Apple's spring event is just around the corner and rumors say that the 5G iPhone SE will be unveiled there, among other things. But what other products could the company unveil? Here's an overview.
Typically, Apple hosts its first event of the year in the spring. While the fall event typically unveils the iPhone flagships and the mid-year WWDC focuses on Apple's operating systems and software, the spring event can cover many different areas of Apple's hardware empire. Rumors have already made guesses and speculations about what Apple's next generation of products will look like when it arrives in 2022. Let's get started.
When will the event take place?
Apple usually hosts an event in March, as it did every year between 2014 and 2020. After the 2021 event took place in April, rumors suggest a return to March. In early February, it was claimed that Apple was aiming for a date around March 8. Since Apple usually introduces new products on a Tuesday, this seems plausible.
third-generation iPhone SE
An updated iPhone SE is one of the most likely products to be unveiled during this special event. Numerous rumors since October 2021 have suggested that it will launch sometime in spring 2022. Of course, it would be a main feature of the spring event and the entries in the EEC regulatory database reinforce this. It has also been claimed that it is being actively tested in India. The model's main new feature is said to be 5G connectivity, making it a budget option for consumers looking to use the faster operator networks. While there are rumors about 5G support, there is no word on whether the high-speed mmWave element will be included.
No new design to be expected
Aside from 5G support, rumors suggest that the iPhone SE will primarily come with new specs. This could mean that it will come with the A15 SoC, changes in storage, and some other internal features from the current iPhone generations. As for the design, it seems that the smartphone will retain its current body and 4.7-inch display. A major design update is only expected with the successor.
iPad Air
The "iPad Air 5" is also a hot candidate for the spring event and has appeared in the rumor mill several times. Like the iPhone SE, the iPad Air 5 is also listed in the EEC database, suggesting a possible release in the near future. Current speculation about the fifth-generation model includes upgrades to 5G support as well as an upgrade to the A15 Bionic chip. It is also said to include a 12-megapixel FaceTime HD camera with Center Stage support, although a dual-camera system on the rear, a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display and continued use of Touch ID were already talked about in July 2021.
Mac mini
There have been rumors for some time about a major update to the Mac mini. The smallest Mac that Apple currently sells is said to be radically redesigned. The design of the Mac mini is said to have the same square puck shape but with a metal edge and a polycarbonate top, as well as rubber feet instead of a rounded base. There are significantly more ports on the back than on the first M1 Mac mini: four Thunderbolt ports, two USB-A ports, Ethernet and HDMI. Following the example of the 24-inch iMac, there is also speculation that the Mac mini could adopt the magnetic charging port (MagSafe). According to a report, the model is set to be unveiled at the spring event, as it is one of the first Apple Silicon models to be delivered. Rumors suggest that the M1 Pro and M1 Max versions will be offered, although it could also use an advanced M1 chip or an M2 version.
MacBook Air
The MacBook Air, also one of the first Apple Silicon developments, could receive an update at the spring event. Similar to the Mac mini, the updated MacBook Air is also expected to undergo a major redesign. The most obvious is a color change. In fact, the small MacBook will be available in several colors, similar to the iMac 24″. In addition to the new color options, the 13.3-inch display could be equipped with a mini-LED backlight, like the 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro. A notch in the display is also suspected so that the screen takes up more space while retaining the webcam functionality. In addition, the webcam is expected to be a 1080p component with an ultra-wide-angle lens that offers Center Stage support. Rumors also say that MagSafe will be part of the innovations. Inside, the MacBook Air is said to be equipped with the M2 chip, which is logically better than its predecessor, the M1, but cannot keep up with the M1 Pro or M1 Max.
13-inch MacBook Pro
There are relatively few rumors about a refresh of the 13-inch MacBook Pro. As part of the original Apple Silicon trio, it has been identified as one of the models that has a good chance of an update soon. Since it's a similar device to the MacBook Air, it will likely receive the same internal updates, such as the M2 chip and a new FaceTime camera. However, it is not expected to have the same mini-LED ProMotion display as the larger models and will have less storage and processing power to keep the price down as an entry-level model.
Launch of iOS 15.4 and Co.
In addition to the hardware, Apple is also expected to discuss iOS 15.4, iPadOS 15.4, tvOS 15.4, watchOS 8.5 and macOS Monterey 12.3 and announce a launch date that is likely to be shortly after the event, a maximum of one week. Be that as it may, what we will actually see in the end remains to be seen.
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If you don’t want to miss anything, you should download our app and activate push notifications. In our separate event section you will find all relevant articles about the next event - we look forward to seeing you. Are you looking for new MagSafe accessories from Apple? Then take a look at AmazonThere you will find Apple's MagSafe chargers, power adapters, cases and the external battery at a discount. In addition, we have dozens of other recommendations in our storefront, including from Nomad, Anker and Pitaka – enjoy browsing. (Image: Apple)