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iOS 27 Functionalities, iPhone Fold Costs, and Anticipated Releases in 2026

# 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.

EU Updates Position on CSAM Scanning; Apple Continues to Encounter Obstacles

Apple has encountered considerable obstacles regarding its initiatives to scan devices for child sexual abuse materials (CSAM). Initially revealed in 2021, the company’s goal was to establish a privacy-conscious scanning system. Nonetheless, the proposal rapidly attracted criticism, underscoring potential shortcomings in its strategy. In reaction, Apple opted to halt its plans for further evaluation.

By 2022, Apple formally discarded its CSAM detection system, despite persistent discussions about the relevance of such actions. The situation progressed in 2023 when Apple recognized the program’s existence, and by 2024, the company altered its previous position, embracing arguments it had once rejected.

At the same time, the European Union was pursuing legislation that could necessitate tech companies, including Apple, to scan for CSAM. This proposed regulation sparked worries about the possible requirement to compromise end-to-end encryption to enable such scanning. However, recent updates suggest that the EU has eased its stance, eliminating obligatory detection directives while still stressing the importance of platforms adopting risk mitigation strategies.

Despite this reduction of the legislation’s severity, concerns persist that ambiguous legal stipulations could result in companies being pressured to scan messages. Individual EU nations maintain the authority to implement stricter laws, indicating that the discussion surrounding CSAM scanning is far from concluded.

Thanksgiving Offers: Get $150 off the 24GB M4 Mac mini, Apple Pencil for $49, Apple Watch Priced from $120, and Additional Deals

**Thanksgiving Black Friday Offers: What to Anticipate and Noteworthy Points**

As Thanksgiving nears, retailers are preparing for one of the year’s most significant shopping occasions: Black Friday. This year, Amazon has kicked off its Thanksgiving sale, featuring a multitude of offers that will last throughout the holiday weekend. From gadgets to household items, consumers can discover substantial price reductions on a wide array of products.

### Noteworthy Points of the Thanksgiving Sale

1. **Mac Mini Offers**: A highlight is the 24GB Mac mini, currently available at an unprecedented discount of $150 off, reducing the price to $479. This offer is particularly attractive for those in search of a powerful yet reasonably priced desktop solution.

2. **Apple Pencil (USB-C)**: The latest generation Apple Pencil is experiencing a significant price reduction, now listed at $49, translating to nearly 40% off its usual cost. This is a fantastic chance for iPad users wanting to boost their efficiency.

3. **Apple Watch Discounts**: The Apple Watch Series 11 is offered at its lowest prices ever, starting at just $129 for the SE models. This presents a superb opportunity for anyone in the market for a smartwatch to enjoy considerable savings.

4. **M4 MacBook Air**: The 2025 M4 MacBook Air series is seeing reductions of up to $250, beginning at just $749. This positions it as one of the most budget-friendly choices for those in pursuit of a new laptop.

5. **Roborock Robotic Vacuums**: For home cleaning fans, Roborock is providing discounts of up to $1,300 on its premium robotic vacuums, with savings reaching 50%. This is an ideal moment to invest in smart home innovations.

6. **Aqara Smart Home Items**: Aqara’s smart home products are also discounted, with reductions of up to 48%. This encompasses smart locks, camera systems, and various sensors, making it an excellent opportunity to enhance your home automation.

7. **TORRAS iPhone Accessories**: TORRAS is offering discounts of up to 60% on iPhone cases and accessories, along with complimentary gifts with qualified purchases. This is a fantastic chance for iPhone owners to safeguard their devices while economizing.

### Accessory and Charging Offers

Along with the major product discounts, numerous deals are available on accessories and charging options. Key highlights include:

– Anker’s 25W Qi2 MagSafe Car Charger Mount and charging stands at record low prices.
– Elevation Lab’s under-desk headphone hanger for a mere $8.
– Various storage options from Lexar, with discounts hitting up to 48%.

### Summary

The Thanksgiving Black Friday promotions are in full effect, providing consumers with an extensive selection of discounts on favored products. With notable savings on electronics, smart home gadgets, and accessories, shoppers have an exceptional chance to make the most of these offers. Whether you’re in the market for a new Mac mini, an Apple Pencil, or smart home enhancements, now is the moment to shop and capitalize on these savings.

Report: iPhone Played a Major Role in Boosting Phone Sales During the Singles’ Day Event in China

A recent analysis from Counterpoint Research reveals that the resurgence of the iPhone in China continues to flourish.

