GoKawiil
Tech News
Apple has reopened a section of its Apple Park Visitor Center after a summer renovation, revealing that the augmented reality exhibit—which let visitors use custom iPads to explore a 3D model of the campus—has been removed. That area has been converted into an extension of the adjoining Apple Store, with new display tables and wall displays for accessories. The cafe and the rest of the Visitor Center remain unchanged.
Apple released iOS 27 on Monday, giving users an opt-in beta of its overhauled Siri AI assistant just before the new iPhone 18 lineup arrives in stores. Access requires enabling the feature in settings, and some users may be placed on a waitlist before it activates. CEO John Ternus, in his first product event since replacing Tim Cook, touted the iPhone as central to Apple's AI ecosystem.
Apple has tucked a hidden reference to Clarus the Dogcow into the iOS 27 Settings app, discoverable in the Liquid Glass appearance slider under Appearance settings. Scrolling past the bottom of the preview panel reveals a figurine of Clarus near Apple Park's pond and rainbow text reading 'Moof!', and typing that word to Siri via Spotlight triggers the reply 'Nice dogcow.'
Apple's iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, unveiled at its 'Surprise and shine' event, introduce a mechanical variable aperture camera with four selectable f-stops plus an automatic mode. Testing at Apple Park showed the feature can produce sharp starburst effects around bright light sources, a result of how the physical aperture blades converge when stopped down.
Apple introduced the iPhone 18 Pro alongside other hardware, headlined by a camera system with variable aperture settings of f/1.48, f/1.8, f/2.8 and f/4.0, adjustable directly in the camera app. The device also features a smaller Dynamic Island capable of displaying three simultaneous live activities, plus updated Photographic Styles with new texture and grain options.
Apple is holding a media event at its Cupertino headquarters where it is widely expected to introduce its first folding iPhone, reportedly called the iPhone Ultra and priced above $2,000. The company is also expected to reveal Pro iPhone models, new Apple Watch and Watch Ultra devices, and updated AirPods, with the base iPhone 18 likely delayed until next year.
Apple is preparing for its 'Surprise and shine' event on September 9, where new leadership under recently installed CEO John Ternus is expected to introduce a foldable iPhone that could carry a price roughly double that of standard models. The event will also likely feature updates to the Apple Watch and AirPods lineup, according to CNET, which plans to cover the announcement live from Apple Park.
Apple will hold its 'Surprise and shine' launch event on September 9th at Apple Park, streamed live via its website, Apple TV, and YouTube. Reports suggest the standard iPhone 18 will be delayed until next year alongside an iPhone 18E and refreshed iPhone Air, while the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are expected to debut with larger batteries, a smaller Dynamic Island, and possibly a variable aperture camera.
According to a Bloomberg report, Apple may break from its usual pattern of releasing all new iPhones together, instead launching standard iPhone 18 models next spring while saving the Pro, Pro Max and a rumored foldable iPhone Ultra for a September debut. The new phones are also said to feature smaller dynamic islands and variable-aperture cameras.
Despite underwhelming sales, Apple's ultra-thin iPhone Air appears to have served as a testing ground for thinner designs and component choices that could enable a foldable iPhone. Analysts suggest Apple may debut a foldable device, speculatively called the iPhone Ultra, at its September event, with a second-generation Air possibly following in early 2027.
Tim Cook posted a video on X showing Pikachu roaming Apple Park during a visit from The Pokémon Company, including CEO Tsunekazu Ishihara, alongside Cook and incoming Apple CEO John Ternus. Cook joked that the goal was introductions, talking gaming, and keeping Pikachu away from the pond, but the character ended up near the water anyway.
Apple has confirmed a product event for September 9 at the Steve Jobs Theater, with invitations carrying the tagline 'Surprise and shine.' The showcase is expected to include updated iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max models, and possibly Apple's first foldable iPhone, reportedly using a book-style design similar to Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8.