The coming year promises to be full of new hardware and software for Apple. Between recurring products, delayed products and expected products, the American giant should be talked about a lot.
The year 2020 has been strange, chaotic, but also incredibly rich, at least if we look at what Apple has done in the last twelve months. New products have emerged, no less than five iPhones, iPads. Throughout the year, services were launched and a domestic revolution was initiated with the switch to Apple Silicon chips.
A transition that should last two years, according to Apple’s plans. Suffice to say that 2021 will be a pivotal year that will see a nice wave of Mac ARMs and other products that we have been waiting (or no longer expecting) for a long time. A small review of the possible, in order … impatience.
iMac … A need for an overhaul
The landscape of Macs was raised by a telluric upheaval last June when Apple formalized the abandonment of Intel chips in favor of SoC ARM. All MacBook Airs and some Mac mini and MacBook Pro have already started the transhumance.
Apple’s all-in-one hasn’t been updated since last August when the 27-inch iMac switched to 10th gen Core processors. In other words, the 21.5-inch models were not so lucky. And that’s good, rumors (and logic) want Apple to prepare new entry-level and high-end iMacs, which would benefit from both a new design, inspired by that of iPads or professional screens from Apple, therefore with thinner screen borders. They should also embed Apple Silicon SoCs.
As for the chip, entry-level models could be satisfied with an M1 with possibly a few more cores, but 27-inch models will have to be entitled to something more powerful. Either an even more muscular version of the M1 or an M2… Rumors speak of SoC for the entry-level which would embed up to 16 high-performance cores, and four low consumption cores. While high-end models would be offered 32 high-performance cores… The question of the maximum amount of usable memory is obviously on the table. So far, the cap is 16 GB of RAM.
In any case, in terms of design, the panel could grow with a current 21.5-inch model which would move to a 23 or 24-inch panel … The rear could abandon the rounded shape for a flat bottom.
When?
In all likelihood, these new all-in-ones should arrive in the first half of the year. But some rumors suggest that Apple may also wait until fall.
Probability for 2021
95%
iMac Pro, still there to seduce those that the Mac Pro scares?
The current iMac Pro has not been updated since … its launch in 2017. It was certainly designed to make professionals wait for the arrival of the new Mac Pro, nevertheless, if this machine is called upon to continue to live, it will have to be updated.
Besides that we could see it benefit from a new design where the screen would occupy more of the front surface, the iMac Pro is interesting because it currently uses Xeon chips, that is to say, the top of the range of the Intel processors for workstations.
This means that an Apple Silicon iMac Pro will have to ship a new ARM chip, an evolution of the M1, with more CPU / GPU cores and the ability to handle more RAM – the current model supports up to 256 GB, against 16 for MacBook Pros. The room for improvement is significant and the gain in performance is already a dream.
When?
After three years of fallowing, it is an understatement to say that the iMac Pro could benefit from switching to Apple Silicon chips. Nevertheless, no rumor has yet given an exact window of shooting for this professional all-in-one. One thing seems certain, given the chips required, it is possible that this machine is one of the last updates.
Probability for 2021
45%
Mac Pro, the culmination of the switch to Apple Silicon?
The recent revelations of Mark Gurman open new horizons and put the Mac Pro back on the radar. Apple could take advantage of the switch to its own chips to produce a more compact version of its portable workstation.
Nevertheless, it would also maintain the Intel version, for now at least. No doubt because it will take a little longer for Apple’s SoCs to rub shoulders effectively with Intel’s Xeons.
2021 could therefore see the arrival of an “entry-level” Mac Pro, in a way, with Apple chips, while a high-end version would remain in the catalog with Intel CPUs for some time yet.
When?
Rather in the second half of 2021, or during WWDC.
Probability for 2021
45%
MacBook Pro, end the switch
The MacBook Pro range had the honor of being part of the first wave of Mac ARM, and with what brilliance! However, this year for Apple to finish the work started since there are still the top-of-the-range 13-inch MacBook Pros and the 16-inch model to pass under Apple Silicon.
