Welcome to Rumor Replay, a weekly feature on DMN delivering a succinct overview of the latest Apple product rumors accompanied by insights and commentary. For today’s edition: fresh iOS 19 disclosures, the iPad Fold projected for a 2026 release, an update on HomePod’s status, and an exciting new design for the iPhone Pro to mark its 20th anniversary. Here’s a look at this week’s Apple rumors.
Unveiling New iOS 19 Leaks
This week, Jon Prosser shared a new video that could offer the clearest glimpse yet into the anticipated design for iOS 19.
Notable features include more rounded icons that retain their squircle shape, search bars positioned at the bottom of apps, refreshed tab bar designs, and glassy elements throughout. Prosser also mentions an exclusive Camera app feature for the iPhone 17 Pro in iOS 19.
My Insights
If Prosser’s insights accurately reflect some upcoming changes in iOS 19, it appears that Apple is heading in a promising direction.
A significant redesign comes with inherent risks, yet Prosser’s mockups illustrate that Apple is approaching its design decisions with thoughtfulness and balance. Unlike the drastic alterations seen with the iOS 18 Photos app, this redesign seems to introduce enough new aspects in iOS 19 to keep the user experience feeling fresh.
At this point, I’m feeling optimistic.
The iPad ‘Fold’ May Still Be Scheduled for 2026
According to reporting by Mark Gurman, the release of Apple’s forthcoming 18.8-inch foldable iPad has been projected for 2028 or later. However, this week, analyst Jeff Pu reiterated his earlier assertion that the iPad Fold is set to debut in late 2026, alongside Apple’s first iPhone Fold.
My Insights
I remain uncertain about this report’s validity. If Gurman is stating 2028 or later, I find it difficult to accept that the iPad Fold could emerge next year.
It’s certainly possible that Apple intends to make a significant announcement by launching both the iPhone Fold and iPad Fold simultaneously. However, I wonder if Pu’s information might be outdated.
A ‘Bold’ New iPhone Pro Design to Celebrate 20 Years
Over the weekend, Mark Gurman revealed that Apple is gearing up to introduce a “bold new Pro model that incorporates a greater use of glass.” This initiative is part of Apple’s celebrations for the 20th anniversary of the iPhone.
Details remain scarce, and there’s currently some ambiguity regarding whether this device pertains to next year’s iPhone 18 Pro or the iPhone 19 Pro scheduled for 2027.
My Insights
There isn’t much to analyze at this moment. What does an increased glass component entail? However, when considering the timeline, I lean towards the idea that this anniversary iPhone Pro will launch in 2026 instead of 2027.
Gurman linked the mention of the iPhone Pro with the iPhone Fold, set to arrive next year. He has suggested that 2026 could see ‘another new iPhone design’ as well. Ultimately, it seems logical for Apple to mark the iPhone’s 20th anniversary with a model released just before the significant anniversary, allowing the new iPhone to be marketed throughout its entire 20th year.
‘HomePad’ Could Be Introduced in 2026
Initially anticipated to be available to consumers at this point, Apple’s ‘HomePad’ smart display is now facing a potential delay to 2026.
Mark Gurman has indicated that the company “is weighing a delay until 2026, when new Siri features are expected to launch.”
My Insights
This report leaves me with mixed feelings. On one hand, the chatter surrounding HomePad suggests that Siri’s improvements are not necessarily crucial for its utility. While they would enhance the product, I’d be eager to use the HomePad even with the existing version of Siri.
Nonetheless, I can see why Apple would aim to create a more impactful launch for HomePad coinciding with a renewed focus on smart home technology.
You only get one chance to make a first impression, and the company is likely aware of early HomePod reviews that highlighted Siri’s limitations, such as its failure to set multiple timers.
Launching HomePad simultaneously with significant Siri upgrades could generate considerable momentum for the product and improve perceptions of Siri overall.
What are your thoughts on the new iOS 19 leaks and other Apple rumors? We’d love to hear from you in the comments.
