Like 2020, 2021 should be a very exciting year for Apple fans. Let's take a look into the future - after all, there are some products that could be released. These include new iPhone models, more Apple Silicon Macs, AirTags, a brand new Apple TV and more.
Apple introduced the first Macs with Apple Silicon Chip at the end of 2020. The new M1 processor has proven to be unexpectedly powerful, so we can look forward to what's coming next. In addition to new iMacs, we can also expect new MacBook Pro models that will use Apple's in-house chip. Here's an overview.
Apple 2021: The first half of the year
The iMac
Cupertino is working on several new iMac models equipped with Apple Silicon chips, including both high-end and entry-level models. There are also rumors of a redesigned iMac that could come in an "iPad Pro-like design" with thinner bezels and a screen size of 23 to 24 inches. This device could perhaps be a larger replacement for the current 21.5-inch model, which would likely be roughly the same physical size as the existing version if Apple significantly reduces the bezel size.
Based on the design rumors, however, it is expected that all new iMac models will receive a new chassis, including today's 27-inch model. In addition, Apple is working on chip designs with up to 16 high-performance cores and four high-efficiency cores. But high-end desktop models could have up to 32 high-performance cores and perhaps replace the iMac Pro. However, this remains uncertain for the time being. The Cupertino-based Pursue is also working on some significant improvements in GPU performance - according to various sources. If the rumors are true, Apple could unveil the first models as early as spring and release more Mac devices in the fall of this year.
Apple could update AirPods
According to various reports, Apple is working on the third generation of AirPods, which will have a similar form factor to the AirPods Pro. This means that they will have a shorter stem and replaceable silicone earpieces. However, noise cancellation is not part of the range of functions. In addition, a new chip will be used that is intended to improve battery life. No further details are known. A presentation of the new version is planned for spring.
Is a new iPad Pro coming out?
The topic of the fifth-generation iPad Pro has also been with us for many months. Rumors suggest that Apple is planning a new version of the 12.9-inch model, which will supposedly feature a MiniLED display. Whether an 11-inch version is also in the works remains unclear, as all reports only focus on a 12.9-inch model. Be that as it may, Apple's MiniLED displays are expected to use around 10,000 LEDs, with each one measuring less than 200 microns. MiniLED technology will enable thinner and lighter product designs that also offer impressive wide color gamut, high contrast and HDR performance, as well as local dimming, which dims the backlight behind black areas of the screen while keeping bright areas illuminated for blacker blacks and improved contrast.
In addition to MiniLED reports, there have also been rumors about OLED versions. However, it is unlikely that Apple will introduce two new display technologies in the same year. Some analysts believe that the OLED versions will appear in 2022 at the earliest. In addition to the MiniLED panel, the new iPad Pro will also have 5G connectivity. The A14X chip is planned as the centerpiece. If the reports are correct, Apple could present the device as early as spring, preferably in March.
WWDC 2021: iOS 15 and more
Like every year, Apple is expected to host the World Wide Developers Conference in June, where the company will announce the next generation of software, including iOS 15, iPadOS 15, tvOS 15, watchOS 8, and macOS 12. Apple has previously used incremental numbers for macOS updates. However, since we have already had software updates with the number macOS 11.1, we can assume that from now on, new macOS generations will be handled similarly to iOS.
Apple 2021: The second half of the year
Will there be brand new 14.1- and 16.1-inch MacBook Pro models?
According to some sources, Apple will also have a new design for the MacBook Pro in 2021. 14.1- and 16.1-inch models are planned. These are to replace the current 13- and 16-inch versions. In addition to an Apple Silicon processor, the biggest innovation is said to be a new case design. These devices could also receive a mini-LED display, which could bring a significant improvement in display quality. There are analysts who claim that these devices will receive an advanced version of the M1 chip. Up to 16 performance cores and four efficiency cores are expected, with Apple also developing 16- and 32-core GPU options. Reports differ regarding the release. Some believe that these devices will appear in the middle of the year, while others (most of them) are predicting fall 2021.
iPhone 12S or iPhone 13
Of course, Apple will also be presenting new iPhone models this year. Direct successors to the current series are to be expected. So a 5.4-, two 6.1- and a 6.7-inch iPhone. These are said to have the design of the iPhone 12. But the Pro versions could receive a significant change. It is claimed that this year the Lightning port could be omitted for the first time. These devices would then only rely on wireless charging. In addition to third-party accessories, Apple's MagSafe technology would also provide the power supply. In addition, the high-end models are said to get 120Hz "ProMotion" displays for smoother image performance, along with new camera technology, a faster A15 chip and an improved 5G modem chip from Qualcomm. But that's not all. There are rumors and also hints from Apple that at least the Pro versions could have Touch ID in addition to Face ID. However, the final decision is still pending.
