by MacRumors Staff
2024 is rapidly approaching its end, but Apple news and rumors continue to swirl. On the software side, users are still learning about the new features of iOS 18.2, like the expanded Apple Intelligence capabilities, while Apple is moving forward with beta testing of iOS 18.3 and related updates.
On the hardware side, we're hearing a lot of rumors about what's coming in 2025 and beyond, including a new iPhone 17 Pro design, an all-new “iPhone 17 Air,” a second-generation AirTag, a redesigned Magic Mouse, and even a foldable iPad or MacBook, so read on for all the details!
“iPhone 17 Air” with “major” design changes and 19-inch MacBook details in new report
We've heard plenty of rumors about an ultra-thin “iPhone 17 Air” coming next year and a potential foldable iPad or MacBook in the future, and The Wall Street Journal published a new report this week that outlines its own sources on both devices.
The report comes after analysts at Display Supply Chain Consultants shared their expected roadmap for new OLED-based Apple products, including an OLED iPad mini in 2026, and OLED iPad Air models and an 18.8-inch foldable iPad Pro in 2027.
iOS 18.2: Everything You Can Do With ChatGPT Integration
Following the release of iOS 18.2 last week with expanded Apple Intelligence capabilities, we’ve shared some how-tos and guides that take a closer look at the new features.
ChatGPT integration is one of the big new features, so be sure to check out our roundup of everything you can do with it. Visual Intelligence on the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro models is another example, and custom emoji characters known as Genmoji open up new possibilities for self-expression, albeit with some limitations.
Other iOS 18.2 additions worth noting include the new Mail Categories feature and the ability to return the volume slider to the Lock screen.
Apple releases first betas of iOS 18.3 and iPadOS 18.3
With iOS 18.2 now out, Apple has turned its attention to the next set of operating system updates, which are likely scheduled to be released to the public by the end of January. Ahead of that release, Apple this week unveiled the first developer betas and public builds of iOS 18.3, iPadOS 18.3, macOS 15.3, and more.
So far, the updates appear to contain relatively few new features, though macOS Sequoia 15.3 brings Genmoji to the Mac and tvOS 18.3 is set to bring robot vacuum support to the Home app.
Apple 'Working' on Redesigned Magic Mouse with Long-Awaited 'Fix'
Apple's Magic Mouse has been the butt of jokes for years due to the location of its charging port, which makes the mouse unusable while charging.
This issue wasn't fixed with the recent update that moved the Magic Mouse and other Mac accessories from Lightning ports to USB-C, but it looks like Apple is actually going to fix it at some point. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman says Apple is working on a “complete redesign” of the Magic Mouse to address some “long-standing complaints” about it, but don't expect the new mouse to debut until 2026.
AirTag 2 expected to launch next year with 'significant' item-tracking upgrade
The second-generation AirTag has been rumored to arrive sometime in 2025, and Bloomberg's Mark Gurman provided some new details this week about what we can expect from the update.
The biggest improvement will reportedly be improved Ultra Wideband capabilities that will triple the range of the current AirTag, making it much easier to track items with linked AirTags.
Meanwhile, for owners of current AirTags who want a lot more battery life out of them, Elevation Lab is offering a new TimeCapsule case that will power your AirTag for up to ten years on a pair of AA batteries.
iPhone 17 Pro rumored to stick with 'triangular' camera design
There have been a lot of confusing rumors about the iPhone 17 Pro's design, including the use of multiple materials on the back of the case and a redesigned camera bump, with some sources claiming the new bump will be “rectangular,” leading to speculation that the three camera lenses could be arranged horizontally.
However, a new rumor claims that the iPhone 17 Pro will still feature a triangular lens layout, although the overall look of the back of the device will actually change.
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