Rafomac News, Tech & Trends That MatterApple is gearing up for a packed year with a folding iPhone, AirPods featuring cameras, and the imminent launch of iOS 27. Sales are booming, new devices are on the horizon, and Walmart is finally embracing Apple Pay.
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Apple Defies Market Slump with Strong Sales
While smartphone sales have dipped by about 14% in India and other major markets between March and August, Apple’s sales have risen 15%, according to a report by Counterpoint Research. Similar trends appear in Europe and Latin America, showing that many switching to iPhones—including users previously unlikely to make the jump.
Adding convenience to its ecosystem, Apple continues expanding Apple Car Key support. The MG brand is rumored to be the next automaker to integrate iPhone as a key, following the example of Rivian. This functionality works seamlessly—even if your iPhone battery dies—and requires no additional apps.
Walmart Finally Adopts Apple Pay
In a long-anticipated move, Walmart began allowing Apple Pay transactions nationwide starting August 24th. The retail giant, previously favoring its own Walmart card, is rolling out Apple’s Tap to Pay at stores gradually, with some locations like the Carolinas scheduled to get the feature by early October. The full rollout is expected by year-end.
Google also launched a student-friendly perk: a free year of Google AI Pro, called Gemini, including 400 GB of cloud storage, helping students kick off their semester with enhanced resources.
What’s New in Software and Apps?
iOS 27 is well into beta testing, with beta 7 released and the release candidate potentially arriving soon. The final update will likely launch in mid-September, around the same time as the next iPhone unveiling. The Apple Store app has tested an AI-powered chat assistant that answers product questions, tracks trade-ins, and more. Meanwhile, WhatsApp is experimenting with a new glassy “liquid glass” interface in its beta, adjustable for user preference.
Folding iPhone and Pro Upgrades
Apple’s highly anticipated folding phone, expected to be revealed at the September event, reportedly resembles Samsung’s ZFold 8 in form, sporting wide and ultra-wide cameras but no telephoto zoom due to size constraints. Early users praise its usability as a camera viewfinder, benefitting from the large display. It will replace Face ID with Touch ID to save space—and it’s rumored to start at around $2,000, matching Samsung’s high-end foldables in price.
The iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max are expected to arrive in a refreshed palette—dark cherry, space gray, silver, and perhaps blue—with finish upgrades to better match frame and back colors. New case styles, including tech-woven options and possibly tinted clear cases, could debut as well. Price increases seem likely given trends at Samsung and Google, possibly starting around $1,249 to $1,399 for the baseline 256 GB models.
Looking Ahead to 20th Anniversary iPhone and AirPods with Cameras
Next year’s iPhone will mark two decades of the device. Early leaks suggest a more rounded design reminiscent of the iPhone Air, with glass curving smoothly around both front and back—offers a shift away from the squared edges of recent models. It promises to be a design highlight reminiscent of the beloved iPhone 10 from the 10th anniversary.
One of the year’s biggest reveals came unexpectedly through macOS leakages: Apple plans to launch AirPods featuring cameras and visual intelligence. These new AirPods could capture color images periodically without video, support active and passive environmental awareness, and integrate advanced head tracking. However, they’re likely a 2027 release. Alongside these, a new line of Beats headphones—Beats 360—was briefly spotted on UK Amazon, boasting interchangeable cushions, ANC, water resistance, and foldability, hinting at a fresh headphone experience.
Apple Watch and Home Devices Getting Upgrades
The Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 will mainly see processor upgrades, but ceramic makes a comeback as a premium material option in the Series 12—a feature fans have missed.
Apple is also prepping a new Siri-powered home device with a display, revamping select Apple Stores in anticipation. This device could feature Face ID-like recognition and a widget gallery designed for home control. Coupled with a possibly refreshed Apple TV featuring Wi-Fi 7 and an A17 Pro or newer chipset, Apple seems poised to strengthen its smart home offerings.
Macs and iPads Await Colorful Refreshes
MacBook Ultra and iMac updates with next-gen M6 chips are expected later in the year or early next. Leaks hint at new, unknown colors that might bring vibrancy to Apple’s Mac lineup.
As for iPads, an OLED iPad mini and base model updates could be coming by year-end or early next year, matching Apple’s usual update rhythms.
Vision Pro’s Future Uncertain
Apple recently let go about 60 employees from the Vision Pro teams, signaling the product is not a current focus. While it offers immersive video and unique use cases like note-taking, its high $4,000 price and limited content ecosystem mean it’s unlikely to hit mainstream anytime soon. Interestingly, it was almost named Reality Pro, aligning with early rumors of its OS titled Reality OS, but Vision Pro fits Apple’s naming style better.
The Apple event invites are expected soon, likely signaling the grand unveiling of the folding iPhone, iPhone 18 series, and more. It’s shaping up to be a pivotal year for Apple with new form factors, smart home ambitions, and cutting-edge accessory innovations bringing fresh energy to the lineup.
