Macworld San Francisco 2009 Rumor Roundup

With Macworld San Francisco 2009 (MWSF) beginning next week, MacRumors provides this Rumor Roundup as a summary of major rumors circulating around the Mac Web before the event.

The biggest news about Macworld came early when Apple announced that Steve Jobs would not be delivering the 2009 keynote address nor will Apple be participating in future Macworld events. While Apple's official reason for the withdrawal was that trade shows are becoming less important, some believe that Apple simply wanted more control of their own release timetable rather than being dependent on this yearly event. Of course, health questions about Steve Jobs were again raised as another possible reason.

While this rumor season started off slowly, the past few weeks have raised some interesting possibilities.

New iMac and Mac Mini - NVIDIA Based

The most likely hardware releases for Macworld San Francisco include updated versions of the iMac and Mac mini.

While there has been talk about these updates for months, the most convincing evidence actually came from Apple themselves. The latest versions of Mac OS X were found to include references to NVIDIA-based iMacs and Mac minis. The NVIDIA chipsets were just introduced into Apple's notebook line and promise faster graphics hardware for these new models. DigiTimes has reported that iMacs should be shipping in quantity in January and Apple may have been waiting specifically for new Quad-Core processors from Intel.

182604 Mac mini Intel Core 125

Early details about the Mac mini update came from internet hosting company MacMiniColo.net, who was able to confirm that the new mini would include a Mini DisplayPort, increase in max RAM to 4 GB and an SATA Optical drive. Since then, Wired and TUAW have confirmed that we'll see a Mac mini release at Macworld. Other claims from AppleInsider suggest that the mini will get some significant new features, including FireWire 800, dual-monitor capabilities and an additional USB port.

All of these changes will be welcome to this otherwise neglected product line.

17" MacBook Pro - Fixed Battery

One product that was left behind during the October notebook updates was Apple's high-end 17" MacBook Pro. New reports released in the past few days have revealed that Apple will be releasing the new 17" MacBook Pro as early as Macworld. Aside from adopting the NVIDIA chipset and aluminum unibody design, the most notable change that was first reported by 9to5Mac is the elimination of a removable battery. Instead, Apple is said to have chosen a slimmer but longer-lasting battery that is not replaceable, as in the MacBook Air.

This information has been confirmed by a number of sources, and we feel accurately describes the new 17" MacBook Pro.

iLife '09. iWork '09 - The Cloud

A series of reports from 9to5Mac indicate that Apple is going to make a major effort to turn portions of their iLife and iWork products into Internet services. This would allow some or all of iWork and iMovie to be accessed from your web browser and possibly your iPhone. Critics of the move, however, point to the problematic launch of Apple's MobileMe web-services.

While these original reports drew some outrage from existing customers, many expect that Apple will continue to offer traditional Mac-based applications. To further add to 9to5mac's source's credibility, we've heard their most recent report about a GarageBand update may also be true. The rumor site believes that Apple will begin selling "celebrity music lessons" to GarageBand customers.

Snow Leopard

Some reports have suggested that Phil Schiller may demonstrate or provide more info on Apple's upcoming Mac OS X revision codenamed Snow Leopard.

An Apple employee presentation first suggested that we could see the release of Snow Leopard in the first quarter of 2009. Meanwhile, Apple rushed certification of OpenCL to be ready in time for Snow Leopard's release.

iPhone and iPhone Nano

122844 nanocase 250

The rumor that has gotten the most attention seems the least likely possibility for a Macworld update. In fact, we had originally heard that Apple was planning on focusing on Mac products at Macworld, though this was well before Apple's announcement that they were withdrawing from the event.

This rumor gained traction after both XSKN and Vajacases posted teasers and case designs on their sites about a new iPhone Nano. This fact by itself may not have generated so much interest, but both sites also provided links and photos to iPhone 3G cases in May before its release.

We're still unsure what to make of the iPhone Nano claims, since there have been no reliable sources stepping up to corroborate this possibility. Even if the iPhone Nano coming, it seems Macworld is unlikely to be the venue for its release.

Finally, there have been suggestions that some updates may have been delayed from Macworld altogether, which could mean this or other iPhone announcements may be forthcoming in the next few months.

Cinema Displays / Mac Pros / Home Media Server / Tablet or PDA

- Despite an early rumor that we might see new LED Cinema displays at Macworld 2009, there has been no other confirmation. While it seems obvious that Apple will be moving towards LED across all their displays, no one seems to have heard if Tuesday will be the day.
- Unfortunately, despite a long wait on Mac Pro updates, desktop customers may have to wait a little longer. Mac Pro-suitable processors will be released in the first quarter of 2009 but may not be available in time for a Tuesday release.
- Apple Home Media Server seems like an interesting idea that Apple has been toying with, but no one knows when or if Apple will release this to the market.

- The latest about an Apple Tablet seems to push off the product until at least the Fall of 2009.

And, of course, there's always the promise of something amazing that we've never heard of before.

3rd Party

- Google is rumored (unconfirmed) to be releasing a Mac version of Picasa.
- Cultured Code will be releasing the 1.0 version of Things, a task management app for the Mac.
- Freeverse Slotz Racer iPhone/iPod Touch game.
- Delicious Monster hints at a free iPhone app.
- Filemaker 10 said to be announced on Monday.

