2019 was a product-rich year for Apple, but we can expect a lot more in 2020 - even completely new devices could appear. While the iPhone is undergoing a redesign, we expect fundamental changes in the 3D area. But other products are also rumored to receive notable updates. We summarize.
Apple hardware
When it comes to future iPhone models, a look into the rumor mill gives you a deep insight. After so many years of closely following the news, the different sources can be classified quite well. While reports from Bloomberg, the well-known analyst Ming-Chi Kuo and various Apple leakers can be taken very seriously - because they have a very good hit rate - platforms like DigiTimes enjoy little reputation in this area. But what can we expect from Apple in relation to the iPhone in 2020? I'll tell you.
The iPhone SE successor
Reports about a potential iPhone SE successor have been around for a good two years. But in recent months the number of reports has increased - a good sign. While some believe that Apple will present an entry-level model called the iPhone SE 2, many experts agree - the device could actually be called "iPhone 9". Contrary to expectations, it will be based on the iPhone 8. This means that it will have a display diagonal of 4.7 inches and will use Touch ID. It remains to be seen whether every iPhone SE fan will like this. So while it will not be a new feature on the outside, it can still enjoy a lot of power. If the rumors are actually true, the device will have the current A13 chip and 3 GB of RAM. Despite the increase in performance, the price will be in the region of 400 US dollars. The device is expected to be presented in spring. The month of March would fit the picture quite well here, as Apple has often held an event during this period. In addition to the alleged "iPhone SE 2", another device could appear. According to recent rumors, this is the Plus version of the entry-level model. This could appear with a 5.5-inch or 6.1-inch screen diagonal - but be careful! While the well-known Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has predicted the device for 2021, less reliable sources have predicted March 2020. In this case, the whole thing should actually be viewed with skepticism - let's let Apple surprise us.
The iPhone 12
Of course, Apple will not only introduce an entry-level device this year - an update of the premium models is also to be expected. New flagship iPhones are expected to appear in September this year - as has been the case for years. Specifically, the successors to the iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max are expected here. Although many believe in an iPhone 11 S, iPhone 11 Pro S and iPhone 11 Pro S Max, experts expect devices called iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max. But why would Apple skip the S line? The answer is a redesign. We should not forget that Apple skipped the iPhone 7S in 2017 and went straight to the iPhone 8 - and there was not even a redesign. So this year the jump should be even easier, right? While many are undecided about the design of the iPhone 11 successor, the design of the iPhone 12 Pro already seems certain. It is said to resemble the iPhone 4 of the time and also have a metal frame - maybe it could look like the iPad Pro 2018? Thanks to the new design, however, there will also be a change in size. The devices are said to have 5.4-inch (iPhone 12 Pro), 6.1-inch (iPhone 12) and 6.7-inch (iPhone 12 Pro Max). But the device will not only shine on the outside. For the first time, a 3D camera based on the well-known Time-of-Flight technology is to be used. In principle, this technology is similar to the infrared TrueDepth camera system that has been found in today's iPhones since the X series and enables facial recognition. Using the Time-of-Flight method (TOF), the sensor calculates the time it takes for light to reach a surface - it can therefore determine depth information and thus create more precise images. The integration of 5G is also expected. The upcoming A14 chip - the heart of the device - is also said to have big things ahead of it. This could be manufactured for the first time using the 5nm process. This would enable a significant increase in performance and at the same time make the processor more energy efficient. The new iPhone models are also expected to be thinner thanks to the use of new display technology - alternatively, Apple could fill the space gained with larger batteries - let's wait and see. As mentioned above, the devices are expected to be presented in September this year.
