This is Rumor Replay, a weekly series on DMN that provides a concise overview of the latest Apple product rumors, enriched with insights and commentary. Today’s focus: iPhone 17 speculations, camera bar innovations, as well as updates on Siri and Vision Pro. Here are this week’s Apple rumors.
iPhone 17 Update: Featured Camera Bars and New Chip Insights
While Apple has just unveiled the iPhone 16e, this week has also been bustling with rumors regarding the upcoming iPhones.
Notable impressions of the iPhone 17 Air and 17 Pro mock-ups from Front Page Tech were shared, showcasing the redesigned camera bars. In contrast, the standard iPhone 17 is rumored to keep the same camera layout featured in the iPhone 16.
In addition, shortly after the introduction of Apple’s new C1 modem, news surfaced about another upcoming chip. Ming-Chi Kuo disclosed that Apple’s proprietary Wi-Fi chip will be included in the entire iPhone 17 lineup.
My Insights
Past rumors consistently pointed towards a significant camera bar theme for the new iPhone 17 models. However, witnessing the first dummy units truly provides a clearer vision of what’s on the horizon.
The designs of the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Air present an audacious approach, prioritizing camera functionality like never before. While I find the reimagined look appealing, I’m curious about its practical benefits. What is the reasoning behind relocating the flash to the right side while keeping the cameras aligned to the left? I’m keen to learn more.
Moreover, while a new Apple-designed Wi-Fi chip may not seem thrilling at first, I am invigorated by the potential advantages it could yield, especially following the battery enhancements from the C1 chip.
Potential Delays for New Siri Features in iOS 18.4
The anticipation for the iOS 18.4 beta continues to stretch on, and now there are indications that the release may not include the features we were looking forward to.
Reports have suggested that iOS 18.4 would deliver significant upgrades to Siri, including features like onscreen awareness, new in-app actions, and enhanced personal context understanding. However, Mark Gurman mentioned that some of these functionalities may be postponed until iOS 18.5 due to “engineering challenges and software glitches.”
My Insights
Apple’s planned enhancements for Siri appear notably ambitious, so it isn’t surprising that the company may need additional time to finalize them.
Nonetheless, if the delay materializes, it could be disappointing. Since Apple initially announced these features in June, awaiting almost an entire year feels quite prolonged.
Siri often finds itself the butt of jokes, so I comprehend Apple’s caution in releasing upgrades prematurely. Ultimately, whether the launch happens in April or later in May or June might not considerably impact the outcome.
Vision Pro Set for Upcoming Apple Intelligence Update
Although iOS 18.4 may fall short of delivering all the anticipated Apple Intelligence upgrades, Mark Gurman indicated this week that Apple is expected to introduce initial AI functionalities to Vision Pro shortly.
According to Gurman, visionOS 2.4 will include features like AI writing tools, Genmoji, Image Playground, and potentially Siri improvements.
My Insights
It’s thrilling to learn that Vision Pro is likely to receive a substantial software update soon, without requiring us to wait for visionOS 3 in the upcoming fall.
There were uncertainties surrounding whether the original Vision Pro could support Apple Intelligence. Gurman has suggested that its M2 chip is currently being heavily utilized, making this news even more exciting. I’m particularly eager to see the new Siri AI functionalities integrated into Vision Pro, whether in visionOS 2.4 or a future update.
What are your thoughts on this week’s Apple rumors? Join the discussion in the comments.