We'll have more 3rd party coverage at Macworld Expo throughout the week.

Keynote Coverage and Meetup

MacRumors will be providing live keynote coverage at MacRumorsLive with photos and text updates. The system has been improved and should provide even faster updates than in the past. While there is no live video stream available for the event, those who wish to watch the time-delayed stream without any spoilers can sign up for the spoiler free announcements. Finally, Twitter users can sign up for SMS updates at http://twitter.com/macrumors.

The Keynote begins at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, January 6th, 2009 (view local times).

Readers at Macworld Expo should join us in person at the Macworld Finale Bash on Tuesday, January 6th starting at 6 p.m (details), hosted by Delicious Monster.

Popular Stories

iOS 26 Battery Glass Feature

iPhone 16 Pro Max 80% Charge Limit: One Year Later, Was It Worth It?

Wednesday September 24, 2025 3:58 pm PDT by
With the iPhone 15 series, I did an experiment and kept my iPhone's Charge Limit set at 80 percent for an entire year. It provided an interesting look at the impact of charge limits on battery longevity, so I decided to repeat it for the iPhone 16 line. Since September 2024, my iPhone 16 Pro Max has been limited to an 80 percent charge, with no cheating. As of today, my battery's maximum...
Home Hub Command Center with Dome Base Feature

Apple Working on All-New Operating System

Thursday September 25, 2025 1:11 pm PDT by
Apple is developing an all-new operating system codenamed "Charismatic," according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. Apple smart home hub concept based on rumors This is likely Apple's long-rumored "homeOS" operating system. In a report last month, Gurman said both Apple's rumored smart home hub in 2026 and tabletop robot in 2027 will run the new operating system. He said the software platform ...
AirPods Pro 3 Newsroom

Apple's 'Back to School' Offer Ends Soon, Now Applies to AirPods Pro 3

Wednesday September 24, 2025 7:20 am PDT by
Apple's annual "Back to School" promotion for students ends soon, so act fast if you want to score free AirPods with the purchase of an eligible new Mac or iPad. Until Tuesday, September 30, college students and qualifying educational staff in the U.S. can receive free AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation when they purchase an eligible new Mac or iPad from Apple. This is a $179 value. ...
iphone 17 pro dark blue 1

Apple Blames In-Store MagSafe Chargers for iPhone 17 Pro Display Model Scratches

Wednesday September 24, 2025 10:22 am PDT by
The marks on the iPhone 17 Pro models that people have noticed at Apple retail stores are caused by the chargers that Apple uses, Apple confirmed today. Apple told 9to5Mac that worn MagSafe charging stands in stores are causing marks on the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max. Apple says that the marks are not scratches, and are instead material transfer from the stand to the phone. The...
iPhone 17 Pro Colors

Skipped the iPhone 17 Pro? Here's What is Rumored for iPhone 18 Pro

Tuesday September 23, 2025 8:55 am PDT by
While the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are still a year away, there are already a few rumors about the devices that offer an early look ahead. Below, we have recapped some of the early iPhone 18 Pro rumors so far. This story was published previously, and it has been updated to reflect the latest rumors. Many early rumors prove to be true, but nothing is confirmed yet, and Apple's...
iOS 26

Everything New in iOS 26.1 Beta 1

Monday September 22, 2025 12:44 pm PDT by
Apple released the first beta of iOS 26.1 today, just a week after launching iOS 26. iOS 26.1 mainly adds new languages to Apple Intelligence, but there are a few other features that are worth knowing about. New Apple Intelligence Languages Apple Intelligence is now available in Danish, Dutch, Norwegian, Portuguese (Portugal), Swedish, Turkish, Chinese (Traditional), and Vietnamese. AirPo...
ios 26 digital id passport wallet

Apple Confirms iOS 26 Wallet Passport Feature is Coming in 2025

Tuesday September 23, 2025 1:06 pm PDT by
Digital ID, the iOS 26 feature that lets U.S. passport holders add their passports to the Wallet app, is coming later in 2025, Apple confirmed today. Apple updated the release timing wording of Digital ID on its iOS 26 features page. "Digital ID will be coming later this year with US passports only," it reads. Prior to today, the footnote for the feature said "Digital ID will be available ...
apple tv 4k new orange

Next Apple TV Expected to Launch This Year With These New Features

Monday September 22, 2025 10:00 am PDT by
The next Apple TV is expected to be released later this year, and a handful of new features and changes have been rumored for the device. Below, we recap what to expect from the next Apple TV, according to rumors. Likely Features N1 Chip With Wi-Fi 7 Last year, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said the next Apple TV would be equipped with Apple's own combined Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip, which is...
iPhone 17 Pro USB C Port

iPhone 17 Pro Max's USB-C Charging Speeds Tested With Apple Chargers

Monday September 22, 2025 7:29 am PDT by
The website ChargerLAB has tested the iPhone 17 Pro Max's USB-C charging speeds with a variety of Apple's chargers, from 18W to 140W. The device reached a peak charging speed of around 36W with the following Apple chargers:40W Dynamic Power Adapter with 60W Max 61W USB-C Power Adapter 67W USB-C Power Adapter 70W USB-C Power Adapter 96W USB-C Power Adapter 140W USB-C Power AdapterFor...