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: iOS 19 screenshots, the Apple Watch is getting a camera, and iPhone 17 side-by-side comparisons. Here are this week’s Apple rumors.
Early glimpses of iOS 19’s new design
We already knew iOS 19 would be getting big design changes, but this week Jon Prosser revealed some early glimpses of what could be in store. First, Prosser shared what he called a “screenshot” of the new Messages app in iOS 19. Then a separate video dove deeper into the system-wide design changes coming.
Some helpful extra context: Mark Gurman says that such images “aren’t representative of what we’ll see at WWDC” and are “based on either very old builds or vague descriptions, missing key features.”
My takeaways
I fully believe that some aspects of what Prosser has shown off will make their way into iOS 19. But even without Gurman’s input, I would have been surprised if these early looks reflected the finished product. Partly because new designs are highly likely to be tweaked continually during development, and also because with leaks like this, it can be hard to get the full picture of what Apple’s planning.
That said, certain design features like proper buttons with more depth seem increasingly certain to make it into Apple’s big new update.
Cameras are coming to the Apple Watch
Mark Gurman reported that Apple is planning to add cameras to the Apple Watch, though likely not for a few more generations.
The idea is that a Watch-equipped camera could provide AI capabilities with a device we’re already wearing. Accordingly, watchOS would gain some form of visual intelligence.
Gurman has previously said camera-equipped AirPods are coming too.
My takeaways
Adding cameras to the Apple Watch makes sense. They’re perhaps a better fit for AirPods, simply from a physical positioning standpoint. But AirPods don’t get worn every moment of the day, and Apple Watch does.
Gurman mentions cameras being in the works for both the Apple Watch Ultra and standard ‘Series’ models. I wouldn’t be surprised, though, if the first Watch camera debuts on the Ultra. Apple Watch Ultra offers much more space for new components, and its premium price could help absorb the camera’s cost.
iPhone 17 Air and 17 Pro side-by-side
Leaker Majin Bu posted on X this week to share the image above comparing the thickness of the iPhone 17 Air and iPhone 17 Pro.
Bu’s dummy models, based on rumored dimensions, provide the best look yet at how the 17 Air’s thinness could be a big selling point.
My takeaways
This image just confirms to me that Apple is set to please two very different crowds with its 17 Air and Pro models.
- iPhone 17 Air will be attractive to anyone who wants a sleek, futuristic new model
- the 17 Pro will lean hard in the opposite direction, boasting more battery and a powerful camera array
If you’re the person who’s always just wanted the most possible iPhone, the 17 Pro will be it. But if thin and light is appealing, the 17 Air is the device for you.
What are your takeaways from this week’s Apple rumors? Let us know in the comments.
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