It's nearly the end of the road for the Apple Watch Series 4, which was added to Apple's public-facing vintage products list today.
All aluminum and stainless steel 40mm and 44mm models of the Apple Watch Series 4 are now considered vintage worldwide. Apple considers a device to be vintage once five years have passed since the company stopped distributing it for sale. Apple and Apple Authorized Service Providers may offer repairs for vintage devices if parts remain available.
Apple Watch Series 4 models launched in 2018, ushering in a major new design with a thinner case and a 30% larger display than before.
Apple also added the final 15-inch MacBook Pro model to the vintage products list today. This particular model launched in May 2019, and it was pretty quickly succeeded by the first 16-inch MacBook Pro in November of that year.
Apple has announced rare direct discounts on its flagship iPhone models and other products in China, signaling an effort to counter mounting competition and fluctuating consumer demand in one of its largest markets.
Between January 4 and January 7, Apple will provide discounts of up to 500 yuan (approximately $68) on the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max models through its website and Apple Stores in mainland China. The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus models will be discounted by 400 yuan, while iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 models will receive markdowns of up to 300 yuan. Other products, including the MacBook Air, iPad, Apple Watch, AirPods, and Apple Pencil, will also see price reductions, with the MacBook Air eligible for a discount of up to 800 yuan. The promotional items are available in limited quantities, with only 29,300 iPhones included in the sale. The promotion is tied to specific payment methods, such as WeChat Pay and Alipay.
Apple rarely offers direct discounts on its latest products, particularly its flagship iPhone models. Such promotions are usually handled by third-party retailers in China, especially during major shopping events like Singles Day, when platforms like Alibaba's Tmall and Pinduoduo slash prices to drive sales. For instance, during the last Singles Day shopping festival in November, iPhone 16 models were discounted by as much as 1,600 yuan on Tmall. The timing of the latest promotion comes as Apple faces heightened competition from Huawei and other Chinese brands, although the company did offer a similar promotion last year.
In select U.S. states, residents can add their driver's license or state ID to the Wallet app on the iPhone and Apple Watch, providing a convenient and contactless way to display proof of identity or age at select airports and businesses, and in select apps.
Below, we outline which U.S. states and territories offer the feature, and additional states that have committed to rolling it out in the future. 2025 just began, and many of the states listed below will likely roll out the feature throughout the year.
Apple said the following states have "signed on" to adopt the feature in the future:
Montana
West Virginia
Connecticut
Kentucky
Mississippi
Oklahoma
Utah
The feature will also work with Japan's My Number Card in the future, according to Apple.
Participating Airports
Apple Wallet app IDs can be used at select TSA checkpoints within select U.S. airports:
Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
Denver International Airport (DEN)
Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Airport (CVG)
John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH)
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
San Jose Mineta International Airport (SJC)
Los Angeles International (LAX)
Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL)
Des Moines International Airport (DSM)
Eastern Iowa Airport (CID)
Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ)
Lea County Regional Airport (HOB)
Luis Munoz Marin International Airport (SJU)
Apple says travelers should refer to TSA checkpoint signage to confirm availability of the feature, and the TSA's website offers more details.
In addition to participating TSA checkpoints, Apple in September announced that users would soon be able to present an Apple Wallet ID for CLEAR member enrollment at airports. Apple Wallet IDs can also be used to show proof of age or identity at select businesses and venues in the U.S., although Apple does not maintain a list of specific locations for this.
One of Apple's first product announcements of 2025 will likely be updated 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air models with the M4 chip.
Below, we recap rumors about the next MacBook Air models.
New Features
Expected
The new MacBook Air models are expected to be equipped with Apple's already-released M4 chip, which has a 10-core CPU and a 10-core GPU.
Apple already updated the MacBook Pro, iMac, and Mac mini with M4 chips a few months ago. Geekbench 6 results showed that the M4 chip is up to 25% faster than the M3 chip in terms of multi-core CPU performance, while the chip's power efficiency improvements should contribute to the MacBook Air getting longer battery life.
Apple recently increased the minimum RAM included in all MacBook Air models from 8GB to 16GB, so expect 16GB of RAM for base 2025 configurations.
Apple last redesigned the MacBook Air in 2022. No major external design changes have been rumored for the next MacBook Air models.
Likely
Following in the footsteps of the MacBook Pro, the next MacBook Air models will likely have an upgraded 12-megapixel camera with support for Center Stage, a feature that automatically keeps you centered on video as you move around. The camera will likely also support Desk View, which shows an overhead view of your desk.
Center Stage is available in video calling apps like FaceTime and Zoom. The feature was previously limited to newer iPad models and Macs connected to Apple's external Studio Display. The new MacBook Pro and iMac models were the first Macs to support Center Stage without needing to rely on a Studio Display.
The new MacBook Air models will likely be equipped with three Thunderbolt 4 ports, whereas the current models have two Thunderbolt 3 ports. The new models will likely support up to two external displays, even when the lid is open.
Possible
The latest MacBook Pro and iMac models can be configured with a nano-texture display, which has a special coating that better scatters light to further minimize glare on the screen. It is possible that Apple will extend this option to the new MacBook Air models, unless it opts to keep the option exclusive to the MacBook Pro among its laptops.
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman recently said the new MacBook Air models will be announced "earlier" than some other devices rumored to launch this spring, such as a new iPhone SE. This likely means the new MacBook Air models will be announced in a press release on the Apple Newsroom website at some point from January through March, whereas the other devices might be announced at Apple's usual spring event in March or April. Apple would be getting the minor MacBook Air update out of the way early.
Based on rumors and historical product release information, 2025 is going to be an exciting year for Apple. As we outlined in our annual What to Expect Guide, Apple is redesigning the iPhone, jumping into new smart home tech, and preparing to launch new Apple-designed chips.
