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: first look at iPhone Fold’s likely crease-free display technology, future iPhone camera upgrades, and more. Here are this week’s Apple rumors.
First look at iPhone Fold’s likely crease-free display
CES is happening this week, and Samsung may have accidentally shown the tech behind the iPhone Fold’s display.
It’s been rumored for a while that Samsung would be the supplier of the iPhone Fold’s ‘crease-free’ display. The Verge reported this week that a version of Samsung’s crease-free OLED technology was briefly revealed at CES alongside a more standard folding display with visible creases.
My takeaways
The display shown by Samsung isn’t expected to be the exact form that the iPhone Fold’s display takes. We’re now expecting a screen that’s wider than tall when unfolded.
However, it does offer a compelling example of the underlying technology reportedly being used to achieve the iPhone Fold’s crease-free design. And based on the footage I’ve seen, it looks like a major upgrade from all prior foldables.
Future iPhone camera upgrades
There were a pair of camera-related iPhone rumors this week.
Morgan Stanley published a research note claiming that Apple will use a 200MP camera in the 2028 iPhone. Current iPhone cameras max out at 48MP. Previously we heard that such an upgrade was being tested, but this is the first time a target year has been mentioned.
Leaker Digital Chat Station was less confident in that timeline. He did add, however, that Apple is considering multispectral camera technology. My colleague Ben says this “has the potential to improve the accuracy of color identification, most especially in low light conditions.”
My takeaways
For years, it’s been clear that Apple won’t pursue camera megapixel bumps as a cheap marketing boost. Competitors went to 48MP long before the iPhone did, but when Apple later made the transition, it came with clear benefits. I hope to see something similar if the iPhone gains a 200MP camera, and don’t mind waiting for the current drawbacks with Samsung’s 200MP models to get resolved.
iPhone 17e launch drawing near
Last year, Apple launched the iPhone 16e in late February. It now sounds like a very similar timeframe might be planned for this year’s iPhone 17e.
Weibo leaker Smart Pikachu posted this week that mass production of the iPhone 17e is set to begin shortly after CES. That points to a production kickoff next week or shortly thereafter. And based on typical productions timelines, a launch around late February seems likely.
My takeaways
Apple has an unusually large number of products expected to launch early this year. iPhone 17e joins several Macs and iPads that are all rumored for the winter months. But there are also new Home products expected around the time Siri’s iOS 26.4 upgrades arrive.
It makes me wonder if Apple plans to have a proper March event this year to show off all its new products. Or will we instead get several spread out, smaller launches via press releases?
What are your takeaways from this week’s Apple rumors? Let us know in the comments.
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