Rumor Roundup: Apple’s Major Product Launch Plans for 2025

Welcome to Rumor Replay, a weekly feature on DMN that delivers a concise overview of the latest Apple product rumors, along with insights and commentary. Today’s focus: Apple’s significant 2025 product launch goals, which include enhancements to the iPhone 17 Pro camera, the slim profile of the 17 Air, and much more. Let’s dive into this week’s Apple speculation.

iPhone 17 Pro Camera Update: All 48MP

Recently, leaker Digital Chat Station disclosed updates on the camera features expected in the iPhone 17 series. They reaffirmed earlier reports indicating that every iPhone 17 model will feature a 24MP front-facing camera, marking a jump from the current 12MP standard.

The new information also suggested that both the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max will upgrade to 48MP sensors across all three rear cameras. The main sensor transitioned to 48MP with the iPhone 15 Pro, followed by the Ultra Wide on the 16 Pro, and it appears that the 17 Pro will complete the set by also upgrading the Telephoto lens to 48MP.

Insights

It looks like Apple is strategically targeting two contrasting objectives with the iPhone 17 flagship models.

The iPhone 17 Air seems set to forgo the Ultra Wide and Telephoto functionalities to achieve a slimmer design and lower production costs.

In contrast, the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max are expected to emphasize their photographic capabilities by featuring a groundbreaking trio of 48MP lenses. I anticipate that there will be additional significant enhancements to the Pro line’s cameras to further distinguish them from the Air models.

iPhone 17 Air’s Ultra-Slim 5.5mm Frame

Regarding the iPhone 17 Air, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo stated that the device is anticipated to measure as slim as 5.5mm at its thinnest point.

This is a considerable reduction from the previously speculated 6.25mm and brings the Air into a similar range as that of the M4 iPad Pro. The choice of words also raises questions about what ‘thinnest part’ truly entails.

Insights on the Design

Since Kuo’s announcement emerged, I’ve been contemplating the potential for a tapered design in the iPhone 17 Air.

This design could pay tribute to the classic aesthetics of the MacBook Air. It would allow Apple to highlight the iPhone’s ultra-slim profile while conveniently neglecting to mention that wider sections of the device might be thicker.

A tapered design could set the iPhone 17 Air apart from competitors, intensifying the competitive pressure on the iPhone 17 Pro.

Apple’s 2025 Product Launch Plans

Over the weekend, Mark Gurman provided details on Apple’s roadmap for product releases in the upcoming year.

Key highlights include:

Insights on Gurman’s Report

Gurman has reliable sources within Apple, so I consider his insights credible. However, it’s important to note that some of his statements are designed to leave room for speculation.

For instance, he indicated that the HomePod’s ‘delay’ will be quite minor, contingent upon new Siri capabilities and app intents expected with iOS 18.4 this April. However, several reports interpreted his mention of iOS 19 as an indication of a significant delay.

As for Vision Pro 2, it’s unclear if the device will indeed be absent this year. Gurman’s specific statement was:

As of now, I don’t believe there will be a new headset from Apple shipping this year, though there theoretically could be an unveiling ahead of a release later.

If Apple were to launch a minor Vision Pro refresh with the M5 chip, as suggested by Ming-Chi Kuo, it would likely require minimal workload from the company, allowing for a release in 2025 with few internal leaks prior to its announcement.

Implied within Gurman’s remarks is an acknowledgment of this possibility, making his stance on the new Vision Pro less definitive. I’ll be keeping an eye on developments, especially if Apple shares a significant visionOS 3 narrative at WWDC.

Which upcoming Apple products for 2025 are capturing your interest? Share your thoughts in the comments.

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