Apple Watch Updates, September Event Preview, New iOS Tips & Tricks, and the Latest Beta News.

Newsletter #8

Apple Watch Updates, September Event Preview, New iOS Tips & Tricks, and the Latest Beta News.

Welcome to the 8th edition of the Tech With Eugene newsletter! 💙

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It’s already the second week of August, which means Apple’s next big product reveal is just around the corner.
We’re expecting plenty of exciting announcements, including the new iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, Apple’s first foldable iPhone, the next generation of Apple Watch, a new Apple Watch Ultra, and perhaps a few surprises.
There’s a lot to look forward to, but today I want to focus on the device many of us wear every day. Let’s take a closer look at what Apple may have planned for the Apple Watch.

So, grab your favorite drink, get comfortable, and let’s explore what’s coming together. ☕️⌚️

The Next-Gen Apple Watch

Apple Watch Series 12 is coming, but should you be excited?
Before we look ahead to the next generation of Apple Watch, let’s take a little trip back to where it all began.

From a watch to a daily companion
Apple unveiled the very first Apple Watch on September 9, 2014, alongside the iPhone 6. It arrived in stores the following April, marking Apple’s first major new product category after the iPad, and its first entirely new product of the Tim Cook era.
At the time, Apple described it as its “most personal device ever.” That turned out to be a fitting description. Unlike an iPhone that spends much of the day in your pocket, the Apple Watch sits right on your wrist, quietly becoming part of your daily routine.
It tells the time, of course, but it also delivers messages, tracks workouts, monitors your heart rate, helps you find your iPhone, lets you make payments, and can even call for help after detecting a hard fall or serious car crash.That combination of convenience, health, fitness, and safety helped the Apple Watch grow into what Apple now calls the world’s most popular watch. For many people, myself included, it’s those small everyday moments that make it so useful. A gentle reminder to stand up, a quick glance at a message, or closing those Activity rings can make a surprisingly big difference.

Then came the Apple Watch Ultra
In September 2022, Apple took the Watch in a bold new direction with the first Apple Watch Ultra.
This was a bigger, stronger, and more adventurous Apple Watch, created for endurance athletes, divers, hikers, and anyone who wanted longer battery life and a more rugged design. It introduced a large 49mm titanium case, a brighter display, improved GPS, extra water resistance, and the bright orange Action button.
You certainly don’t need to climb a mountain or dive into the ocean to enjoy one. Plenty of people simply love the Ultra for its larger screen, distinctive appearance, durability, and extra battery life. It sits at the top of the Apple Watch family and has developed a very loyal following of its own.

And what about the Apple Watch SE?
Apple introduced the first Apple Watch SE in September 2020, giving more people an affordable way into the Apple Watch experience.
The idea was simple: keep the features most people use every day while leaving out some of the more advanced, and more expensive, technology found in the main Series models.
The SE became a popular choice for first-time buyers, families, and parents buying an Apple Watch for a child. It offers the familiar Apple Watch experience, including activity tracking, notifications, calls, safety features, and Apple Pay, at a lower price.
Three Apple Watches, three different audiences

Today, Apple’s Watch family is built around three models:

• The Apple Watch Series is the all-rounder. It combines a slim design with Apple’s latest everyday health, fitness, and display features.

• The Apple Watch Ultra is the premium, rugged option. It offers a larger display, tougher construction, specialist outdoor features, and longer battery life.

• The Apple Watch SE is the affordable entry point. It covers the essentials without asking you to pay for every advanced sensor or premium material.

I like this lineup because it makes the decision fairly straightforward. The SE gives you the essentials, the regular Series offers the best balance for most people, and the Ultra is there if you want something bigger, tougher, and longer-lasting.

What is Apple preparing for September?
If the latest reports are correct, Apple is preparing to introduce the Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 this September.
One important note: none of this is official yet. Apple hasn’t announced these watches, so we should treat every detail as a rumor until the company takes the stage.
A new Apple Watch SE 4 is not currently expected. That makes sense, as Apple introduced the Apple Watch SE 3 only last year. Unlike the main Series, the SE doesn’t usually receive an annual update.
So, what could be new?

A genuinely new chip
The Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 are expected to receive a new chip with improved performance.
Apple may change the name printed on its Watch chips, but the underlying processor doesn’t always make a significant leap each year. The last major performance upgrade arrived with the Series 9 and Ultra 2 in 2023.
This year’s new chip should make the Watch feel faster and more responsive. More importantly, it could help the Series 12 remain useful and receive software updates for longer. That may not sound as exciting as a completely new design, but it matters if, like me, you prefer to keep your Apple Watch for several years.

