Apple is set to unveil its next major software updates, including iOS 19, in the coming months, leading to early rumors and speculation on iPhone 17 Pro & Air. According to Mark Gurman, many features planned for iOS 19, apart from the updated Siri, have already been delayed until spring 2026, when iOS 19.4 is expected to launch. While no specifics were provided beyond the Siri update, this raises the possibility that other Apple platforms, such as macOS and iPadOS, could see more substantial upgrades this year. However, no rumors have confirmed such updates yet.
iOS 18 and its follow-up updates (18.1 and 18.2) were particularly significant, with major improvements and new features. This could mean that next year’s updates for macOS and iPadOS may take on even more importance, with macOS possibly laying the groundwork for a touch-based Mac, a significant engineering undertaking. Recent reports also reveal details about the iPhone 17 series, including the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Air. The iPhone 17 Pro will feature a larger, rectangular camera bump and transition from titanium to aluminum, while the iPhone 17 Air will prioritize an ultra-thin form factor at the cost of certain features, such as a simplified camera setup.
The Rumors on iPhone 17 Pro & Air
The iPhone 17 series updates will likely present a difficult decision for buyers. Although both the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Air will likely have the same main camera, the choice will come down to two key factors: whether to prioritize a thinner device with fewer camera features or a more feature-packed device with a more substantial camera system.
At the same time, Apple is making significant changes to Siri. After updates to Siri in iOS 18, iOS 19.4 is expected to introduce a major overhaul with an LLM-based Siri, marking a shift in how Siri functions. However, Gurman reports that Apple is still navigating challenges in transitioning to this new version of Siri, and the next 18 months may bring more uncertainty.
Meanwhile, the AirPods Max, which received a lackluster update this fall, may not receive any meaningful upgrades for the foreseeable future. Gurman notes that Apple currently has no plans to refresh the AirPods Max in any significant way, including no H2 chip update. This leaves the AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4 with features that surpass those of the premium Max headphones. Despite this, AirPods Max continues to be seen in use, suggesting improving sales, which could prompt Apple to revisit the product in the future.
