### Rumor Replay: Latest Apple Product Speculations
This is Rumor Replay, a weekly feature at *9to5Mac* providing a brief overview of the latest Apple product speculations, complete with insights and commentary. Today: distinctive feature of the iPhone 17 Pro Max, Apple Watch Series 12 featuring Touch ID, Apple’s TechWoven cases, and more. Here are the Apple speculations for this week.
#### Distinctive Camera Feature of iPhone 17 Pro Max
The iPhone 17 Pro Max is anticipated to have a considerable battery edge over the smaller Pro variant, as Apple is increasing its thickness to house a bigger battery. Recent speculations indicate that the Pro Max may also include a more advanced telephoto camera than its counterpart. According to the leaker Instant Digital from Weibo, while both Pro models are expected to sport a 48MP telephoto lens, the Pro Max might deliver further improvements.
**My Insights:** As someone who generally chooses the smaller iPhone Pro variant, I find it disappointing when unique features are exclusive to the Pro Max. Nevertheless, this trend aligns with Apple’s pattern of emphasizing camera enhancements for the Pro Max series. An 8x optical zoom could indeed be a feature limited to the Pro Max.
#### Upgrades for Apple Watch Series 12, Including Touch ID
As Apple gears up to launch the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and Apple Watch Series 11, whispers about next year’s models are already emerging. A *Digitimes* report suggests that the 2026 lineup will encompass three prominent modifications: changes to the external design, an increase in the current number of sensors, and notable power efficiency enhancements. Furthermore, findings from leaked Apple code imply that Touch ID support is currently being evaluated for the Apple Watch Series 12.
**My Insights:** While the *Digitimes* report is lacking in details, the idea of a fresh design, improved health sensors, and battery optimizations makes for an appealing upgrade. The possible addition of Touch ID heightens the anticipation surrounding next year’s Apple Watch.
#### iPhone 17e Arriving with Three Features
After the debut of its first ‘e’ model iPhone earlier this year, Apple is predicted to keep this trend going with the iPhone 17e, which is expected to launch in early 2026. Leaker Digital Chat Station has detailed three new attributes for the upcoming model: the A19 chip, Dynamic Island, and an industrial design update.
**My Insights:** Although I’m not the primary audience for the iPhone 17e, it seems to be a robust budget-conscious option. The inclusion of Dynamic Island is particularly unexpected, as I thought the notch would remain for another year to motivate users to choose the more expensive iPhone 17 model. The reference to a design shift piques interest, especially since the iPhone 17e is predicted to resemble the iPhone 16.
#### TechWoven Cases for the iPhone 17 Series
Leaker Majin Bu has disclosed that Apple will roll out a new range of ‘TechWoven’ cases, replacing the previously disappointing FineWoven cases. These new cases will debut alongside the iPhone 17 series and will feature a ‘Crossbody Strap’ accessory.
**My Insights:** The FineWoven cases fell short for both Apple and users. I hope the new TechWoven cases prove to be sturdier. However, the mockup indicates a shift from the leather look-alike design, which might represent a missed chance.
What are your thoughts on this week’s Apple speculations? Share with us in the comments.