Early in the year, we're expecting to get the iPhone SE 4, a low-cost iPad, M4 MacBook Air models, and a new iPad Air, then later, we'll get a new smart home "Command Center," a whole new iPhone 17 lineup, new Apple Watch models, the Mac Pro and Mac Studio, plus a bunch more.
While we know what's likely to launch based on rumors and past release information, we want to hear from the MacRumors community. What are you hoping to see Apple release this year?
Are you looking forward to a new version of Siri? New iPhone features? A more cohesive smart home strategy? What do you want to see in iOS 19 and macOS 16?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments, and take a look at our What to Expect guide for an overview of the current rumors. We'll be hearing a lot more about Apple's 2025 plans in the coming months, and as always, we'll have in-depth coverage at MacRumors.com.
If you want to discuss Apple's upcoming products, our MacRumors forums are an excellent resource, plus they're a great place to get help on current Apple products, software, and just to find like-minded folks in the Apple community.
A big thank you to our readers and our forum members for continuing to make MacRumors the number one source for Apple news, rumors, and advice. MacRumors celebrated its 24th birthday this year, thanks to our dedicated supporters. We're looking forward to another year of rumors and product launches in 2025. Happy New Year!
Apple recently announced it will be opening a new retail store at the MixC Hefei shopping mall in Hefei, China on January 18 at 10 a.m. local time.
To celebrate the store's upcoming grand opening, Apple has shared both a special wallpaper and Apple Watch face featuring a custom-designed Apple logo.
The wallpaper is available for the iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
Ahead of the Chinese New Year later this month, Apple will be running a promotion in China that offers savings on select products. The promotion runs from January 4 through January 7, and details are available on Apple's online store.
The device succeeding the third-generation iPhone SE will be named the iPhone 16E, according to a December 13 post from Fixed Focus Digital, an account with over two million followers on Chinese social media platform Weibo. On December 31, another leaker known as Majin Bu on X also cited a source who said the device's name will be iPhone 16E.
It is unclear if the name would use a capital E, or if the name would end up being iPhone 16e, or iPhone 16 with an E inside a square. Or perhaps iPhone 16 SE? Or, this rumor is simply wrong and Apple sticks with iPhone SE branding.
"Fixed Focus Digital" doesn't have a very established track record with Apple rumors yet. The account accurately claimed the iPhone 16 Pro models would be available in a new bronze finish, which ended up being Desert Titanium, but the color had already been rumored at the time. On the other hand, the account was wrong about the number of iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus color options that would be available. The account's make-or-break moment will mostly come down to whether its claims about the iPhone SE's successor using the same chassis as the iPhone 16 and being named iPhone 16E prove to be accurate.
In any case, the device is said to have a similar design as the base iPhone 14, which is similar to the base iPhone 16. Rumored features include a 6.1-inch OLED display, Face ID, a USB-C port, a single 48-megapixel rear camera, a newer A-series chip and 8GB of RAM for Apple Intelligence, and the first Apple-designed 5G modem. It is not clear if the device will have an Action button, which debuted on the iPhone 15 Pro models.
Apple announced the current iPhone SE during an online event in March 2022. The device looks similar to the iPhone 8, with outdated features such as a Touch ID button, Lightning port, and thick bezels around the display. In the U.S., the iPhone SE currently starts at $429, but at least a slight price increase seems likely for the next model.
Apple's website still says the first vehicle models with support for next-generation CarPlay would "arrive in 2024," but that did not happen.
At this point, it is unclear if next-generation CarPlay will ever launch. Apple has not publicly commented on its plans in quite a long time, but it continued to make preparations behind the scenes throughout 2024. In November, for example, a few redesigned next-generation CarPlay icons appeared within iOS 18.2's code.
Apple did not respond to our several requests for comment about next-generation CarPlay throughout 2024. It would not be surprising if the timeframe listed on Apple's website is quietly updated to 2025 over the coming days.
It is unclear if Apple needs more time to finish developing next-generation CarPlay, or if car makers have decided not to adopt the system, or something else. Apple first previewed next-generation CarPlay at WWDC 2022, more than two and a half years ago. Just over a year ago, Aston Martin and Porsche previewed next-generation CarPlay instrument cluster designs, but neither brand has rolled out the system.
Apple said other committed car makers included Acura, Audi, Ford, Honda, Infiniti, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Polestar, Renault, and Volvo.
Apple promised that next-generation CarPlay would have deep integration with the instrument cluster and climate controls, support for multiple displays across the dashboard, a dedicated FM radio app, customizable widgets, and more. The interface would be tailored to each vehicle model and automaker's brand identity.
Here is how Apple describes it:
This next generation of CarPlay is the ultimate iPhone experience for the car. It provides content for all the driver's screens including the instrument cluster. This ensures a cohesive design experience that is the very best of your car and your iPhone — with designs for each automaker that express your vehicle’s character and brand. Vehicle functions like radio and temperature controls are handled right from CarPlay. And personalization options ranging from widgets to selecting curated gauge cluster designs make it unique to the driver.
Next-generation CarPlay is expected to be available in new vehicles only, if it ever launches. It is not an update to the standard CarPlay software.
Will next-generation CarPlay eventually launch, or will it become vaporware? We don't know, but it certainly did not "arrive in 2024" as planned.
For over a decade, Apple has consistently announced all-new hardware product lines, from the iPad in 2010 to the Vision Pro in 2023. But for the first time in 14 years, Apple failed to announce any major new hardware products in 2024, focusing solely on updates and refinements to its existing product lines.
