Welcome to this week's edition of Rumor Replay, a dedicated column at 9to5Mac that provides a concise summary of the latest Apple product rumors, complete with in-depth analysis and commentary. In this issue, we delve into significant developments regarding Apple’s highly anticipated foldable iPhone, along with updates on iOS 19 and Siri enhancements. Here’s what you need to know about this week’s Apple rumors.
Renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, known for his insights into the Apple supply chain, has shared his predictions regarding Apple’s first foldable iPhone, expected to hit the market in 2026. Here’s a breakdown of his expectations:
Design: A book-style fold, moving away from earlier reports suggesting a top-down fold. Display: A 5.5-inch outer display and a 7.8-inch inner display. Security: Touch ID integrated into the side button, with likely no Face ID functionality. Pricing: Anticipated retail price between $2,000 and $2,500. Build Quality: No visible creases or wrinkles from the fold. Thickness: The device will measure between 9-9.5mm thick when folded and 4.5-4.8mm unfolded. Materials: A hinge made from stainless steel and titanium, with a titanium casing.Kuo estimates that approximately 3-5 million units of the foldable iPhone will ship in 2026. This limitation is attributed not to a lack of demand, but rather to production complexities that could constrain capacity.
It’s essential to note that Kuo is not reporting these details as confirmed specifications for the foldable iPhone; instead, he presents them as educated predictions based on his current knowledge. While specifics like screen size and device thickness are likely sourced from supply chain insights, the pricing details remain speculative.
This overview of the foldable iPhone is indeed captivating. The previous reports suggesting a top-down fold did not resonate with me, as I felt they offered limited practicality. However, a book-style fold aligns much better with user needs. As a long-time fan of the iPad mini, the idea of having a mini-style tablet seamlessly integrated into my pocketable iPhone is incredibly appealing.
With the expected launch of the foldable iPhone in the fall of 2026, there’s still ample time for adjustments and changes. Nonetheless, these rumors certainly pique my interest!
In addition to the foldable iPhone news, industry insider Mark Gurman has provided updates on the development of iOS 19 and the potential delays for certain Siri upgrades. According to Gurman, the LLM version of Siri is still expected to launch as part of iOS 19, likely near the end of the release cycle in spring 2026.
However, a crucial element of Siri’s advancements appears to be behind schedule. The more conversational, chatbot-style functionalities that were anticipated for iOS 19 will not debut at the upcoming June WWDC, but are instead projected to be introduced in iOS 20 next year.
It’s evident that competitors like OpenAI have gained a considerable edge in the race for LLM-based assistants. However, I believe the reported delays regarding Siri’s updates might be somewhat exaggerated. Apple’s strategy appears to focus on gradually rolling out improvements, which will continue with iOS 18.5, as well as in iOS 19 and 20.
Given Siri's substantial user base, it makes sense that Apple would avoid making drastic changes all at once. While concerns about falling behind competitors are valid, they may be overstated, considering Apple’s robust ecosystem and hardware advantages.
What are your thoughts on this week’s Apple rumors regarding the foldable iPhone and Siri? We’d love to hear your insights—share your opinions in the comments below!
Additionally, don’t forget to check out our recommendations for the best iPhone accessories to enhance your Apple experience.
