Popular Apple leaker Mark Gurman, in the latest edition of his newsletter, Power On, said that Apple is planning multiple events this year. One event will be reserved solely for the new generation iPhones. Gurman says we will see the next generation of the AirPods, iPad Mini, Apple Watch, and the MacBook Pro in the following event(s).
After last year’s delayed launch due to COVID-19, Apple is going back to its traditional September launch cycle.
iPhones
Gurman points out that the iPhones will not get as big of an upgrade this year. Apple is expecting over 90 million iPhone shipments within 2021. Here’s what is expected:
- The same 5.4-inch and 6.1-inch sizes for the regular models, and the same 6.1-inch and 6.7-inch variations for the Pro models. The designs won’t change much, save for a smaller notch at the top of the screen.
- New camera capabilities, including a video version of Portrait mode dubbed Cinematic Video, a new AI-driven filter system to apply different styles to your photos, and higher-quality video recording in ProRes for the Pro models.
- A faster A15 chip with the same core counts as the A14 chip.
- New screen technology that will enable ProMotion (a faster, 120-hertz refresh rate on the Pro models) and potentially an always-on screen mode.
The new phones are to be called “iPhone 13” and not the 12S, despite the light upgrades.
Other Launches
The long-awaited M1X MacBook Pros have faced major production issues due to the newer chip, but we should see them this fall at the event. The iPad Mini is destined to receive the biggest upgrade, however. Gurman expects it to be a “fan favourite” because of a complete redesign featuring thinner borders and a fresh look. We can also expect a thinner and faster 9th generation iPad focused on students.
A new, cheaper version of AirPods is also expected, with inspiration from the Pro models, but featuring a new shape and shorter stems, decreasing the overall size and footprint of the device. And finally, the Apple Watch Series 7 should be launched with even more Health features, alongside a thinner and better display & a faster processor.
Despite the crisis in the world, Apple is promising to give us major upgrades in their product line with some features consumers have been wanting for a while.
