Welcome to Rumor Replay, a weekly segment from DMN that highlights the latest Apple product speculations, along with insightful analysis. This week, we discuss the timing of Siri’s AI enhancements, updates on the iPhone Fold, delays for AirPods Pro 3, and more. Here’s the latest on Apple’s rumors.
Siri’s AI Enhancements Set for 2026 in iOS 26.4
During last week’s WWDC keynote, Apple directly addressed the delay surrounding Siri’s AI updates but did not provide new details. The language used reaffirmed the previous statement regarding a release “in the upcoming year.”
This week, however, Apple confirmed that this means a 2026 launch. Mark Gurman reported that the targeted release is expected to be with iOS 26.4 in the spring.
My Insights
Reports from The New York Times and other sources had led me to believe that Siri’s major AI features might debut before the end of 2025.
Unfortunately, this is no longer the case.
Craig Federighi noted in several interviews following WWDC that Apple must implement a completely new Siri architecture before achieving the desired high quality for the postponed AI upgrades. While this sounds ambitious, let’s hope the wait proves worthwhile.
iPhone Fold Production Update
Ming-Chi Kuo recently shared updates regarding Apple’s anticipated ‘iPhone Fold.’
Kuo indicated that Apple has finalized the display components for its new foldable device, which will feature a 7.8-inch inner display and a 5.5-inch outer display.
Initial product assembly is anticipated to commence later this year. However, Kuo noted that essential specifications, such as the device’s hinge, are still pending finalization.
My Insights
For years, rumors about a foldable iPhone have circulated, but it appears that a 2026 launch is increasingly likely.
While circumstances could always shift in the upcoming months, the finalization of display specifications is a positive indicator. If Apple can avoid any obstacles with the hinge or other components, we might indeed see the first iPhone Fold next year.
Further Evidence of AirPods Pro 3 Delay
AirPods Pro 3 have long been anticipated for a fall debut. The expected 2025 launch would adhere to Apple’s historical trend of releasing updates every three years, following the release of AirPods Pro 2 in 2022.
However, analyst Jeff Pu recently stated that AirPods Pro 3 may not arrive until 2026. This aligns with an earlier claim from Ming-Chi Kuo suggesting that we would not see substantial new AirPods hardware this year.
My Insights
Timing speculation surrounding AirPods Pro 3 has been particularly perplexing.
On one hand, there are numerous factors suggesting that a launch this fall is reasonable. Mark Gurman had previously indicated 2025 as the release year.
Nevertheless, Gurman’s recent silence and the increased signs pointing towards a 2026 launch suggest a longer wait may be in store for AirPods Pro 3.
Hints of New Apple TV 4K with Integrated Camera
Apple’s recent software launches have provided numerous hints about upcoming products. One such hint involves tvOS 26 and a new Apple TV 4K.
Mark Gurman has reported that new Apple TV 4K hardware will arrive later this year, and there’s even been speculation about a built-in camera.
The new features in tvOS 26, especially those aimed at enhancing FaceTime, suggest that we could see a new Apple TV 4K equipped with a camera.
My Insights
In the past, announcements at WWDC have hinted at new hardware set to debut later in the year. I suspect that tvOS 26 follows this trend.
Although it’s possible Apple may prioritize the new FaceTime and profile features even without a camera-equipped Apple TV 4K, I have my doubts given the limited resources for tvOS engineering.
Integrating a camera into the Apple TV 4K seems sensible and could play an essential role in the future expansion of visual intelligence.
What are your thoughts on this week’s Apple rumors? Share your insights in the comments.