While Apple unveiled a large number of significant hardware refreshes in 2024, such as the redesigned iPad Pro and Mac mini, these were all evolutions of existing categories, not entirely new product lines. The only entirely new announcement of note, Apple Intelligence, was software-based and does not qualify as new hardware. This makes 2024 the first year since 2009 in which Apple did not release a completely new hardware product. Here's a look back at the major new products announced each year from 2010 to 2023:
2024 stands out for its lack of a new category, focusing instead on enhancing existing devices and introducing new software features.
It's worth noting that many of Apple's product lines have reached a high level of maturity. Instead of creating entirely new categories, Apple is seemingly doubling down on perfecting its existing lineup, as demonstrated by the introduction of OLED display technology to the iPad Pro, the more refined design of the Apple Watch Series 10, or the M4 family of Apple silicon chips.
While Apple Vision Pro was announced in 2023, it did not launch until February 2024, and constitutes a major new "spatial computing" product line for the company. It demanded a whole new OS, accessory ecosystem, retail store space, and more. As a result, is likely that Vision Pro dominated Apple's focus in 2023 and 2024.
Similarly, Apple's pivot toward AI in the form of Apple Intelligence was announced in June 2024. Apple Intelligence seeks to reshape how users interact with their devices, introducing unprecedented levels of personalized automation and generation on Apple devices. Since Apple Intelligence exists solely as software for existing product lines, Apple focused on expanding Apple Intelligence support in 2024, exemplified by the introduction of the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, and seventh-generation iPad mini, as well as bumping the entire Mac lineup up to 16GB of memory as standard.
Apple's long-rumored, but ill-fated, electric vehicle project, may also have diverted substantial resources before its reported cancellation. This effort, combined with the monumental development demands of Apple Intelligence and the Vision Pro, likely consumed a significant portion of Apple's recent R&D capacity.
Moreover, Apple's 2024 product lineup is still likely feeling the lingering effects of the global slowdown during COVID-19, as most Apple products operate on a development cycle of two to four years. These overlapping factors may explain why 2024 lacked the introduction of an entirely new hardware product line.
Compounding this, the global tech market has seen slowing growth in consumer hardware, with many buyers opting to extend the lifecycle of their devices. It would therefore make sense that Apple has prioritized incremental upgrades such as the Apple Pencil Pro and fourth-generation AirPods, over launching new product categories that require significant consumer adoption and investment.
2025 is rumored to see the introduction of a smart home "Command Center" resembling a HomePod with a 7-inch display, which could constitute an all-new product line amid Apple's expected refocus on the smart home. Beyond this, no totally new hardware product lines are expected this year.
Apple's first-generation Vision Pro headset may have now ceased production, following reports of reduced demand and production cuts earlier in the year.
In October, The Information's Wayne Ma reported that Apple had abruptly reduced production of the Vision Pro headset ahead of potential plans to stop making the current version of the device completely by the end of 2024. With the year now coming to an end, this means that the device may no longer be in active production.
Citing multiple people "directly involved" in making components for the headset, the report said that the scaling back of production began in the early summer. This indicated that Apple now has a sufficient number of Vision Pro units in its inventory to meet demand for the device's remaining lifespan through to 2025. Historically, it is not unusual for Apple to do this with low-demand products, such as the iPhone 12 mini.
The Vision Pro is widely reported to have seen weak demand due to insufficient content and its high price point. The Information said that Vision Pro suppliers have now produced enough components for between 500,000 to 600,000 headsets. Some factories suspended production of Vision Pro components as early as May based on Apple's weak sales forecasts, and warehouses remain filled with tens of thousands of undelivered parts.
Apple is said to have told Luxshare, a Chinese company that serves as the Vision Pro's assembler, that it would need to wind down production in November. Luxshare was making around 1,000 Vision Pro headsets per day as of October, which was half that being produced at its peak. Apple will apparently still be able to resume Vision Pro production if sales pick up since the production lines are not yet due to be dismantled.
Moreover, Apple has purportedly suspended work on the original second-generation Vision Pro for at least a year to focus on developing a lower-cost headset. Interestingly, Apple told suppliers to prepare to build four million low-cost headsets over the entire lifespan of the future product. This is half the total number of Vision Pros that Apple told suppliers to produce, suggesting that sales expectations are even lower for the cheaper headset.
Weak demand for the Vision Pro has been attributed to its high $3,499 price point and insufficient content ecosystem. Apple CEO Tim Cook described the device as an "early-adopter product," targeting users interested in cutting-edge technology rather than the broader mass market.
Although Apple's work on the second-generation Vision Pro has apparently stalled, there are some indications that the company could release "an incremental update to the product with limited changes to its physical design," such as a chip upgrade, according to The Information. Corroborating this, Kuo and Bloomberg's Mark Gurman have indicated that a more iterative second-generation Vision Pro is in active development, adding the introduction of an M5 chip and Apple Intelligence. Gurman has projected the device could launch between fall 2025 and spring 2026. This updated model is expected to reuse many components from the first-generation Vision Pro to offset the surplus inventory in Apple's supply chain.
As 2024 comes to an end, Apple Intelligence's memory maker provides a new tool to revisit your highlights, milestones, and cherished moments of the year.
The memory maker tool is a powerful new feature in iOS 18's revamped Photos app, found within the Memories collection. It allows users to create personalized "Memory Movies" from their photo libraries using simple written prompts.
By leveraging advanced machine learning, the memory maker identifies relevant photos and videos, arranges them into a cohesive narrative, and pairs them with curated music and animations. One standout aspect of the new memory maker is its ability to weave together moments with a beginning, middle, and end, creating a narrative that is designed to feel intentional and cinematic.
