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In his Power On newsletter today, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman outlined some of the new products he expects Apple to announce at its "Let Loose" event on May 7. First, Gurman now believes there is a "strong possibility" that the upcoming iPad Pro models will be equipped with Apple's next-generation M4 chip, rather than the M3 chip that debuted in the MacBook Pro and iMac six months ago. He said a key new feature of the M4 chip will be an upgraded Neural Engine that boosts performance for AI tasks, and he believes Apple will market the next iPad Pro as an AI-powered device. Second, he said that the new Apple Pencil that is expected to be announced at the event will feature haptic feedback for the first time. While he did not provide any details about how this will work, perhaps the Apple Pencil will have a small Taptic Engine that vibrates when switching between drawing tools, and using the rumored "squeeze" gesture that MacRumors previously discovered within the iPadOS 17.5 beta's code. Third, he reiterated that Apple will introduce a first-ever 12.9-inch version of the iPad Air, and a redesigned Magic Keyboard for iPads. Apple's event begins on May 7 at 7 a.m. Pacific Time (10 a.m. Eastern Time), with a video stream to be available on Apple.com and on YouTube.Related Roundup: iPad ProTags: Apple Pencil, Mark Gurman, May 2024 Apple EventBuyer's Guide: 11" iPad Pro (Don't Buy), 12.9" iPad Pro (Don't Buy)Related Forums: iPad, iPad Accessories This article, "Apple Event Rumors: iPad Pro With M4 Chip and New Apple Pencil With Haptic Feedback" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article
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We're expecting 2024 to be a big year when it comes to iPad launches, and we've now got a better idea of when the most expensive models – the next-gen iPad Pro and the iPad Air 6 – are going to be arriving. This information comes from the usually reliable Mark Gurman at Bloomberg, who reckons these tablets are "probably" going to break cover the week starting May 6. As well as the iPad Pro and iPad Air, a new Magic Keyboard and new Apple Pencil are also being mentioned. While Gurman has previously said May would be the month we'd see these new slates – a timeframe backed up by other rumors – this is the most precise prediction we've had yet. As we've already heard, the new iPad Pro line is likely to switch to OLED for its display tech, just like the iPhone. According to Gurman, that will mean "higher price points", but he doesn't specify what they are; for reference the 12.9-inch iPad Pro launched in 2022 currently starts at $1,099 / £1,249 / AU$1,399, with the 11-inch version costing $799 / £899 / AU$1,899 and up. A longer wait The current entry-level iPad (Image credit: Future) When it comes to the cheaper iPads – the entry-level iPad and the iPad mini – Gurman says these "won't be coming before the end of the year at the earliest". That's something of a surprise considering that the iPad mini 7 was originally tipped to be turning up before the end of 2023, as the series hasn't been refreshed since 2021. As for the standard 10.9-inch iPad, that was last updated in 2022, with the iPad 11 widely tipped to be appearing this year. Based on what Gurman says, it sounds as though Apple might even wait until 2025 to refresh these models. Don't expect any big upgrades either: the iPad mini is apparently only getting a processor bump, while the entry-level iPad might just be a "cost-reduced version" of the 2022 edition (so more or less the same, but cheaper). That's a lot of iPads, and it's going to be interesting to see how Apple positions them all in terms of features and price points. Check our iPad Pro 2024, iPad Air 6, iPad mini 7 and iPad 11 hubs to see all the rumors we've heard about these devices so far. You might also like The next 11-inch iPad Pro might be in short supplyApple chipset leak teases the 2024 iPadsWe got the iPad update we needed, not the one we wanted View the full article
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Apple will introduce new iPad Pro and iPad Air models in early May, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. Gurman previously suggested the new iPads would come out in March, and then April, but the timeline has been pushed back once again. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. Apple is working on updates to both the iPad Pro and iPad Air models. The iPad Pro models will get OLED display technology and the new M3 chips, while the iPad Air will come in the standard 10.9-inch size and a larger 12.9-inch size. According to Gurman, Apple's suppliers are ramping up production of the new iPads at the current time. Apple initially planned to launch the iPads in March or early April, but is apparently working to "finish software for the new devices." The OLED iPad Pro models also need "complex new manufacturing techniques," which Gurman says has contributed to the delay.Related Roundups: iPad Air , iPad ProBuyer's Guide: iPad Air (Don't Buy), 11" iPad Pro (Don't Buy), 12.9" iPad Pro (Don't Buy)Related Forum: iPad This article, "Apple to Launch New iPad Pro and iPad Air Models in May" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article
