Apple rumors are reaching their least reliable point
Apple rumors will never die, but their trustworthiness has only diminished with time.
If you've followed Apple for any length of time, then you might be aware of the rumor mill that surrounds it. The popularity of Apple can lead to successful rumor mongers becoming pseudo-celebrities.
However, there is basically zero money in the leaking game. Those that do it only do it for social media clout or the fun of the game. The ones that try to monetize rumors are the ones that burn out the fastest.
Prosser's YouTube network built around toilet humor and supposed leaks is under fire from a lawsuit by Apple itself. Longtime sketchy leaker Majin Bu attempted to sell iPhone cases via his rumor website, which totally collapsed and disappeared for unknown reasons.
Other prominent leakers that have media outlets have to tread very carefully to protect sources. But also, because their paychecks are at stake, what is shared and the tone attached to it is highly manipulated to meet certain editorialized goals.
The only true leaker you can trust is the one that has a long and verifiable history with repeat accurate leaks. These leaks should be attributable to supply chain resources or verifiable photo leaks, not lucky guesses.
It has always been rare to get such leakers. When I first joined <em>AppleInsider</em>, there might have been two real leakers from China that leaked regularly. Ming-Chi Kuo was always a staple, at least until he started his blog.
Most of the popular leakers that were seen as somewhat reliable disappeared. Every leaker has a half-life of only a few years, but Apple's crackdowns ensured that new leakers didn't rise to replace the old ones.
So, when you see a "leaker" post about something with nearly zero followers and barely any account history, be wary. Also, copycats love to step in and replace others that have left. The new Majin Bu everyone linked to this week is obviously fake – it was created around the time the old account disappeared and is missing a letter in its name.
Another leaker featured this week has a very short history, and of what they've shared so far, they've been wrong on every count. It seems that one is just making things up and calling themselves a leaker.
LovesT0Dream retired, but still posts about tech. I suppose they didn't want the heat of sharing their industry resources anymore. I'd be surprised if we ever see a true leak from them again.
Ice Universe is an Android leaker but has enough connections that their occasional iPhone leak is likely accurate. They might be the last of the leakers still in play worth paying real attention to.
Remember, rumors are meant to be fun and exciting. They should not be how you decide to purchase a future Apple product or stock. They say very little about the company or its decision process.
For example, we've heard several "leaks" about Apple delaying Apple Intelligence efforts internally multiple times. These kinds of stories will always get attention because they make Apple look like a group of bumbling idiots. Take them with a grain of salt.
Without any official announcement or, at the least, an internal memo leak stating "delays" in Apple's own words, we can never know what was or was not a delay. If Apple Intelligence updates with Gemini truly aren't coming until September, that could have been the plan since at least December 2025.
We just don't know.
In case anyone was wondering why I included that image of a custom Caviar iPhone at the top in a post about rumors, I'll share. It's an homage to one of the more incredible rumors to ever be published by someone in the game.
I won't name names, but they said Apple would release a pair of Steve Jobs edition Apple smart glasses. Yeah, no.
iOS 26.5 has arrived in beta
Since I didn't get a chance to publish yesterday, I'll leave a note here for those that made it to the bottom. iOS 26.5 beta 1 did release yesterday, and there aren't any signs of the new Apple Intelligence.
However, remember to ignore the headlines. Apple Intelligence upgrades are not included in update bundles. This is something Apple will push out on its own when it wants to. If Apple Intelligence gets an upgrade in iOS 26.5, then it could occur at any time in the beta cycle prior to public release.
Expect an announcement from Apple first, though.
Or, perhaps I'm wrong here and Apple truly isn't ready. In which case, I'll be somewhat disappointed because I was excited for this upgrade. But, I will say I'm also happy for Apple's restraint, as they are waiting to release features only when they are truly ready to do so.