 27 gains Siri AI, the smarter, more capable version of Siri. Siri can hold back-and-forth conversations, plus it has access to general world knowledge and your personal data to answer questions and find information. Siri AI on Apple Watch requires an iPhone that supports Apple Intelligence, including the iPhone 15 Pro and later.
There's a new Dynamic app grid that highlights Siri suggested apps, and more intuitive Smart Stack Suggestions. You can find your parked car, see pinned messages, get noise alerts, and view identity and transit cards.
Liquid Glass has been updated to improve legibility, and Workout Buddy works on the Apple Watch even when an iPhone isn't nearby. Workout Buddy also gains new metrics like progressive increases to distance, pace, or duration. Apple added a new all-in-one Find My app with support for Precision Finding, and there are performance optimizations that improve battery life.
Apple today seeded the sixth beta of tvOS 27 to developers for testing purposes, with the update coming a week after Apple released the fifth beta.
The beta can be downloaded and installed through the Settings app on the Apple TV. A free developer account is required.
tvOS 27 has few new features compared to the other 27 software updates, but it does add a redesigned Podcasts app, options for larger text, and a more responsive Control Center.
AirPlaying to an Apple TV from another Apple device is faster, and apps and animations are smoother. You can also now see AppleCare coverage details in the Settings app.
Apple today provided developers with the sixth beta of an upcoming visionOS 27 update for testing purposes. The beta comes a week after Apple released the fifth beta.
visionOS 27 can be installed by opening the Settings app, going to Software Updates, and opting into Beta Updates.
visionOS 27 introduces Siri AI, the smarter and more capable version of Siri that's similar in capability to chatbots like ChatGPT and Claude. On the Vision Pro, Siri can answer questions about anything the wearer is looking at, and there's a new Siri orb that can be placed anywhere in wearer's virtual space.
Panorama photos can be turned into spatial environments, and there's a new Icelandic Thórsmörk environment that features dramatic mountains, valleys, and glaciers, along with the northern lights. Web Environment support allows developers to create 360-degree environments in Safari for a more native Vision Pro browsing experience.
App windows are now curved to provide a more immersive workspace, and Control Center has been reorganized to make system controls easier to find. Apple added a smaller widget size, and notifications automatically expand when the wearer looks at them.
Apple Sports was updated today with support for additional soccer leagues, including the Austrian Bundesliga, English Women's Super League, Greek Super League, Indian Super League, Saudi Pro League, Spanish Liga F, and Turkish Süper Lig.
Apple Sports already gained support for seven more soccer leagues in July, so the additions now total 14 over the past month. The app remains available on the iPhone only, with version 4.3 rolling out on the App Store now.
Apple has agreed to make changes to its App Tracking Transparency feature in Germany, according to the country's competition regulator.
Since the release of iOS 14.5 in April 2021, Apple has required apps to ask for permission before tracking a user's activity across other apps and websites for personalized advertising. If a user selects the "Ask App Not to Track" option, the app is unable to access the device's advertising identifier. Apple says the feature is designed to enhance user privacy, but some advertisers have complained that it has significantly impacted their revenue.
In Germany, Apple has agreed to remove "possibly discouraging symbols and wording" from the App Tracking Transparency prompt, the regulator said. Apps will also be "given more scope to explain to users what significance personalized advertising has for their offering and their business model," and the "freedom to combine the consent request required by Apple with the consent requests required under data protection law."
Apple has four months starting on the date it is formally served with the decision to implement the changes in Germany, and it will test them with app developers first, the regulator said. The changes will apply for seven years.
Over the past few years, Apple has faced similar regulatory pressures over the App Tracking Transparency feature in other EU countries, such as France, Italy, and Poland, and from the overarching European Commission.
Apple has maintained that App Tracking Transparency protects user privacy and is compliant with competition law in Germany. Nevertheless, it agreed to make the changes, and the regulator said the proceedings have thus concluded.
Apple issued the following statement regarding the changes:
At Apple, we believe privacy is a fundamental human right, and we introduced App Tracking Transparency to give users a simple way to control whether apps have permission to track their activity across other companies' apps and websites. While we believe the current ATT prompt provides a clear, easy-to-understand and effective way to keep users in control of their data—an opinion shared by the German data protection authorities—we have agreed to make changes to the text and formatting of the prompt at the FCO's request. These commitments ensure we can continue to provide this important privacy tool in Europe and keep users, not ad tech companies and data brokers, in control of their data.
Note: Due to the political or social nature of the discussion regarding this topic, the discussion thread is located in our Political News forum. All forum members and site visitors are welcome to read and follow the thread, but posting is limited to forum members with at least 100 posts.
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.
In a notable addition to the unreleased Apple products referenced in yesterday's macOS Tahoe 26.7 software update, AirPods 5 models have also been spotted. Internally codenamed B868M and B868E, the models almost certainly refer to AirPods 5 and AirPods 5 with Active Noise Cancellation. Current AirPods 4 models, launched in September 2024, have the codenames B768M and B768E.
In May, Apple 
"iPhone Ultra" supply will be very limited when the foldable device is first released later this year, 
