Apple News Daily — April 25, 2026

📱 iPhone Fold (or iPhone Ultra): Everything We Know So Far

Apple's long-rumored foldable iPhone — which could be called either the iPhone Fold or iPhone Ultra — is shaping up to be the most significant new product launch of 2026. Expected to arrive this fall, the device will mark Apple's entry into the foldable smartphone market that Samsung, Google, and others have been pioneering for years.

However, a new MacRumors report suggests the foldable could be missing as many as five key features despite carrying a rumored $2,000 price tag. While the full list of omissions isn't confirmed, the device is expected to make trade-offs in areas like camera versatility and battery capacity in order to achieve its foldable form factor. Even so, Apple's take on the foldable form factor is expected to redefine the category with its usual attention to build quality and software integration.

New dummy unit photos from 9to5Mac show the iPhone Ultra compared side-by-side with an iPad mini, giving a clear sense of scale for the device when unfolded. The inner display is said to be roughly the size of a small tablet, while the outer screen handles everyday phone tasks.

Sources: AppleInsider, MacRumors, 9to5Mac

📸 iPhone 18 Pro to Launch Four-Part Camera Upgrade Plan

Apple is preparing a major camera overhaul starting with the iPhone 18 Pro, according to MacRumors. The plan reportedly spans multiple generations and will introduce four significant camera technology upgrades. The iPhone 18 Pro Max is already showing a thicker camera module in leaked dummy units, suggesting larger sensor or lens improvements.

This multi-year camera strategy signals Apple's commitment to maintaining its position as the go-to smartphone for photography and videography, even as competitors like Samsung and Google push computational photography boundaries.

Source: MacRumors

🔧 iPhone 18 Entry-Level Rumored to Get 50% More RAM

In a welcome upgrade for the base model, Apple's entry-level iPhone 18 is rumored to receive 50% more RAM than the current iPhone 17. The increase would bring much-needed headroom for Apple Intelligence features, multitasking, and overall system performance on the most affordable iPhone model.

Source: AppleInsider

🗺️ Ads Are Coming to Apple Maps This Summer

Apple Maps will begin showing advertisements starting this summer, MacRumors reports. The move marks Apple's latest expansion into advertising revenue, following ads already present in the App Store and Apple News. Details on ad placement and format are still emerging, but the ads are expected to be contextual and relevant to user searches.

For Apple, this represents another step in growing its services revenue — now a $100+ billion annual business. For users, the key question will be whether Apple can maintain its privacy-first approach while still delivering effective advertising.

Source: MacRumors

🤖 Google Confirms Gemini-Powered Siri Coming Later This Year

Google has confirmed that a Gemini-powered Siri integration is coming to Apple devices later this year. The partnership will allow Siri to leverage Google's advanced Gemini AI models for complex queries, while keeping Apple's on-device processing for simpler tasks and privacy-sensitive operations.

This follows Apple's broader strategy of integrating multiple AI providers alongside its own Apple Intelligence framework, giving users the best of multiple AI ecosystems without leaving the Siri interface.

Source: MacRumors

📤 Apple Releases iOS 26.4.2 with Bug Fixes

Apple has released iOS 26.4.2 and iPadOS 26.4.2, a minor update focused on bug fixes and performance improvements. While there are no headline new features, the update addresses several issues reported by users since the iOS 26.4 release. All supported iPhone and iPad models can download the update now via Settings → General → Software Update.

Source: MacRumors

⚖️ Masimo's Apple Watch Ban Complaint Dismissed

A U.S. District Court has dismissed Masimo's complaint seeking an Apple Watch import ban. The medical device company had been pursuing legal action against Apple over blood oxygen sensor patents, but the latest ruling represents a significant win for Apple. This doesn't end the broader patent dispute between the two companies, but it removes the immediate threat of an import ban on Apple Watch models with blood oxygen monitoring.

Source: AppleInsider

💻 Base Mac mini Sold Out from Apple Online Store

The base model Mac mini has sold out from Apple's online store, fueling speculation that an updated model could be on the way. MacRumors notes that sellouts of current inventory sometimes precede product refreshes. The Mac mini was last updated with the M5 chip, so a mid-cycle update or new configuration could be imminent.

Source: MacRumors

🧠 iOS 27 Apple Intelligence: Safari, Wallet, and More Upgrades Coming

Looking ahead to WWDC 2026 and iOS 27, AppleInsider reports that new Apple Intelligence features are planned for Safari, Wallet, and other system apps. The enhancements are expected to build on the foundation laid by iOS 26's AI features, bringing more intelligent automation and personalization across the operating system.

Source: AppleInsider

💰 Deals of the Day

MacBook Air M5 — $1,349 (24GB RAM, 1TB SSD)

Apple Authorized Resellers have dropped the M5 MacBook Air with upgraded 24GB RAM and 1TB SSD to just $1,349 — an excellent deal for a maxed-out configuration.

Apple Watch Series 11 — $100 Off on Amazon

Amazon has the Apple Watch Series 11 starting at $299, a $100 discount. If you've been waiting to upgrade your Apple Watch, this is one of the best prices we've seen.

MacBook Neo — $589 on Amazon

Amazon has issued a $589 deal on the MacBook Neo, the lowest price on the new release. Perfect for students or anyone needing an affordable entry into the Mac ecosystem.

Sources: AppleInsider, MacRumors

💡 Today's Tips & Tricks

📱 iOS Tip: Use Apple Intelligence to Summarize Long Emails

Getting buried in emails? Apple Intelligence in iOS 26 can automatically generate summaries of long email threads directly in the Mail app. Just open a lengthy email thread and look for the "Summary" section at the top — it uses on-device AI to extract the key points without any third-party apps or privacy concerns.

💻 macOS Tip: Quickly Check Network Quality from Terminal

Want to test your internet connection quality? Open Terminal and type networkQuality to run Apple's built-in network diagnostics tool. It measures upload speed, download speed, and identifies your connection's Responsiveness (idle, low, medium, or high) — no third-party speed test apps needed.

⌚ Apple Watch Tip: Track Your Hydration With the Hidden Water Feature

As 9to5Mac highlighted this week, your Apple Watch has a useful hidden feature for tracking hydration. Using the Health app, you can log water intake and set daily goals. Pair it with the Reminders app to get periodic nudges throughout the day to stay hydrated — especially useful as warmer weather approaches.