Apple in 2021 – Guide to the upcoming Apple products:
For some years now, Apple has surprised us by hosting events mid-year as well as in the fall season to release its new products. We are sure that like 2020 where it released M1-powered MacBooks, the new iPhone 13 series, and more, 2021 will also bring a host of exciting announcements from the tech giant.
We’re already in the month of September, and Apple has just released its latest iPhone 13 series, a new entry-level iPad, and more at its ‘California Streaming’ event.
However, Apple seems far from done. As per multiple rumors, Apple is planning to host multiple events in the remaining year to launch more products. If you are as excited as we’re to see what Apple has in store for us in 2021, go on and read our complete guide to know more about upcoming Apple products.
What to expect from Apple in 2021: MacBook M1X, iPhone SE Plus, AirPods 3, and more
While Apple has already launched its most anticipated iPhone 13 series, there are still a couple more products that we are expecting the company to launch in Q4 2021. After its ‘California Streaming’ event in September, it is speculated that Apple might host another event in October where we could see more innovative products.
2021 could prove to be a significant year for MacBooks and iPads as Apple could finally launch the successor of MacBook Air with an M1 chipset and third-generation AirPods.
Here’s what we could see in the coming months:
- Mac mini 2021
Mac mini 2021 was a no show at Apple’s California Streaming event but we still have hopes that Apple is working on a high-end Mac mini that could be launched soon. Last year, when Apple upgraded Mac Mini, it brought performance upgrades by adding the Apple Silicon M1 chipset.
As per Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, this year Apple could make it even more powerful by introducing a new Mac mini with the alleged M1X chipset.
Since Apple has not introduced the M1X chipset yet, we speculate that Apple will unveil the new Mac mini at an event later this year where it will announce new MacBooks with M1X chipset.
If rumors are to be believed, Apple is gearing to introduce a new Mac mini with a new form factor. It is expected that this year’s upgrade will be launched with a slimmer design, with a plexiglass top and magnetic charging connector.
The internals will be upgraded with the same chipset that will power the next-generation MacBook Pros. RAM is also expected to receive an upgrade to support up to 64GB compared to M1 Mac mini, which supports RAM up to 16 GB.
- iPhone SE Plus
Apple has remained tight-lipped about this release in particular. Japanese Blog ‘Mac Otakara’ claims this third-generation variant to have a bigger screen with a 5.5-inch or a 6.1-inch display, which is predicted to launch in September again. This model is expected to be priced under $500.
Youtuber theHacker34 released a concept video of an iPhone SE Plus that got the world commenting on SE’s designs again. The video claims that the new model will have a bigger screen with minor updates in features.
With the proposed bigger screen in the coming variant, it kills the concept of having a budget-friendly iPhone. The upcoming variant is sure to witness a price hike from the current price of $399, bringing it closer to the iPhone XR for $499.
If the screen gets bigger, the price shouldn’t be affected much is what I am hoping for now.
- AirPods 3
After launching two variants in 2019, Apple did not release new AirPods in 2020, making 2021 an inevitable release year. However, Apple has a surprise debut in the over-ear headphones industry, which kept the trillion-dollar company connected to the audio business.
AirPods 3 will have an amalgamation of AirPods 2 and AirPods Pro; this means AirPods 3 is speculated to have reduced stem size to fit the ears better. A Chinese website, 52audio, posted leaked X-ray images of the anticipated model, which shows Apple’s plan to squeeze the device in the compact case to reduce these earbuds’ cost.
However, AirPods 3 may not have active noise cancellation at all. I am hoping for more color options, though. (Who wouldn’t want black AirPods?)
AirPods 3 were rumored to have a Spring release, but since that did not happen, we can expect them in September.
- M1 MacBook Pro (2021)
To support Apple’s two-year transition to M1 chips from Intel chips, Apple plans to release MacBooks’ redesigned models towards the second half of 2021, as claimed by the analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.
Apple plans to release two MacBook Pro models in 2021. Here is what we should expect from these models.
MacBook Pro is getting redesigned just like the new iMacs and might ship in two variants; 14-inch and 16-inch. The mini LED panels will be improved in the coming models because M1 chips cost much lower than Intel chips, and thus better-LED variants can be expected.
Apart from the improved LED displays and better designs, these MacBooks are envisioned to be cost-efficient considering the reduced chip prices. With 2 new variants in the market by the second half of 2021, Apple will now be selling 3 MacBook Pro variants: 13 inches, 14 inches, and 16 inches.
Apple is not planning to release any MacBook Air variants this year. Hopefully, we will have more details about the device in the coming months with the new launches.
I was hoping that Apple does something with the Touch Bar in MacBook Pro this year. Turns out the brand might have heard me after all!
