# Apple Rumor Replay: Fresh Insights on Upcoming Products
This is **Rumor Replay**, a weekly feature at *9to5Mac* providing a brief summary of the latest Apple product speculations, along with analysis and commentary. Today: Apple Watch Ultra 3’s screen enhancement, iPhone 17 event date, intriguing case leaks, an OLED MacBook Pro, and more. Here are this week’s Apple rumors.
## Apple Watch Ultra 3 Featuring Bigger Display
Following the release of iOS 26 beta 5 earlier this week, Aaron Perris found that it contains an Apple Watch image with a resolution not corresponding to any current models. All indicators suggest this is a new screen size for the Apple Watch Ultra 3. The increased resolution is 422 x 514, slightly higher than the 410 x 502 resolution of Apple Watch Ultra screens.
### My Observations
Last year, the Apple Watch Series 10 launched with numerous significant enhancements. Conversely, the Apple Watch Ultra received no major updates apart from a satin black finish. It’s exciting to see that this year’s Apple Watch Ultra 3 seems poised to compensate for the two-year hiatus. It always seemed peculiar that the 46mm Series 10 had a technically larger display than the Ultra. Even if the size enlargement this year isn’t dramatic, it should still suffice to reclaim the size title for the Ultra. My main question is: will the case size also increase, and if it does, can Apple incorporate a bigger battery? Or is the screen enhancement merely a result of thinner bezels?
## iPhone 17: Apple Event Date, Batteries, and Cases
With a month left until Apple’s anticipated iPhone 17 reveal, a trio of fresh rumors emerged this week.
– The iPhone 17 event is reportedly scheduled for **Tuesday, September 9**, as per internal documents from German carriers.
– Leaked photos showed side-by-side comparisons of batteries for the iPhone 17 Air and iPhone 17 Pro.
– Images allegedly depicting Apple’s official iPhone 17 silicone cases revealed a hole for lanyard attachments and a distinctive “liquid silicone” design option.
### My Observations
September 9 has always appeared to be the ideal date for the iPhone event based on historical trends, so this is not surprising. The significant disparity in battery sizes between the iPhone 17 Air and Pro also doesn’t come as a shock. The iPhone 17 cases shared represent a particularly intriguing rumor. The addition of lanyard holes to the case is an interesting innovation. I’m curious whether we’ll see both wrist and neck-length lanyards as new options. I also ponder if there’s more to the “Liquid Silicone” cases than what is evident now.
## OLED MacBook Pro Still Anticipated in 2026
A report from Omdia indicates that Samsung will provide OLED displays for a new MacBook Pro model expected to launch in 2026. This transition will also reportedly involve a shift from the existing notch design to a pill-shaped cutout, potentially accommodating the Dynamic Island.
### My Observations
We’ve encountered previous reports regarding the MacBook Pro receiving OLED in 2026 and moving away from the notch. Although some speculated that a possible delay in the M5 MacBook Pro could postpone the anticipated M6 OLED model, it appears that shouldn’t be the case. The Dynamic Island has proven to be a valuable addition to the iPhone, but I’m uncertain about its effectiveness on a Mac. Apple has indeed prepared the ground this year by introducing Live Activities to macOS Tahoe.
## New Apple TV 4K Could Debut as Soon as Next Month
Referencing an unnamed source, *MacRumors* reported this week that a new Apple TV 4K is still projected to launch before year-end. This assertion aligns with prior information from Mark Gurman at *Bloomberg* regarding an imminent release.
### My Observations
Traditionally, Apple has occasionally unveiled Apple TV products during its September event and sometimes later in the autumn. My guess is on a September launch this year. Apple TV+ boasts a robust fall lineup that Apple will surely want to showcase during its iPhone 17 event. Consequently, it would make considerable sense to introduce the new Apple TV 4K concurrently—even if it doesn’t ship immediately.
What are your insights from this week’s Apple rumors? Share your thoughts in the comments.
