Welcome to Rumor Replay, a weekly segment from DMN that provides a brief overview of the latest Apple product rumors, complete with insights and commentary. In today’s update: new iPads are forthcoming, an intriguing iOS Invites app is rumored, and more. Here’s what’s happening this week in Apple rumors.
Expected Launch of New iPads and iPhone SE 4 by April
Recently, there was speculation that new iPads and the iPhone SE 4 might debut as soon as January, a claim that Mark Gurman promptly dismissed. He provided a more accurate timeline, indicating that both the new iPads and the iPhone SE 4 are expected by April, prior to the launch of iOS 18.4.
My Insights
This rumor reinforces our previous expectations, particularly with a hint towards the iPad Air’s arrival.
The anticipated launch of the iPhone SE 4 and a new entry-level iPad has been speculated to occur around March. However, Gurman’s reference to ‘iPads’ suggests the imminent release of the M3 iPad Air as well.
Previously, Gurman noted that the new iPad Air might be released ‘around the same time’ as the iPhone SE 4. Given the launch of the M2 Air last May, I was expecting the M3 upgrade until April at the earliest, with May or June being more likely. Such a timeline could still align with the notion of them being released ‘around the same time.’
However, it now seems likely that the new iPad Air will launch in March alongside a revised base iPad and the iPhone SE.
Development of an Invites App by Apple
This week, my colleague at DMN, Filipe Espósito, reported exclusively on indications that Apple is working on a new ‘Invites’ app.
Code found in the most recent iOS 18.3 beta suggests ongoing development of this app, which may either be a standalone application or incorporated into existing iOS features, such as iMessage.
My Insights
Details about this prospective app remain scarce. My initial impression is that it might represent more of a feature enhancement rather than an entirely separate app.
There’s potential for Apple to upgrade the invite system within the Calendar app and possibly create an API accessible to other native iOS apps or even third-party calendars.
For instance, Fantastical provides an excellent framework for managing calendar invitations, polling participants for their availability, and sharing a schedule that can be booked by others. Apple’s Calendar app could greatly benefit from similar enhancements, which may be encapsulated within the Invites feature.
Design Changes in iPhone 17 Pro
It appears increasingly likely that Apple will introduce design modifications to not just the iPhone 17 Air, but also the 17 Pro variants.
Latest information suggests that the Weibo leaker Fixed-focus digital has revealed the iPhone 17 Pro will feature a ‘slope rather than a step’ interface between the back shell and the main chassis.
My Insights
It’s challenging to draw conclusions from this rumor due to its unclear translation.
However, it appears that the iPhone 17 Pro might revert to a design with more rounded sides, contrasting with the flatter profiles of models since the iPhone 12.
This could also coincide with a transition back to an aluminum frame, as suggested in various reports.
Personally, I find curved edges appealing on the iPhone. With recent size increases, though, I worry the curvature might affect grip stability.
What are your thoughts on this week’s Apple rumors? We’d love to hear from you in the comments.
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