Apple Watch Series 6
In addition to new iPhone devices, a new generation of the popular and actually best smartwatch in the world is also expected - the Apple Watch Series 6. But what can be said about the successor to the Series 5? To be honest, not much! While upcoming iPhones are often revealed in advance, rumors about future Apple Watch models are very rare. But we can look forward to some new features, as the jump from the Apple Watch Series 4 to the Series 5 was only minimal. Accordingly, the Apple Watch Series 6 is expected to have a significant increase in performance, improved WiFi and cellular connections, and water resistance. Based on a leak, the focus this year could be on a sleep tracker. Apple is said to be working on a special sleep monitoring system - but so far it is unclear whether the feature will be reserved for the Apple Watch Series 6 or will be added to older generations in the form of an update. The presentation of the new Apple Watch will most likely take place in September together with the iPhone 12.
iPad Pro 2020
Apple's professional tablets were last updated in autumn 2018 and were refreshed not only inside but also outside. Since the company does not update the iPad Pro line annually but prefers to update it every 18 months, an update should be due this year. Rumors have also been circulating for months. But what can we expect? First and foremost, there will of course be a significant increase in performance compared to its predecessor. But the camera is also expected to be improved. So far, it is expected that the iPad Pro 2020 will also have a 3D camera, as Apple wants to improve the area of augmented reality. The display could also be updated. Apple is said to be planning to use mini-LEDs. The accurate analyst Ming-Chi Kuo emphasized in an earlier report that the new display technology based on mini-LEDs will enable thinner and lighter products while at the same time offering many of the same advantages of OLED screens - including a wide colour space, high contrast and dynamic range, and true black. The use of such screens may be a good reason for some to upgrade, despite the higher price. The presentation of the new iPad Pro is expected as early as spring this year. This would also fit in with Apple's previous presentation period - but a market launch in autumn 2020 cannot be ruled out.
Other iPad models
While an update to the professional tablets is in sight, this does not seem to be the case for the iPad 7 and iPad Air. At least there have been no rumors about it so far - so let's wait and see.
The MacBook Pro
The MacBook Pro was updated twice in 2019 - but some reports from Asia suggest another update this year. Apple could give the recently released MacBook Pro 16" a new display technology. Like the iPad Pro 2020, it will have space for a mini-LED screen. Thinner and therefore lighter devices would be the highlight. The MacBook Pro 13" will also probably receive an update. The new scissor keyboard will most likely be used here - whether the display will be larger remains to be seen. The new devices could be released in summer or autumn this year.
The ARM-based Mac
According to countless rumors, Apple is already working at full speed on its own ARM-based chip for Macs. The company wants to reduce its dependence on Intel. So far, the Cupertino-based company has had to comply with Intel's own update schedules, which would be eliminated with its own chip. It is difficult to say when Apple will actually release an ARM-based Mac. While some sources have suggested 2020, others claim that it could take even longer - let's wait and see.
More Mac updates
The Mac series also includes other devices that will also receive an update. The MacBook Air will also use the new scissor keyboard that was introduced with the MacBook Pro 16″. But the iMac, iMac Pro and Mac mini could also be updated. However, no specific timeframes have been given so far.
A cheaper HomePod
In addition to the usual updates, Apple's smart speaker - the HomePod - could also be getting an addition. However, it will not be a successor to the current model but a cheaper version. Rumors say that it will only have two tweeters and not seven like the current device. But why would Apple introduce such a model? The answer is - competitiveness. Many fans find the HomePod too expensive, which is why they turn to cheaper alternatives - even if they have lower audio quality. However, with a cheaper model of the Siri speaker, all of this could change, as the functions should remain the same - the only difference will be the audio quality. The entry-level HomePod could be introduced as part of the spring keynote - but observers are unsure about this. So we shouldn't rule out autumn either.
A new Apple TV in sight?
When will an updated Apple TV be released? The sixth generation Apple TV? While some people secretly hoped for an update in autumn 2019, they were disappointed. But there are isolated reports that have predicted an update. According to them, Apple could present a new version of the Apple TV that focuses on performance. A processor update is therefore to be expected here. If Apple is actually planning an update, it remains to be seen whether there will be new features. There are hardly any interesting and, above all, serious rumors so far.
Completely new products in sight
But 2020 could be even more exciting. In addition to the classic updates, new products are also expected. What's special about it is that it's not just rumors that play a role here, but primarily dozens of leaks. Let's go!