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Apple's next-generation iPad Pro models are expected to be announced in a matter of weeks, so what can customers expect from the highly anticipated new machines? The 2022 iPad Pro was a minor update that added the M2 chip, Apple Pencil hover, and specification upgrades like Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity. The iPad Pro as a whole has generally only seen relatively small updates in recent years, but rumors indicate that the next-generation iPad Pro will be the first major update to the product since 2018, introducing "fundamental changes." Below are some of the most important rumors about the new machines to be aware of as we approach their announcement. Revamped, Thinner Design The iPad Pro has retained the same design through four successive generations since 2018. Multiple reports suggest that the biggest design change coming to the new models will be a substantial reduction in thickness, reducing from 5.9 mm to 5.1mm and 6.4mm to 5.0 mm, respectively. CAD renders indicate that there will be no other major design changes, but there have been vague reports about the device potentially featuring a landscape front-facing camera like the 10th-generation iPad, a much more natural placement for video calls when using a Magic Keyboard. Rumors dating back to 2021 have suggested that a relocated front-facing camera is headed to the iPad Pro. Such a change would likely also require changes to the location or charging system of the Apple Pencil, since the wireless charging components for the accessory are currently located where the camera would move to. Earlier rumors suggested that a glass back could come to a future iPad Pro model, which would be a major design change for the device, but it is no longer clear if this is still a possibility. M3 Chip for Improved Performance The next-generation iPad Pro is widely expected to feature Apple's M3 chip to deliver improved performance and efficiency. The M3 is based on the A17 Pro chip, which is manufactured using TSMC's 3nm fabrication process. In benchmark tests, the M3 outperforms the M2 by about 17% in single-core tasks and approximately 21% in multi-core tasks. A tentpole feature of the M3 is a completely redesigned GPU with hardware-accelerated ray-tracing, leading to dramatically improved graphics capabilities. In GPU performance, measured by Metal benchmarks, the M3 exhibits a notable improvement of around 15% over the M2. 4TB Storage Option Apple will offer next year's OLED iPad Pro models with a 4TB storage option, a rumor coming out of Asia claimed. Since 2021, the iPad Pro has been available with 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB of storage. If Apple increases the maximum storage of its forthcoming OLED iPad Pro models to 4TB, it would likely also increase the base storage to 256GB to maintain five capacity categories, making all seventh-generation models capable of recording ProRes in 4K at 30fps. It is also worth noting that iPad Pro RAM is variable based on storage capacity, so iPad Pro models with 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB of storage come with 8GB of RAM, while iPad Pro models with 1TB or 2TB of storage feature 16GB of RAM. Whether that means a 4TB iPad Pro would feature 24GB or 32GB of RAM is unknown, but not improbable. OLED Display Technology OLED display technology is perhaps the most anticipated upgrade coming to the next-generation iPad Pro models. The current 11-inch model features an LCD display, while the 12.9-inch model has a mini-LED display. Apple already uses OLED displays on the Apple Watch and iPhone, but has yet to bring the technology to larger devices. OLED displays use less power, sport greater color accuracy, and provide much better and more consistent contrast than LCD displays. As a significant upgrade, the change will likely be very prominent in the Apple's marketing materials for the next-generation iPad Pro. Bigger Screens and Slimmer Bezels? The new iPad Pro models are also rumored to get display size increases from 11- to 11.1-inches and 12.9- to 13-inches, facilitated by slimmer borders around the screen. This would allow the footprint of the devices to remain the same while increasing display size. The slight increases are unlikely to add any meaningful functionality to the device, but they would provide a more modern "all-screen" appearance. However, display analyst Ross Young has since cast doubt on this rumor as it may simply be a misinterpretation of screen size rounding. Higher Prices The more advanced OLED display technology in the next-generation models is expected to drive up the iPad Pro's price, with current estimates starting at $1,500 and $1,800 for the 11-inch and 13-inch models, respectively. Pricing on the current 11-inch iPad Pro starts at $799, while the 12.9-inch iPad Pro starts at $1,099. Models with cellular connectivity are available for an additional $200 over the base price for each storage tier. More recent reports suggest that the price hikes may have been overstated and they may not exceed a $160 increase, but it does look like higher prices are on the way. Improved Cameras The iPad Pro has had the same 12-megapixel main rear camera with a ƒ/1.8 aperture since 2017. The 12-megapixel ultra wide camera with an ƒ/2.4 aperture and brighter True Tone flash have also remained the same since its introduction on the 2021 iPad Pro. Camera upgrades are rumored for other future iPad models with related hardware such as the seventh-generation iPad mini, so it follows that similar improvements are on the way for the iPad Pro. Since 2021, the iPad Pro has also featured a 12-megapixel front-facing camera with an ƒ/2.4 aperture. With 2022's iPhone 14 models, Apple introduced an upgraded 12-megapixel front-facing camera with an ƒ/1.9 aperture and autofocus. It seems plausible that this hardware could be ready to trickle down to the iPad Pro in its next incarnation. The current iPad Pros support Smart HDR 4, so an upgrade to Smart HDR 5 is likely. The Photonic Engine and other iPhone-only photography and videography features could also make their way to the next iPad Pro. MagSafe Wireless Charging In 2022, it was reported that Apple was testing a new iPad Pro with a glass back to enable wireless charging capabilities. A subsequent report suggested that Apple may have ultimately scrapped the glass back design after testing due to concerns over breakability. Citing sources familiar with Apple's design plans, the report claimed that Apple has developed iPad Pro prototypes with a larger Apple logo made of glass, which would still allow for wireless charging. One of the prototypes was said to feature MagSafe with stronger magnets than on the iPhone to prevent accidental damage, and it was also said to support faster wireless charging speeds compared to MagSafe on the iPhone. There is no guarantee that the iPad Pro with a glass back or Apple logo will ever be released, but rumors do seem to agree that Apple has extensively explored some kind of wireless charging solution for the iPad Pro. In December, MacRumors obtained information suggesting that the new iPad Pro models might include support for MagSafe charging, and this now appears to be Apple's chosen wireless charging technology for the device Apple is also rumored to be working on reverse wireless charging for the iPad Pro, which would allow users to charge their iPhones, AirPods, and other accessories by laying them on the back of the iPad. Apple has filed multiple patents related to this feature. Redesigned Magic Keyboard for 'Laptop' Experience According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple is planning a complete revamp of its Magic Keyboard accessory for the iPad Pro that makes the device more laptop-like. The updated version of the Magic Keyboard for iPad will offer a larger trackpad, addressing criticisms of the current model, and "makes the iPad Pro look even more like a laptop than the current setup." The area around the keyboard itself will apparently be made of aluminum, resembling the top case of MacBooks, to provide a sturdier structure. The exterior shell of the keyboard will retain the silicone cover material used on the current model and a single USB-C port. Gurman mused that the redesign using more premium materials could lead Apple to raise the accessory's $299 price point. The Weibo leaker known as "Instant Digital" claims that the next-generation Magic Keyboard will also be 100% carbon neutral thanks to its redesign and use of different materials. Last year, Apple unveiled its first carbon neutral products: The aluminum Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch SE when paired with a new Sport Loop, as well as the Apple Watch Ultra 2 when paired with a new Trail Loop or Alpine Loop. The company plans for all of its products to be carbon neutral by 2030. New Apple Pencil A new Apple Pencil is now actively rumored to arrive alongside the next-generation iPad Pro models. The current, second-generation Apple Pencil is now well over five years old. In March 2021, the leaker known as "Mr. White" shared an image purporting to depict a next-generation Apple Pencil prototype that featured a shorter