Longer battery life
Better battery life is also said to be a priority for the Series 12, and this is the improvement I think many people would appreciate most.
Battery life has always been one of the Apple Watch’s biggest compromises. It has improved over the years, but most owners still need to think about charging regularly. Even a few extra hours could make it easier to track sleep, wear the Watch throughout a busy day, and charge it whenever it suits you.
A more efficient chip and potentially larger battery could help, although we don’t yet know how much of an improvement Apple might deliver.
More health and fitness improvements

Apple is also reportedly working on new health and fitness-tracking capabilities. The exact details remain unclear, but there has been talk of improved blood-pressure notifications and more advanced sensors.
Health has become one of the biggest reasons to own an Apple Watch. It may begin as a convenient way to read messages or track a walk, but features such as heart-rate alerts, ECG readings, sleep tracking, fall detection, and emergency calling can make it feel far more meaningful over time.
I’m curious to see whether Apple can add something genuinely useful this year, rather than simply giving us another measurement to check.

Will Touch ID finally come to the Apple Watch?
Leaked Apple code has included references to Touch ID for the Apple Watch, leading to speculation that Apple could place a fingerprint sensor inside the side button.
It’s an interesting idea. Instead of entering a passcode on the small display, you could unlock the Watch with your finger—similar to Touch ID on certain iPads.
However, this rumor now appears less likely. Adding a fingerprint sensor would take up valuable space that Apple may prefer to use for a larger battery or additional health technology. Reliable Apple reporters have also stopped short of saying that Touch ID will arrive this year. For now, I would place this firmly in the “possible, but don’t count on it” category.

Could the watch band become even smarter?
One of the more unusual rumors claims Apple is exploring a Watch band with a health sensor built into it.
Until now, the Apple Watch’s health sensors have been located inside the Watch itself. Moving or adding sensors to the band could create new possibilities, but it could also make bands more expensive and raise questions about compatibility with older models.
The source behind this claim doesn’t have the strongest track record, so I’m taking this one with a generous pinch of salt.

What about the Apple Watch Ultra 4?
The Ultra 4 is also expected to receive the new, faster chip and further health and fitness improvements.
Some reports have suggested design and sensor changes, but more recent information indicates that neither the Series 12 nor the Ultra 4 will receive a complete redesign this year. Apple’s focus may instead be on what’s happening inside: better performance, improved efficiency, and more capable health tracking.
That may disappoint anyone hoping for a dramatically different Watch, but the Ultra’s design still feels distinctive. A faster chip and meaningful battery or health improvements could be enough to make it a worthwhile update, especially for owners of the original Ultra.

My early thoughts
At the moment, to me, the Apple Watch Series 12 sounds more like a thoughtful refinement than a revolution.
That isn’t necessarily a bad thing. The Apple Watch is already a mature product, and the improvements that matter most aren’t always the ones that look impressive in a presentation. A faster chip, longer battery life, and more helpful health features could make a real difference every single day.
If you already own a recent Apple Watch, I wouldn’t start planning an upgrade just yet. But if your current Watch is several years old, or its battery no longer gets you comfortably through the day, This September event could bring a very tempting moment to make the switch.
As always, I’ll be following the rumors and sharing the most important updates with you as Apple’s event gets closer.
Would longer battery life convince you to upgrade, or are you waiting for a completely new design? Just hit reply and let me know. I always enjoy hearing which features matter most to you.

Image: Apple Watch Ultra 3, Apple Watch Series 11 and Apple Watch SE 3

Newsletter #8

September event

September is just around the corner, and Apple appears to be preparing one of its most exciting product events in years.
This event could also mark an important moment in Apple’s history. For the first time, the September presentation is expected to be led by Apple’s new CEO, John Ternus, who officially takes over from Tim Cook on September 1.

After spending years overseeing the hardware behind products such as the iPhone, iPad, and Mac, this will be his first major product launch as Apple’s CEO, and I’m very curious to see how he puts his own stamp on it.

Apple will probably continue with the familiar format of recent years: a polished, pre-recorded presentation streamed online rather than a completely live keynote. The company may still invite members of the media and selected guests to Apple Park to watch the presentation and try the new products afterwards.

