### Apple Product Speculations: Siri Enhancements, Foldable Gadgets, and A20 Processors
This week’s installment of Rumor Replay at 9to5Mac explores the latest speculations regarding Apple’s forthcoming products, emphasizing crucial information about Siri’s AI improvements, the expected foldable iPad and iPhone variants, and the new A20 processor series. Here’s a summary of the most captivating rumors.
#### Internal Evaluation of Siri’s AI Improvements
Recent insights from Mark Gurman at Bloomberg suggest that internal evaluators of iOS 26.4 are voicing apprehensions about the efficiency of Siri’s expected AI enhancements. While detailed information is limited, the feedback implies that if Siri does not fulfill performance benchmarks, it could result in significant alterations within Apple’s AI divisions.
**Key Point:** Despite the dissatisfaction related to Siri’s delays, there is a measured optimism concerning its forthcoming features. Apple is reportedly testing its own substantial language models (LLMs) in conjunction with third-party options, potentially improving Siri’s functionalities.
#### Foldable iPad: A High-End Gadget Approaching
Mark Gurman has also disclosed that Apple is developing an 18-inch foldable iPad, though its progress is slower than anticipated. The device, which is expected to retail at approximately $3,000, is now projected to debut in 2029 instead of 2028. In contrast to the foldable iPhone, this iPad will lack an external display but will bear resemblance to a MacBook when closed.
**Key Point:** The extended timeline and steep price may provoke doubt regarding the practical viability of this device. However, the hybrid design concept—melding characteristics of both a MacBook and an iPad—could transform user interaction based on the operating system employed.
#### Foldable iPhone: Smaller Screens and Possible Delays
Analysts at Mizuho Securities have reported that the forthcoming foldable iPhone might showcase slightly reduced displays than initially expected, featuring an outer display of 5.38 inches and an inner display of 7.58 inches. There are also worries concerning potential delays in the device’s release due to ongoing design tweaks.
**Key Point:** While the adjusted display sizes could be a concern for some users, the possibility of limited availability at launch might instill a sense of exclusivity that benefits Apple long-term, particularly for a product anticipated to exceed $2,000 in retail price.
#### A20 Processor: Increasing Costs and New Series
Emerging reports detail the A20 processor, which will drive the iPhone 18 next year. The new 2-nanometer manufacturing process is expected to significantly raise production expenses for TSMC, anticipating a possible 50% price increase for Apple. Furthermore, there will likely be two iterations of the A20 processor, with the A20 Pro earmarked for the iPhone 18 Pro and foldable versions.
**Key Point:** The progress in chip technology may lead to considerable performance enhancements, but the question persists as to whether Apple will transfer these expenditures to consumers. It’s foreseen that the baseline model of the iPhone 18 will experience a price rise, whereas other variants may remain unchanged.
### Conclusion
This week’s speculations underscore a critical juncture for Apple as it addresses the hurdles of AI advancements, groundbreaking device designs, and escalating production expenses. As these developments progress, the tech community remains keen to observe how Apple will navigate and adapt to these challenges in the years ahead. What are your opinions on these speculations?