Like other Apple Intelligence features, the memory maker is only available on iPhones and iPads with the A17 Pro or M1 chip or newer. Likewise, you need to be running iOS 18.1 or iPadOS 18.1 or newer.
How to Use the Memory Maker
Launch the Photos app on your iPhone or iPad. Tap on the Memories tab to view auto-generated slideshows or start creating your own.
Tap the Create button within Memories. You'll be prompted to enter a short text description of the memory you want to create, such as "My family trip to Greece," "Celebrating Mia's 18th birthday," or "Fun moments from summer 2024." Be as specific or general as you like—the more detailed your description, the more targeted the memory maker's selections will be.
Wait while the Photos app creates your memory. Once completed, watch the video. You can also scroll through the images at the bottom of the screen.
Tap the three dots at the top right of the screen to edit the movie's timeline or title, or loop it. If you're an Apple Music subscriber, you can choose a different soundtrack to accompany your movie by tapping the music icon.
When you're happy with the Memory Movie, you can tap the three dots to share, export, AirPlay, or delete it, and well as add it to Favorite Memories.
As the new year approaches, the memory maker is the perfect new tool to try out to relive your 2024 highlights. What do you think of the feature? Let us know in the comments.
Apple launched almost 30 new hardware products in 2024. Here's a look back at exactly what we got this year.
With the exception of Vision Pro, Apple's 2024 hardware releases largely marked a year of steady refinement. It wasn't a year of massive overhauls across the board, but it did feature some key themes.
The Vision Pro, released in February, stands out as Apple's biggest product launch. While its $3,499 price tag keeps it squarely in early-adopter territory, Apple's first spatial computing device provides a hint at where the company expects technology to move over the coming years. Despite both excitement and criticism surrounding its capabilities, it's clear that 2024 was about laying the foundation, with its true impact likely to unfold in the years to come.
With minor refreshes to the MacBook Air and iPad Air, and no new hardware releases at WWDC, the star of the first half of the year was undoubtedly the iPad Pro, which gained OLED displays, a thinner design, the M4 chip, an all-new Magic Keyboard, a landscape front-facing camera, and more.
MacBook Pro (M4, M4 Pro, and M4 Max) (14-inch, 2024)
MacBook Pro (M4 Pro and M4 Max) (16-inch, 2024)
In the second half of the year, Apple virtually completed its transition to USB-C with the long-awaited refresh of the AirPods, AirPods Max, Magic Keyboard, Magic Trackpad, and Magic Mouse. All that's left is the iPhone SE, which is now expected around March 2025.
The company also released new iPhone and Apple Watch models as usual in the fall, followed by a minor iPad mini refresh that added the A17 Pro chip and more memory for Apple Intelligence support. The iPhone 16 lineup focused on Apple Intelligence and the Camera Control, while the Apple Watch Series 10 saw the introduction of a more refined design and sleep apnea detection.
Closing out the year, Apple turned its attention to its Mac lineup. The M4 family of chips made its way to the iMac, MacBook Pro, and Mac mini, with the latter receiving a complete redesign for the first time in well over a decade. Next up to gain M4 chips are the MacBook Air, Mac Studio, and Mac Pro in 2025.
What do you think of Apple's 2024 product releases? Let us know in the comments.
On iPhone, listening to YouTube audio in the background usually requires paying for a YouTube Premium subscription, but there is a simple workaround that allows you to keep listening to a video when you are doing other things on your iPhone or when your device is locked. Keep reading to learn how it's done.
As YouTube has grown in popularity over the years, Google has opted to park several features of the video hosting service behind a paywall, such as ad-free viewing, SharePlay on iOS, and the ability to listen to YouTube audio on your iPhone when the app is closed.
Unfortunately, YouTube Premium costs $13.99 a month to access these features. But if all you want to do is listen to YouTube-hosted audio like podcasts, music, or lectures when you are in other apps or when your iPhone is locked and in your pocket, there is a way to achieve this without paying for the subscription.
The following steps show you how it's done.
Launch Safari on your iPhone and visit youtube.com, then search for the video whose audio you want to listen to.
Tap the left-hand icon in Safari's address bar.
Next, tap the More (three dots) button in the bottom-right corner, then select Request Desktop Website from the popup menu.
Tap the play button or tap the video to begin playback, while ignoring or dismissing any popups encouraging you to open the YouTube mobile app. (You will need to watch or skip a few ads before video playback begins.)
Now, lock your iPhone with the device's Side button. The audio will pause, but you can just tap the Play button in the Lock Screen playback controls widget to resume listening.
After following the above steps, the audio from YouTube will continue to play on your locked iPhone for as long as the video lasts, leaving you free to pocket your device and listen on headphones.
Alternatively, if you want to use other apps while listening, simply swipe up from the bottom of the screen to exit out of Safari, and then use the media controls in your iPhone's Dynamic Island or Control Center to resume playback when it automatically stops.
Apple recently invited CNET's Patrick Holland to tour its specialized laboratories in Cupertino where company engineers test and calibrate the iPhone 16's audio and video capabilities.
Holland's visit centered on a long wave anechoic chamber, where walls, ceiling, and floor are covered with foam wedges to eliminate echoes. The facility is used for testing the iPhone 16's four microphones, which despite their small size, are engineered to deliver professional-grade audio quality.
"The iPhone is such a ubiquitous recording device and gets used in so many different environments that we want to make sure that we're able to capture the memory that our users are trying to capture in the truest form," explained Ruchir Dave, senior director of acoustics engineering at Apple.
"The approach we took was to go after both quality as well as utility. And as part of that, we developed a novel microphone component that allows us to deliver some of the best acoustic performance in a phone product," said Dave. "At the same time, [we] developed a feature like Audio Mix that gives users the flexibility to be able to capture different sounds and gives you that creative freedom in the edit to adjust it how you like."
