Like 2021, 2022 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, including a brand new one. These include new iPhone models, more Apple Silicon Macs and more.
Last year, Apple released a number of new Macs, the iPhone 13, the long-awaited AirTag tracker, and more. But many new products are expected this year as well - here's an overview.
MacBook Air
A particularly hot candidate is the completely redesigned MacBook Air. Rumors suggest that the new MacBook Air will have a flat design and will no longer be slimmer at the front and thicker at the back as before. Reliable Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has also reported that the 2022 MacBook Air will be available in additional colors, similar to the 24-inch iMac. In addition, the device will reportedly feature white borders and a white keyboard. There are also rumors that the MacBook Air could have a notch similar to the new MacBook Pro.
The first Mac with M2 chip?
Whether that will actually be the case, however, remains unclear. In terms of processor performance, the new MacBook Air will reportedly be the first Mac to feature the M2 chip. Bloomberg has reported that the M2 processor will have the same number of cores as the M1 but be faster. The new MacBook Air (or possibly just "MacBook") is scheduled for release in mid-2022. It will reportedly be "slightly" more expensive than the current model, which starts at €1,129.
Mac mini and Mac Pro
According to Bloomberg, Apple is planning a new Mac Pro powered by Apple Silicon. This machine could be roughly half the size of the current Mac Pro in terms of design. The new model is rumored to be available in configurations with 20 or 40 processing cores, consisting of 16 or 32 high-performance cores and four or eight high-performance cores. GPU options reportedly include 64- and 128-core options. The company is also reportedly planning to unveil a new Mac mini with a brand-new design. Jon Prosser has reportedly reported that the new Mac mini will have a new outer casing with a "plexiglass-like" reflective surface on top, otherwise made of aluminum.
New 27-inch iMac
While Apple introduced the brand new 24-inch iMac in April 2021, fans are still waiting for an update of the larger version. In fact, the 27-inch iMac is one of the few Intel-based devices still available in Apple's Mac lineup today, so it's safe to assume that Apple will introduce a new 27-inch iMac with Apple Silicon in 2022. The new iMac will likely feature a high-end chip. Rumors also suggest that the device will feature a mini-LED display and ProMotion technology for the first time. Rumors suggest that the base model iMac will come with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of SSD storage, just like the new MacBook Pro. Ports on the new iMac reportedly include an HDMI port, an SD card slot, and multiple USB-C/Thunderbolt ports.
iPad Pro
The iPad Pro received a significant update in 2021. It switched to the M1 chip and received a 12.9-inch mini-LED display. Shortly after the announcement of the iPad Pro 2021, rumors began circulating about what to expect from the next generation. For example, Bloomberg reported that Apple is developing a redesigned iPad Pro with a glass back. With this change, the iPad Pro would support wireless charging for the first time - including reverse wireless charging. Users could place their accessories such as AirPods or even an iPhone on the back of the iPad and charge them. Another change that is said to be introduced with the iPad Pro 2022 is the extension of mini-LED display technology to the 11-inch model.
iPhone SE 3
The first new iPhone that Apple could introduce to us this year is a new third-generation iPhone SE. The iPhone SE 3 is expected to be similar to the current iPhone SE, but it will have the A15 chip and 5G connectivity. One analyst even believes that the iPhone SE 3 with 5G could convince a billion Android users to switch. Will he be right? The device is expected to be introduced in spring.
iPhone 14
In the flagship segment, the iPhone 14 series is also expected. However, according to various analysts, this will not have a mini model. To be precise, the iPhone 14 series is expected to consist of two 6.1-inch and two 6.7-inch models. These are said to be presented under the following names: iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Max, iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max. Some leakers claim that the iPhone 14 will have a design based on the iPhone 4.
With 48 megapixels?
But that's not all. The iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max are expected to have a new punch-hole design instead of the familiar notch. According to Kuo, the iPhone 14 will also feature significant improvements to the front camera. As for the rear camera, Kuo believes the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max will get an upgrade to 48 megapixels, which is a significant increase over the iPhone 12's 12 megapixel sensor. The devices will likely be unveiled in September.
Apple Watch Series 8
Of course, something new is also expected in the Apple Watch area. Kuo has already reported that Apple will introduce three new Apple Watch models in fall 2022, including a new high-end Apple Watch Series 8, a new Apple Watch SE and the much-speculated Rugged Sports version, which is said to be significantly more robust. As for health features, some believe that the Apple Watch Series 8 will be equipped with a body temperature sensor that will enable additional health and fitness measurements. As for the design, it can be assumed that there will be hardly any changes to the case.
AirPods Pro 2
In addition to new iPhones and other devices, the AirPods are also expected to be included. According to various reports, Apple is expected to unveil the AirPods Pro 2 by the end of the year. It is believed that the AirPods Pro 2 will focus on health and fitness technologies and feature a completely new design. Bloomberg has reported that the second generation of AirPods Pro will have a more "compact" design, eliminating the stem that currently protrudes from the bottom of the AirPods Pro. This suggests that the new earbuds could resemble Amazon's Echo earbuds. However, this design change is not certain. Reportedly, it would be difficult for Apple to remove the stem from the AirPods Pro while retaining features such as Transparency Mode, the H1 chip, and noise cancellation.
Last but not least – Apple VR/AR
Last but not least, we come to Apple's efforts in the field of augmented and virtual reality. For several years now, we have been hearing reports that Apple is working on a series of new glasses and headsets with VR and AR capabilities. Countless patents confirm this. One of the first products is said to be a kind of mixed reality headset. The headset is said to offer a lightweight design, two 4K micro-LED displays, 15 optical modules, two main processors, WiFi 6E connectivity, eye tracking, a transparent AR mode, object tracking and hand gesture control. In addition, more advanced LiDAR sensors are said to be used.
Apple VR/AR: Games, Media Consumption and Communication
Kuo expects the product to have Mac-level computing power and to be able to operate completely independently of iPhones and the like. The focus will be on games, media consumption and communication. As for the price, it could be significantly higher than some of us might expect. In fact, the brand new product is expected to cost over $3,000. Taking into account the patents and all the rumors surrounding VR/AR, everything currently indicates that Apple will launch its very first headset product in 2022.
Looking to the future: What we can expect from Apple in 2022
In addition to the products mentioned above, smaller hardware updates are also expected in the area of cheaper iPad models. In addition, Apple will present the next software generation in the summer, i.e. iOS 16, iPadOS 16, tvOS 16, watchOS 9 and macOS 13. Nevertheless: All in all, it remains to be seen what we will actually see from Apple this year. But based on everything we know so far, the year should certainly be exciting. Are you looking for new accessories? Then take a look in our Amazon Storefront - there you will find numerous products from leading suppliers, also for HomeKit and Co.! (Image: Rendersbyjan)