In a research note with TF International Securities, Kuo said that the physical function keys would replace the Touch Bar. Furthermore, Gurman claimed that Apple had tested new MacBook Pro models without a Touch Bar in a Bloomberg report. Here’s his tweet;
- AirPods Max Sport Edition
Labeled as AirPods Studio before the launch, AirPods Max were a surprise reveal for Apple lovers last December. According to the rumor monger Jon Prosser, AirPods Max were supposed to be launched as two variants, a plastic ‘sporty’ variant around $350 and a luxury variant under $599.
Well, he wasn’t much far away from the $549 tag that these headphones came out with, so we might expect a sporty version soon.
There were a lot of rumors that went unanswered or predicted incorrectly after the launch of AirPods Max. This gives me a ray of hope that the coming variants this year might have many features.
Either way, a sporty version or a version with neck detection would be a great deal. Don’t be too ambitious, though, for Apple may go against releasing any updates in 2021 and wait for another year before the grand reveal.
However, it wouldn’t be a bad release if they come up with case alternatives this year, considering the negative reviews that the company has received about them.
Apple Ecosystem beyond 2021
“Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.”
Steve Jobs has rightly said the above line. Staying loyal to his ideology, Apple manages to think a step ahead and works on products ahead of time. These are a few products that have been in the pipeline for a couple of years now and are expected to launch in the coming years.
- AR Device(s)
Bloomberg first reported in 2017 that Apple plans to launch its AR headset in 2020 sometime. The same year, Financial Times suggested that Apple plans on launching its AR Glasses with 3D cameras. Apple confirmed in 2019 that it is working on ‘some’ kind of Augmented Reality device, adding fire to the rumors.
Kuo believes that AR glasses will be heavily dependent on iPhones, just like the first generation of Apple Watches. Probably, Apple is working on reducing the weight of the glasses because they need not weigh heavier than standard glasses but has to manage the hardware with the same weight.
Apple has filed many patents in the previous years claiming new technologies that will provide 3D virtual views of a user’s environment with virtual content. While I am relying on Augmented Reality Glasses’ generic idea as their upcoming device, but considering Apple’s innovation heights, it can be a new device as a whole.
- Apple Car
Apple had announced autonomous cars in 2015. Since then, we have heard a lot of rumors regarding the same. These autonomous cars are expected to be electric cars operating on battery sources, might even go solar in their energy consumption.
Apple is most likely to have a tie-up with Hyundai to begin producing these cars by 2024 and get them in the market by 2030. However, Apple did seek permission to test 200 cars in 2017 in California under the name Project Titan.
Apple Cars look promising and support Apple’s vision of going Carbon Neutral by 2030. I admire one rumor in particular, which is the use of Apple ID as car keys. The car also claims to feature the infamous LiDAR scanners.
- Foldable iPhones
Apple has been planning to launch foldable iPhones in the coming two years, which will be two screens connected with a hinge. Despite the hinge, the iPhone looks flawless and doesn’t seem to look like two screens connected. A Taiwanese website, Economic Daily News, has also claimed that two of these models passed durability tests earlier, completed at the Foxconn factory in Shenzhen, China.
Under this category, the prototype resembles a lot of the YouTuber Jon Prosser prototype in June this year. However, not many rumors have been circulated about these models’ development so far and the features that these phones may have, setting them apart.
Apple products released in 2021
April 20th’s Spring Loaded event was revealed to Apple users in quite an intriguing way. Jon Prosser was one of the first few ones to notice the trend. According to his tweet, Siri mentions that the event is scheduled for April 20th this year.
What was first mistaken as some programming error was confirmed by Apple to be true a day later. This is regarded as one of the funniest ways to announce an Apple event so far.
You can also listen to our podcast, which covers major highlights of Spring Loaded in under 15 minutes.
- iPhone 13 series
At its hardware launch event in September, Apple unveiled its much-anticipated iPhone 13 series with a four iPhone lineup. Equipped with the powerful A15 Bionic chipset, the newer iPhones bring noteworthy performance and camera upgrades. While the design has not changed much except the rear camera module has been slightly tweaked, and the notch is now 20% shorter than previous generation iPhones.
Apple has introduced Super XDR Display to iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max along with ProMotion technology to enable variable refresh rates up to 120Hz. This is the first time we’ll see a higher refresh rate in iPhones.
Apple has claimed 1.5 hours more battery life on the iPhone 13 mini and iPhone 13 Pro compared to their predecessors, iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro Max, on the other hand, boast of 2.5 hours more battery life.
The base storage of the iPhone 13 series has also been bumped to 128GB from 64GB.
- iPad
Apple also released a new-entry level iPad at its fall event. The 9th generation iPad brings performance upgrades with the addition of the A13 Bionic chipset. Apple promises 20% faster CPU, GPU, and Neural Engine performance with respect to the last iPad model.
The camera has been upgraded by adding the Centre Stage feature and a 12-megapixel Ultra-Wide camera with a 122-degree field of view.
