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: iPhone Fold rumors, iPhone 17 Pro thermals and case curiosity, AirPods Pro 3 features, and more. Here are this week’s Apple rumors.
iPhone Fold could boast all-screen display, Apple raises expectations
This week brought a trio of updates for next fall’s highly anticipated iPhone Fold.
Ming-Chi Kuo addressed speculation that the device would feature under-display Face ID support. He believes that’s entirely false, reiterating his prior claim that Touch ID would be integrated with the side button.
A very interesting report from JPMorgan mentioned a different kind of under-display technology, however. Per an analyst note seen by 9to5Mac, the iPhone Fold is expected to have an under-display front camera. This change, combined with the lack of Face ID, might give Apple’s foldable an all-screen, cutout-free design.
Lastly, Apple has reportedly raised shipment estimates for the iPhone Fold with key suppliers. It’s now forecasting 8-10 million units next year, up from prior 6-8 million estimates, and 2027 numbers are now 20-25 million, basically double the previous 10-15 million units projected.
My takeaways
Apple’s first foldable iPhone is shaping up to be perhaps the most exciting model since the iPhone X.
While Touch ID might feel like a setback after years with Face ID, I imagine it won’t take long to adjust to the change. And it makes sense that Apple wouldn’t want to dedicate so much internal space of an ultra-thin device to including not just one, but two Face ID systems.
The prospect of a truly all-screen iPhone, free from cutouts, is very exciting. So too is the report of Apple raising shipment targets substantially. Now that the first foldable iPhone looks like it’s truly happening, my anticipation is growing fast.
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