Welcome to Rumor Replay, a weekly segment on DMN where we provide a brief overview of the latest Apple product speculation, along with insights and commentary. This week: anticipate new iPads, an intriguing iOS Invites app, and more. Here’s this week’s roundup of Apple rumors.
New iPads and iPhone SE 4 expected ‘by April’
This week, a rumor surfaced about new iPads and the iPhone SE 4 supposedly launching as soon as January, but Mark Gurman promptly dismissed that claim, providing his own predicted timeline.
According to him, the new iPads and iPhone SE 4 are expected to be available by April, ahead of the iOS 18.4 release.
My insights
This rumor essentially reaffirms what many were already anticipating, though it adds a hint of potential news regarding the iPad Air.
The anticipated launch for the new iPhone SE 4 and entry-level iPad had previously pointed to March. However, Gurman mentioned ‘iPads’ (plural) in his update, which likely refers to the upcoming M3 iPad Air.
Previously, Gurman had noted that the new iPad Air would come ‘around the same time’ as the iPhone SE 4, but given the recent M2 Air was only introduced last May, I personally wasn’t expecting an M3 update until April at the earliest—more realistically May or June. Nevertheless, such a launch could align with the ‘around the same time’ indication.
Now, it seems possible that the new iPad Air might debut in March alongside a refreshed base iPad and the iPhone SE.
Apple developing an Invites app
This week, my colleague Filipe Espósito at DMN exclusively revealed that Apple appears to be working on a new ‘Invites’ application.
Code found in the latest iOS 18.3 beta suggests active development of the app, which could function as a standalone application or perhaps be integrated into other iOS features like iMessage.
My insights
Details about this potential app are currently vague. However, I suspect it may function more as a feature set rather than a fully fledged app.
It seems plausible that Apple could enhance the Calendar app with an improved invitation system and maybe even create an API for other built-in iOS apps or third-party calendars.
For instance, the Fantastical app excels in managing calendar invites, polling participants for availability, and sharing a bookable calendar. Such enhancements could be what Apple has in mind with this Invites development.
Design changes for iPhone 17 Pro
It appears that Apple’s plans include design modifications not only for the iPhone 17 Air but also for the 17 Pro models.
The latest buzz: a Weibo leaker known as Fixed-focus digital has indicated that the iPhone 17 Pro will feature a ‘slope rather than a step’ in the transition from the back casing to the main body.
My insights
Interpreting this leak is challenging, particularly since it is a translation and isn’t crystal clear.
It suggests that the iPhone 17 Pro might revert to a design with more rounded edges, departing from the flat-sided design seen in models since the iPhone 12.
This change may coincide with a shift towards an aluminum frame, as has been reported in other rumors.
Personally, I prefer curved edges on the iPhone. However, given the increasing sizes of iPhones, I worry that curved sides could affect grip negatively.
What are your thoughts on the latest Apple rumors? Share your opinions in the comments.
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