That is Rumor Replay, a weekly column at 9to5Mac providing a fast rundown of the newest Apple product rumors, with evaluation and commentary. At present: iOS 19’s main redesign, hints of an iPhone 17 Extremely, HomePad delays, and extra. Listed below are this week’s Apple rumors.
Main iOS 19 redesign coming
The largest rumor of the week got here from Mark Gurman, who reported that iOS 19, macOS 16, and Apple’s different software program updates this yr would include main visible redesigns. These will search to deliver larger unity throughout the varied platforms, and apparently visionOS’s design serves as inspiration. On iPhone, iOS 19 will reportedly be the largest visible overhaul since iOS 7.
My takeaways
Rumors of huge iOS redesigns appear to pop up yearly, however with iOS 19 it appears completely different. Gurman comes with credibility that many Apple leakers don’t. Whereas his report doesn’t have many particular particulars, I very a lot imagine that we’ll see main visible modifications at WWDC.
I wrote earlier at present about how dangerous such a transfer is for Apple. I nonetheless suppose that’s true, and that the type of modifications we’ll see gained’t truly match how dramatic a change iOS 7 was. That stated, I’m very excited to see what Apple has in retailer and this rumor actually has me very looking forward to WWDC to reach.
iPhone 17 Extremely on the best way?
One fascinating rumor this week claimed that the iPhone 17 Professional Max might be getting thicker this yr for the sake of packing in extra battery life.
After a pair days of curiosity about this, I wrote a chunk explaining how this rumor—together with a pair others—appears to level to Apple rebranding its Professional Max mannequin this yr as iPhone 17 Extremely.
My takeaways
It’s very attainable that the iPhone 17 Professional Max’s variations have been overstated by rumors. But when the stories show true, I nonetheless very a lot imagine that iPhone 17 Extremely might be the right identify for Apple’s new mannequin. Apple Watch Extremely is deliberately thick and heavy for the sake of packing in additional battery life, and I can’t assist however suppose this rumor factors to Apple going Extremely with the iPhone this yr too.
visionOS 3 might be ‘feature-packed’
Mark Gurman reported this week that not less than one OS model this yr might be particularly wealthy with new options. He stated Apple is planning a “feature-packed launch” for visionOS 3, the following huge Imaginative and prescient Professional replace.
My takeaways
Although Gurman has no particulars to share at this level, listening to that visionOS 3 might be feature-packed is de facto encouraging. Apple may have taken its foot off the fuel because of Imaginative and prescient Professional not precisely changing into successful but. But it surely’s nice to listen to the corporate stays centered on investing closely into the Imaginative and prescient platform no matter what number of customers it at the moment has.
Success with the Imaginative and prescient Professional would require making it the very best product it may be. Whereas there are {hardware} points that want addressing—particularly, weight—software program can go a good distance towards bettering Imaginative and prescient Professional too.
Extra ‘HomePad’ delay information
Ming-Chi Kuo this week reiterated his prior declare that Apple’s new ‘HomePad’ sensible show wouldn’t arrive till Q3 of this yr. His reasoning: delays in software program growth which can be associated not solely to Apple’s MIA Siri upgrades, but in addition constructing homeOS constantly with iOS 19’s coming redesign.
My takeaways
Though Mark Gurman has talked about the HomePad being delayed out of March, his reporting made it nonetheless appear seemingly that the machine may launch this spring.
Listening to from Kuo that it gained’t arrive till later within the yr is an enormous disappointment, since HomePad is among the merchandise I’m most wanting ahead to this yr. But when Apple wants extra time to get the software program proper, it completely ought to take that point. No extra pre-announcing issues that aren’t anyplace close to prepared.
What are your takeaways from this week’s Apple rumors? Tell us within the feedback.
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