# Rumor Replay: Apple Product Speculations for 2026
This is Rumor Replay, a weekly segment at 9to5Mac providing a brief overview of the latest Apple product speculations, alongside analysis and insights. Today: the ‘Snow Leopard’ update for iOS 27, pricing for the iPhone Fold, anticipated product launches for 2026, and additional Apple rumors.
## iOS 27 Could Be Similar to a Snow Leopard Release
Mark Gurman from Bloomberg reported this week that Apple’s upcoming iOS 27, macOS 27, and other software updates could resemble Snow Leopard-like releases. This suggests that Apple is focusing on performance enhancements and bug fixes more than usual. Gurman highlights:
>In an effort to enhance the software, engineering teams are currently exploring Apple’s operating systems, searching for bloat to remove, bugs to resolve, and any chances to significantly enhance performance and overall quality. Just as Snow Leopard established the foundation for future revamps and new classes of Macs, iOS 27 will set the stage for foldable iPhones and other innovative hardware.
The report indicates that while some substantial AI features are still set to debut in iOS 27, it may otherwise be a less feature-rich update.
### My Observations
I fully support this direction, and I believe the timing is optimal. The new Liquid Glass design introduced in iOS 26 was a considerable advancement in preparing for the future of Apple devices. However, it also brought along various bugs and performance drawbacks that need addressing. While I believe Apple should continue to advance AI features, the iPhone would gain from making “it just works” a more accurate statement than ever.
## iPhone Fold Expected to Cost $2,399
Fubon Research disclosed its pricing prediction for next fall’s foldable iPhone, estimating that the iPhone Fold might retail for around $2,399. This price point is double that of the iPhone 17 Pro Max. Their estimate is grounded in supply chain insights and typical profit margins for Apple.
### My Observations
As previously noted earlier this week, this price range leads me to believe Apple intends to name its foldable the ‘iPhone Ultra.’ It seems difficult to justify an ‘iPhone Fold’ warranting a 2x price increase compared to the currently priciest iPhone. However, if Apple adopts the ‘Ultra’ branding, it becomes more justifiable.
## iPhone 17e Camera Enhancement
This week, Jeff Pu issued a research note discussing a notable enhancement coming to the iPhone 17e in early 2026. The new Center Stage front-facing 18MP camera from the iPhone 17 is reportedly set to feature in the budget iPhone 17e as well.
### My Observations
I’m taken aback that the innovative Center Stage front camera, which was a standout feature of the iPhone 17 lineup, is being made available for the lower-cost ‘e’ variant so soon. As Apple extends its iPhone range from four annual models to five or six, creating appropriate feature distinctions will pose a challenge. Nevertheless, the new camera could serve as a compelling attraction.
## Launch Timing for 12.9-inch MacBook and OLED iPad Mini
This week, we received updates regarding the launch timing of two eagerly awaited new products for 2026. Apple’s anticipated 12.9-inch MacBook featuring an A19 chip is allegedly slated for a mid-Q1 2026 release. Concurrently, the upcoming OLED iPad mini refresh won’t debut until at least Q3 2026, coinciding with the October and September release dates of the last two iPad mini models.
### My Observations
I don’t have much to add other than my keen interest in the final specifications of the 12.9-inch MacBook. Apple has typically ceded the budget laptop segment to Chromebook and PC rivals. If the company can release an appealing low-cost new MacBook, it could encourage a surge of iPhone users to purchase their first Mac in the forthcoming years.
What are your thoughts regarding this week’s Apple rumors for 2026 products, iOS 27, and more? Share with us in the comments.
