This week, Apple briefly made available a file that included identifiers for a variety of unreleased devices and chips. Among these are new models of the Studio Display, Apple TV, Apple Watches, Apple Vision Pro, iPad mini, HomePod mini, and more. This leak has sparked significant interest among tech enthusiasts and analysts alike, as it hints at Apple's ambitious roadmap for upcoming products.
In addition to these leaks, various reports indicate that Apple is planning to expand its offerings in the smart home segment with a wide range of new devices and accessories. Rumors are also circulating about a lower-cost MacBook powered by the A18 Pro chip. Other noteworthy stories this week include the release of another iOS 26 beta, discussions regarding potential pricing for the iPhone 17, and the re-enabling of the Blood Oxygen feature on newer Apple Watch models sold in the United States.
According to MacRumors contributor Aaron Perris, the recently discovered file contained references to several unreleased Apple devices, indicating exciting new technology on the horizon. Here’s a summary of the key findings:
A new HomePod mini featuring an S9 chip or newer A new Apple TV equipped with an A17 Pro chip A redesigned Studio Display that will incorporate an A19 Pro chip A new iPad mini featuring an A19 Pro chip A budget-friendly iPad powered by an A18 chip An advanced Vision Pro utilizing an M5 chip Details about the Apple Watch Series 11, Ultra 3, and SE 3It's important to note that while these leaks provide tantalizing insights, nothing is official yet, and Apple's plans could evolve.
On this week’s episode of The MacRumors Show, discussions centered around Apple's future in the smart home arena. Reports suggest that Apple is gearing up to launch a variety of new devices and enhancements to Siri. The company is planning the introduction of a smart home hub in 2026, alongside a tabletop robot in 2027, a home security camera, and a Face ID-enabled doorbell.
Moreover, a significant upgrade is coming to Siri with the GPT-5 integration in iOS 26. A more personalized version of Siri is expected to debut next year, along with a redesign for the iPhone and iPad interfaces. For those interested in the latest Apple news, you can listen to The MacRumors Show on platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Overcast.
There have been ongoing discussions about a new low-cost MacBook that may be powered by the A18 Pro chip from the iPhone 16 Pro. Recent reports suggest this laptop could debut at a competitive price point of around $599. The new device is rumored to feature a 12.9-inch display, slightly smaller than the 13.6-inch screen found on the current MacBook Air models.
This upcoming MacBook is expected to be a successor to the M1 MacBook Air from 2020, which remains an affordable option available through retailers such as Walmart for $599.
Apple has shifted to a one-week release schedule for its iOS 26 beta updates, with the latest version, iOS 26 beta 6, now available. This update introduces a variety of changes, including new ringtones, enhanced animations, and improvements to the Liquid Glass aesthetic. The final version of iOS 26 is expected to roll out to the general public in September.
As the launch of the iPhone 17 approaches, rumors about potential price increases are circulating once again. Speculations suggest that we may see a price hike of around $50 for the flagship models. The latest reports indicate that the iPhone 17 Pro could start at $1,049, breaking an eight-year trend of maintaining the $999 price point for this model.
Interestingly, a price increase may come with a silver lining: more base storage of 256 GB, mirroring a previous change made for the Pro Max model.
In a significant update, Apple has released iOS 18.6.1 and watchOS 11.6.1, which includes the re-enabling of the Blood Oxygen feature on all Apple Watch models sold in the U.S. This feature, now operational on the Apple Watch Series 9, Series 10, and Ultra 2, calculates blood oxygen levels by transmitting sensor data to a paired iPhone. Users can now view the results in the Respiratory section of the Health app.
The Blood Oxygen feature had been temporarily disabled for these models due to a U.S. International Trade Commission order linked to a patent infringement lawsuit by health company Masimo.
For those eager to keep up with the latest Apple news, consider subscribing to the MacRumors Newsletter. Each week, we compile the most important Apple stories, offering a concise recap that covers all major topics and interlinks related stories for a comprehensive view of the week's developments. Subscribe to ensure you never miss out on crucial updates!
