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Apple's iOS 27 beta introduces a custom equalizer feature that lets users adjust individual sound frequencies on compatible AirPods, such as boosting bass or emphasizing vocals. The feature currently works with H2 chip-equipped models, including AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Pro 3, AirPods 4, and AirPods Max 2, and requires both the device and earbuds to run the latest beta software and firmware.
Apple Arcade has released a limited-time crossover between Sneaky Sasquatch and Subway Surfers+, running through October 7, giving players four character skins, two hoverboards, and a reimagined level themed around Sasquatch Valley. Apple also released a set of Sneaky Sasquatch stickers for iMessage, and confirmed a separate birdwatching-themed update for Sneaky Sasquatch arriving September 17.
A longtime Apple user dug up his original 2011 iPhone 4 and found it still powers on using its old 30-pin dock connector, but its outdated hardware and software make it functionally useless today. The device runs only on 3G networks, has an 8GB capacity and slow A8 chip, and can no longer access iCloud, Safari or most apps due to modern security requirements. He concludes the phone's best remaining role is as a basic iPod, with recycling as the more practical option.
Apple has released a support document outlining how the revamped Spotlight indexing system will work in iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS 27, powering both search and the upgraded Siri. The company notes that indexing—done locally on each device—can take hours or days for large data sets, but completes faster if the device is idle, plugged into power, and connected to Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
The August 26, 2026 episode of 9to5Mac Daily summarized the day's top Apple news, including confirmation that Apple's rumored 'Surprise and Shine' event is happening. The podcast, sponsored by Backblaze, is available across major podcast platforms with an ad-free subscription option via 9to5Mac Daily Plus.
Leaker Evan Blass posted images on X suggesting Apple's rumored foldable iPhone Ultra will come in three colors, including an unexpected red variant, alongside previously rumored black and white options. The images reportedly show inconsistencies with iOS 27's interface, using an outdated iOS 26 battery icon, raising doubts about their authenticity even if AI-generated.
Apple confirmed its next product launch event for September 9 at Apple Park in Cupertino, using the tagline 'Surprise and Shine.' The event is expected to introduce the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, along with the Apple Watch Series 12, Apple Watch Ultra, and new smart home devices, though the standard iPhone 18 reportedly won't arrive until next year.
Apple confirmed it will hold its fall hardware event on September 9 at 1PM ET, streamed live on its website and YouTube. The event is expected to showcase the iPhone 18 Pro lineup and possibly a foldable device, rumored as the iPhone Ultra, while other models like the iPhone Air 2 and base iPhone 18 may not arrive until 2027.
A new beta of iOS 27 quietly adds an 'Apple Intelligence Report' toggle inside the Home app for Apple TV and HomePod devices, according to a post from Apple Home Authority on X. The option only appears when the TV or speaker is running the paired tvOS 27 or HomePod 27 beta, suggesting Apple is laying groundwork for AI features on these products rather than just iPhones. Apple notably left tvOS and HomePod out of its WWDC messaging about a unified Siri experience, fueling speculation about unreleased hardware.
A leak spotted by MacRumors analyst Aaron Perris shows feature flags indicating Google's YouTube and YouTube Music apps are being prepared for Apple's Liquid Glass design language on iOS. The same flags reportedly hint at support for iOS Live Activities, which could let YouTube TV display real-time content like sports scores via the Dynamic Island.
Apple's Find My iPhone can be turned off manually via Settings, but only after disabling Stolen Device Protection, a security feature enabled by default since iOS 26.4. Users are advised to do this at home to avoid built-in delays meant to deter thieves who know a device's passcode. Location sharing with specific contacts can also be stopped individually through the Find My app without disabling the entire feature.
Apple has silently fixed a flaw in iCloud Private Relay that allowed a user's real IP address to leak under three specific conditions, despite the feature being enabled. Security researchers Talal Haj Bakry and Tommy Mysk, who discovered the issue and built a public tool to test for it, confirmed the fix landed in iOS 26.6.1 (and matching updates for other Apple platforms) though Apple did not disclose it in official release notes. The researchers noted the repair appears limited to Safari and was made without them first reporting it to Apple.