design, glossy finish, and a larger, deeper tip. Apple was believed to have worked on a smaller Apple Pencil designed for the iPad mini, as well as a $49 model for the iPhone, but both products never emerged and are said to have been canceled entirely. Multiple rumors suggested that the third-generation will include range of interchangeable magnetic tips to emulate different drawing styles. There have also been report about color-sampling capabilities, but little else is known about what the new accessory could offer later this month. No Apple Event, But Announcement Any Day Now Reports from a wide range of sources are consistent that the new iPad Pro models will be announced in March. While it was initially speculated that Apple would host an event to introduce the new models, the company is no longer expected to hold a traditional event for the announcements. Instead, Apple is reportedly planning to announce new products on its website with a "series of online videos and marketing campaigns." Last week, Apple announced the new MacBook Air models featuring the M3 chip, so this rumor now seems to be true. As a result, Apple is highly likely to reveal the new iPad Pros via a press release on its website during a morning in the next few weeks, likely on a Monday or Tuesday, followed by launch on a following Friday. The new iPad Pro models may launch toward the end of the month or in April, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, but they could appear as soon as tomorrow.Related Roundup: iPad ProBuyer's Guide: 11" iPad Pro (Don't Buy), 12.9" iPad Pro (Don't Buy)Related Forum: iPad This article, "2024 iPad Pro: Key Rumors to Be Aware of Ahead of Announcement" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article
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Apple's upcoming redesigned iPad Air and OLED iPad Pro models could include a front-facing camera positioned on the side of the device so that it is upright when in a landscape orientation, individual rumors suggest. Currently, the iPad Air and both iPad Pro models in Apple's lineup feature a FaceTime camera on the top of the device, which puts the camera off-center when taking a FaceTime call in landscape mode. Seemingly recognizing the issue, Apple on the 10th-generation iPad relocated the front-facing camera to the side of the device so that it would be usable in landscape mode rather than portrait mode. Apple has not launched an iPad since, but it appears that Apple could be making this change on future iPads as well. In January of this year, code discovered in iOS 17.4 suggested the next iPad Pro could adopt a similar design for the FaceTime camera. "During Face ID setup, iPad needs to be in landscape with the camera at the top of the screen," read the code. Now, occasional leaker Instant Digital on the Chinese social platform Weibo has claimed that this change is also coming to the two rumored new versions of the iPad Air, in both 10.9 and 12.9-inch sizes. How Apple has achieved this switch to a landscape FaceTime camera on the new iPad models is unclear, since the second-generation Apple Pencil connects to both the iPad Air and iPad Pro using an inductive magnetic charger along the same side. But with Apple rumored to be launching a new Apple Pencil alongside the updated iPads, Apple may have come up with a solution to the issue. Either way, we should find out soon. Both the new iPad Air and OLED iPad Pro models are expected to launch as soon as this month.Related Roundups: iPad Air , iPad ProTag: Instant DigitalBuyer's Guide: iPad Air (Don't Buy), 11" iPad Pro (Don't Buy), 12.9" iPad Pro (Don't Buy)Related Forum: iPad This article, "iPad Air and iPad Pro Could Both Feature Landscape FaceTime Camera" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article
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2024 is going to start off strong with the launch of the Vision Pro, Apple's first major new product since the 2015 Apple Watch, and new iPads, Macs, AirPods, and iPhones are set to follow. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. There are some exciting products in the works, including a larger version of the iPad Air, the first OLED iPad Pro, updated iPhones, an Apple Watch with new health features, and more. In this guide, we've outlined everything that we know about the new products that are coming from Apple in 2024, based on current rumors. Apple Vision Pro (February 2024) Apple announced the Vision Pro headset at WWDC in June 2023, but it's finally almost ready to launch. Apple introduced the Vision Pro early to give developers time to create apps for the device, and since then, Apple has been working on finalizing the hardware and the visionOS operating system. The most recent rumors have suggested Apple will debut the Vision Pro in February. At launch, the Vision Pro is only