This is Rumor Replay, a weekly column at 9to5Mac offering a quick rundown of the most recent Apple product rumors, with analysis and commentary. This week’s rumors include: new Apple TV 4K chip, Studio Display 2 surprise, M5 MacBook Pro with cellular, and much more.
Apple TV 4K getting A17 Pro, plus more surprise chip leaks
Thanks to leaked Apple code and the discoveries of Aaron Perris, MacRumors published a variety of new leaks about chips coming to future Apple products.
Among the highlights:
new Apple TV 4K this fall will receive an A17 Pro chip
Studio Display 2 will boast a surprisingly powerful A19 Pro
Vision Pro 2 will come with an M5 chip, up from the current M2
Additionally, Filipe Esposito at Macworld says an M4 Ultra chip is in development for Apple’s new Mac Pro.
My takeaways
This big batch of chip leaks largely just confirms what we might expect from Apple’s forthcoming products. Rumors already said the new Apple TV 4K would get an A17 Pro or A18 for Apple Intelligence support. Vision Pro 2 has been predicted to get an M5 before too.
But the Studio Display 2 getting an A19 Pro easily stands out as the most fascinating reveal for me.
Back in July 2023, Bloomberg reported that Apple had a new Mac monitor in the works that would double as a smart home display when idle. Considering what we’ve been hearing about Apple’s smart home ambitions, the inclusion of an A19 Pro makes me think that rumor’s about to come true.
M5 MacBook Pro could gain 5G cellular in early 2026
Two noteworthy updates arrived this week for the M5 MacBook Pro:
First, Filipe Esposito found evidence that Apple is testing a C1 cellular modem in the M5 MacBook Pro
Second, Ming-Chi Kuo claimed the product is coming in 2026, not this fall as had long been hoped
Mark Gurman also followed Kuo’s report by saying the MacBook Pro would launch “very early” in 2026.
My takeaways
Prior expectations were that the first cellular Mac wouldn’t arrive until late 2026, with the M6 MacBook Pro possibly gaining a next-gen C2 modem.
It’s still very possible that will be the case. But the fact that Apple seems to be testing C1 in the M5 MacBook Pro is encouraging. One way or another, it sounds like cellular Macs are truly happening at long last.
Apple Home security cameras
Bloomberg reported that Apple’s new home product ambitions include building “multiple types of cameras and home-security products as part of an entirely new hardware and software lineup.”
Launching first on the security front will be a new 2026 security camera that’s battery powered and should last “from several months to a year” with a single charge. Per Gurman:
The device has facial recognition and infrared sensors to determine who is in a room. Apple believes users will place cameras throughout their home to help with automation. That could mean turning lights off when someone leaves a room or automatically playing music liked by a particular family member.
My takeaways
Apple’s investment in home products has until now proven a disappointment. HomePod and Apple TV 4K are extremely niche market players. But the smart home landscape is still messy enough that Apple has a great shot at finding true success.
With security cameras, a rumored video doorbell, and the upcoming HomePad/HomePod Touch and tabletop robot—potentially all supercharged by AI—Apple Home could be in for big things.
Brand new Siri appearance coming
Mark Gurman also said this week that Siri will be given a complete visual overhaul as early as next year.
Siri has a variety of powerful upgrades coming in iOS 26.4, and per Gurman they may be accompanied by a brand new look for the assistant.
This new Siri appearance might resemble the Mac’s Finder icon, but design testing is ongoing. It’s also possible the new look won’t debut until 2027, as part of Apple’s tabletop robot product that’s set to give Siri greater conversational abilities.
My takeaways
Last year in iOS 18.1, Apple shipped a new Siri interface but with minimal new features backing up the change.
Now that Siri’s more compelling AI upgrades seem to be tracking for a big iOS 26.4 update in the spring, overhauling Siri’s design makes a lot of sense. I also like the idea of taking inspiration from the Finder for this new and improved Siri.
What are your takeaways from this week’s Apple rumors? Let us know in the comments.
Best iPhone accessories