Welcome to Rumor Replay, a weekly feature from DMN that delivers a concise summary of the latest Apple product rumors, along with insightful commentary. In this edition: shifts in Siri’s management, goals for iOS 19, details about the new C2 modem, and upcoming Apple displays. Let’s dive into this week’s Apple news.
Changes to Siri’s Leadership at Apple
Today, Mark Gurman revealed that Apple is undergoing significant changes in the leadership of Siri.
Siri is being transitioned away from Apple’s AI division, previously managed by John Giannandrea, and is now under the guidance of Craig Federighi.
Additionally, John Rockwell is stepping down from his role leading the Vision group to take on the day-to-day management of Siri. Another member from Rockwell’s team will also join Siri, working alongside Kim Vorrath.
My Insights
This marks a pivotal shift for Apple. While Mike Rockwell’s ascension to lead Siri may seem unexpected, there have been whispers that the Vision Pro innovator has aimed to improve Siri for quite some time.
What stands out the most, which I’ll elaborate on in a future piece, is that Siri is finally getting a high-level Apple executive who can genuinely impact its growth. Though Rockwell lacks a direct AI background, assigning such a prominent internal leader to Siri signals Apple’s serious commitment to enhancing the assistant.
Goals for iOS 19 Redesign
In his Power On newsletter over the weekend, Mark Gurman discussed Apple’s internal plans regarding the forthcoming iOS 19 design.
Reportedly, Apple aims for a design that is “easier to use, faster to navigate, and simpler to learn.” This redesign is expected to accommodate future devices, including a foldable iPhone next year and to be tailored for a landscape dominated by AI assistants.
According to the piece, “senior Apple executives are confident that users will appreciate the new interface and experience.”
My Insights
iOS 19 seems to be taking on a challenging yet necessary objective: to adapt Apple’s software to meet current and future demands while delivering a new level of user-friendly design.
This is a high-stakes gamble, but if executed well, it could lead to significant rewards for Apple.
New Displays on the Horizon, Beyond Studio Display
Recently, Mark Gurman reported that Apple is developing a new Studio Display, expected to debut later this year—likely alongside the M5 MacBook Pro or early next year.
Additionally, Gurman notes that a second new display, codenamed J527, is also in the works, alongside the anticipated Studio Display 2 (J427). He suggests two scenarios: Apple could opt to launch either one or both, or the second model may feature a different size or specifications.
My Insights
I am eagerly awaiting the release of the new Studio Display when it arrives, but the development of this second monitor is particularly intriguing. The most straightforward explanation is that it could be a new Pro Display XDR; however, the similarity in codenames between the two seems improbable. I suspect Gurman’s initial theory holds: Apple is potentially testing two different configurations for its next Studio Display and will likely choose one for release.
C2 Modem Set to Launch with iPhone 18 Pro Models
Analyst Jeff Pu disclosed this week that he anticipates Apple’s next-generation 5G modem, the C2, to launch next year.
However, instead of incorporating the C2 across all devices, Pu suggests that Apple will limit it to the premium iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max models.
My Insights
I harbor some skepticism regarding this rumor. It seems Pu’s expectations are rooted in a previous Bloomberg report indicating that Apple plans to utilize the C2 for “higher-end iPhones.” Notably, the original report didn’t specify exclusion for other iPhone models.
While it’s conceivable that Apple could assign its new in-house modems to differentiate iPhone variants, for instance using the C1 in the base iPhone 18 and the C2 in the Pro models, current evidence doesn’t strongly support this direction. Including the C2 across the entire iPhone 18 lineup appears a more logical approach.
What are your thoughts on this week’s Apple rumors? Share your opinions in the comments section.