Last November, we regretted, to be fussy, that the design of the MacBook Pro M1 was identical to that of the pre-existing Intel models. It would seem to believe various leaks and predictions that Apple waited to switch its entire range to change the design of its business laptops.
Thus, Tim Cook’s teams would prepare a 14.1-inch MacBook Pro a 16-inch model, the design of which would be revised. In particular, they would display thinner screen borders and could also benefit from mini-LED backlighting technology to further improve their Retina panel. As for the case, Apple might be tempted to refine it and lighten it up a bit. It would be especially interesting for the 16-inch model. The current version weighs 2 Kg, nothing prohibitive, but at the end of the day, you can feel it in a backpack. Frankly speaking, we would prefer such a thick case and colossal battery life… Even more important than that of the MacBook Pro M1.
The new MacBook Pro could also return to MagSafe technology, as before the switch to all USB-C in 2016. Should we hope for all that to see other ports appear on these laptops? We can dream… In any case, this dedicated technology would prevent unfortunate falls and could ensure a faster recharging speed.
SoC side, we should find in its MacBook Pro “high end” the same Mx as in the iMac, namely chips equipped with 16 or 32 high-performance cores.
When?
Once again, rumors point in different directions when it comes to the release date of its products. Some indicate rather the second half of the year. Others rather the first semester. Because we are impatient, and because the 16-inch MacBook Pro has not been updated since November 2019, that is, since its launch, we are keeping our fingers crossed that it will be at the latest during WWDC.
Probability for 2021
90%
iPad Pro, the switch to mini-LED, and the A14 generation
For several months, rumors have been that Apple is working on a new 12.9-inch iPad Pro. Nothing very surprising so far. On the other hand, it is interesting to note that the 11-inch iPad Pro is not mentioned – would this format be abandoned because it is too close to the iPad Air 2020? – and that this new model would be the first to use mini-LED backlighting technology. More discreet rumors also evoked an iPad Pro with an OLED panel, but the mini-LED seems more likely for now.
This technology allows for better contrast ratios, sharper colors, deeper blacks, and better brightness. When we know that Apple’s panels are generally excellent, we can only be impatient to see what its engineers will do with this solution.
But what we especially expect from this new iPad Pro is its switch to the A14X. The use of this new generation of chips would allow it to regain control of the iPad Air for matters relating to the neural network. At present, the A14 easily dominates the A12Z in this area.
On the other hand, it would seem quite logical that the iPad Pro is also switching to 5G, now that the iPhone 12 paved the way late last year.
When?
The iPad Pro could arrive in the first quarter. The month of March is a time when tablets traditionally bloom at Apple.
Probability for 2021
90%
iPhone SE Plus, a new approach to entry-level?
After four years of neglect, last year, Apple updated its iPhone SE, which at the time played the dual role of entry-level iPhone and smaller model. This role was redistributed in the year to the iPhone 12 mini. A detail, perhaps, but which showed how the design of the iPhone SE was dated and unsuited to the reality of 2020.
According to the predictions of analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple would therefore abandon the design of the iPhone 8 and earlier, and prepare an iPhone SE Plus. It would benefit from an almost edge-to-edge screen, like the high-end iPhone since the iPhone X. It would thus display a screen diagonal of 6.1 inches (like the iPhone 12 and 12 Pro), but without resorting to Face ID. It would indeed use a Touch ID button placed in the On / Off button, like the last generation iPad Air.
In addition, it would be entitled to two rear camera modules, probably a wide-angle and an ultra-wide angle, as on the iPhone 12 and 12 mini. Finally, it would be 5G compatible. It would seem unlikely that Apple, which has a reputation for making durable smartphones, deprives a new device of this ability to adapt to new networks.
When?
So the iPhone SE Plus, is it solid? And above all, when is it for? Originally, it was due to arrive in the first half of 2021. But, Ming-Chi Kuo has revised his predictions and now estimates that it will be released during the second half of the year.
However, it is also possible that Apple will pass its turn this year. Other analysts, including a screen specialist, who was right on the iPhone 12’s non-compatibility with 120 Hz, believe that Apple will wait until 2022 to update its iPhone SE. Pity.
