Apple has rolled out fresh price hikes for its streaming and services offerings in the U.S. (as well as in Brazil, Chile, and Mexico). Apple TV’s monthly cost has risen by $2 to $14.99, while the annual plan now costs $119, up from $99. The Apple One Individual bundle, which packages together Apple Music, TV, Arcade, and iCloud+, has also increased from $19.95 to $21.95 per month. Existing subscribers will get roughly one month’s notice before the new rate takes effect. These adjustments round out a year of staggered price increases across Apple’s service tiers. (Late August 2026)
Shift in iPhone 18 Pro Pre-Order Timing
Apple’s next product event is set for September 9, 2026, when it’s expected to introduce the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and its first foldable handset (rumored to be called iPhone Ultra). However analysts suggest that pre-orders for the Pro models may be delayed compared to past years due to sensitivity around September 11. Historically, Apple has avoided beginning pre-orders on that date out of respect, so orders may start Saturday, September 12, instead of the usual Friday immediately following the event. The official release for the Pro models is likely to be September 18. The foldable model, facing production constraints, is predicted to arrive later, perhaps in Q4 2026.
What Series 12 Might Bring in Fitness and Health
The Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 are reported to be undergoing significant upgrades in the health department. Rumors point to always-on heart-rate tracking, which would continuously monitor pulse outside of workouts. Apple is also said to be launching a revamped Fitness app, aiming to present wellness metrics in a more streamlined and actionable format. A ceramic edition of the Series 12 is under consideration, offered in multiple finishes, and a broader array of band options is expected.
Why this matters: Subscription price hikes like Apple’s are part of a broader trend across streaming services as companies try to balance rising production and licensing costs with subscriber growth. The postponement or adjustment of pre-order and release timelines for iPhones could impact consumers planning hardware upgrades or budgeting for new devices. On the health front, always-on monitoring and app overhauls reflect increasing expectations for wearables—not just as gadgets, but as health tools. Watch for whether these rumored health features affect battery life, and whether they come at extra cost or only in premium versions.
