Taking a look back at this week’s news and headlines from across the Apple world, including iPhone 18 Pro release dates, new iPhone spec details, iOS 26.6’s September preparations, MacBook Pro touch display, Anniversary iPhone wishlist, App Store restrictions, and Apple TV expansion plans.
Apple Loop is here to remind you of a few of the many discussions around Apple in the last seven days. You can also read my weekly digest of Android news here on Forbes.
Splitting the iPhone 18 And iPhone 18 Pro Release Dates
Breaking a tradition that arguably reaches back to the launch of the iPhone 6 Plus. Apple will split the iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max from the more consumer-friendly iPhone 18. While the former will arrive in September, the latter, alongside the iPhone 18 Air, will be delayed to Spring 2027. That offers Apple some significant benefits. I explored the option earlier this week:
“By removing the equivalent of the iPhone 17’s $799 price from the initial iPhone 18 portfolio, Apple is protecting its finances during this downturn by upselling customers in the background. In the process, margin efficiency will climb, benefiting Apple’s revenue over the same period. It will be interesting to see the year-on-year change in new iPhone unit sales for the final calendar quarter, as we’ll be able to gauge how effective the separation has been.”
One iPhone, Two Modems?
Apple has plans to split the specifications of the US and Global variants of the iPhone 18 Pro, specifically the modem. The homegrown C2 model would be used for Global models, while North American markets with their relatively unique frequencies will receive a Qualcomm-equipped model. MacRumors notes that its reported specifications are quoted as coming from documents involved in the cyber attack on one of Apple’s suppliers earlier this year:
“Among the information that has attracted particular is a bill of materials apparently related to the U.S. variant of the iPhone 18 Pro , which lists multiple Qualcomm components rather than Apple’s C2 modem, codenamed Ganymede. The Qualcomm parts referenced include the SDX80M, SDR875, QDM8771, QDM8720, PMK75, PMX75, and QET7100A, components associated with mmWave 5G support. International iPhone 18 Pro models, by contrast, are said to use the “C2,” which would succeed the C1 and C1X modems currently found in the iPhone Air, iPhone 17e, and M5 iPad Pro.”
iOS 26.2 Sets The Table For September
Apple’s latest update to iOS arrived this week. Version 26.6 will likely be the last release before iOS 27 is launched alongside the iPhone 18 Pro. 26.6 brings a raft of bug fixes and security updates. While there are no major features, the code points to new features coming in September. Forbes contributor David Phelan has more, including a new indexing of your phone’s content:
“Initial reactions to the update have included some notes of surprise and curiosity. Why would users want to potentially slow down their iPhones now [for the indexing] in order to pre-empt something that for most people won’t happen until September at the earliest. And if you’re planning to buy a new iPhone then, you may feel that you don’t want to impact performance on your current phone now.
Samsung Gets Order Book For MacBook Pro Touch Displays
With Apple set to join the rest of the laptop market and add a touchscreen to the MacBook, The Elec reports that Samsung Display will supply OLED touch panels for the MacBook Pro redesign. 14-inch and 16-inch panels will be produced with fabrication beginning in August. That suggests a launch in late 2026 or early 2027, with a retail release to follow during Q1 2027:
“Samsung Display is the sole supplier of panels for the model. The estimated supply volume is approximately 2.5 million units. LG Display and China’s BOE are reportedly not being considered. It has been understood that Samsung Display was the only company involved in the initial panel development as well. Rather than Apple signing a separate exclusive supply contract, an exclusive supply structure was established as Samsung Display handled the panel specifications and mass production conditions from the development stage.”
20th Anniversary iPhone Wish List
2027 will be the twentieth anniversary of the iPhone. Revealed in January and going on sale in June, the iPhone shook up an industry that was coming to terms with online app stores and touchscreens just as Apple steamrollered in with its own vision. And 2027’s iPhone is expected to be just as evolutionary. Hartley Charlton showcases the key features the birthday phone is expected to sport, including a curved glass design with “edge-to-edge” display:
“The panel is said to curve down around all four edges for a borderless effect, going beyond the curved displays used by other manufacturers. Rather than the aggressively curved “waterfall” edges seen on some Samsung panels, Apple is said to be seeking an equal-depth quad-curved design with very shallow “micro-curves,” which could make edge swipes feel more natural and reduce distortion of on-screen content.”
UK Follows EU Regulations On App Store Restrictions
The UK Competition and Markets Authority is considering following the European Union’s moves to regulate smartphone app stores, with the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store at the top of the list. A CMA proposal under discussion would regulate pricing on the App Stores and also limit which digital products would be eligible for commission. Reuters’ Sam Tabahriti:
“The CMA’s consultation, which closed on Monday, is part of its efforts to boost competition and consumer choice. Its proposed measures would allow app developers to direct users to payment options outside Apple’s App Store and Google’s (GOOGL.O), opens new tab Play Store and require any fees charged for such steering to be fair and reasonable.” Apple has stated its objection to the proposal: “Under the (consultation), the CMA would not only regulate Apple’s prices, but also restrict the products and services for which Apple can charge a commission,” the company said in its submission.”
And Finally…
Speaking on the Red Carpet for the launch of the new Ted Lasso season, incoming Apple CEO John Ternus has signalled the company’s intention to continue its content plans with Apple TV productions:
“Apple first launched its original TV series and films through Apple TV+ in 2019, securing major hits including the Oscar-winning film “CODA,” the box-office success “F1”, and acclaimed series such as “The Studio” and “Ted Lasso”. Last year, the company rebranded the service by dropping the ‘plus’ sign, renaming it simply Apple TV.”
Apple Loop brings you seven days worth of highlights every weekend here on Forbes. Don’t forget to follow me so you don’t miss any coverage in the future. Last week’s Apple Loop can be read here, or this week’s edition of Loop’s sister column, Android Circuit, is also available on Forbes.