8 upcoming Apple products to look forward to in 2022
This year has been a busy one for Apple, with back-to-back launches and a slew of new products. Last week, Apple announced the new MacBook Pro, third-generation AirPods, new HomePod mini colours, and a new subscription tier for Apple Music: the Voice plan. But there's still a lot to look forward to — not this year, but in 2022, over a series of events. We expect to see the iPhone SE 3, a "pro-level Mac mini," a redesigned MacBook Air, the iPhone 14, and other products.
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Apple has planned for 2022
iPhone SE 2
The iPhone SE 2 was a surprise hit, as the $399 smartphone debuted at the start of the global pandemic. Although the iPhone SE lacked a modern design, it was successful because it provided enough reasons for average consumers to upgrade during the pandemic era. The next iPhone SE is expected to arrive early next year, with a vintage design but 5G support and the latest A15 processor. Simply put, the new iPhone SE will be based on the design language of the iPhone 8, but with newer internals.
MacBook Air 2022
Apple is expected to release a new MacBook Air with the M1 processor in late 2022, but the notebook's successor could arrive in the middle of next year. The MacBook Air is the most popular Mac on the market, but its design hasn't changed much over the last year. According to rumours, the next MacBook Air will be thin and light, with a flat-edge design and white bezels around the display, as well as a redesigned keyboard. In fact, like the M1 iMac, it could be released in a variety of bright colours. The M2 processor, a 1080p webcam, a mini-LED display, and MagSafe are also notable features. Expect the new MacBook Air to be more expensive than the current MacBook Air.
Mac mini Pro
Many people were surprised to see the absence of the 'Mac mini Pro' when Apple announced the new MacBook Pro with M1 Pro and M1 Max processors last week. Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman reported earlier this year that a redesigned Mac mini could be announced at one of Apple's fall events in 2021, but that didn't happen. Surprisingly, the next Mac mini will receive a complete redesign rather than a new processor. The so-called 'Mac mini Pro,' according to rumours, will have a plexiglass top and a magnetic power cord, as well as 4 Thunderbolt ports, 2 USB-A ports, an ethernet port, and an HDMI port. The M1 Pro processor, which powers the new MacBook Pro, will be the new Mac mini main selling point. Apple will be able to justify the 'pro' name in the Mac mini by including the M1 Pro. The Intel-based Mac mini will be replaced by the upcoming Mac mini with M1 Pro.
Updated 27-inch iMac
Apple sells a 24-inch iMac with an M1 processor, but it is aimed at low-income customers. Apple 'pro' customers should expect a new iMac with a 27-inch screen next year. The new 27-inch all-in-one iMac will most likely be powered by the latest M1 Pro processor. Furthermore, the 27-inch iMac is expected to include a mini-LED display with ProMotion capabilities, allowing for an adaptive refresh rate ranging from 24Hz to 120Hz. The new 27-inch iMac is not intended to replace the M1 desktops that were launched last November.
iPad Pro 2022
Apple is surely working on the next-generation Pro, which will be released in 2022. The current iPad Pro, particularly the 12.9-inch model, is fairly powerful with the M1 chip inside and features an improved screen with Mini-LED technology. The question now is, what will Apple do with the iPad Pro next? Apple is likely to tweak the iPad Pro's design language, add wireless charging capabilities, and bring mini-LED screen technology to the 11-inch model. Along with the next-generation iPad Pro, Apple may also unveil a new Apple Pencil.
AirPods Pro 2
It's been over two years since Apple first released the AirPods Pro, and they're in desperate need of an update. The second-generation AirPods Pro, which are expected to be released next year, will not be stemless but may include a skin-detect sensor similar to the AirPods 3. Although this has not been confirmed, there will be speaker holes at the bottom of the AirPods 2 case as Apple is rumoured to be adding a new feature where "Find My for the case and buds separately." They may also include improved audio and noise-cancellation capabilities.
iPhone 14
Apple will launch a new flagship iPhone next year. The new iPhone 14, which is expected to be released in the fall of 2022, will reportedly have a hole-punch front-facing camera, no camera bump, and a titanium chassis. It may also include under-display TouchID. According to reports, the iPhone 13 will be the last mini iPhone. Instead, Apple is said to be abandoning the mini-sized iPhone in favour of a second regular max-sized iPhone. Next year, look for an A16 with improved performance and a 2TB storage option.
New product category
Mixed-reality headset
Although Apple Car is still years away, Cupertino may unveil its AR/VR headset in 2022. For years, Apple has been developing a virtual reality headset that will reportedly serve as a "high-end, niche product." The headset would be the company's first new hardware since the release of the Apple Watch in 2015. Bloomberg reported in January that the device could have both virtual and augmented reality capabilities. The headset, codenamed "N301," could have 8K displays, eye-tracking technology, and multiple cameras to track and record your hand movements. For quite some time, Sony, HTC, and Facebook have been experimenting with virtual reality technology.