Probability for 2021
50%
iPad mini 6, a bigger screen but still mini
The iPad mini occupies a special place in the family of Apple tablets. First of all because of its size, then because of its positioning and uses, and finally, because of its updating rate.
The iPad mini 5, released in April 2019, offered good performance and pleasant ergonomics … but in an overly old design and with a screen only 7.9 inches diagonally. With iPhone 12 Pro Max now equipped with a 6.7 panel, it seems urgent that the iPad mini see bigger, without growing. After the iPad Air, it would be fashionable for the Touch ID button to slip into the ignition button, in order to allow the borders to decrease drastically.
That’s good, Ming-Chi Kuo’s predictions would see the mini gain in the display area with a diagonal of 8.5 or 9 inches. The analyst even believes that this tablet could benefit from the mini-LED backlight technology. A good way to reinforce the quality of its panel, while potentially reducing the thickness of the tablet.
As we said, the mini has always held a special place, more aligned with the Air than the classic iPad. Does this mean that this state of grace is going to require a profound change in design and support for the Apple Pencil 2? We hope so.
When?
Ming-Chi Kuo would see an iPad mini 6 arriving in the first half of 2021. If we look at the last few years, then it could be between March and May. Spring would be mini and, we hope, renewed.
Probability for 2021
80%
iPhone 13, the hour of 120 Hz?
5G is nowhere to stay. The four iPhone 13s, expected for the fall – a priori, September, if a new pandemic does not happen there – will obviously always be compatible with the new telephone network standard. They could, however, add millimeter-wave support in more countries.
The iPhone 13 mini, 13, 13 Pro, and 13 Pro Max, will resume the same distribution in the range and could also finally ship a 120 Hz panel, with Apple’s ProMotion technology and the possible adoption of low-power technology. LTPO OLED energy, developed in part for the Watch.
Recently, Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman, whose sources are generally very reliable, indicated that the iPhone 13 could have a fingerprint sensor under the screen, in addition to Face ID. A good idea considering that we will continue to wear masks for some time to come …
A rumor suggests that the most high-end model could be “portless”. It would then recharge only via Qi wireless charging technology and its MagSafe adapter.
Another point, the notch could see its size decrease, which is rather good news.
In addition to a new 5G modem, always provided by Qualcomm, and an A15 chip, more powerful and economical, the iPhone 13 could benefit from an improvement in its performance in photography. However, on this point, not all analysts and professional leakers agree. Some believe that it will be necessary to wait until 2022 to see big changes introduced in this area.
When?
Barring an impromptu end of the world, the iPhone 13 should be launched next September, with Apple returning to its usual schedule. Some analysts even say that Apple has changed its validation and manufacturing processes this year, even the pandemic could not delay this launch.
Probability for 2021
100%
Apple Glass, augmented reality finally within reach?
It is an expected product, but almost unexpected. A whole new range of products and new uses to be invented. According to some leaks and/or rumors, the Apple Glass could be introduced as early as this year, others point more towards 2023. However, if we lend an attentive ear to the sources which lean towards 2021, the commercialization could be immediate or envisaged l ‘next year. Either way, Apple’s augmented reality glasses could be presented at the same time as the 2021 iPhones.
Like the Watch, at its inception, they would depend on the iPhone for the most part, namely computing power, Internet connection, geolocation, etc. The Glass would therefore be a head-up terminal to display data and possibly make a call. They would also integrate a camera, a lidar to scan the environment in 3D and offer a quality augmented reality experience. Apple would consider, as for the Watch, to create an App Store dedicated to this new device.
It is interesting to note that the oldest rumors point to two projects, one focused on mobility, the other turning towards a more sedentary use and which could mix augmented and virtual realities, like the Oculus Quest.
When?
The Glass could be announced next September… Or early next year.
Probability for 2021
50%
Watch Series 7 and SE 2, time to win the battle for autonomy
Set like clockwork. Every year, Apple introduces a new Watch. Last year, breaking habits, it introduced two in order to enrich its range and therefore its offer. This year, we should therefore see Apple do it again.
