Rumors Revisited: Apple to Release Foldable iPads and iPhones, AirTag 2, and More

This is Rumor Replay, a weekly column on 9to5Mac offering a quick recap of the latest Apple product rumors with analysis and commentary. Today: Apple launches foldable iPads and iPhones, plus a new Magic Mouse and AirTag 2 approach. Here are the Apple rumors this week.

iPhone 18 Fold and a more affordable iPhone 17 Air

This week, The Wall Street Journal reported on the next two years of Apple's iPhone updates:

iPhone 18 Fold
iPhone 17 Air

Neither device has official names yet, but using the two names above, the WSJ reports that the 2026 foldable iPhone “will unfold to a display size that's larger than the iPhone 16 Pro Max.” They also claim that next year's 17 Air “should be cheaper than the Pro models.”

My Takeaways

Every time we get a report about a foldable iPhone, it seems more real, especially with 2026 approaching. I’m interested to see what Apple can bring to the table that’s unique to foldables, but I’m not sure a display larger than the Pro Max is what I’m looking for. One-handed use is extremely important to me, which is why I’m using the iPhone 16 Pro over the Pro Max. However, the market seems to be showing that people like huge phones, so Apple is probably on the right track.

The iPhone 17 Air's expected price is welcome news, especially because it matches the specs we're getting. Previous reports suggested the device would be ultra-premium, but with compromises that don't justify the price. Now, the rumored A18 chip, single rear camera, and ultra-thin design all fit nicely with the moderate price.

19-inch foldable iPad Pro

We've heard rumors of a roughly 19-inch foldable iPad-Mac hybrid device before, and this week, Mark Gurman shed more light on the project.

While some of Gurman's report is intentionally ambiguous, he seems to think the device in question is an iPad, not a Mac. However, it is always possible that it may include key features of both products.

My Takeaways

There’s a lot we don’t know yet, but this foldable iPad could be my go-to all-rounder. Apple’s two iPad Pro sizes each have their strengths and weaknesses, and this foldable iPad could combine the best of both sizes. Gurman says we’ll have to wait until 2028 to see this foldable iPad, so I’m not holding out much hope just yet.

A Radically New Magic Mouse

Apple’s Magic Mouse has long played second fiddle to the Magic Trackpad. But according to Mark Gurman, the company doesn’t want the accessory to stay put.

Apple appears to be working on an entirely new Magic Mouse design that could radically change how the device works. It's a “complete redesign” of the Magic Mouse that's “better suited for the modern era.”

My Takeaways

Gourmand doesn't say so, but I wonder if Apple's motivation is partly to create a new Magic Mouse optimized for Vision Pro and spatial computing. Current Mac accessories aren't ideal for spatial environments, even if they technically work. Perhaps Apple can create something that works well on both new platforms like the Vision Pro and older ones like the Mac.

AirTag 2

The AirTag 2 is coming in 2025, and Gurman reported this week that it is expected to feature a more modern Ultra Wideband chip.

This chip upgrade will significantly improve support for Precision Finding, so you can get very accurate directions from your iPhone when tracking a lost AirTag, possibly from up to 300 feet away.

My Takeaways

My biggest issue with the AirTag is battery life (something a new add-on accessory just fixed), so I'm hoping the AirTag 2 will improve that as well. Beyond that, the expanded support for exact search seems like an obvious improvement.

Which of this week's Apple rumors are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments.