The week has been replete with intriguing updates from Apple, featuring emerging whispers about the touchscreen “MacBook Ultra” and the foldable “iPhone Ultra.” Additionally, anticipation grows for next year’s commemorative 20th-anniversary iPhone.
Furthermore, reports indicate that Apple is redirecting efforts away from the Vision Pro. Read on for comprehensive insights on these developments and others!
Headline Highlights
Upcoming ‘MacBook Ultra’ to Feature Six Innovative Enhancements
Although the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models received updates with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips just last month, substantial changes are anticipated in the near future.
As articulated by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the premium MacBook Pro models are expected to undergo a significant redesign by early 2027, potentially adopting the “MacBook Ultra” moniker.
This evolution may position the MacBook Ultra as the premium offering in the MacBook lineup, superseding the MacBook Pro.
Reportedly, up to six groundbreaking features are in the pipeline, including an OLED display, touch functionality, a Dynamic Island, M6 Pro and M6 Max chips manufactured using TSMC’s cutting-edge 2nm process, a sleeker profile, and integrated cellular connectivity.
Apple Abandons Vision Pro Following M5 Model Underperformance
In a striking turn of events, Apple appears to be withdrawing from the Vision Pro initiative, as the M5 model has failed to rekindle consumer enthusiasm for the device, according to MacRumors.
The Vision Pro was updated in October 2025 with a more powerful M5 chip and an ergonomic band; however, no substantive hardware enhancements were introduced, leading to disinterest from potential buyers.
It appears that Apple has ceased development on the Vision Pro, reallocating its team to other projects within the corporation.
Notably, several former Vision Pro team members are now contributing to Siri development, a move not entirely unexpected given that Vision Pro lead Mike Rockwell has been heading the Siri team since March 2025.
Foldable ‘iPhone Ultra’ Could Lack Five Essential Features Despite Premium Pricing
Apple’s inaugural foldable device, termed the “iPhone Ultra,” may be devoid of at least five crucial features found on the iPhone 18 Pro models, despite its lofty $2,000 price tag.
Recent prototype images shared by Sonny Dickson and Vadim Yuryev suggest the absence of MagSafe and the Action Button in this model.
Additionally, it is rumored that Face ID and a Telephoto camera lens may also be missing from the foldable variant, raising questions about its overall appeal.
Apple Launches Monthly Subscriptions for App Store Developers with 12-Month Commitment
This week, Apple unveiled a novel subscription model for App Store developers: monthly subscriptions accompanied by a 12-month obligation.
This initiative enables developers to extend discounted rates traditionally reserved for annual subscriptions, allowing for more manageable monthly payments.
This flexible payment framework enhances accessibility for subscribers. Users can cancel their subscriptions at any moment, ensuring that they are not automatically renewed post-commitment.
Remarkably, this new subscription option will be globally available, excluding the United States and Singapore—at least for the time being.
20th Anniversary iPhone to Feature Custom ‘Micro-Curved’ OLED Display
For its 20th-anniversary edition, Apple is collaborating with Samsung to fabricate a bespoke micro-curved OLED display, distinguishing itself with increased brightness and reduced thickness compared to existing alternatives, according to supply chain reports from China.
There are indications that Apple may pursue an audacious redesign for this milestone device, potentially showcasing a completely bezel-less display that gracefully curves around all edges.
To facilitate this vision, Apple is exploring a quad-curved panel design from Samsung utilizing “micro-curves,” resulting in a subtly curved aesthetic as opposed to the more pronounced “waterfall” edges seen on some contemporary models.
Apple Announces ‘Ted Lasso’ Season Four Premiere Date and Teaser Trailer
This week, Apple declared the return of its acclaimed comedy-drama series “Ted Lasso,” set to premiere its fourth season on Wednesday, August 5. A new episode will be released weekly thereafter, culminating on October 7.
“Ted Lasso” has ascended to become one of the most beloved entries on the Apple TV streaming platform.
The titular character, portrayed by Jason Sudeikis, embarks on an unexpected journey as a small-town football coach from Kansas hired to lead a professional soccer team in England—despite lacking any soccer coaching experience.
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Source link: Macrumors.com.
