Welcome to Rumor Replay, a weekly segment on DMN that summarizes the latest Apple product rumors, along with insights and opinions. In this edition: updates on Apple’s smart doorbell initiative, advancements in AirPods Pro, compatibility with iOS 19, and additional news. Below are this week’s Apple rumors.
Apple’s Smart Home Doorbell
Apple is gearing up to launch multiple Home devices in 2025, and this week, Mark Gurman revealed exciting news about a new project: a smart doorbell.
This doorbell is expected to work effortlessly alongside smart locks, possibly even packaged with one. The innovative feature would enable Face ID authentication through the doorbell’s camera, leading to automatic unlocking of the door.
My Thoughts
I have always hoped for Apple to enhance its commitment to smart home technology. I’m eager to see any new product launches from the company. Previously, we learned about an upcoming Apple security camera slated for 2026, and a smart doorbell appears to be a logical addition that could utilize similar camera technology.
Regardless of whether you plan to invest in premium Apple smart home devices, the company’s efforts in this domain should lead to improvements in HomeKit, Matter, and the Apple Home app, benefiting all smart home users.
AirPods Pro 3 and Future Versions
Recently, Mark Gurman disclosed intriguing details about Apple’s development of AirPods Pro 3 and future iterations. The following features are reportedly being developed:
- Heart rate monitoring, akin to the capabilities found in the Apple Watch
- Temperature sensing, another enhancement focused on health
- Built-in cameras aimed at AI functionality
Gurman anticipates that heart rate monitoring will be ready for AirPods Pro 3, while the other features may be introduced later.
My Reflections
The latest iOS 18.1 update significantly enhanced the usability of AirPods Pro 2, with features such as Hearing Aid and Hearing Protection encouraging more frequent use. It seems that Apple’s future advancements will continue to reinforce this trend.
As AirPods start incorporating more health data, there will be a compelling reason to wear them consistently. Moreover, with integrated cameras that can assess your surroundings, AirPods could become indispensable.
Supported Models for iOS and iPadOS 19
Trustworthy leaker iPhoneSoft has revealed a list of models compatible with the upcoming iOS 19 and iPadOS 19 updates. According to the information, all iPhones that currently run iOS 18 will also be compatible with iOS 19.
For iPads, the news is nearly as positive. The only device excluded from iPadOS 19 support will be the 7th-generation base iPad featuring an A10 chip.
My Thoughts
It’s commendable that Apple is maintaining compatibility for another year’s worth of iPhones. However, I can’t help but wonder if iOS 19 will conform to this year’s pattern of restricting more features to newer devices.
I’m especially anticipating a suite of new Apple Intelligence features in iOS 19, which will likely necessitate an iPhone 15 Pro or later. As the AI component of iOS expands, it may be technically feasible to support older devices, but many features might be limited to newer ones.
iPad 11
Apple’s entry-level iPad model is due for an upgrade. A reliable source has indicated that the 11th generation iPad is projected to launch in early 2025, expected to operate on iPadOS 18.3.
Details are scarce, but we can anticipate enhancements such as a more powerful chip and support for Apple Intelligence.
My Thoughts
iPadOS 18.3 is expected to debut around early February, making it plausible for the new iPad to be introduced during that time. Additionally, a March release alongside the iPhone SE 4 wouldn’t be surprising.
Regardless, the base iPad remains the only model yet to be updated in 2024, so an upgrade is certainly due.
Which of these Apple rumors are you curious about the most? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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