Welcome to Rumor Replay, a weekly column on DMN bringing you a concise overview of the latest Apple product speculation, paired with insights and commentary. In this edition: Apple is set to unveil its foldable iPad and iPhone, along with a revamped Magic Mouse and AirTag 2. Here are the rumors circulating this week.
iPhone 18 Fold and budget-friendly iPhone 17 Air
This week, The Wall Street Journal shared insights into Apple’s upcoming iPhone developments over the next two years:
- iPhone 18 Fold
- iPhone 17 Air
While these devices have not been officially named, reports suggest that the foldable iPhone in 2026 will feature a display larger than the iPhone 16 Pro Max. Additionally, the iPhone 17 Air is aimed at being a more affordable alternative to the Pro variants.
My thoughts
Every time we hear news about the foldable iPhone, it feels more tangible—especially with 2026 on the horizon. I’m curious to see what unique features Apple will bring to foldables, but I’m not sure a screen larger than the Pro Max is what I’m after. One-handed usability is crucial for me, which is why I prefer the iPhone 16 Pro over the Pro Max. That said, consumer preference for larger phones indicates Apple is likely headed in the right direction.
The projected pricing for the iPhone 17 Air is also promising news, painting a clearer picture of its expected specifications. Earlier speculations suggested it would be ultra-premium but with features that didn’t entirely justify the price. The anticipated A18 chip, single rear camera, and slim design seem to align perfectly with a more moderate price point.
19-inch foldable iPad Pro
There have been previous mentions of a hybrid device combining iPad and Mac features, roughly around 19 inches, and this week Mark Gurman provided additional insight into the project.
While some aspects of Gurman’s report remain unclear, it appears he believes this will be an iPad rather than a Mac. However, it’s plausible that the device could incorporate functionalities from both categories.
My insights
There’s still much to learn, but this foldable iPad has the potential to be the ultimate all-in-one device for me. Apple’s two sizes of iPad Pro each offer distinct advantages and disadvantages, and a foldable option could consolidate the best features of both. Notably, Gurman mentions that we may have to wait until 2028 for this foldable, so I’m tempering my expectations for now.
Completely redesigned Magic Mouse on the horizon
For quite some time, Apple’s Magic Mouse has taken a backseat to the Magic Trackpad. However, Mark Gurman has indicated that the company plans to revitalize this accessory.
Apple is reportedly working on an entirely new design for the Magic Mouse that would significantly change its functionality. This represents a ‘complete overhaul’ intended to modernize the Magic Mouse.
My reflections
While Gurman doesn’t explicitly mention it, I speculate that Apple’s goal might involve developing a Magic Mouse optimized for the Vision Pro and spatial computing environments. Current Mac accessories fall short in providing an ideal experience in spatial contexts, although they technically function. It could be possible for Apple to create a mouse that caters not only to innovative platforms like Vision Pro but also retains compatibility with traditional Macs.
AirTag 2
AirTag 2 is on track for a 2025 release, with Gurman reporting that it is set to feature a more advanced Ultra Wideband chip.
This chip enhancement is expected to significantly boost Precision Finding capabilities, allowing users to receive accurate tracking guidance from their iPhones when locating a misplaced AirTag, potentially from up to 90 meters away.
My thoughts
One of my main concerns with the AirTag has been its battery life (though a new accessory recently addressed this issue), so I hope that AirTag 2 will bring improvements in this area as well. Besides that, the enhancement of Precision Finding support feels like a natural progression.
Which Apple rumors from this week are you most excited about? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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