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 17 Pro Max’s exclusive feature, Apple Watch Series 12 with Touch ID, TechWoven cases by Apple, and more. Here are this week’s Apple rumors.
iPhone 17 Pro Max’s exclusive camera feature
iPhone 17 Pro Max was already expected to have a bigger than usual battery advantage over the smaller Pro model this year. That’s because Apple’s making it thicker to pack even more battery.
But this week we learned that the 17 Pro Max might have a camera advantage over its sibling too.
Per Weibo leaker Instant Digital, the iPhone 17 Pro Max will gain a superior telephoto camera—though no details were shared. Both Pro models are expected to go 48MP with their telephoto lens, but it seems the Pro Max could have even more to offer.
My takeaways
As someone who has historically purchased the smaller iPhone Pro model, I don’t love when the Pro Max gets exclusive new features.
That said, this change seems entirely plausible based on Apple’s typical pattern of bringing camera upgrades to the Pro Max line first. I wouldn’t be surprised to see the rumored 8x optical zoom arrive as a Pro Max-only feature.
Apple Watch Series 12 upgrades, including Touch ID
Apple is just about to unveil the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and Apple Watch Series 11. But rumors have already started ramping up for next year’s Apple Watch models.
Digitimes reported that the 2026 lineup will include three changes:
- Alterations to the exterior design
- Double the current number of sensors
- Significant power efficiency upgrades
Filipe Esposito at Macworld threw in another possible change. He discovered evidence in leaked Apple code of Touch ID support being tested for next year’s Apple Watch Series 12.
My takeaways
The Digitimes report is fairly vague, but it sounds like we could be in store for some big changes with next year’s Apple Watch lineup. A new physical design, a bunch of new health sensors, and battery improvements would make for a compelling upgrade.
Throw in Touch ID and it sounds like a particularly exciting update.
iPhone 17e coming with three changes
Apple launched its first ‘e’ model iPhone earlier this year, but all signs point to the company making it an annual tradition.
iPhone 17e is now expected to launch in early 2026, and this week leaker Digital Chat Station outlined three new features it could bring: the A19 chip, Dynamic Island, and an industrial design change.
My takeaways
I’m not the target customer for the iPhone 17e, but I have to say it sounds like a really strong budget-friendly model. The addition of the Dynamic Island in particular comes as a surprise to me, since I expected the notch to stick around at least another year as a way to push more users to a pricier iPhone 17 model.
The mention of an industrial design change is curious, since it’s largely expected that the iPhone 17e will look a lot like the iPhone 16. But perhaps Apple has something different in store for its next ‘e’ model.
TechWoven cases for iPhone 17 lineup
Leaker Majin Bu revealed this week that Apple has a replacement for its failed FineWoven cases coming soon.
Alongside the iPhone 17 lineup, Bu says Apple will launch new ‘TechWoven’ cases as an alternative to the silicone case. The leak also mentioned a new ‘Crossbody Strap’ accessory.
My takeaways
FineWoven turned out to be a big disappointment for Apple and users alike. I’m hopeful the company’s learned from its mistakes and the new TechWoven cases will prove more durable over time.
That said, the mockup shared by Bu shows Apple moving away from trying to create a leather lookalike, which could be a missed opportunity.
What are your takeaways from this week’s Apple rumors? Let us know in the comments.
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