AirTags
A product called "AirTag" has been discovered several times in various iOS 13 versions. This is said to be an accessory that is integrated into the "Find My" application. The so-called "AirTags" could help users to locate certain objects at any time using the iPhone. It is said to be a product like that of "Tile". The small trackers can be attached to keys, a bag or any other object and stored in the "Find My" app. The "AirTags" could be introduced as early as spring or fall - there are no concrete rumors about this - but there are enough clues in older iOS 13 versions.
New over-ear headphones
There were a few updates in the headphones sector in 2019. However, according to isolated reports, Apple is planning completely new over-ear headphones. These are not Beats successors, however. They are to appear in a completely new design and, despite their size, will be as compact as the AirPods. However, these will surpass previous products in terms of sound quality and will also be significantly more expensive. Whether Apple will actually present such an accessory in 2020 remains to be seen. Previous reports are difficult to classify.
iGlasses: The Augmented Reality Glasses
But now we come to a particularly interesting and hotly debated product - Apple's AR glasses. Many patents, rumors and leaks have accompanied us in recent months and years. At times there was a rumor that Apple had stopped work on them. But then clues were discovered in older iOS 13 versions that revealed Apple's work and progress. According to this, Apple wants to conquer the world of augmented reality with glasses. The first to be expected are AR glasses, the functionality of which is only partially known. Their area of application also does not seem to be entirely clear. It can be assumed that these will function as an iPhone accessory similar to the Apple Watch. For a long time it was assumed that Apple would release the AR glasses in 2020 - according to observers as part of a spring keynote. But now there are also reports that suggest autumn 2020. However, that is no longer certain. A recent report has taken up the topic again based on information from insiders. According to this, the market launch could only take place in 2021 or 2022. In addition to the AR glasses, a VR headset is also expected, but the device is not expected to be presented at the same time as Apple's AR glasses. It remains to be seen whether Apple will actually present the AR glasses in 2020 - despite everything, the chances are not that bad.
Software – iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, macOS and tvOS
In addition to all the hardware products, we must not forget the respective operating systems. It can be assumed that Apple will add additional versions to iOS 13, iPadOS 13, tvOS 13, watchOS 6 and macOS 10.15 Catalina over the course of the year. How many new features will be released remains unknown - but not much more is to be expected. Things will get exciting in June. Like every year, Apple will host the WWDC - World Wide Developer Conference - this summer and present new operating systems. iOS 14, iPadOS 14, tvOS 14, watchOS 7 and macOS 10.16 are expected. If Apple does actually introduce AR glasses, they will certainly have their own operating system based on iOS. But what can we expect from iOS 14 and Co.? There are not many rumors about this. Leaks about new features traditionally appear in spring at the earliest. But according to previous reports, iOS 14 will probably have fewer new features than iOS 13 and will focus on performance and stability improvements - and that's a good thing. Many will remember the disastrous launch of iOS 13 - one thing is clear: Apple cannot afford such a debacle again. The beta testing phase is expected to start in June for developers and be expanded to public beta testers in July. The final versions of iOS 14, iPadOS 14, tvOS 14, watchOS 7 and macOS 10.16 will be released in the fall as usual.
Apple Arcade, Apple News+, Apple TV+ & Apple Card
Finally, Apple's new services should not be left unmentioned. But here the prediction is pretty simple. Of course, new content for Apple TV+, Apple Arcade and Apple News+ can be expected. This will be added regularly - but it remains to be seen whether the services will receive major updates. It is possible that more functions could be added - and an expansion to other markets cannot be ruled out. But the Apple Card could also possibly conquer new countries in 2020. Of course, no one can say with certainty what Apple will actually present this year. But various rumors and leaks give hope for great things - so it remains exciting. With that in mind, I wish you a healthy new year again! Would you like to support Apfelpatient further? Here you can find our coffee fund – thank you for your support. (Photo by CreativeStyle / Bigstockphoto)
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