- Apple’s biggest story today is the smart-home launch event next week, followed by a second wave of Mac and iPad launches later in October.
- The main caution is demand. A report says iPhone 18 Pro orders are being cut, Mac shipments fell in Q3, and App Store growth is slowing.
- Overall, Apple is pushing hard on Siri AI, new hardware and EU App Store changes, while a weaker economy weighs on sales.
Apple (Company-Wide)
- Apple announced a special event for Tuesday, October 13, with the tagline “Welcome home.”
- Apple is expected to show a touchscreen home hub, a new Apple TV 4K and a HomePod mini, with the latter two getting more capable processors for Siri AI.
- Bloomberg reports a second launch on or around October 27, with touchscreen OLED MacBook Pro models, a new iPad mini and M6-powered Macs.
- Apple is also reported to have signed a hiring and licensing deal with the AI podcast startup Huxe.
iPhone
- Component orders for iPhone 18 Pro were reportedly cut by at least 15 percent for October after a price hike dampened demand.
- Apps optimized for the iPhone Duo can now be submitted to the App Store ahead of the foldable’s October 23 launch.
- Apple is also pushing iPhone users still on iOS 26 to install iOS 27.
iPad, Mac and MacBook
- Mac shipments fell 11.3% in Q3 2026, but Apple gained market share as the wider PC market fell more sharply, per IDC.
- The OLED iPad mini is expected to get a relocated FaceTime camera and a revamped speaker system.
- The new MacBook Pro models are expected to be significantly lighter and to gain a Dynamic Island for the first time.
Apple Watch and AirPods
- Owners of the Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 are reporting skin irritation.
- AirPods Pro 3 have dropped to $179, the lowest price since June, and AirPods Max 2 are back to $429.
Apple TV
- A new Apple TV 4K is expected at the October 13 event, as noted above.
- Apple TV has released a trailer for the comedy “Small Prophets.”
Vision Pro
- At WWDC, visionOS 27 added a 3D Siri and an eye-controlled notifications feature, though Apple was reportedly halting work on the headset
- Current reporting suggests a Vision Pro 2 may be cancelled or pushed back indefinitely.
App Store
- Apple’s new EU terms took effect October 1, with commissions of 26% on Apple’s in-app purchases, 20% on alternative payments and 15% on out-of-app links.
- The EU per-install Core Technology Fee has been replaced by a 5% Core Technology Commission.
- UBS kept a Neutral rating on Apple, citing slowing App Store growth.
Artificial Intelligence
- Siri AI is the centerpiece of Apple’s latest software, including a dedicated Siri app and Visual Intelligence.
- The upcoming Apple TV and HomePod mini are tied to Siri AI support.
- The Huxe deal is Apple’s latest AI-related talent and licensing move.
Space Technology
- NASA’s Crew-13 launched four astronauts to the International Space Station on October 1 for a six-month stay.
- That same week, SpaceX’s Starship reached orbit for the first time.
- NASA has completed the Artemis II flyby and now expects a crewed Moon landing in 2028.
iCloud, Handoff and AirDrop
- I found no notable headlines for these today.
Apple’s October 13 event details come from 9to5Mac and TidBITS. The October 27 launch is a Bloomberg report, so treat it as unconfirmed until Apple announces it
