It was another busy week for Apple news and rumors, with several upcoming product categories drawing attention.
Much of the discussion focused on Apple’s long-rumored foldable iPhone, which continues to generate leaks around its design, pricing, and potential launch timing. Alongside that, Apple’s work on smart glasses also surfaced again, with reports suggesting continued development in wearable augmented reality hardware as part of its long-term product roadmap.
Beyond new hardware categories, ongoing rumors about future software updates and AI-driven features also contributed to a steady stream of Apple-related speculation, reinforcing expectations that the company is preparing multiple major product shifts in the coming years.
Top Apple Stories This Week
Foldable iPhone (“iPhone Ultra”) progress
Apple’s upcoming foldable iPhone continues to generate major rumors. Some leakers suggest it could be called the “iPhone Ultra” and may launch in September alongside the iPhone 18 Pro models, though timelines remain uncertain.
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is focusing heavily on improving durability and display quality, reportedly addressing two of the biggest issues seen in current foldable smartphones. While production delays are still being discussed, Apple is still said to be targeting a fall 2026 launch, though some reports push availability into early 2027.
Mac mini and Mac Studio supply tightening
Apple’s Mac lineup is experiencing notable supply constraints, particularly for high-memory configurations of the Mac mini and Mac Studio.
Some configurations, including models with 32GB, 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB RAM, are now listed as unavailable on Apple’s U.S. online store. Remaining stock is also facing long shipping delays, ranging from one to three months.
These shortages are being linked to a global memory chip supply crunch, combined with expectations of upcoming refreshed models.
Smart glasses development
Apple is reportedly testing multiple designs for its upcoming smart glasses project, with at least four styles in development.
The prototypes are said to use high-end acetate materials, aiming for a more premium look and feel than typical smart glasses. Designs include:
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A rectangular frame similar to Ray-Ban Wayfarer styles
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A slimmer rectangular design
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Larger oval or circular frames
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A smaller, more refined circular design
This suggests Apple is prioritizing fashion-forward wearability alongside functionality.
Satellite connectivity partnership changes
Amazon has announced plans to acquire Globalstar, Apple’s current satellite connectivity partner. Despite the acquisition, Apple’s existing satellite features are expected to continue operating.
In addition, Apple has reportedly signed an agreement with Amazon’s new “Leo” satellite network, which may support future expansions of iPhone and Apple Watch satellite features, including:
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Emergency SOS
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Messages via satellite
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Find My via satellite
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Roadside Assistance
Amazon has stated it will continue supporting existing Apple devices and collaborate on future satellite capabilities.
iPhone hotspot tracking improvements
With iOS 26.4, Apple has improved transparency for Personal Hotspot usage. Users can now see who is using hotspot data directly within the hotspot settings menu, making it easier to monitor data consumption from connected devices.
iPhone used in NASA Artemis II mission
Apple also highlighted an unusual use case for the iPhone 17 Pro Max: astronauts aboard NASA’s Orion spacecraft used it to capture photos of Earth during the Artemis II mission around the Moon.
After the mission, Apple executives including Tim Cook and Greg Joswiak praised the imagery, emphasizing the iPhone’s role in capturing space photography during the mission.
Weekly Apple newsletter
MacRumors also reminded readers about its weekly newsletter, which summarizes major Apple news and trends for easy updates.