### iPhone 17 Series Rescued the Smartphone Market from a Year-over-Year Drop

Recent findings from China have underscored Apple’s triumphant turnaround, as the tech giant has successfully reversed a sustained sales downturn and is witnessing strong demand for its iPhones. This positive momentum commenced even prior to the launch of the iPhone 17 series, and since these new devices hit the market, Apple has regularly surpassed the overall smartphone market performance.

As reported by Counterpoint Research, the iPhone emerged as the top performer during China’s Singles Day sales festival, which ended on November 11. The iPhone 17 represented 26% of all smartphones sold during this event, an impressive feat when considering that overall smartphone sales only rose by 3% year-over-year. In the absence of the iPhone 17 series, the smartphone market would have encountered a 5% decline rather than this slight increase.

The report further highlighted that Huawei faced the most substantial drop among major brands, with its market share decreasing from 17% to 13%. The company’s premier Mate 80, introduced shortly before the sales event, did not manage to leverage the occasion. In contrast, Xiaomi secured the second-largest sales share at 17%, although its sales also declined in comparison to the previous year due to the earlier rollout of its Xiaomi 17 series.

These insights correspond with Apple’s forecasts outlined in its most recent quarterly report, where the company signaled that it was entering what could be its most prosperous holiday quarter to date. With a significant portion of the holiday season still to come, Apple seems poised to realize this optimistic outlook.

Causes of the Apple Store Downtime in the United States

Users in the U.S. attempting to access Apple’s online store are currently seeing a “be right back” message, signifying a temporary outage. This scenario reflects a similar incident earlier today in Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and much of Europe. The outage is part of Apple’s preparations for its Black Friday sales event, which continues until December 1.

Throughout this event, Apple is providing gift cards valued up to $250 with the purchase of qualifying products, such as Macs, iPhones, iPads, and Apple Watches. For instance, purchasing an iPad Air, iPad (A16), or iPad mini makes customers eligible for a gift card of up to $100, whereas an eligible Apple Watch purchase will earn a $50 gift card.

Although the gift card offer is attractive, it’s crucial to remember that it necessitates an additional purchase to redeem its value, which might not represent the most advantageous deal available. For instance, Apple’s official Amazon store currently has discounts on various items, such as AirPods Pro 3 for $30 off, AirPods 4 for $60 off, and AirPods Max for $150 off. Moreover, several MacBooks and iPads are priced such that they could exceed the value of Apple’s gift cards.

For shoppers seeking the best bargains this season, it is recommended to explore platforms like 9to5Toys for thorough listings and comparisons of available offers.

Snowy Provides Complimentary Christmas Lights, Snow Effects, and Water-Themed Wallpaper for Mac Users

### Infuse Your Mac with Holiday Spirit Using Snowy

As the festive season draws near, numerous users seek ways to infuse their devices with seasonal cheer. For Mac enthusiasts, **Snowy** is a delightful and complimentary app found on the Mac App Store that brings a whimsical flair to your desktop. This application showcases Christmas lights, an enchanting snow effect, and a one-of-a-kind Aqua-inspired wallpaper, making it a perfect companion for the holidays.

#### Snowy’s Features

**Accessibility from the Menu Bar**
Snowy runs directly from your Mac’s Menu Bar, ensuring convenient access and management. Users can easily activate or deactivate the snow and holiday lights with a single click. You also have the choice to keep the snow consistently visible or conceal it behind open app windows. For those who desire a personalized touch, the app allows adjustment of the snowfall intensity, providing a spectrum from a gentle flurry to a robust snowstorm.

**Customization of Holiday Lights**
The holiday lights feature within the app is notably captivating, presenting two primary settings: pattern and color. Users can select from various patterns, such as twinkle, wave, steady, and classic. The classic mode, reminiscent of vintage 16-bit graphics, remains a favorite among many users. Regarding color, Snowy offers multiple selections: multicolor, warm white, candy cane, blue, and rainbow, enabling you to craft a festive ambiance that reflects your taste.

#### Aqua Winterscape Wallpaper

Beyond its interactive functionalities, Snowy offers a free desktop wallpaper named **Aqua Winterscape**. This wallpaper displays a beautifully adorned Christmas tree decorated with Aqua-design Mac window controls as ornaments. Should you wish to revert to your former wallpaper, Snowy simplifies the process with just a click from the Menu Bar.

#### How to Obtain Snowy

Snowy is a newly launched application available for complimentary download from the [Mac App Store](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/snowy-by-pingie/id6755752326?mt=12) or directly from the developer’s website at