While we do not yet know much about what these two new connected watches could hold in store for us, we nevertheless know that the Watch has two challenges to overcome: that of health and fitness, and that of autonomy. . To allow your watch to give the best of itself, during the day and at night thanks to its sleep monitoring, it is essential that the autonomy of future Watches passes the 24-hour mark of proven autonomy.
In addition, perhaps Apple will further strengthen the role of a medical companion of its Watch by introducing a function and a non-invasive blood sugar measurement tool. It would be an interesting new string added to its bow, but as of yet, nothing says it will be possible to see it in the 2021 models.
Some rumors suggest that these Watches could also change their design slightly. Let’s wait and see.
When?
The Watch since its announcement has been making a common journey with the iPhone. It, therefore, seems almost certain that Apple’s new smartwatches will share the stage with the 2021 iPhones.
Probability for 2021
100%
AirTags, a new home automation link
We didn’t dare believe it too much for 2019, we really hoped for them for 2020. Failed! But this time it’s the right one, the small wireless beacons, to hang on your objects to find them easily, will be released in 2021.
They should rely on both Bluetooth technology and Ultra WideBand (which would allow them to be tracked by devices equipped with a U1 chip), to locate your keyrings, purses, and more.
If their shape is not known for sure, these tiny beacons could take the form of a tiny adhesive or clip-on capsule. They could be recharged by induction or use conventional button batteries.
When?
We’ve been waiting for them for so long that we no longer dare to provide a timetable, but let’s say that if they could arrive in the first half of 2021, we could finally move on.
Probability for 2021
100% … or 0%?
Apple TV, switch to the game
The 4K version of Apple TV was released in September 2017 and a lot has changed since then. Whether it is on the performance side of Apple chips or the services offered.
The current high-end Apple TV has an A10X chip, which is no longer used in iPads. Apple’s TV box would not necessarily need the performance of the neural engine of the A14, but could instead benefit from the graphics power of the A12X chips for gaming. Because of compatibility with the PS4 and Xbox One controllers, and the arrival of the Arcade offer, Apple TV has gained great potential as a home console. The Cupertino giant could even replay the Pipp! N card and completely assume the role of the console for a new model.
This would justify what some rumors indicate: an increase in storage capacity to 64 and 128 GB. A new remote control could also make its appearance, richer in configuration possibilities, without necessarily being as complex as that of our televisions. It would also benefit from a function allowing it to be found even when it has fallen between two sofa cushions.
The Apple TV could also integrate a U1 chip, like the HomePod mini, which would allow the playback of a movie directly from an iPhone to the TV connected to the Apple box.
When?
In the course of the year, and with a little luck before or during WWDC.
Probability for 2021
65%
AirPods, a third generation in the form of Pro-light
As of 2019, the AirPods haven’t budged and rumor has it that Apple is preparing to unleash the third generation of its true Wireless earbuds on the world. They would adopt the design of the AirPods Pro, with a shorter shaft and replaceable silicone tips. They wouldn’t provide active noise reduction, but the in-ear format already offers better passive isolation.
Apple could also offer a new chip to manage wireless connections, which would replace the W1 chip, then H1. Wishful thinking or reality, the autonomy of these headphones could be improved.
When?
The AirPods Studio arrived just in time for Christmas but is still pretty hard to find. The third-generation AirPods, which will remain much more affordable, entry-level, could arrive by the end of March. We cross fingers.
Probability for 2021
90%
AirPods Pro, even more, compact
Introduced in October 2019, and unchanged since the AirPods Pro continues to meet with great success. Apple’s second generation of “pro” true wireless could be more compact. To the point, moreover, that the small rod would disappear. It could especially benefit from a new chip responsible for the wireless connection and the optimization of energy consumption.
When?
Rumors are still relatively few and above all not very precise, both on the product and on a launch date. Let’s say that arrival for the end of the year holidays would be a good surprise.
Probability for 2021
50%
