Rumor Replay: Cellular Macs, Vision Pro gaming, Apple home launches, more

This is Rumors replayeda weekly column 9 to 5 This provides a quick overview of the latest Apple product rumors, along with my analysis and reviews. Today: New home devices, cellular Macs, Vision Pro game controllers, and more. Here are this week’s Apple rumors.

New Apple TV 4K and HomePod mini coming in 2025

Mark Gurman report Apple will launch revised versions of Apple TV 4K and HomePod mini in 2025.

No details are provided in the report beyond a release window, but for Apple’s home devices, which rarely receive updates, it’s good to know that new models are on the way.

I’d especially like to know how these products combine with new products “HomePad” device Form a coherent home ecosystem. I was worried about HomePod may be phased out Over time, but now it appears Apple has more plans for this.

Cellular Mac (and Vision Pro) are coming

Apple is It is said “Research” will put its new domestic 5G chips into future Macs and Vision Pro.

i have long held hope The rollout of Apple’s in-house 5G modems will coincide with Macs finally getting cellular. And that does seem like it could happen.

To me, cellular is an important feature on the iPad Pro, so its arrival on the Mac feels inevitable. It’s long overdue, and while there are no guarantees yet, the time seems right.

Assuming Apple does launch a cellular Mac, I’ll have to re-evaluate whether the Mac will become my better primary computer choice.

Real VR game controller for Vision Pro

Gaming on the Vision Pro has been largely ignored by Apple, but now it sounds like the PlayStation VR2’s handheld controller could Support coming soon in visionOS.

I’m glad Apple realizes it needs to invest more in gaming on the Vision Pro. I’m a little concerned, though, that the company thinks its partnership with Sony is enough to satisfy gamers. No.

Apple needs to build a stronger gaming story on Vision Pro, and while PlayStation VR2’s controllers may be a key part of that, I’m hoping there’s more in the pipeline.

Losing MacBook Notch

one Omdia report reveals Apple’s 2026 MacBook Pro is expected to use an OLED screen without a bang cutout for the first time.

The bangs have never been a good look, so I’m glad Apple will be eliminating them from Macs soon. The company is expected to do the same with the MacBook Air, but probably in a year or two, as Apple isn’t expected to bring OLED to the Air anytime soon.

All about chips

Many of the Apple rumors this week revolve around new chips Apple is developing:

These stories are interesting, but not for the chips themselves; rather, for the product enhancements they may bring.

I’m particularly interested in seeing how Apple’s Wi-Fi chips fare may result in New Wi-Fi routers may also be available in the future.

Which Apple rumors are you most interested in? Let us know in the comments.

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