What about an iPhone SE Plus?
Fans of the iPhone SE series could also benefit. A Plus version was already reported several times last year. Hints in the iOS 14 code fueled the whole thing. The device could have an edgeless design just like the current iPad Air and rely on Touch ID in the standby switch. The well-known analyst Ming-Chi Kuo previously stated that Apple does not want to present the device in spring but in autumn 2021. As far as the display size is concerned, the iPhone SE Plus could have 6.1 inches, if it does indeed appear with an edgeless display. But there are also analysts who doubt the whole thing. Barclays, for example, believes that such a device will not appear before 2022.
Apple Watch Series 7 and SE 2
Of course, at least one new Apple Watch is also to be expected. We can therefore assume that the Apple Watch Series 7 will be released. It remains unclear for the time being whether the SE version will also be updated. Little is currently known about the new features. However, there are rumors that Apple's seventh generation smartwatch could get a new design. The implementation of Touch ID in the side button has also not been ruled out. Accordingly, 2021 could be an exciting year for the computer watch from Cupertino.
iMac Pro with Apple Silicon?
As mentioned above, Apple is working on several versions of the iMac, including a higher-end model with a more powerful Apple Silicon processor. Bloomberg has already suggested that Apple could introduce new iMac models in both the first and second half of the year. It is not impossible that a new iMac Pro device will also be released or replaced by a better iMac.
second-generation AirPods Pro
Those waiting for the AirPods Pro 2 could get their money's worth at the end of the year. Rumors that Apple is developing new Pro earbuds have been with us since last year. Reports from Bloomberg suggest that the second generation of AirPods Pro will have a more compact design that eliminates the short stem that protrudes from the bottom. The new Pro version of the earbuds could also have a rounded shape that is more similar to earbuds from companies like Google and Samsung. It is not known whether further features are planned.
The iPad Mini 6
According to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple is working on a new version of the iPad mini that could be 8.5 to 9 inches in size. This model could possibly have a MiniLED display, as Apple is rumored to be introducing MiniLED technology in several models of the iPad line. However, further details are not known.
sixth-generation Apple TV
The Apple TV was last updated in 2017. Rumors that a new model is on the way have been around for at least a year. It is now expected to arrive in 2021. In fact, Apple plans to introduce a brand new Apple TV this year with a focus on gaming and an updated remote control. A new processor is also expected to be used. Bloomberg has already hinted that Apple is working on a new remote control with "Find My"-like capabilities. These should help you find it if it is misplaced.
As part of the gaming focus, there were also rumors that Apple could introduce a dedicated gaming controller for the new Apple TV. However, its design remains unclear. The next Apple TV could also have more storage space. According to reports, storage options of 64 and 128 GB are planned. The integration of the U1 chip has also not been ruled out. However, it is not certain whether the device will actually be released in the second half of the year. So it remains to be seen.
AirTags – The trackers that are still a long way off
Apple's AirTags are small trackers that can be attached to various objects. This accessory is by no means a new invention. But Apple wants to market them as a useful accessory - so they should have more to offer than competing products such as Tile or Adero - at least on a design level. The biggest advantage is probably the deep integration into Apple devices. This makes management much easier. Whether macOS, iOS or iPadOS - the "Find My" app is available on all three systems. But when exactly will AirTags finally be introduced? After all, they were first discovered in the summer of 2019. Since then, there have been many rumors about the new accessories. They also keep appearing in the iOS code. Nobody can say for sure whether Apple has finally planned a presentation this year. So it remains to be seen what the company decides.
Apple 2021: Last but not least – Apple Glass
As many of you know, Apple is working on at least one pair of smart glasses. Rumor has it that there are two projects in the works, including smart glasses and a separate headset, with the latter device reportedly coming first. The headset is said to be similar to Facebook's Oculus Quest but with a slimmer and lighter design. It is said to include a high-resolution display with built-in cameras, along with technologies such as 3D environmental scanning and advanced person recognition. Apple intends to offer an app store for the headset that focuses on gaming, streaming video content, and video conferencing. There are now many rumors on the subject, many of which contradict each other, making it difficult to classify the whole thing. But if the rumors are to be believed, it could be ready as early as this year.
Looking to the future: What we can expect from Apple in 2021
All in all, it remains to be seen what we will actually see from Apple this year. But from everything we know so far, it should be an exciting year. AirPods Pro on special offer at Amazon – available now. (Image: Apple)
