Rumors Revisited: Apple Television, AirTag 2 Updates, iPhone 17 Details

This is Rumor Replay, a new weekly column on 9to5Mac that gives a quick recap of the latest Apple product rumors with my analysis and commentary. Today: Apple Television, AirTag 2 updates, iPhone 17 details, and a new Pro Display XDR.

Here are the Apple rumors this week.

Apple Television

Rumors about an Apple TV have been swirling for years, and they're back again after Mark Gurman said Apple is “evaluating” making the device as part of its revamped home products initiative.

I'm pretty sure Apple should make a TV, and they could even just call it Apple Television to avoid confusion with the Apple TV app, Apple TV 4K box, and Apple TV+ service.

But will it? I think the answer depends entirely on the upcoming “HomePad” I wrote about last week. If the HomePad helps turn home products into a meaningful business for Apple, then TV is a natural next step. But if it becomes the next HomePod or Apple TV 4K — a niche device eclipsed by the rest of Apple's lineup — then Apple Television will likely remain buried for some time.

AirTag 2 Brings Three Upgrades

Apple is reportedly planning to release its AirTag 2 in mid-2025, four years after the original debuted. It will come with three key upgrades that Mark Gurman says will provide “better range, strengthen the built-in wireless chip, and improve privacy.”

Yesterday, I wrote about how privacy will be especially important. The release of AirTag’s successor brings to the forefront the entire baggage of stalking issues the company is still struggling with.

Still, short of new privacy protections, I’m not sure how Apple can make AirTag 2 anything other than an iterative, feel-good upgrade. The improved range and wireless chip seem obvious and should make for more accurate tracking. But for the most part, despite years of development, AirTag isn’t a product that should wow. It’s a simple utility, and any small improvements will be appreciated, but it’s likely nothing groundbreaking.

iPhone 17 tidbits

Analyst Jeff Pu shared his various expectations for next year’s iPhone 17 lineup. In particular, he highlights the iPhone 17 lineup, which has:

a more complex aluminum construction than the iPhone 16 lineup
a new manufacturing process for the A19 and A19 Pro
a narrower dynamic island for the 17 Pro Max

He also reiterates expectations that the ultra-thin 17 Air will be around 6mm thick.

His report raises many unanswered questions. What does the “more complex” aluminum construction mean, for example? Why should the smaller Dynamic Island be exclusive to the Pro Max and not also appear on the 17 Pro? Especially considering both devices are expected to feature the same TrueDepth camera.

With the iPhone 17 lineup still 10 months away from launching, we'll have plenty of time for answers and clarity.

Pro Display XDR 2

Finally, display analyst Ross Young reports that the quantum dot technology used in the M4 MacBook Pro is expected to make its way to the next Pro Display XDR, too.

It's been nearly two years since the last report on a new Pro Display XDR, so while details are scant, Young's mention is worth noting.

If Apple were ever going to release a successor to the 2019 Pro Display XDR, 2025 would be a great year to do it. That's because the new M4 Mac Studio and Mac Pro are coming out in the same year, which is perfect for Apple's new display.

Which rumors are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments.