Introduction: A Week of Major Apple Rumors
This past week was packed with Apple news, covering everything from a rumored touchscreen MacBook Ultra to the potential foldable iPhone Ultra, alongside reports that Apple is scaling back its Vision Pro ambitions. With the 20th anniversary of the iPhone approaching next year, speculation is heating up. Below, we break down the top stories and what they mean for Apple's future.
Apple's MacBook Ultra: A New High-End Laptop
According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple is preparing a major redesign for its higher-end MacBook Pro models by early 2027. The revamped devices may adopt the “MacBook Ultra” branding, positioning them above the current MacBook Pro lineup as a premium tier. While the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro just received M5 Pro and M5 Max chips last month, the MacBook Ultra is expected to debut with more transformative changes.
Six Rumored Features
- OLED Display: A shift from mini-LED to OLED for richer blacks and better contrast.
- Touch Capabilities: Touchscreen functionality—a first for MacBooks.
- Dynamic Island: Borrowed from the iPhone, replacing the notch.
- M6 Pro and M6 Max Chips: Built on TSMC's advanced 2nm process.
- Thinner Design: A more streamlined chassis.
- Cellular Connectivity: Built-in 5G for on-the-go use.
These enhancements suggest Apple is aiming to create an ultra-premium laptop that blurs the line between Mac and iPad, especially with the inclusion of touch and cellular. Meanwhile, another Apple device category is facing challenges.
Vision Pro: Apple Shifts Focus After M5 Refresh Flops
Apple’s high-end mixed-reality headset, the Vision Pro, has failed to gain traction despite a hardware update in October 2025. The M5 model featured a faster chip and a more comfortable band but no other changes, and consumer interest remained low. According to sources familiar with the matter, Apple has effectively halted development of the Vision Pro and redistributed its team members to other projects—most notably the Siri team, which is now led by former Vision Pro chief Mike Rockwell.
This move signals a strategic pivot away from the Vision Pro, at least for now. While Apple may revisit the category in the future, the company is focusing its resources on more promising areas like artificial intelligence and its core devices.
Foldable iPhone Ultra: Premium Price, Missing Features
Rumors continue to swirl about Apple’s first foldable iPhone, tentatively called the “iPhone Ultra,” expected to carry a $2,000 price tag. However, recent dummy models shared by Sonny Dickson and Vadim Yuryev suggest the device may lack several key features found on the iPhone 18 Pro models.
Five Missing Features
- MagSafe: No magnetic alignment or wireless charging accessories.
- Action Button: The customizable button introduced on iPhone 15 Pro is absent.
- Face ID: Apple may rely on Touch ID in the side button instead.
- Telephoto Camera: No dedicated optical zoom lens.
- Potentially More: Other premium features may be omitted to control costs.
Despite the high price, the lack of these features could disappoint early adopters. Analysts speculate that Apple is prioritizing durability and foldable screen technology over a full feature set, but the trade-off may limit the iPhone Ultra's appeal.
App Store Introduces Monthly Subscriptions with 12-Month Commitment
In a move to benefit both developers and users, Apple has announced a new subscription option for the App Store: monthly billing with a 12-month commitment. Previously, developers could offer annual subscriptions with a single upfront payment, which sometimes deterred users. The new model allows subscribers to pay monthly while still receiving the discounted pricing typically associated with annual plans.
Users can cancel their subscription during the commitment period, but early cancellation may involve a fee or loss of discount. This flexibility aims to make premium services more accessible while providing developers with predictable revenue streams.
Looking Ahead: Apple's 20th Anniversary iPhone
With the 20th anniversary of the original iPhone coming next year, speculation is mounting about a special edition device. While details remain scarce, industry watchers expect Apple to celebrate the milestone with a unique design or a commemorative release. Combined with the MacBook Ultra, the foldable iPhone Ultra, and the Vision Pro's retreat, Apple's product roadmap is clearly shifting toward new form factors and higher price tiers.
Stay tuned as we continue to track these rumors and their implications.