The testing process Apple uses includes a sophisticated array of speakers that play chimes while the iPhone rotates, creating a spherical sound profile. This data forms the foundation for features like spatial audio and Audio Mix, which allows users to adjust recorded audio to simulate different microphone types. In separate soundproof studios, Apple conducts comparative playback tests with multiple testers to ensure consistent audio quality.
The tour's highlight was a theater-sized video verification lab, where Apple engineers calibrate display performance across various lighting conditions. The facility features a massive screen that simulates how videos appear on iPhone displays, whether viewed in dark rooms, offices, or bright sunlight. For all the details, check out the full writeup over at CNET.
An upcoming version of the Magic Mouse with voice control for AI would "make sense," Bloomberg's Mark Gurmansaid today, though he claimed that he has heard no rumors about the feature so far.
A report from Korean leaker "yeux1222" this morning suggested that Apple has created a prototype Magic Mouse that includes a mix of touch, voice controls, and hand gestures. Gurman said on social media that the functionality is logical in light of AI, but he also claimed that the rumor is "just an incorrect back-and-forth translation" of a line from a report that he shared earlier in December about a future Magic Mouse.
Voice control in the new Magic Mouse I wrote about this month makes sense in light of AI — and the fact that Apple is on a decade-plus cycle. From what I’ve heard, big focus is ergonomics and gestures (relocated USB-C too). I’d expect a new keyboard too. https://t.co/FtUcR2Yqdj
— Mark Gurman (@markgurman) December 30, 2024
As @ChanceHMiller points out, the rumor making the rounds today is just an incorrect back-and-forth translation of this line from my initial report: "In a computing world now infused with touch screens, voice commands and hand gestures..."
— Mark Gurman (@markgurman) December 30, 2024
It's not clear whether the rumor from yeux1222 is based on Gurman's original report, but Gurman did clarify today that Apple plans to focus on a more ergonomic design and unspecified gestures with the refreshed mouse.
If voice control is included in the next Magic Mouse, it could be used for Apple Intelligence, with users perhaps able to summon Siri or perform specific actions using voice-based commands. Gurman claims that even if there isn't a clear use case in the near future due to Macs already supporting such voice-based features, there could be one in five to 10 years.
Adding voice control to the Magic Mouse could be done for future proofing given the long update cycle. So far, Apple has not frequently updated the Magic Mouse, and it has not received notable updates since the Magic Mouse 2 was introduced in 2019. In fact, Apple has only added new colors and swapped the Lightning port for a USB-C port.
Earlier this month, Gurman said that Apple is planning a "full overhaul" of the Magic Mouse, with a more modern design. He said that Apple will finally move the charging port from the bottom of the device to an easier to access location, but he did not mention voice controls or gesture support at the time.
Both Gurman and the information shared by yeux1222 suggest that the Magic Mouse will launch in 2026, and it is possible it will come alongside an OLED MacBook Pro, which is also rumored to launch that year.
Apple is going to have a busy year in 2025, based on the rumors that we're hearing right now. All of the rest of the Mac lineup will be updated with M4 chips, plus there's a new iPhone SE coming, and a whole new iPhone 17 "Air" that's slimmer than any iPhone to date.
The iPhone 17 Pro models might also get a major design update with a new look for the camera and the chassis, plus Apple is going to debut a whole new "Command Center" device for smart homes. New AirPods Pro 3 are on the horizon, and some iPad refreshes are coming, too.
This guide outlines everything that we know about the new products coming from Apple in 2025, based on current rumors.
New Flagship iPhones
It'll come as no surprise, but this September, Apple will unveil the iPhone 17 lineup. Apple is making some major changes to its flagship models this year, eliminating the iPhone 17 Plus and introducing a new ultra thin model.
iPhone 17 Air (September 2025)
In 2024, Apple introduced a super thin iPad Pro that's just 5.1mm thick, and it's part of a new trend toward making products thinner and lighter. Instead of an iPhone 17 Plus, this year we're getting a super thin iPhone 17 that'll be something of a hybrid between the standard iPhone 17 and the iPhone 17 Pro in terms of price.
We don't yet know what Apple will call the new iPhone, but rumors have been referencing it as the "iPhone 17 Air," and the "Air" name fits in with the "Pro" naming that Apple already uses for the iPhone lineup.
The iPhone 17 Air will mark the biggest update to the iPhone's design we've had since the iPhone X launched in 2017. The iPhone 17 Air isn't a directly replacement for the iPhone 17 Plus, so it's not just an iPhone 17 that's thin. It's going to have a single-lens 48-megapixel camera rather than a dual-lens or even triple-lens setup, and there's a new display size.
It's supposed to have a 6.6-inch display, so larger than the iPhone 17 and 17 Pro, but smaller than the 17 Pro Max. It will be slim, but just how slim is unclear. Rumors suggest that it could be around 2mm thinner than the iPhone 16 Pro, which measures in at 8.25mm thick, so between 6 and 6.25mm is likely. That would make the iPhone 17 Air the thinnest iPhone to date, slimmer even than the 6.9mm iPhone 6 that holds the title right now.
Because the new iPhone is so thin, it can only house a single-lens rear camera, and there's only going to be one speaker at the top rather than one at the top and one at the bottom. It's possible there will be a narrower pill-shaped cutout for the front-facing camera, resulting in a narrower Dynamic Island, but whether that'll actually happen remains to be seen.
This year, all iPhone 17 models are expected to get ProMotion display technology with up to 120Hz refresh rates, so that will no longer be a feature limited to the Pro models.
