watchOS 27 changes how to force quit Apple Watch apps since the Digital Crown double-click gesture is now reserved for the Live Rewind AI feature. Users can force quit apps by pressing and holding the Side button until sliders appear, then pressing and holding the Digital Crown until the watch face returns.
Apple released the second beta of iOS 27.2 to developers, featuring a redesigned Health app with new Insight and Longevity tabs, plus Siri AI in additional languages. The company is holding iOS 27.1 until the iPhone Duo launches on October 23, which will include dual-screen features and multitasking capabilities.
Apple's iPhone 18 Pro arrives four years after the iPhone 14 Pro with major upgrades including larger displays, new design, improved cameras, longer battery life, faster charging, USB-C, and Apple Intelligence support. The iPhone 18 Pro starts at $1,199 for 256GB, $200 more than the iPhone 14 Pro's launch price. For iPhone 14 Pro owners, the accumulated improvements across display, cameras, battery, and connectivity make it a worthwhile upgrade.
Apple's iPhone 20 Pro lineup, expected in 2027, may feature slightly larger displays than the iPhone 18 Pro models, with the Pro at 6.41 inches and Pro Max at 6.96 inches, according to a Chinese leaker. The devices are rumored to include a borderless quad-curved design, thinner OLED panels, and potential under-display Face ID technology.
Apple agreed to pay $250 million to settle a class action lawsuit over delayed Siri AI features that were advertised in June 2024 but not launched until June 2026. Eligible iPhone owners can claim $25 per device (up to $95) through the settlement website between September 21 and December 21, 2025, with payments expected after a February 2027 court approval hearing.
Apple canceled development of a shorter Apple Pencil designed for the iPhone Duo due to technical manufacturing issues. Instead, the iPhone Duo will support the existing USB-C Apple Pencil through a software update later this year.
iFixit published a teardown of the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, revealing battery capacity increases of 0.8% and 9.4% respectively, along with details on the new variable aperture system and larger vapor chamber. The teardown noted that NAND storage is now integrated into the dual-layer logic board, complicating repairs, and identified potential screen durability concerns.
Apple released iOS 27 and macOS Golden Gate this week, introducing Siri AI capabilities, Visual Intelligence, and Liquid Glass design updates across its operating systems. New hardware including iPhone 18 Pro, Apple Watch Series 12, and AirPods 5 also launched, with upcoming iOS 27.1 and 27.2 versions planned for additional features and improvements.
Apple Watch Ultra 4 received its first discount on Amazon just one day after launch, with select models now priced at $779.99 down from $799.00. Amazon also offers discounts on Apple Watch Series 12 models, with the 42mm GPS version at $389.99 and 46mm GPS at $439.99.
A Geekbench result claiming to show an unreleased M6 Pro chip's performance is likely fraudulent, according to Geekbench creator John Poole, who found internal inconsistencies. This aligns with earlier reports that Apple may skip M6 Pro and M6 Max chips entirely.
Apple released the Watch Series 12 today with internal upgrades and improved health sensors, including a faster S11 chip and enhanced heart rate monitoring that samples every five seconds. The device maintains the same external design as Series 11 but adds new color options, tougher Ceramic Shield 2 glass, and faster charging capabilities. New features include a readiness score based on activity and vitals, with prices starting at $399.
Apple hardware VP Tom Marieb discussed the iPhone Duo's design, emphasizing that the matte nano-texture display minimizes crease visibility over time and asking customers to hold the company accountable. He highlighted the extensively engineered hinge, designed for durability and a premium feel across various folded and open positions.
Apple's design team explains that notebooks inspired the iPhone Duo's form factor, with proportions based on the A-series paper system and a custom hinge designed for comfortable carrying and easy unfolding. The software prioritizes a cohesive single-device experience by maintaining control locations across the dual displays and drawing interface principles from Mac, iPad, and iPhone.
The iPhone 18 Pro Max requires a 'Prepare to Ship' feature to limit battery capacity below 20 watt-hours for shipping, repair, or trade-in purposes. Apple's firmware solution automatically reduces battery capacity during manufacturing and shipping, which is restored upon activation. The feature is accessible through Settings and includes options to undo the preparation, with potential waiting periods depending on the use case.
Apple's iPhone 18 Pro Max sold in the U.S. uniquely uses Qualcomm's Snapdragon X80 modem, while all other regions and smaller Pro models use Apple's custom C2 modem. The U.S. variant also features a new mmWave 5G antenna module from Apple, though the reason for the regional modem difference remains unexplained.
The Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 share the same S11 chip and health sensors, with the Series 12 starting at $399 and the Ultra 4 at $799. For most users, the Series 12 offers better value with identical performance in a lighter design, while the Ultra 4 justifies its premium through extended battery life and specialized features for diving, hiking, and endurance activities.
Apple's M5 Ultra and M6 chips show significant GPU performance gains in early Geekbench 7 benchmarks, with the M5 Ultra achieving 59% higher Metal scores than the M3 Ultra and the M6 showing 34% improvement over the M5. New Mac Studio and Mac mini models featuring these chips launch Tuesday.
Apple officially states that iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro cases are not compatible due to a slight 0.1mm difference in camera plateau thickness, but testing shows most cases work interchangeably between the two generations despite the minor variance.
Apple's iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max models are now available for delivery and in-store pickup at most global locations following the pre-order period. Wait times range from 2-3 weeks for Pro models to 3-4 weeks for Pro Max in the U.S., though same-day pickup remains available at many Apple Store locations worldwide. Prices start at $1,199 for the Pro and $1,299 for the Pro Max, representing a $100 increase from previous models.
Apple raised out-of-warranty battery replacement fees to $129 for iPhone 18 Pro models, up $10 from the $119 charged for iPhone 16 and 17 Pro models due to larger batteries. AppleCare+ customers can still get free replacements if battery capacity drops below 80%.