As Apple approaches its much-anticipated annual iPhone event in just two months, uncertainty surrounds the release timeline and availability of the new foldable device dubbed the “iPhone Ultra.”
There is speculation that the situation could mirror the launch of the iPhone X, which was revealed during the September event yet did not see pre-orders commence until approximately six weeks later.
Recent developments this week encompass the release of a third round of developer betas for iOS 27, intriguing rumors regarding the iPhone 18 Pro, an update on the upcoming iteration of the Apple TV, and more. Delve into the details below!
‘iPhone Ultra’ Expected to Mirror ‘iPhone X Delay’
Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo posits that Apple may “repeat the iPhone X story” by introducing its foldable model alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, yet commencing pre-orders for the foldable iPhone at a later date.
According to Kuo, manufacturing constraints have necessitated a limited initial production of the foldable iPhone, likely designated as the iPhone Ultra.
Consequently, he forecasts a launch timeline that may extend beyond the well-timed debut of the iPhone 18 Pro models.
In September 2017, Apple unveiled the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone X. While pre-orders for the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus began a mere three days later, the iPhone X followed with a more protracted wait of six weeks, commencing on Friday, October 27.
Kuo anticipates that the foldable iPhone could similarly face a delay in pre-order availability until the fourth quarter of 2026.
Anticipated Features of the 2026 Apple TV 4K
The Apple TV 4K, last refreshed in 2022, is slated for a significant update in 2026. However, it appears that Apple will align this launch with the anticipated rollout of Siri AI in iOS 27.
Explore our comprehensive overview of expected enhancements in the forthcoming model, including specifications, feature support, pricing structures, and a tentative launch date.
New Additions in iOS 27 Beta 3
Apple is diligently iterating on iOS 27 in preparation for its scheduled September release, with the introduction of the third developer beta this week, showcasing a plethora of new functionalities.
Notably, Siri has become more customizable, alongside an engaging new wallpaper feature, coupled with notable enhancements to Photos and Shortcuts.
For Mac users, the new macOS beta reveals stunning Golden Gate-themed wallpapers that double as screen savers.
A public beta version of the forthcoming releases is expected to be available shortly.
Apple Intelligence Home Features Mandate 2TB iCloud+ Subscription in iOS 27
Utilizing Apple Intelligence camera functionalities within the Home app will necessitate a 2TB iCloud+ subscription, as specified by Apple.
This new capability, featured in iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS 27 Golden Gate, allows the Home app to produce written summaries for motion alerts originating from HomeKit Secure Video cameras.
The app can also consolidate footage from various cameras for a comprehensive view of activity and extract significant recordings, with the bonus of supporting natural language search.
At the recent WWDC, Apple indicated that certain features of Apple Intelligence would necessitate an iCloud+ plan, though the required tier remained unspecified until now.
Users will need the $9.99/month 2TB iCloud+ plan or a higher tier to access these Home functionalities.
Revelations on iPhone 18 Pro Battery Capacities from Regulatory Filings
Recent regulatory filings from China have seemingly confirmed the battery capacities slated for the upcoming models of the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max.
According to the findings reported by the leaker known as “Digital Chat Station” on Weibo, the iPhone 18 Pro appears to be rated at 4,056mAh in China and 4,288mAh in the U.S., a modest increase from the iPhone 17 Pro, which registered at 3,988mAh and 4,252mAh.
The iPhone 18 Pro Max exhibits a more substantial enhancement, with capacities of 5,391mAh in China and 5,567mAh in the U.S., compared to 4,823mAh and 5,088mAh for the iPhone 17 Pro Max—an increase nearing 500mAh.
Reports indicate that the foldable “iPhone Ultra” will feature two battery cells, yielding capacities of 1,921mAh and 2,962mAh, for a cumulative minimum rated capacity of 4,883mAh.
Anticipated Launch of Apple’s 2026 Back-to-School Offer
With July underway, anticipation mounts regarding Apple’s annual Back to School offer in the United States and Canada.
Historically, this promotion has launched as early as June, particularly from 2020 through 2025, although prior years have seen launches delayed into July.
Last year’s promotion offered college students and educational staff a complimentary accessory, such as AirPods 4 or an Apple Pencil Pro, with the purchase of select Mac or iPad models.
The specifics of this year’s offer remain uncertain, particularly against the backdrop of recent price increases for Macs and iPads, rendering the forthcoming promotion potentially bittersweet.
Source link: Macrumors.com.