The iPhone 17 Air could get a titanium-aluminum frame, which would keep it lightweight, and it will have the same next-generation chip Apple plans to use in the iPhone 17 rather than the higher-end chip Apple will use for the Pro models.
Apple plans to use its Apple-designed modem in the iPhone 17 Air to test it out. The new 5G chip will be launched in the iPhone SE, low-cost iPad, and iPhone 17 Air this year, and Apple is already working on improvements that will make it feasible to use across the iPhone lineup.
The 5G chip won't support mmWave 5G, but it does have sub-6GHz 5G, which is more commonly used in suburban and rural areas in the U.S. and in other countries.
With the iPhone 17 Air, Apple is focusing on design and form factor as the device's selling points rather than its internals, and we are expecting a price tag somewhere between the iPhone 17 and 17 Pro. It's likely to be more expensive than the iPhone 16, which is priced starting at $799, but less expensive than the 16 Pro, which starts at $999.
iPhone 17 (September 2025)
Apple still plans to offer a plain old iPhone 17, and it could have a larger 6.3-inch display, up from 6.1 inches. It's expected to be Apple's lowest-cost flagship device, but rumors suggest we can count on a dual-lens camera setup with a 48-megapixel Main camera, a 24-megapixel front-facing camera, and support for ProMotion.
iPhone 17 Pro (September 2025)
The iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max will be Apple's high-end devices per usual, but this year there could be some notable design changes. Rumors suggest Apple is planning to do away with the titanium frame in favor of an aluminum frame, and there could be a half-glass half-aluminum rear casing.
Removing half of the glass in the iPhone 17 Pro models and replacing it with aluminum would make them more durable to drops and damage, while leaving support for wireless charging in place.
There have also been rumors about a new camera bump that's made from aluminum rather than glass. Some rumors say it will have an "elongated oval shape" and a horizontal layout, but it's not quite clear just what the camera setup is going to look like at this point.
The iPhone 17 Pro models could get 12GB RAM, with other models set to have 8GB RAM.
Apple is expected to upgrade the camera in the Pro models, introducing a 48-megapixel Telephoto lens. With that upgrade, the iPhone 17 Pro models will have a 48-megapixel Wide lens, a 48-megapixel Ultra Wide lens, and a 48-megapixel Telephoto lens.
At least one iPhone 17 model is expected to have a mechanical aperture that will let users adjust the size of the aperture, which changes the amount of light that reaches the lens. A variable aperture will let images be captured with a shallower depth-of-field, and it's likely that this would be an iPhone 17 Pro feature.
Features Rumored for All iPhone 17 Models
24-megapixel front-facing camera with six-element lens, a notable upgrade over the current 12-megapixel selfie camera.
ProMotion Display technology with 120Hz refresh rate, enabled by the use of LTPO panels.
Always-on display technology across all iPhone 17 models.
Tougher Ceramic Shield coating with anti-reflective layer better able to stand up to wear and tear
A19 chip, though iPhone 17 Pro models will likely get A19 Pro chips. A19 chips will be faster and more efficient.
An Apple-designed Bluetooth and Wi-Fi 7 chip.
iPhone SE 4 (Early 2025)
It seems like we've been hearing about a new iPhone SE for years now, and the next-generation version of Apple's low-cost iPhone will finally launch in 2025.
The iPhone SE 4 will mark the end of Touch ID in the iPhone lineup, as Apple is transitioning to Face ID for the device, and it will also spell the end of ultra small phones with no more 4.7-inch screens available.
Rumors suggest that the iPhone SE 4 will be modeled after the iPhone 14, with a 6.06-inch display, Face ID, and a notch. At that size, the iPhone SE 4 will be significantly larger than the current iPhone SE. It will use OLED display technology, which also means Apple will finally finish phasing out LCD displays from the iPhone lineup.
The device will have a single-lens 48-megapixel rear camera and a USB-C port. There is a possibility it will have the same multi-function Action Button that's available with the iPhone 16 models.
The iPhone SE will get a faster A-series chip, likely the A18, which will support Apple Intelligence. Adding Apple Intelligence support also means that it will need a minimum of 8GB RAM.
With the launch of the iPhone SE, Apple will introduce the custom modem chip that it has been designing in-house for the last several years. The Apple 5G chip won't support mmWave 5G, but it will support sub-6GHz. Apple is debuting the modem chip in the iPhone SE to make sure that it works well before it is expanded to additional devices such as the flagship iPhones.
Though the iPhone SE is getting a slew of major upgrades in 2025, we are expecting a sub-$500 price tag for the device. The iPhone SE 4 will likely launch in early 2025.
Smart Home Command Center
Apple is developing a home accessory that's meant to serve as a central hub or "Command Center" for smart home management. While the Apple TV and HomePod are already home hubs and there are multiple options for controlling a HomeKit setup, Apple is creating a more accessible all-in-one home management product that will make control easier.
The device is said to somewhat resemble an iPad, but it has a more square design with a six inch display that has thick bezels around the edges. It will be about the size of two iPhones side-by-side, making it small enough to tuck into any area of the home, and to be transported from room to room.
The hub's display will support touch input for opening apps and controlling connected devices, and while it's not getting a dedicated App Store, it will have Apple apps like Notes, Calendar, Home, Apple Music, Apple News, Photos, Safari, Reminders, and more installed.
Apple is designing a dock that can house the hub, but it will also be able to be mounted on the wall. Speakers will be built in, and there will be a camera for FaceTime calls. Built-in sensors will be able to determine how close a person is to the hub, and information displayed on the screen can shift based on that proximity. It may also support person detection that would allow it to be used in smart home automations for doing things like turning on the lights when someone enters a room.
