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: an Apple product launch is happening next week, plus the iOS 18.4 beta, new Studio Display, and more. Here are this week’s Apple rumors.
Apple launch coming February 19, likely the iPhone SE 4
Ever since last week, when Mark Gurman said the new iPhone SE launch was imminent, we’ve been expecting an announcement.
Now, we finally have one. Well, an announcement for an announcement at least.
Tim Cook today shared that we’d get to meet “the newest member of the [Apple] family” on Wednesday, February 19.
My takeaways
This mystery product launch next week seems almost certain to be the new iPhone SE we’ve been expecting.
Another possibility is the M4 MacBook Air, especially with reports that stock of that product has been dwindling at Apple Stores. The silver colors in the announcement video give off Mac vibes too.
Reading the announcement tea leaves aside, we’ve been expecting a new iPhone SE, Gurman predicted one would launch any day now, and the product definitely seems like it will merit some of the extra hype Tim Cook’s post is garnering. So the iPhone SE 4 is a safe bet.
iOS 18.4 beta expected early next week
Mark Gurman recently shared that the first iOS 18.4 beta is also imminent. He expects a release anytime from mid-this week into early next week.
iOS 18.4 is expected to introduce a variety of powerful new Apple Intelligence features, with a special focus on Siri upgrades.
My takeaways
This week officially seems ruled out as a possibility, as a beta debut on Friday would be very out of the ordinary for Apple.
But early next week—likely Tuesday—seems about right. Monday is President’s Day in the US, so while a beta release wouldn’t be impossible, it does seem unlikely. And I doubt Apple will steal the spotlight from Wednesday’s product launch. So if Gurman’s sources are to be believed, a Tuesday beta awaits us.
Apple Intelligence headed to China
The Information reported this week that Apple has partnered with Alibaba to bring AI features to its devices in China.
Finding a local tech company partner was an AI launch prerequisite per the Chinese government. But now Apple has found that partner, as was today confirmed directly by Alibaba.
My takeaways
Apple has recently been touting Apple Intelligence as a driver of iPhone 16 sales. It’s also had those sales dragged down by poor performance in China. Thus, striking a deal with a Chinese partner couldn’t have happened fast enough.
Fortunately, The Information’s report implies Apple and Alibaba have already made significant progress in their partnership. Here’s hoping that means AI features will hit the iPhone in China soon.
iPhone 17 Pro Max advantage
There’s been some back and forth and conflicting reports regarding one iPhone 17 Pro Max feature: the Dynamic Island.
For a while, analyst Jeff Pu claimed there would be a substantial reduction to the Dynamic Island cutout on the Pro Max model only. Recently, a different analyst said he expected no changes.
Now, a new leaker with a decent track record has backed the first prediction: the iPhone 17 Pro Max should come with a noteworthy Dynamic Island reduction.
My takeaways
It’s always tricky when different sources, each with decent histories of leaks, share contradicting info.
I’m inclined to believe that we will see a smaller Dynamic Island on the iPhone 17 Pro Max. Apple no doubt wants to shrink the iPhone display’s cutout as soon as possible, and starting with its highest end model makes sense.
New Studio Display with MiniLED coming within a year
Display analyst Ross Young reported today that a brand new Studio Display is in the works for release in roughly the next year—either in late 2025 or early 2026. It’s expected to retain the existing 27-inch size but feature MiniLED technology.
My takeaways
I’ve written elsewhere about why I think a new Studio Display is on its way soon. But it’s great to see confirmation from a source with a strong track record in display rumors.
With a new Mac Studio expected in mid-2025, I’m a little surprised the upgraded Studio Display won’t be ready by then. But perhaps Apple plans to pre-announce it anyways, even if it doesn’t ship for another six months after.
What are your takeaways from this week’s Apple rumors? Let us know in the comments.
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