iPhone 18e Rumors, Apple Upgrade Explained, iOS Tips and the Latest App Updates.

Newsletter #7

iPhone 18e Rumors, Apple Upgrade Explained, iOS Tips and the Latest App Updates.

Welcome to the 7th edition of the Tech With Eugene newsletter! 💙

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A little personal update: yesterday was my birthday! 🎉 I was born on August 2, 1985, which means I’m now 41.
My wife and kids surprised me with a city trip to Antwerp, where we enjoyed the beautiful city, great restaurants, Belgian waffles, and, of course, a Belgian beer or two. 🇧🇪🧇🍺
It was the perfect way to celebrate with my family.

Now that we’re all caught up, let’s take a look at what happened in the world of Apple last week. You may already have seen some of it on my Threads channel: Apple launched Apple Upgrade, and there was also fresh news about the upcoming budget-friendly iPhone 18e.

So grab a drink, get comfortable, and let’s dive in together. ☕️📱

iPhone 18e

For years, Apple's most affordable iPhone carried the SE name. The first iPhone SE launched in 2016, followed by new generations in 2020 and 2022. The idea was simple: offer the core iPhone experience at a lower price by combining modern performance with a more familiar design.

In 2025, Apple changed this direction. Instead of introducing another iPhone SE, it launched the iPhone 16e. This is meant to be a more affordable member of the iPhone 16 family.

The "e" branding brings the budget model into the main iPhone lineup while still keeping it accessible for people who don't need every Pro feature. It also means buyers get modern essentials like Apple Intelligence support, the newer A18 chip, USB-C, and Face ID at a lower price level.

One thing Apple did leave out, however, was MagSafe. Unlike the rest of the iPhone 16 lineup, the iPhone 16e only supports standard Qi wireless charging and isn't compatible with Apple's MagSafe accessories. That remains one of the key differences between the 16e and the other iPhone 16 models.

It feels like the iPhone 17e only just arrived, and, well, it pretty much did. Apple launched it in March 2026 as the successor to the iPhone 16e, bringing a faster A19 processor and the welcome addition of MagSafe charging.
The upgrades were fairly modest, but they made Apple’s more affordable iPhone a little more capable and convenient. Now just a few months later, the rumor mill is already looking ahead.
New reports suggest Apple has started working on its next model: the iPhone 18e.

The iPhone 18e could get more RAM

The iPhone 18e could get more RAM, and it may be all about the new Siri AI.

Like I said, Apple launched the iPhone 17e in March 2026, but the rumor mill is already looking ahead to its successor. The iPhone 18e is reportedly in development, with a possible release planned for spring 2027.
At first glance, the upcoming model may look like another modest update. But one rumored specification stands out: the iPhone 18e could come with 9GB of RAM, up from 8GB in the iPhone 17e.
That extra gigabyte might not sound particularly exciting, but it could play an important role in preparing Apple’s more affordable iPhone for the next generation of Siri and Apple Intelligence.

More memory for Apple Intelligence
Apple normally doesn’t talk much about how much RAM it puts inside an iPhone. Unlike storage, it isn’t something you can select when placing your order.
However, memory has become increasingly important as Apple adds more AI features that can run directly on the device. A phone needs enough memory to keep apps, the operating system and AI models running together without slowing everything down.
The rumored move from 8GB to 9GB could therefore be less about traditional performance and more about giving Apple Intelligence some additional breathing room.
Apple recently introduced Siri AI with iOS 27, a redesigned version of its assistant with improved conversational abilities, onscreen awareness and personal context. It can search through information in apps such as Messages, Mail and Photos, answer broader questions and help users complete actions across their devices. Some of this processing happens on the iPhone, while more demanding requests can be handled using Apple’s private cloud infrastructure.

By the time the iPhone 18e arrives, these features will likely be a much bigger part of the everyday iPhone experience. Giving the phone 9GB of RAM could help it remain responsive while using Siri AI and other Apple Intelligence tools.
In other words, the extra RAM may not make the iPhone 18e feel dramatically faster on day one, but it could help the phone age better as Apple’s AI features become more advanced.

A new A20 chip could bring another efficiency boost
The iPhone 18e is also expected to use Apple’s upcoming A20 processor. The chip is rumored to be manufactured using a more efficient 2-nanometer process, which could deliver better performance while consuming less power.
That would be particularly useful for Apple Intelligence. Running AI models requires a significant amount of processing power, and improved efficiency could allow the iPhone 18e to handle more tasks without putting too much pressure on battery life.
Apple’s next-generation C2 modem is also rumored for the device. If that happens, it could improve cellular efficiency and give Apple even more control over the phone’s most important components.

The rest of the iPhone 18e may look familiar
While the internal hardware could receive some meaningful upgrades, Apple is not expected to completely redesign the iPhone 18e.
Rumors currently point to a familiar 6.1-inch OLED display. Unfortunately, the screen is also expected to remain at 60Hz. That would be disappointing in 2027, especially when many less expensive Android phones already offer smoother 90Hz or 120Hz displays.
The Dynamic Island could finally replace the traditional notch, although we have heard that rumor before. It was also discussed ahead of the iPhone 17e launch and ultimately didn’t happen, so I would take this one with a healthy pinch of salt ;-)
Around the back, Apple is expected to keep the single 48-megapixel Fusion camera. It may once again provide a 2x optical-quality zoom by cropping into the main sensor, with most of the improvements likely coming from better image processing rather than entirely new camera hardware.

• 6.1-inch OLED display

• 60Hz refresh rate

• Possible Dynamic Island

• A20 processor, reportedly built on a 2nm process

• 9GB of RAM, up from 8GB

• 256GB or 512GB of storage

• 48-megapixel Fusion rear camera

• 12-megapixel front camera

• Apple-designed C2 cellular modem

• MagSafe wireless charging at up to 15W

• IP68 water and dust resistance

• Support for Siri AI and Apple Intelligence

• Possible spring 2027 release

What about the price?
Pricing remains one of the biggest unknowns. The iPhone 17e launched at $599, but rising component and memory costs could make it difficult for Apple to maintain that price.
The iPhone 18e may therefore start at $599 or slightly more, possibly with 256GB of storage as standard. That would soften the impact of a price increase, but Apple will still need to make the phone feel competitive. Particularly if it keeps the 60Hz display and single-camera design.

A small upgrade that could matter later
The iPhone 18e probably won’t be the most exciting member of the iPhone 18 family. It looks set to remain Apple’s simpler and more affordable option, with a familiar design and only a handful of visible changes.

But the rumored 9GB of RAM could be more important than it appears. As Siri AI and Apple Intelligence become central parts of the iPhone experience, additional memory may help the iPhone 18e keep up. I think not only when it launches, but for several years afterward.
And honestly, that is the kind of upgrade I like to see in a more affordable phone. It may not look impressive on a specification sheet, but it could make a real difference once you start using the device every day.
For now, none of these specifications have been confirmed by Apple. With a possible launch still several months away, the details could change before the iPhone 18e officially arrives.

Newsletter #7

Image: iPhone 17e

Apple Upgrade

Last week, Apple Introduced Apple Upgrade. For now its only available in the US.

What is Apple Upgrade?
Apple Upgrade lets you lease an iPhone from $17.99 per month
Apple has introduced a new way to get an iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad or Mac without paying the full price upfront. It is called Apple Upgrade, and it is available now through Apple’s online store, the Apple Store app and physical Apple Stores in the United States.
The program is provided by Klarna and works more like leasing a car than buying a product with a traditional payment plan. You choose an eligible Apple device, select a lease period and make monthly payments through Klarna.
Prices start at:

• $17.99 per month for an iPhone

• $11.99 per month for an Apple Watch

• $24.99 per month for a Mac

• $11.99 per month for an iPad

Just keep in mind that these are starting prices. Your actual monthly payment depends on the device, configuration and lease period you choose.

How Apple Upgrade works
Apple offers 12- and 24-month leases for the iPhone and Apple Watch. Mac and iPad customers can choose between 24 and 36 months, although not every lease period is available for every model.
You can apply online or inside an Apple Store. Klarna performs a soft credit check, which Apple says will not affect your credit score. Approval is still based on eligibility and creditworthiness.
If you already own an eligible Apple device, you can trade it in when you join the program. Its value can be used to reduce your monthly payments. Apple Card users can also receive 3 percent Daily Cash when using their card to make the lease payments.
Once approved, you can pick up your new device in-store or have it delivered. Apple’s free Personal Setup service is also available if you need help transferring your data or getting everything ready.

What happens when the lease ends?
This is the most important part to understand: Apple Upgrade is a lease, not a purchase or a loan. That means you do not automatically own the device after making all the regular monthly payments.

When the initial lease period ends, you have three main options:

• Return the device and leave the program.

• Return it and upgrade to a newer model with a new lease.

• Keep the device by making a final one-time purchase payment.

Upgrading is not automatic or guaranteed. You will need to apply for a new lease and return your current device in the required condition. Your new monthly payment may also be higher, depending on the product you choose.
If you do nothing at the end of the original lease, your agreement can continue on a month-to-month basis for up to six months. The monthly price may increase during this extension. If you still take no action after those six months, Klarna will charge the purchase fee stated in your agreement, and the device will then become yours.
You can follow your payment schedule, remaining payments and other lease details inside the Klarna app.

AppleCare is not included
Unlike Apple’s previous iPhone Upgrade Program, AppleCare is not included in the monthly lease price. You can add an AppleCare+ or AppleCare One subscription separately if you want protection against accidental damage, theft or loss.
That is worth thinking about because you may be charged additional fees if the leased device is lost, stolen, damaged or returned in an unacceptable condition.
Ending the lease before the agreed period is over could also result in substantial early-termination fees.
An unlocked iPhone, but with one small catch
Any iPhone leased through Apple Upgrade will be unlocked, meaning you can change carriers later if you want to. However, when starting the lease, you must activate the iPhone with AT&T, T-Mobile or Verizon. Prepaid carrier plans are not eligible. Some of Apple’s more affordable products are also excluded from the program, including the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, Apple Watch SE, MacBook Neo, Mac mini, standard iPad with the A16 chip and Studio Display.

Is Apple Upgrade a good deal?
I can see why Apple Upgrade will appeal to people who like having a newer device every year or two. The monthly price looks much friendlier than paying hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars at once. It also removes some of the work involved in selling your old device yourself.

But that lower monthly payment does not tell the whole story. You are leasing the product, AppleCare costs extra and you will still need to make a final payment if you want to own the device.
My advice is to check four things before signing up: the total cost of the lease, the final purchase fee, the device-return requirements and any early-termination charges.
Apple Upgrade makes getting a new Apple device more flexible, but it does not necessarily make it less expensive. For people who upgrade regularly, it could be a convenient option. If you normally keep your devices for many years, buying outright or choosing a traditional financing plan may still offer better value.

Image: Apple Newsroom

App Updates

Telegram briefly disappeared from Apple’s App Store

If you searched for Telegram in Apple’s App Store recently and couldn’t find it, you weren’t imagining things. The popular messaging app briefly disappeared from the iPhone and iPad App Store in several countries.
The good news is that Telegram is available again. Apple restored the app shortly after its removal, so the interruption lasted only a short time.

But why did Apple remove Telegram?
Apple initially gave no explanation, leaving users wondering whether the disappearance was a technical problem or a deliberate decision.
We now know that it was intentional. Apple said its review team discovered content inside Telegram that violated the company’s strict rules against child sexual abuse material.
According to Apple, Telegram responded quickly by removing the content and banning the account responsible for posting it. Once those steps were taken, Apple allowed the app to return to the App Store.
Telegram made light of the situation in a post on X, writing that reports of its demise had been “greatly exaggerated.” However, the company has not publicly discussed the content that led to the removal.
Existing users could continue using Telegram
The removal only affected Telegram’s App Store listing. If you already had Telegram installed on your iPhone or iPad, you could continue using it as normal.
The app also remained available through Google Play and the Mac App Store. The main problem was for new iPhone and iPad users, who temporarily couldn’t download it, and for existing users who had deleted the app and wanted to reinstall it.

This has happened before
This wasn’t the first time Telegram disappeared from Apple’s App Store.
Apple temporarily removed the app worldwide in 2018 after finding what it described at the time as inappropriate content. Telegram introduced additional protections, and Apple later restored it.
The app has also faced regional restrictions. Telegram was temporarily banned in Brazil in 2023 after a dispute over information requested by authorities. In 2024, Apple removed Telegram from the Chinese App Store alongside WhatsApp, Threads and Signal following an order from China’s internet regulator. Those restrictions in China remain in place.

My take
This was a very brief disappearance, but it shows how much control Apple has over the apps available on the iPhone and iPad. Even an enormous platform such as Telegram can vanish from the App Store when Apple believes its rules have been broken.
In this case, Telegram acted quickly, removed the prohibited content and banned the user responsible. That allowed the app to return after only a short interruption.
For most Telegram users, nothing really changed. But for a little while, one of the world’s biggest messaging apps simply wasn’t available to download on an iPhone—and that is always going to get people talking.

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 have two more practical iPhone features to share with you + a BONUS tip. They are easy to set up, don’t require any additional apps and could quickly become part of your daily routine. Let’s dive in.

1. Schedule an iMessage to send later
Have you ever remembered something important late at night but didn’t want to disturb the other person? Your iPhone can schedule an iMessage and send it at a better time.

