Ahead of its 'Surprise and Shine' event, Apple has quietly added nearly 40 hardware identifiers to its backend systems, covering iPhones, Macs, iPads, Apple Watches, Apple TV, and a HomeAccessory category. Notably, seven iPhone identifiers appeared even though only six models are currently expected in the iPhone 18 lineup, suggesting either an unannounced variant or a surprise new device.
Counterpoint Research's Q2 2026 report found global smartwatch shipments fell 4% year over year, even as Apple, Huawei and Garmin posted gains. Apple grew 14% to capture a 20.1% share, trailing only Huawei's 21.8% share, with the Watch Series 11 and Watch SE 3 driving over 80% of Apple's volume. Huawei's growth was concentrated in China, which made up about 80% of its shipments.
Apple will hold its annual iPhone launch event on September 9 at 10 AM PDT, streamed live on YouTube and Apple's events site. The event is widely anticipated to introduce Apple's first foldable phone, the iPhone Ultra, alongside new iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max models, with the standard iPhone 18 expected next year. Apple may also reveal updated HomePods, camera-equipped AirPods, and new Apple Watches.
Apple is preparing an event dubbed 'Surprise and Shine,' with leaks pointing to a foldable iPhone, iPhone 18 Pro models, Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4, and new AirPods 5. Details remain based on rumors and supply-chain leaks rather than official confirmation from Apple.
All configurations of the Apple Watch SE 3, including delivery and in-store pickup, now show as 'Currently Unavailable' on Apple's website. The change comes just ahead of Apple's September 9 event, where new iPhones and Apple Watch models are expected.
Ahead of Apple's Sept. 9 'Surprise and Shine' event, a CNET reader survey found 77% expect the company to unveil its first foldable iPhone, alongside likely updates to AirPods, Apple Watch and Ultra models. Opinion is divided over whether Apple will also debut smart glasses at the event, part of CNET's ongoing 'Big Guessing Game' contest across its network of sites.
Apple Watch's GPS + Cellular variant, first introduced with Series 3, connects to your carrier's SIM automatically and lets the watch send texts, take calls, get notifications, and stream music independently of a paired iPhone. The standard GPS model still needs a nearby iPhone for most of these functions, while the cellular version works over 4G or 5G on its own.
Ahead of Apple's expected unveiling of Apple Watch Ultra 4 and Series 12, leaker pdfu found references in watchOS 27 code pointing to a new Readiness app placed near Workout on the home screen, expanded strength-training logging with sets, reps, weight and equipment data, a new optical sensor system, and possible 128GB of storage tied to a new chip. The same leaker previously surfaced details on HomePod surround sound and iOS 27 camera features.
Apple will introduce the Apple Watch Ultra 4 and Apple Watch Series 12 alongside its new iPhones this week. Reports point to an upgraded S11 chip replacing the aging S10/S9 silicon, a returning ceramic case option, additional sensors, and possible new health features including an expanded hypertension notification system and an always-on heart rate sensor.
Apple is holding its 'Surprise and Shine' fall event, where the company is expected to reveal its first foldable iPhone alongside the iPhone 18 Pro lineup, updated Apple Watches, and new AirPods. Gizmodo is live-covering the announcements as they happen.
Apple will hold its annual September product event on September 9 at 10 am Pacific, streamed via its website, YouTube, and Apple TV. It marks the first such event since Tim Cook stepped down as CEO, with John Ternus now leading the company. Leaks point to Pro-level iPhones, updated Apple Watches, and possibly Apple's first foldable phone.
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reports Apple plans to launch a new Watch Ultra 4 together with the Series 12 at its Sept. 9 event, both featuring faster processors and new health and fitness capabilities. This would mark a rare back-to-back Ultra refresh, breaking from the roughly two-year gap seen between the Ultra 2 and Ultra 3.