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Tech News
Apple is expected to phase out sales or software support for roughly ten legacy products across its iPhone, iPad, Watch, Mac and display lineups in 2026. This includes models that will be pulled from Apple's online store as newer versions launch, as well as older devices that will stop receiving the next major operating system update.
Apple's upcoming watchOS 27 update, expected later this month, removes the Walkie-Talkie app entirely and eliminates the double-click Digital Crown gesture that previously let users jump between two apps. It also changes single-click behavior on the Digital Crown, now always opening a dynamic app grid instead of the traditional static launcher.
CNET's Big Guessing Game contest concluded its third round ahead of Apple's Sept. 9 'Surprise and shine' event, with 71% of respondents predicting new CEO John Ternus will appear alongside former CEO Tim Cook, now executive chairman. Half of participants expect three new iPhone models to be unveiled, following an earlier round where 80% guessed Apple's first foldable phone would debut at the event.
On this week's 9to5Mac Happy Hour, hosts Benjamin Mayo and Chance Miller discuss John Ternus's initial days leading Apple and speculate on Tim Cook's continued involvement. They also cover last-minute rumors ahead of the iPhone event, including possible Apple Watch Series 12 health features, and note that Apple TV subscription pricing has risen for the second consecutive year.
Apple's watchOS 27 beta eliminates the long-standing feature where double-clicking the Digital Crown quickly toggled between two recently used apps or the last app and the watch face. Instead, a single or double click now brings up the same new 'dynamic app grid' showing Siri plus five suggested apps, meaning the quick-switch shortcut has no direct replacement. The writer flagged this to Apple as early as June and again during the July public beta, but the behavior persists as of the current beta.
Apple has scheduled its major fall event for September 9, where it is expected to introduce three new iPhone models—two iPhone 18 Pro variants and its first foldable iPhone, the iPhone Ultra—alongside two Apple Watch models and updated AirPods 5. Rumors also suggest Apple could reveal new smart home products, including a long-rumored home hub with a display, while other devices may be held back for an October launch.
Throughout the summer, testers found Siri's new AI features on Apple Watch to be sluggish and unreliable in watchOS 27 betas, struggling with basic tasks like setting timers, alarms, and controlling HomeKit devices. With watchOS 27 beta 8, those responsiveness problems appear to have been resolved, marking a notable turnaround just before the software's public release.
Florida International University researchers tested the Apple Watch Series 8, Fitbit Sense 2, Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 and Garmin Forerunner 955 against a Cosmed K5 metabolic device and ECG chest strap during controlled workouts with 58 participants. All four smartwatches overstated calorie burn, with margins of error ranging from 15% to 25%, meaning a reported 200-calorie burn could really be closer to 160-174 calories. Apple Watch was the most accurate, while Samsung and Garmin overestimated more, and Fitbit had enough tracking glitches that some of its data had to be excluded.
OwnTime is a new app that lets users assign daily time budgets to a handful of priorities, running only one countdown at a time so starting one pauses the others. When a budget runs out, the app triggers a real alarm rather than a notification, and everything resets at midnight. It works independently on iPhone or Apple Watch, syncing the two when paired.
Ahead of Apple's September event, reports point to three key upgrades for the Apple Watch Series 12: an updated S-class chip built for AI features like Siri, an always-on heart rate sensor enabling continuous health tracking, and a returning ceramic case option in white and dark gray. The watch will launch alongside Apple Watch Ultra 4.
John Ternus, who officially became Apple's CEO today as Tim Cook shifts to Executive Chair, has created an X account under the handle @johnternus. His bio reads simply 'CEO' and his debut post was just 'hello.' The account's activity is expected to ramp up ahead of Apple's fall product event next Wednesday.
Apple updated its leadership page to reflect John Ternus's new role as CEO, adding an entirely new paragraph to his official bio. The addition emphasizes his work on product reliability, durability, and materials innovation, including recycled aluminum and 3D-printed titanium components, as well as improvements to product repairability and lifespan.