With an A18 chip, the device will support Apple Intelligence, and speaking to Siri will be a main part of communication with the hub. Apple envisions multiple devices being in different rooms of the house, and the device will serve as a room-to-room intercom and it will be able to play music.
Competing products from companies like Amazon have hub accessories priced at around $90, so Apple may be aiming to meet that price point with its own hub. The smart home hub could be released as soon as early 2025, though there has been some disagreement on its launch timeline so it could also come later in the year.
Apple Watches
In 2024, Apple only updated the Series 10, but this year, there are updates for the standard Apple Watch, the Apple Watch SE, and the Apple Watch Ultra planned.
Apple Watch Series 11 (September 2025)
The Apple Watch gets a yearly refresh, and 2025 will be no exception. If Apple can finish the feature on time, the Apple Watch Series 11 could support blood pressure monitoring. The feature won't measure exact systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels, but will instead measure trends and alert the wearer if high blood pressure has been detected.
Apple is transitioning to MediaTek cellular modems for future Apple Watch models, doing away with Intel's modems. Apple will use MediaTek's 5G chip, which supports 5G RedCap, a 5G service aimed at wearables. 5G RedCap doesn't offer standard 5G speeds, but it would likely be an improvement over the 4G LTE the current Apple Watch models are limited to.
Apple Watch Ultra 3 (September 2025)
Apple did not refresh the Apple Watch Ultra in 2024, but a new model is expected in 2025. The Apple Watch Ultra 3 will get satellite connectivity, allowing for off-grid texting and communication when Wi-Fi and cellular connections are unavailable. Satellite connectivity would be an Apple Watch Ultra exclusive, distinguishing it from Apple's lower-cost models.
A blood pressure monitoring feature could be included in the Apple Watch Ultra 3 if Apple is able to complete work on it in time for a 2025 launch.
Apple Watch SE (September 2025)
Apple will refresh the Apple Watch SE in 2025, adding a new, faster processor. As a lower-cost Apple Watch option, the Apple Watch SE does not offer the same health features as the standard Apple Watch like ECG functionality, the ability to read temperature, and more, but it does have all of the standard sleep tracking and heart rate tracking features.
The next Apple Watch SE could get a notable update, with Apple transitioning from an aluminum casing to a rigid plastic material instead. Plastic would be more affordable than aluminum, and it could be made in bright colors, better appealing to children and their parents.
Apple has been focusing on Apple Watch for kids marketing, and the Apple Watch SE offers a way for parents to give their children managed devices for location tracking and communication.
New Apple Watch models often come out in September, so we are expecting to see the next Apple Watch SE debut alongside new iPhones in the fall.
AirPods Pro 3
The AirPods were refreshed in 2024, and in 2025, it's the AirPods Pro's turn. New AirPods Pro 3 are expected at some point in 2025, though the timing is not yet clear.
Apple is working on a new design for the AirPods Pro 3, but details are light as of now. Both the earbuds and the case will get a refresh, with the case perhaps getting slimmed down like the AirPods case.
Better audio quality is expected, along with improvements to Active Noise Cancellation and better integration with the Vision Pro headset.
Apple is working on a new H3 connectivity chip that powers everything from Active Noise Cancellation to Siri, and a faster H3 chip could bring multiple improvements for ANC, music quality, spatial audio, and more.
There are rumors that Apple has been testing some AirPods health features like body temperature monitoring and heart rate monitoring, and there is a possibility that we could get those features. Temperature reading specifically has the potential to be useful because temperatures taken from the ear are more accurate than the wrist temperature measurement the Apple Watch uses, and heart rate monitoring would bring the feature to iPhone users who do not have an Apple Watch.
With the AirPods 4, Apple removed the physical pairing button and replaced it with a hidden capacitive button and a hidden LED light, so we could see those same updates made to the AirPods Pro 4.
HomePod Mini
Apple will update the HomePod mini in 2025, adding a faster S-series chip and a new Apple-designed Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip that will replace components from supplier Broadcom. Along with these internal changes, we will likely see new color options. Timing on the HomePod mini refresh is unknown.
Apple TV
Apple is expected to refresh the Apple TV 4K in 2025, adding a faster A-series chip and a new Apple-designed Bluetooth and Wi-Fi combo chip. The new chip will allow Apple's smart home devices to work better together and synchronize data quicker.
No design changes are expected for the Apple TV, and it's not quite clear when in 2025 a new model might come out.
MacBook Air (Early 2025)
In early 2025, Apple plans to update the 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air models with M4 chip technology, which will replace the model with the current M3 chip. The M4 chip will offer speed and efficiency improvements over the M3 chip, but it will be an incremental update that won't tempt those who already own an M3 MacBook Air.
The M4 chip is built on Apple's 3-nanometer process, much like the M3. There isn't as big of a performance improvement between M3 and M4 as there was between M2 and M3 because there's no change in node size, but Apple did eke out respectable GPU and CPU speed boosts.
The device will have 16GB RAM minimum, and we are not expecting any design changes. The MacBook Air will be refreshed early in the year, likely in the March timeframe.
Mac Pro (Late 2025)
Apple plans to refresh the Mac Pro in 2025, adding a higher-end M4 chip. So far, Apple has introduced M4, M4 Pro, and M4 Max chips, but the Mac Pro will likely launch with an M4 Ultra option, which offers double the performance of the M4 Max.
So far, there are no design changes coming to the Mac that we know of, but the Mac Pro could support up to 500GB Unified Memory, a major increase over the current 192GB maximum. Right now, the Mac Pro uses an M2 Ultra chip, so Apple is skipping the M3 generation and going straight to M4.
We're expecting the Mac Pro to be refreshed late in the year, perhaps around the October or November timeframe.