Open the conversation in Messages, tap the + button and select Send Later. Choose a date and time, write your message and tap send. You can schedule it up to 14 days in advance.
The person receiving it won’t be told that you scheduled the message. This only works with iMessage, but the recipient can read it on any device.

I find this useful for birthday wishes, work reminders or those late-night messages you don’t want to forget.

Using iMessage option Send Later

2. Let your iPhone play relaxing background sounds

Your iPhone has a collection of calming sounds built in, including rain, ocean waves and different types of white noise. They can be helpful when you want to concentrate, relax or fall asleep—and you don’t need to download another app.

Go to Settings > Accessibility > Audio & Visual > Background Sounds, then turn the feature on and choose your preferred sound.
You can adjust the volume, let the sound continue while playing music or video, and set it to stop when your iPhone locks. In iOS 26, you can also use a timer and adjust the sound with an equalizer.

For quicker access, add Background Sounds to Control Center. After that, you can start or stop it without going back into Settings.

Add Background Sounds to Control Center
Here is how to make the feature easy to access:

1. Swipe down from the top-right corner of the screen to open Control Center. On an iPhone with a Home button, swipe up from the bottom.

2. Tap the + button in the top-left corner.

3. Tap Add a Control at the bottom of the screen.

4. Search for Background Sounds.

5. Tap Background Sounds to add it to Control Center.

6. Drag the control if you want to move it to a different position.

You can now start or stop Background Sounds directly from Control Center.

Press and hold the control to choose a sound, adjust the volume or open the full settings. In iOS 26, you can also set a timer and adjust the sound using the built-in equalizer.

If you want to explore all the available options, go to Settings > Accessibility > Audio & Visual > Background Sounds. For a quicker way to switch sounds, press and hold Background Sounds in Control Center, then tap Sound and choose the one you want.

I also share this iOS tip on my Threads page. You can read it here

3. Bonus tip: Set a sleep timer

If you use Background Sounds at bedtime, you don’t have to leave them playing all night. Your iPhone can stop them automatically after a set amount of time.
Go to Settings > Accessibility > Audio & Visual > Background Sounds, then tap Stop Sounds with a Timer.

Choose how long you want the sound to play, or select a specific time for it to stop.

It is a small setting, but it is perfect for falling asleep to the sound of rain without waking up to it the next morning. Try it out, you will love it.

Apple skips its usual Monday beta release.

Apple watchers were expecting iOS 27 Developer Beta 5 to arrive on Monday, but the day passed without a new update. It is now Tuesday, and at the time of writing, Developer Beta 5 is still nowhere to be found.
Apple never promises a fixed beta schedule, so this isn’t technically a delay. Still, the company often releases new developer betas on Mondays, which makes the absence of Beta 5 noticeable. It could arrive later this week, or Apple may simply need more time before the next build is ready.
For now, iOS 27 Developer Beta 4 remains the latest version available to developers. Apple released it with build number 24A5390f, followed one day later by iOS 27 Public Beta 2. Both versions use the same build number, meaning public beta testers are currently running the same underlying software as developers.

What’s new in Developer Beta 4?

A redesigned Adaptive Audio control
AirPods Pro users may notice a refreshed Adaptive Audio slider in Control Center. It now uses Apple’s Liquid Glass design, giving it a more modern and consistent appearance.
The same updated control can also be found inside the AirPods settings.

More natural Siri voices
Apple is continuing to improve how Siri sounds. Two of Siri’s enhanced voices now include controls for speaking speed and expressiveness, allowing you to make the assistant sound a little more natural and personal.

Five additional voices display the same options, but Apple currently marks them as Coming Soon.

A refreshed Siri welcome screen
Some users may also see a new welcome screen when opening Siri from the Dynamic Island or by swiping down on the Home Screen.
It doesn’t change how Siri works, but it gives the updated assistant a cleaner and more polished introduction.

The Lock Screen Depth Effect works again
Developer Beta 3 introduced a bug that stopped the Depth Effect from working correctly with some Lock Screen wallpapers.
Apple has fixed the problem in Beta 4, so supported wallpapers should once again place parts of the image in front of the clock as intended.

When will Beta 5 arrive?
That remains the big question. Apple could release iOS 27 Developer Beta 5 later on Tuesday or at another point this week, but there is no confirmed date.

For now, both developers and public beta testers will have to wait a little longer. I’ll keep an eye on Apple’s beta releases and let you know as soon as the next update becomes available. I will update this on my Threads account.

Last week Apple released iOS 27 Developer Beta 4, and just 1 day later Public Beta 2 came out. PB 2 has the same build number as Developer Beta 4. (24A5390f)

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.

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