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iPhone innovation incoming!

iPhone innovation incoming!

The 20th-anniversary iPhone will cap three years of big changes.

Lewis Wallace
May 17, 2025

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After several years of stagnation, it seems like Apple is ready to really shake up the iPhone lineup. The changes will start this year and then ramp up, if the latest rumors prove true.

This year, we should see a super-slim model, possibly called the iPhone Air, which will look like a regular iPhone that went on a crash diet. Next year should bring the first folding iPhone.

And in 2027, the 20th-anniversary iPhone could smack us in the face with even more innovation. The first descriptions of this rumored device sound absolutely fascinating.

Also in this edition of The Weekender:

iPad hardware might finally get the software it deserves in iPadOS 19. Here’s our wish list of features Apple needs to add to unlock the iPad’s potential.
That massive CarPlay upgrade that Apple promised years ago finally sees the light of day. It’s called CarPlay Ultra, and it looks pretty sweet!
While iOS 18.5 didn’t bring massive changes, both Apple Maps and Apple Music added interesting new features this week.
I haven’t checked out new Apple TV+ sci-fi series Murderbot yet, but our review says it’s not as murder-y as I suspected — and definitely worth streaming if you like some laughs with your futuristic action.
And finally, Cult of Mac Deals just rolled out some great new products with healthy discounts, including an AI book writer and a retro handheld gaming console that can emulate 20 popular systems (Game Boy, NES, etc.).

Enjoy your weekend!

— Lewis Wallace, managing editor

Feature story

What to expect from the 20th anniversary iPhone

Apple plans to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the iPhone with a fresh design. Discover the major changes to expect.

How-tos

What’s the deal with that orange and green dot on your iPhone?

What does the orange dot on your iPhone mean — and while we’re at it, how about the green dot? It can appear randomly in the Dynamic Island.

How to claim your settlement from Siri class-action lawsuit

The Apple Siri class-action lawsuit settlement means most Apple users are entitled to receive up to $100.

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News

Everything new in iOS 18.5

iOS 18.5 and iPadOS 18.5 arrive, packing several minor but useful changes that improve the experience of using iPhones and iPads.

Plus, more Apple software news:

iPadOS 19 wish list: 5 features we're hoping for

Apple wants to boost productivity and multitasking on iPads. Our iPadOS 19 wish list shows pro-level features the tablet needs.

CarPlay Ultra finally arrives with complete dashboard makeover (for some)

Apple's next-generation CarPlay experience is finally hitting the road -- but only with Aston Martin for now.

visionOS 3 may let you scroll hands-free using your eyes

The next major update to visionOS could include eye scrolling, for navigating long lists and webpages entirely hands-free.

Plus, more Apple rumors:

Apple blocks ‘Fortnite’ return to US iPhone App Store [Updated]

Apple shot down an attempt by Epic Games to get the popular "Fortnite" game reinstated in the U.S. iPhone App Store.

Trump calls out Apple for building products in India

President Donald Trump expresses his dissatisfaction with Apple "building in India" and asks the company to make more of its devices in the United States.

Deals

Want to write a book? This specialized AI makes it easy.

Tap into popular AI models like ChatGPT and Claude with Youbooks, a new AI book writer that helps you pull together full nonfiction books.

Plus, more software and services from Cult of Mac Deals:

Don't call this a Game Boy -- it’s better!

This modern handheld gaming console looks like it came straight out of the ’90s, but under that transparent plastic shell, it’s all 2025.

Launch your Amazon empire for $20 (seriously)

Each course in The Ultimate 2025 Amazon FBA Bundle delivers crucial information about how to start your own business and succeed.

Get an M2 Mac mini for just $359.99

Grab a grade-A refurbished M2 Mac mini for excellent performance in a compact design at a big discount. Stock is limited.

Reviews

Soundcore Liberty 5 earbuds challenge AirPods Pro 2 at half the price [Review]

Our hands-on Soundcore Liberty 5 earbuds review finds are a top-shelf find in the crowded mid-priced range of noise-canceling earbuds.

Easily identify the birds you hear with Merlin Bird ID [Awesome Apps]

Identify birds easily with the Merlin Bird ID app. Learn the songs of local birds effortlessly using your iPhone.

3 reasons to watch ‘Murderbot’ on Apple TV+

Apple TV+ turns a cool premise into a fun sci-fi series. Our "Murderbot" season 1 review finds a great mix of laughs, action and suspense.

Test your connections with this tiny USB multimeter [Review]

With the StarTech.com USB-C Power Tester, you can easily look for charging problems in your setup, whether it’s your Mac or iPhone.

Setups

5-computer workstation boasts gargantuan 57-inch display

Think you have a huge computer monitor? Take a peek at this five-computer setup. Its 57-inch curved Samsung display is mammoth.

Try these crazy ways to get Touch ID with or without Magic Keyboard

This M1 Max MacBook Pro setup showcases a very bizarre trick.