Welcome to Rumor Replay, a weekly segment from DMN providing a quick summary of the latest Apple product speculation, along with insightful commentary. This week: the upcoming foldable iPad and iPhone, a refreshed Magic Mouse, and the anticipated AirTag 2. Here’s what’s been reported about Apple this week.
iPhone 18 Fold and a budget-friendly iPhone 17 Air
This week, The Wall Street Journal shared insights on Apple’s near-term iPhone plans:
- iPhone 18 Fold
- iPhone 17 Air
While these names are unofficial, WSJ suggests that the 2026 foldable iPhone will feature a display larger than the iPhone 16 Pro Max. Additionally, the upcoming 17 Air is set to be more affordable than the Pro models.
My thoughts
Every report on the foldable iPhone makes it feel increasingly tangible, especially with 2026 approaching. I’m eager to see what innovative features Apple brings to foldables, though I’m not convinced a display bigger than the Pro Max will suit my needs. One-handed operation is crucial for me, which is why I prefer the iPhone 16 Pro over the Pro Max. Still, the trend shows a demand for larger phones, indicating Apple’s strategy might be sound.
The potential pricing for the iPhone 17 Air is promising, particularly as it aligns well with the expected specs. Previous reports hinted at a high-end model that didn’t quite justify its intended price point. Now, with the rumored A18 chip, a single rear camera, and an ultra-slim design, it all makes sense at a mid-range price.
19-inch Foldable iPad Pro
Recently, there have been discussions about a possible 19-inch foldable iPad-Mac hybrid, and Mark Gurman has provided more details on this topic.
While parts of Gurman’s report are somewhat vague, he seems to indicate that this may primarily be an iPad, not a Mac… although it could integrate elements from both devices.
My thoughts
While details remain sparse, this foldable iPad appears to be an all-in-one product that could meet many needs. The current iPad Pro sizes have distinct advantages and limitations, and this foldable option could merge the strengths of both. However, with a projected 2028 launch date, I’m keeping my expectations grounded for now.
Revolutionary New Magic Mouse Design
For a long time, Apple’s Magic Mouse has lagged behind the Magic Trackpad in popularity. However, insider Mark Gurman reports that Apple is not aiming to let the Magic Mouse remain unchanged.
According to Gurman’s insights, Apple is in the process of designing a significantly reimagined Magic Mouse that will ‘better suit the demands of the modern era’ with a full redesign.
My thoughts
While Gurman hasn’t explicitly stated this, I speculate that Apple’s aim might be to create a Magic Mouse that is tailored for the Vision Pro and spatial computing environments. Current Mac accessories fall short in spatial settings, even if they technically function. It could be that Apple will design something both effective for emerging platforms like Vision Pro and compatible with traditional systems like the Mac.
AirTag 2
Set to arrive in 2025, AirTag 2 is anticipated to feature a more advanced Ultra Wideband chip.
This upgrade will greatly enhance Precision Finding capabilities, allowing users to track lost AirTags with remarkable accuracy, potentially up to 90 meters away using their iPhones.
My thoughts
My primary concern with the AirTag has been its battery life, which a recent accessory aims to improve. I’m hopeful that the AirTag 2 will address this issue as well. Furthermore, expanding Precision Finding support is certainly a sensible improvement.
Which Apple rumors from this week pique your curiosity the most? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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