This Week in Apple

Apple will now have to deal with a 145% tariff on goods from China unless it can secure an exemption like it did last time. Separately, watchOS 12 is rumored to get the same visual treatment as iOS 19 and macOS 19, indicating that a cross-platform design change is in the works.

Here’s what happened during the past week, and why it matters.

Newsletter Exclusive: Mastering Pages for iPad — a word processing powerhouse

Future Hardware: Apple Vision Pro 2 and iPhone Fold could both ship in 2026, iPad Fold to follow

The next-generation Apple Vision Pro might debut by April 2026, as a dodgy report claims some of the device components are already in production.

Separately, an analyst repeated his claim that 2026 will also see the release of a foldable iPhone and iPad. The latter seems particularly unlikely, given that more credible sources have mentioned 2027 and 2028 as possible release dates.

Our take:

Multiple reports have suggested an iPhone Fold will debut in 2026, and a successor to the current Apple Vision Pro is widely believed to be in the works. A foldable iPad, however, probably won’t be released the same year.

Related stories:

• Dodgy report claims Apple Vision Pro 2 arriving by April 2026

• Apple Vision Pro 2: What the rumor mill sees coming, and when it might arrive

• iPhone Fold in 2026 is probable, but iPad Fold is doubtful

• Apple hampered its Siri ambitions by penny-pinching

According to a recent report, watchOS 12 will supposedly include two major changes — Apple Intelligence support, and a new visonOS-style user interface. This lines up with an Apple patent application, which suggests more devices will get Apple Vision Pro gestures.

iOS 19 and macOS 16 will reportedly get the same visual treatment, echoing visionOS. There’s a disagreement between leakers about what the final product will look like, though.

Our take:

Apple could debut a cross-platform redesign, meaning that all of its operating systems would contain UI elements reminiscent of visionOS. This would serve as an ideal distraction from Siri’s delayed Apple Intelligence features.

Related stories:

• watchOS also rumored to get visionOS design elements

• Apple Vision Pro gestures may spread to the iPhone, iPad, and Mac

• Leaker wars escalate, Jon Prosser shows alleged iOS 19 redesign

• Behind the scenes, Siri's failed iOS 18 upgrade was a decade-long managerial car crash

The hearing about blowing open Apple's iCloud encryption in the UK for the sake of national security won't be kept secret. The country’s Investigatory Powers Tribunal found no reason to restrict what it calls “open justice,” so the details will be made public.

The European Union, meanwhile, may finally decide whether Apple's App Store has breached the bloc's Digital Markets Act. A decision on the antitrust case will reportedly be made “in the coming weeks.”

Context:

The UK government tried to force Apple to implement an encryption backdoor for iCloud, but Apple opted to disable its Advanced Data Protection feature in the UK.

Our take:

The UK government’s effort appears to have been unsuccessful, but the hearing has not been made public yet. Similarly, the EU could opt to fine Apple for violating the Digital Markets Act, but it has yet to reach a decision.

Related stories:

• UK iCloud backdoor mandate hearing must be made public — eventually

• EU to issue Apple's Digital Markets Act antitrust ruling within weeks

The marble-covered Apple Via del Corso is an Apple Store experience that offers unexpected artwork and masses of culture. AppleInsider’s Malcolm Owen visited the store to check out the unique mix of old and new, and everything it has to offer.

Apple's messaging app Messages supports a new cross-platform messaging standard called RCS. AppleInsider’s Charles Martin explains how to enable it on your iPhone, and what new features RCS offers when messaging people on other platforms.

Related stories:

• Inside Apple Via del Corso — Rome's store that's also a museum

• How to enable and use RCS for secure cross-platform messaging

There’s been talk lately — including from government officials — about Apple moving iPhone production to the United States. But here’s the truth: not only is that unlikely to happen, it would make iPhones way more expensive. AppleInsider’s Andrew O’Hara explains why. Check it out!

For in-depth insights on recent developments in the area of technology, check out the AppleInsider Podcast. This week, William Gallagher and Wesley Hilliard discuss the rumors about the next-generation Apple Vision Pro, the iPhone 20, and the iOS 19 release, which is just weeks away.

Related story:

• Apple Vision Pro 2, iPhone 20, and iOS 19, on the AppleInsider Podcast

Amazon has the latest and greatest M4 iPad Pro at $200 off, but supplies are limited at the reduced price. You can grab the $200 markdown on the 13-inch iPad Pro Wi-Fi model with the M4 chip, and an ample 2TB of storage. Check it out!