The foldable iPhone is expected to be the star of the show, but it may have to share the stage with several other new products. Here’s everything Apple could be preparing for the September event.

iPhone 18 Pro
The iPhone 18 Pro is expected to deliver Apple’s latest camera, performance, and display improvements in the smaller of the two Pro sizes.
Apple’s annual iPhone upgrades have become more refined over the years, but the Pro remains the model to watch if you want the newest technology without choosing the largest possible phone.

iPhone 18 Pro Max
Alongside the regular Pro, Apple is expected to introduce the larger iPhone 18 Pro Max.
It will likely offer many of the same features as the iPhone 18 Pro, but with a bigger display and battery. Apple sometimes saves one or two camera advantages for its largest model, so I’ll be interested to see whether that happens again this year.

iPhone Ultra
This could be the announcement everyone talks about.
Apple’s first foldable iPhone is expected to join the family as an ultra-premium model. Although its final name hasn’t been confirmed, “iPhone Ultra” is one possibility.
The idea of an iPhone that opens into a larger, tablet-like display is exciting, but reports suggest Apple is still making final production adjustments. That means the company could introduce it in September and release it later, or possibly delay the announcement if it isn’t completely satisfied with the finished product.
Apple rarely rushes into a new product category, especially when it involves a completely different design. If the foldable iPhone does appear, I expect Apple to spend plenty of time explaining why it believes the format is finally ready.

Apple Watch Series 12
As we explored earlier, the Apple Watch Series 12 is expected to be the new all-rounder in Apple’s wearable family.
Rumored improvements include a faster chip, better efficiency, longer battery life, and updated health and fitness tracking. It may look familiar on the outside, but the changes inside could make it a meaningful upgrade for anyone still wearing an older model.

Apple Watch Ultra 4
The Apple Watch Ultra 4 is expected to sit at the top of the lineup, with its larger display, rugged titanium design, extra outdoor features, and longer battery life.
A new chip and improved health sensors are among the most likely upgrades. There have also been rumors of design changes, although the latest reports suggest we shouldn’t expect a complete makeover.
No Apple Watch SE 4 is currently expected. Since Apple refreshed the more affordable SE only last year, it will probably remain in the lineup unchanged.

A new Apple TV 4K
Apple may also have a new Apple TV 4K ready for the autumn.
The Apple TV doesn’t receive an update every year, but a faster chip could make menus and apps feel more responsive while improving its gaming and smart-home capabilities.
I’m particularly curious to see what Apple does here. The Apple TV is already a wonderfully simple and reliable streaming box, but it has the potential to become a much more important part of Apple’s growing smart-home plans.

HomePod mini 2
The original HomePod mini has been with us for several years, so an update feels overdue.
A second-generation model could bring better sound, improved wireless connectivity, a more capable processor, and tighter integration with Apple’s smart-home products. New colors would also be a very Apple-like way to freshen up the lineup.
The HomePod mini may not be Apple’s most glamorous product, but it has quietly become an accessible way to bring Siri, music, timers, and HomeKit controls into different rooms around the house.

Apple’s new smart-home hub
The most intriguing home announcement may be an entirely new product. It has been referred to in reports by unofficial names such as “HomePad” and “HomePod Touch,” but Apple could choose something completely different.
The device is expected to combine a display with smart-home controls, video calling, Siri, music, photos, and other everyday information. Think of it as a central place for checking your calendar, controlling your lights, viewing cameras, or making a FaceTime call.
Its release is reportedly planned for sometime between October and early next year. That means Apple may only give us a preview in September, similar to how it has introduced important new product categories months before they reached stores.

My early thoughts
For me, the foldable iPhone is the product to watch. It represents something genuinely new for Apple, and I’m fascinated to see how the company will explain its purpose, not just how the folding mechanism works. At the same time, I’m quietly excited about Apple’s home plans. A new iPhone will always get the headlines, but a thoughtfully designed home hub could become the kind of product families interact with dozens of times every day.
Of course, these products remain unconfirmed until John Ternus and the Apple team take the stage at Apple Park. Plans can change, products can be delayed, and Apple may still have a surprise or two waiting for us.
Which announcement are you most excited about: the foldable iPhone, the next Apple Watch, or Apple’s new smart-home products?

Image: Tim Cook on Stage

This Week’s iOS Tips & Tricks

It’s time for this week’s iOS Tips! Every week, I explore useful features, clever shortcuts and hidden tools that can make your iPhone a little easier, and more enjoyable, to use.
Some of these features have been available for a while, but they are often hidden deep inside the Settings app. Others are simple tricks you might never discover unless someone points them out.

This week, I’m sharing two lesser-known iPhone features, plus a handy bonus tip. One will save you time when editing photos, while the other helps ensure you never miss an important call.

1. Apply the same edits to several photos at once

Have you ever taken a series of photos and wanted them all to have the same look? You don’t need to adjust the brightness, colour, or filter of every image separately.
The Photos app lets you copy your edits from one photo and apply them to an entire group.

