This is Rumor Replay, a weekly column at 9to5Mac offering a quick rundown of the most recent Apple product rumors, with analysis and commentary. Today: AirPods Pro 3 launch timing and AirPods 4-inspired changes, a new iPhone 17 Pro feature rumor, Camera Control 2.0, and more. Here are this week’s Apple rumors.
AirPods Pro 3 launch seems imminent
After a lot of uncertainty around AirPods Pro 3 launch timing, and a growing likelihood that we may have to wait until 2026, Mark Gurman at Bloomberg brought good news.
Per Gurman, AirPods Pro 3 are expected to be included in Apple’s new product lineup this fall. And based on previous patterns, than indicates a launch at the September 9 event alongside the iPhone 17.
Separately, two sources indicated that AirPods Pro 3’s charging case will shrink slightly and replace the physical pairing button with an AirPods 4-style capacitive option.
My takeaways
Assuming Gurman’s sources prove right about AirPods Pro 3 being imminent, it’s surprising that it took so long for that timing to become clear.
With new iPhones, we often get lots of the key details about the hardware a year in advance. The lack of AirPods Pro 3 supply chain leaks may point to the earbuds’ design being nearly indistinguishable from AirPods Pro 2, despite the smaller charging case.
Reverse wireless charging on iPhone 17 Pro line
One of the latest breaking iPhone 17 Pro rumors says that both Pro and Pro Max models may support reverse wireless charging.
The feature would enable charging other devices such as AirPods, Apple Watch, and possibly another iPhone on the back of the 17 Pro.
My takeaways
As my colleague Ben pointed out this week, there’s reason to be skeptical about reverse wireless charging becoming a reality.
Technical limitations are one thing, but the source of this rumor also wasn’t the strongest. It only said Apple had tested the feature on iPhone 17 Pro, not that it was definitively coming.
That said, the more reasons Apple has to sway buyers to its more expensive iPhones, the better.
iPhone 18 may downgrade the Camera Control button
Leaker Instant Digital shared this week that Apple is testing iPhone 18 units with a key change to the Camera Control button.
Unlike the current Camera Control functionality, next year’s version might remove all touch-sensitive components. Essentially, it would become just a simple Camera launcher and capture button.
My takeaways
I’m curious how many iPhone 16 users feel like they’ve truly mastered the various Camera Control touch-related features. Personally, I found myself triggering them accidentally all the time, which led me to turn them all off in Settings.
I love using Camera Control as a quick way to launch the Camera app and snap photos, and it seems that’s what next year’s downgrade (upgrade?) might focus on too.
New Crossbody Strap and bumper case accessories
Crossbody Strap mockup via Majin Bu
Leaker Majin Bu shared details on a new Apple accessory coming with the iPhone 17 line.
The ‘Crossbody Strap’ will reportedly integrate with new iPhone 17 cases via a magnetic connection so you can wear your iPhone around your body more conveniently.
On the note of accessories, Mark Gurman says Apple has tested a bumper-style case for the iPhone 17 Air. He is unsure whether the product will actually ship, however.
My takeaways
I’ve long felt that Apple could push further into the territory of first-party iPhone accessories. I love my MagSafe Battery Pack, for example, and wish there was a new USB-C version.
Cases with integrated body straps have grown more popular over the years, so I’m excited to see what Apple has in store with its own take.
What are your thoughts on this week’s AirPods Pro 3 or iPhone rumors? Let us know in the comments.
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