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: iPhone 18’s Face ID upgrade, AirTag 2 rumors, the latest on Apple’s new Studio Display, and more. Here are this week’s Apple rumors.
iPhone 18 moving Face ID under the display
Weibo leaker Smart Pikachu posted over the weekend that the iPhone 18 line will gain under-display Face ID technology. The post says “micro-transparent glass panels” are being used to achieve this.
The leaker doesn’t specify which new models will get the technology. Prior reports have indicated iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max, and the foldable will benefit—at minimum.
My takeaways
There have been growing signs for a while that Face ID will move under the iPhone’s display. However, the biggest question is still unanswered: what will this mean for display cutouts?
Several reports have said the Dynamic Island will shrink this year. At least one has indicated the iPhone will only have a single hole-punch cutout for the camera. But the exact design still seems uncertain.
Apple Studio Display 2 getting three key upgrades
Filipe Espósito at Macworld reported this week on three upgrades coming to the new Apple Studio Display.
- A19 chip
- 120Hz ProMotion
- HDR
These features were all uncovered by Espósito in a pre-release build of iOS 26.
My takeaways
These three improvements check the boxes of what many are hoping for in Apple’s new Studio Display. Since the product gets updated so rarely, it’s good to see Apple give it several modern upgrades.
It’s not mentioned here, but another key feature I’m hoping for is the iPhone 17’s new Center Stage front camera. The built-in camera of the first Studio Display has long been one of its main shortcomings, and the timing seems right for a big camera improvement.
AirTag 2’s new feature improvements
Just today, Filipe Espósito at Macworld outlined several AirTag 2 feature improvements discovered in leaked iOS 26 code.
Per the report, AirTag 2 will feature:
- an improved pairing process
- enhanced Precision Finding
- detailed battery level reporting
- ”Improved Moving,” which might improve tracking while AirTag 2 is moving
- more accurate tracking in crowded places
Espósito also said these improvements had internal ‘2025’ tagging, indicating Apple at one point planned to launch the new product this year.
My takeaways
Combine this latest report with previous AirTag 2 rumors, and it sounds like Apple has an all-around strong 2.0 product coming.
Every feature rumored for AirTag 2 builds on the strengths of the existing product, and makes it even better. With AirTag already a proven hit, this kind of iteration seems like the best path forward. AirTag doesn’t need a total revamp, but enhancing every little detail seems like a winning approach.
Intel might start producing iPhone chips
Following recent reporting of Intel and Apple’s expected partnership on M-class chips, this week analyst Jeff Pu reported that iPhone chips are likely in play too.
Pu believes Intel may be tasked with producing the iPhone’s A-series chips for entry models starting in 2028.
He specifically mentions “non-pro smartphone SoC.” So that would mean the A19 chip but not the A19 Pro, for example.
My takeaways
As I wrote last week when Intel was reported to be taking on M-chip production, it’s a good move for Apple to diversify its partners. Overeliance on TSMC will ultimately lead to higher costs, which consumers likely would end up bearing. So if Intel can prove a reliable partner, it’s a win for Apple and users alike.
What are your takeaways from this week’s Apple rumors? Let us know in the comments.
Best iPhone accessories
- AirPods Pro 3 (now only $199, down from $249)
- MagSafe Car Mount for iPhone
- 10-year AirTag battery case 2-pack
- 100W USB-C fast charging power adapter
- AirTag 4-pack (now only $75, down from $99)
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