Here’s how:

1. Open a photo and tap Edit.

2. Make your adjustments, then tap Done.

3. Tap the three dots and select Copy Edits.

4. Return to your photo library and tap Select.

5. Choose all the photos you want to change.

6. Tap the three dots and select Paste Edits.

Your iPhone will apply those adjustments to every selected photo. It can even adapt the exposure and white balance slightly so the images match more naturally.
I find this especially useful after a holiday, family gathering, or day out when I’ve taken several photos in similar lighting. It saves time and gives the entire collection a more consistent look.
And don’t worry, these photo edits are non-destructive, so you can still return an image to its original appearance later.

Photos app to Copy Edits

2. Let an important contact reach you even when your iPhone is silent

Most of us keep our iPhones in Silent mode or use a Focus at certain times. That’s wonderfully peaceful, until someone important urgently needs to reach us. With Emergency Bypass, calls or messages from a chosen contact can still make a sound, even when your iPhone or notifications are silenced

Here’s how to set it up:

1. Open the Contacts app.

2. Select the person who should always be able to reach you.

3. Tap Edit.

4. Choose Ringtone.

5. Turn on Emergency Bypass and tap Done.

If you also want their text messages to make a sound, return to the contact, select Text Tone, and enable Emergency Bypass there as well.
This can be reassuring for a partner, child, parent, or anyone who may need to contact you in an emergency.
Just choose carefully: Emergency Bypass means that person can make your iPhone ring at any time—including during a meeting or while you’re sleeping.

3. Bonus tip: Know who’s calling without looking

You can give an important contact their own vibration pattern, allowing you to recognise who’s calling, even when your iPhone is in your pocket or purse.
Open Contacts, select the person, and tap Edit → Ringtone → Haptics. Choose an existing pattern or tap Create New Vibration to make your own by tapping a rhythm on the screen.
It’s a small personal touch, but surprisingly useful for recognising calls from your partner, children, or family without checking your phone.

iOS 27 Beta 5 is finally here

After a longer wait than expected, iOS 27 Beta 5 has finally arrived. Many of us thought Apple would release it last week, but the entire week passed without an update, until yesterday.

So, was it worth the wait? Let’s take a closer look at everything Apple has changed and added in iOS 27 Beta 5.

What has changed in iOS 27 Beta 5?
Beta 5 isn’t packed with major new features, but Apple has made several visual refinements and smaller improvements throughout the system. Here are the changes spotted so far.

Updated icons with more Liquid Glass
Apple has updated the icons for Safari, Siri, Remote, and Preview, bringing them more closely in line with the new Liquid Glass design.
Several other icons have received smaller refinements, while the Chess app on Mac now has a new glass-inspired appearance too. These are subtle changes, but they help make Apple’s new design language feel more consistent.

More natural Siri voices in British English
Siri’s enhanced voice options are now available in British English, giving users in the UK more choice over how Siri sounds.
Apple has also slightly reduced the colour intensity of Siri’s on-screen animation. It’s a small adjustment, but the result feels a little softer and less distracting.

More control over Search suggestions
There is a new Before Search section inside the Search settings. It lets you decide what appears before you begin typing in Home Screen Search, including:

• The number of suggested apps

• Suggested app shortcuts

• Your recent searches

If you prefer a cleaner and less crowded Search screen, these new controls are certainly worth exploring.

A cleaner Control Centre
When your iPhone is connected to Wi-Fi, the cellular network type, such as 4G or 5G, no longer appears in Control Centre.
This seems to be a deliberate effort to simplify the interface and only show cellular information when it’s relevant. I personally don't like this update and it was better for me if it showed both.

5G+ arrives for EE customers
EE customers in the UK may now see a 5G+ indicator when connected to the network’s faster 5G service.EE is one of the UK’s largest mobile operators, similar to Vodafone, O2, or Three.
The icon won’t appear everywhere, as it depends on your location, coverage, and mobile plan. Still, it makes it easier to see when your iPhone is using the network’s more advanced 5G connection.

Siri AI starts indexing again
After installing Beta 5, Siri AI may begin indexing the information on your device again. During this process, certain intelligent features may take a little time to work normally, or may temporarily feel less responsive.
This behaviour is expected after some beta updates, so give your iPhone a little time to complete the process in the background.

Alongside iOS 27 Beta 5, Apple also released iOS 26.6.1 Release Candidate. The final test version before the update becomes available to everyone.

It follows macOS 26.6.1, which arrived last week as an important security update for Mac users. A similar update is now expected to reach iPhone users soon most likely next week, so keep an eye on Settings → General → Software Update.
iOS 26.6 is currently the latest stable version for your iPhone.

I’ve also shared these updates on my Threads account. Simply click the photo below to visit my post and join the conversation.

That’s all for this week! If you know someone who might enjoy this newsletter, feel free to forward it and invite them to join us. See you in the next one.

Get More from your Apple Accessories

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