Mac Studio (Mid-2025)
Last time the Mac Studio was updated, it was refreshed alongside the Mac Pro, and that's likely what's going to happen in 2025, too.
Mac Studio models will be equipped with the M4 Max chips, plus the highest-end options will likely be configurable with an M4 Ultra chip that has yet to be announced. The Mac Studio could support up to 500GB Unified Memory, up from the current 192GB maximum.
As with the Mac Pro, Apple will skip the M3 chip generation for the Mac Studio, and no design changes are expected. The Mac Studio could see an update in mid to late 2025.
M5 MacBook Pro
An updated MacBook Pro with an M5 chip could launch in 2025, bringing a small performance boost. No new display technologies such as OLED are expected until 2026 or 2027. The machine could have a new camera that's more compact, potentially allowing Apple to cut down on the size of the notch.
M5 Vision Pro
Rumors about what's next for the Vision Pro have been all over the place, but Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believes Apple will come out with a next-generation version of the Vision Pro in 2025. Kuo is not expecting major design changes, but the headset will get an M5 chip, up from the current M2 chip.
Low-Cost iPad (Early 2025)
The low-cost iPad is set to be refreshed in 2025. Apple will add a faster A-series chip, likely the A17 Pro chip that Apple added to the iPad mini in 2024.
The A17 Pro would allow the low-cost iPad to support Apple Intelligence, and it is also worth noting that Apple Intelligence requires 8GB RAM at a minimum, so that's another upgrade the low-cost iPad will probably get. An A17 Pro chip would bring a major leap in performance and battery, considering that the current 10th-generation iPad has an A14 chip.
It is possible that Apple won't bring Apple Intelligence to its most affordable iPad, and if that's the case, a less powerful chip could be included.
Along with an updated chip, the low-cost iPad will be one of the first devices to feature the 5G modem chip that Apple designed in-house. The low-cost iPad is expected to see a refresh early in the year.
iPad Air (Early 2025)
Apple will update the iPad Air with a new M-series chip. The current model has the M2, so Apple is expected to upgrade it to the M3. That's a generation behind the M4 chip in the iPad Pro, which will give the iPad Pro an edge over the lower-cost iPad Air.
Since the M3 chip is built on Apple's 3-nanometer process, it will bring a notable update over the M2. The M3's CPU performance is up to 30 percent faster than the M2 CPU performance, and GPU performance is 15 percent faster, plus it's more efficient so battery life could be improved.
Alongside the iPad Air, Apple could introduce an updated Magic Keyboard with a function row of keys.
AirTag 2
Apple is working on a new version of the AirTag that has a second-generation Ultra Wideband chip for improved range. With the new chip, users will be able to locate their AirTags from further away.
Software (mid-2025)
June will see the introduction of iOS 19, iPadOS 19, macOS 16, tvOS 19, watchOS 12, and visionOS 3, and we're counting on new Apple Intelligence features.
Even before June, we're going to get a new update to iOS 18.4 that's supposed to make Siri much smarter. Siri will learn more about you to better help you with tasks, and Siri will be able to do more in and between apps, making the personal assistant more capable than ever.
iOS 18.4 is likely coming out in April, and then with iOS 19 in June, Apple will announce even more Siri and Apple Intelligence features.
Wrap Up
With so many changes planned for the iPhone lineup, 2025 isn't going to be a boring year for Apple, especially with new Apple Intelligence features slated to be announced in iOS 19.
We're also getting new Macs, including a refreshed Mac Pro, and we'll see Apple making a major push into smart home hardware.
Make sure to follow MacRumors.com and the MacRumors roundups and guides over the course of 2025 to keep up with all of the rumors we're hearing. Bookmark our What to Expect Guide and our Events Guide to see a continually updated overview of what's on the horizon.
Apple today updated its homepage to honor former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, who passed away yesterday at the age of 100.
The longest-lived president in U.S. history, Carter served in the position from 1977 to 1981 and was known for redefining the post-presidency with his focus on human rights and diplomacy through the Carter Center, for which he won a Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. Carter was also a prominent advocate for and participant in the nonprofit Habitat for Humanity.
Today, we honor President Carter’s lifetime of service and his commitment to leaving the world better than he found it. May he rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/cXl99kT7lr
— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) December 29, 2024
Apple CEO Tim Cook also honored Carter in a tweet on Sunday.
Note: Due to the political or social nature of the discussion regarding this topic, the discussion thread is located in our Political News forum. All forum members and site visitors are welcome to read and follow the thread, but posting is limited to forum members with at least 100 posts.
A completely redesigned version of the Magic Mouse featuring touch and voice controls is coming in 2026, a Korean leaker claims.
Expanding on a recent report from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the Korean Apple news aggregator known as "yeux1122" says that Apple's next-generation Magic Mouse will feature a new, more ergonomic design that addresses long-standing complaints, including the location of the charging port.
While the Magic Mouse switched from Lightning to USB-C a few months ago, the charging port is still located on the bottom of the mouse, which prevents it from being used while charging. This is only a minor inconvenience, as charging the mouse is a quick and infrequent process, but it sounds like Apple will finally relocate the port in the accessory's next incarnation.
Apple has apparently designed a prototype of the new mouse that incorporates a mixture of touch, voice controls, and hand gestures, making it more suitable for today's computing demands. It reportedly plans to release the new Magic Mouse alongside the OLED, "M6" MacBook Pro in 2026.
The overall look of the Magic Mouse has not changed much since 2009, so a redesign seems to be long overdue. Notable changes over the years include switching from AA batteries to a built-in rechargeable battery in 2015, new color-matching options with the iMac in 2021, and the switch from Lightning to USB-C earlier this year.
