Welcome to Rumor Replay, our weekly column at 9to5Mac that offers an insightful overview of the latest Apple product rumors, complete with analysis and commentary. In this edition, we explore the potential launch of a more affordable MacBook, the future roadmap for Apple's Vision products, a redesign of the iPad Pro, and more. Here’s what we’ve uncovered in this week’s Apple rumors.
According to renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple is gearing up to release a new 13-inch MacBook powered by the A18 Pro chip. This upcoming model, likely to be named simply "MacBook," is expected to serve as a low-cost alternative to the existing MacBook Air, featuring vibrant color options such as blue, pink, yellow, and silver. Predictions suggest that this new MacBook could hit the market in late 2025 or early 2026, with a pricing strategy between $699 and $799.
From my perspective, this new MacBook rumor stands out as one of the most exciting developments of the week. The timing of its release is notable, especially given the lack of prior leaks. Apple appears to be applying its successful iPad strategy to the Mac lineup by introducing a budget-friendly model, which could enhance Mac adoption rates, particularly among iPhone users. The substantial overlap between iPhone and iPad users indicates that Apple is keen on extending this trend to its Mac range.
Ming-Chi Kuo has also shared a comprehensive roadmap that outlines Apple's ambitions for head-mounted devices over the next few years. The timeline includes several exciting products:
M5 Vision Pro launching later this year Vision Air expected in 2027 Vision Pro 2 slated for 2028 Apple Glasses anticipated in 2027 XR Glasses projected for 2028The M5 Vision Pro is expected to deliver only minor improvements, primarily a spec bump. However, both the Vision Air and Vision Pro 2 are anticipated to feature significant weight reductions, according to Kuo.
My initial reactions to this leaked roadmap are twofold: Firstly, it’s clear that Apple is fully committed to developing Vision-style products. Secondly, we might be waiting a while before these products become mainstream. Tim Cook's passion for this technology is well-known, yet the current iteration of Vision Pro is both heavy and costly, making it less accessible to the average consumer. While the wait for the Vision Air might feel lengthy, I remain optimistic that this will eventually unlock the full potential of the Vision platform.
This fall, Apple is expected to unveil the M5 iPad Pro, but this week's rumors also hint at two distinct iPad models in development. One future iteration of the iPad Pro, likely to feature the M6 chip, will reportedly showcase much slimmer bezels, comparable to those found on the Samsung Tab Ultra, but without a notch. Conversely, development on the anticipated 18.8-inch iPad Fold has reportedly been put on hold. Initially slated for a late 2026 launch, speculation now suggests a possible release in 2028.
I wholeheartedly support the move to slim down the bezels on the iPad Pro, as this evolution is a natural progression following the last significant redesign with the M4 model. However, I find it disappointing that the iPad Fold’s launch has been postponed. Prior to last month, I was indifferent to the timeline, but advancements in iPadOS 26 have ignited my desire for a larger iPad, making the delay feel more significant.
This week also brought notable updates regarding the upcoming iPhone 17 lineup. Analyst Majin Bu reported a slight relocation of the Apple logo on the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, which will now sit further down the back of the device to accommodate changes in the magnet layout. Additionally, Digital Chat Station confirmed earlier reports that the base model iPhone 17 will sport a larger screen, increasing from 6.1 inches to 6.3 inches, thereby matching the size of the iPhone 17 Pro.
In my opinion, these adjustments are relatively minor. The logo relocation is unlikely to cause any significant concern among users. While the increase in screen size for the iPhone 17 is noteworthy, as someone who has used the iPhone 16 Pro with the same display size, I don’t foresee a major impact from this change. It appears that Apple may be streamlining its display offerings while distinctively differentiating the iPhone 17 from the anticipated iPhone 17e model, which is expected to retain the smaller 6.1-inch display.
What are your thoughts on this week’s intriguing rumors regarding the new MacBook, Vision product line, and iPad developments? We invite you to share your insights and opinions in the comments below.
For more insights, check out our recommendations for the best iPhone accessories to enhance your Apple experience.