The new iPad also supports the first-generation Apple Pencil and smart keyboard, giving users a complete tablet-Esque experience. However, there is not much change in the design with the Home button still in place, and the bezels are also quite the same.
- iPad Mini 6
iPad Mini was due an upgrade for a long time. Apple used the California Streaming event’s stage to unveil the iPad Mini 6 with a design refresh. The iPad Mini 6 now has a flatter design, much similar to iPhone 12. Screen size has also been bumped from 7.9-inches to 8.3 inches. Powered by the A15 Bionic chipset, the new model promises up to 80 percent faster performance than the previous generation.
Apple also added a 12-megapixel Ultra Wide selfie camera with a 122-degree field of view along with the Centre Stage feature, which first appeared in the iPad Pro. On the rear, the iPad has a 12MP primary sensor along with True Tone flash.
The TouchID sensor now comes in-built with the power button, and the iPad Mini 6 also supports 5G.
The iPad arrives the support for the Apple Pencil second generation and Smart Folio Case. The charging port has been upgraded to USB Type-C from the proprietary lightning charging port.
- Apple Watch Series 7
At the same stage where Apple announced iPhone 13 series, iPad 9th generation, and the iPad Mini 6, the company also unveiled the next generation of its smartwatch. Apple Watch Series 7 comes with a newer design bringing a bigger display and thinner bezels. The screen has now been extended to the edge of the casing to show more text.
The dimensions of the new Apple Watch Series 7 have also been changed from 40mm to 44mm and 45mm from the previous edition’s 44mm case. Apple has claimed that the bigger display and increased casing size will allow 20% more text on the screen.
The display has also been improved with the new display promising 70% more bright screen indoors than Apple Watch Seris 6.
On the health front, Apple has introduced better support for outdoor biking, and the famous fall detection feature has been improved to detect a fall while riding a bicycle. The smartwatch retains the SPo2 and ECG measuring sensor.
The new Apple Watch Seris 7 also promises longer battery life and 33% more charging speed. Apple boasts 8 minutes of charging can give you up to 8 minutes of battery life.
- iPhone 12 in purple color
Apple has been keen on introducing colors to its products lately. iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Mini are available in exciting purple colors for the users.
The device is welcomed with mixed opinions. What are your views on the purple candy-like iPhone?
- AirTags
After years of rumors and a much-delayed release, Apple finally launched AirTags, during the ‘Find My’ segment of the event. The device is priced at $29; you can also get a pack of four at $99 with free engravings.
AirTags include 31 emojis that can be added to the stainless steel model for free and personalized with the name as well. The devices come with a replaceable battery, protection against dust and water, and have an integrated speaker.
You can attach them with your gym bag, laptop bag, anything that needs your attention, and you can easily forget over time. Apple has partnered with the luxury brand Hermès, which is building handcrafted leather accessories for the AirTags. A lot of third-party cases are also available in the market to decorate your AirTags.
- M1 iPad Pro 11″ & 12.9″
M1-powered iPad Pros were the highlight of the Spring Loaded event this year. The devices are released in two sizes, 11″ and 12.9″, and have a lot of exciting features considering the WFH situation.
The M1 chip promises 50% faster performance and over 1500 times faster than the first iPad ever. While the 11″ comes with a Liquid Retina Display, the 12.9″ has many exciting features from Liquid Retina XDR display, ProMotion Technology, Center Stage, and whatnot.
The 12 MP ultrawide camera with TrueDepth technology is also the highlight of the device. Other than that, the iPads support 5G, are available as WiFi+ cellular/ WiFi models, and up to 2 TB of storage.
- Apple TV 4K
It took three years for Apple to update its set-top box, and thankfully, the new update did not disappoint.
The 6th generation Apple TV 4K comes with an A12 Bionic chip, revised Siri remote with a unique design moving Siri to the right.
Apple TV this time has a lot of exciting features to offer, such as color calibration, white balance feature, and added HFR visuals while watching content in HDR.
- M1-powered iMac
Adhering to Apple’s M1 integration by 2022, the redesigned iMacs also came up with an M1 chip and seven eye-catching colors.
Highlights of the device are a 24in 4.5 K retina display, a super-thin aluminum body (11.5mm thin), and a better camera with 1080 pixels output.
Macs are also powered with colored accessories, including Magic Trackpad, Magic Keyboard variants, and Magic Mouse. Magic Keyboard has an optional TouchID for the first time in iMacs.
Apple has undoubtedly amped up the device this time. However, the release was welcomed with a lot of mixed opinions. Can’t wait to test the device and share my POV.
- Other services
Apple also launched a few services, namely Apple Podcast subscriptions service and Apple Card Family, a much-needed addition to Apple Card. Apple TV+ subscription was also graced with intriguing content I cannot wait to watch this weekend.
Published first at: iGEEKSBLOG
