Welcome to Rumor Replay, a weekly segment on DMN that summarizes the latest Apple product speculation alongside insights and opinions. This week: Apple’s M5 chip will feature AI advancements, Tim Cook hints at the iPhone pipeline, and Vision Pro’s gaming support is set to expand. Here’s what’s new in Apple rumors.
Apple’s M5 chip is now in production featuring an AI upgrade
While we await the release of the M4 MacBook Air, reports indicate that Apple has commenced mass production of its upcoming M5 chip. According to ETNews, Apple is leveraging “new process technology to enhance artificial intelligence (AI) performance.”
Insights
Although I haven’t tracked historical patterns closely, it feels particularly unusual for the M5 to be moving into mass production at this stage.
Apple isn’t anticipated to release its initial M5 devices until the fall, with new models of iPad Pro and MacBook Pro expected around that time.
Last year, Apple surprised many by unveiling the M4 chip for iPad Pro in May. Should Apple roll out any M5 products this spring, it would be equally unexpected; however, there are no indications suggesting this might happen.
Given Apple’s history of surprises, it wouldn’t be outrageous to think they might do so again with the M5.
PlayStation VR2 controller support potentially arriving in visionOS 3
Mark Gurman previously reported that Apple was collaborating with Sony on integrating PlayStation VR2 controller support for Vision Pro. This week, he confirmed that the project is ongoing but may not be ready until “a software update later this year.”
Insights
Gurman’s earlier report hinted that an announcement from Apple regarding PlayStation support could be on the horizon. It now appears we may need to wait a little longer.
The latest update does not confirm if visionOS 3 is the destined launch framework, leaving room for the possibility that visionOS 2.4 could introduce this new controller compatibility. Nonetheless, “later this year” suggests a visionOS 3 timeline.
Tim Cook discusses the iPhone’s future
This week yielded a lighter load of Apple rumors, but one intriguing detail emerged from CEO Tim Cook during Apple’s recent earnings call.
Cook suggested that exciting developments are on the horizon for the iPhone, stating, “There’s a lot more to come, and I couldn’t be more optimistic about our product pipeline…there’s much innovation still in store for smartphones.”
Insights
At face value, Cook’s comment could be perceived as mere corporate jargon aimed to reassure investors regarding the iPhone’s status.
However, considering various reports we’ve seen, it’s evident that significant transformations are on their way for the iPhone. The forthcoming iPhone 17 Air is set to present an impressively slim design, and next year’s model (possibly the iPhone 18 Fold?) might introduce an even more innovative concept.
Having maintained a consistent appearance for several years, it looks like iPhones are finally on the path to major change.
What are your thoughts on this week’s Apple rumors? Share with us in the comments.
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