going to be available in the United States, and it sounds like Apple may require customers to purchase in store or pick up online orders in a store in order for Apple employees to provide the right Light Seal and knitted headband for a good fit, plus Zeiss prescription lens inserts for those who need them. The headset is similar to other virtual reality headsets like the Oculus, though it is made from glass and aluminum for a premium feel. Some early testers have said that the headset can be heavy on the head, but Apple may introduce an extra strap to mitigate some of the weight. The Vision Pro is using two 4K micro-OLED displays, and the technology is both more advanced and more expensive than the displays used by Apple's competitors. Apple is not expecting to sell many Vision Pro headsets, and rumors suggest it'll manufacture around 400,000 units. At a $3,500 price point, it's not too surprising that interest may be limited. The Vision Pro headset is a mixed reality device that transitions between virtual and augmented reality using a Digital Crown on the side. Content can be displayed in a full virtual environment, or in the real world around you using the augmented reality capabilities. There are more than a dozen cameras in the Vision Pro headset, and it's controlled using subtle hand gestures and eye movements. Audio Straps provide spatial audio, and there's a somewhat weird external display that projects an image of your eyes so people can tell whether you're using the headset in VR or AR mode. While the headset isn't particularly affordable for most people, it's an exciting launch because it's using cutting-edge technology and it is an entirely new device that's going to evolve and become sleeker and more affordable over the next decade. The Vision Pro has been likened to the Apple Watch, which was also expensive and clunky when it launched, but Apple made updates at a rapid pace and by the third generation, it was much improved. Much more information about the Vision Pro can be found in our Vision Pro roundup, and we also have details on visionOS in that roundup. OLED iPad Pro (March 2024) Apple didn't update the iPad lineup in 2023, but 2024 will be the year of the iPad. The iPad Pro models are set to get upgraded OLED displays for the first time, so iPad Pro screens will be as impressive as iPhone screens. This will be the first time that Apple has used OLED for such a large display, and OLED technology will bring deeper blacks, faster refresh rates, better contrast, and improved efficiency for less battery drain. OLED displays are thinner, so Apple may be planning to cut down on the thickness of the iPad Pro. A design update is expected to accompany the OLED transition, and the new iPads will come in 11.1-inch and 13-inch sizes, up from the current 11-inch and 12.9-inch sizes. The size increase may come from a change in bezel width, so physical size could remain roughly the same. The iPad Pro models will adopt the faster M3 chip that was first introduced in the MacBook Pro and iMac. Built on a 3-nanometer process, the M3 offers up to 21 percent faster CPU speeds compared to the M2, and 15 percent faster GPU speeds. The GPU is also using a new architecture that optimizes memory allocation and utilization for improved performance and efficiency, plus it includes hardware-accelerated ray tracing and mesh shading. GPU improvements will result in better gaming graphics and capabilities, plus the iPad Pro will be more efficient at tasks like video editing. Other possible features include up to 4TB of storage, MagSafe charging capabilities, and a higher price tag due to the OLED display technology. More on what we are expecting from the iPad Pro can be found in our dedicated OLED iPad Pro guide. Two iPad Air Models (March 2024) To offer consumers more choice at a variety of price points, Apple is expanding the iPad Air lineup in 2024. For the first time, there will be two iPad Air models, just like there are two iPad Pro models. Sizes will be similar to the iPad Pro, coming in at 10.9 inches and 12.9 inches. The iPad Air models won't have OLED displays, ProMotion, or other high-end iPad features, but they will be cheaper than the iPad Pro models. Since Apple updated the design of the iPad Air in 2021, we're not expecting a major overhaul to the look of the device, but it's possible there will be some refinements to accommodate the new screen size. iOS 18 (June 2024) Apple introduces new software updates on an annual basis at its Worldwide Developers Conference, and this year, we're expecting iOS 18. iOS 18 should be one of the most interesting updates we've had in years because rumors so far suggest that we're going to see Apple getting into generative AI in a big way. AI and machine learning will be used in multiple ways in iOS 18, with a range of new AI integrations in apps. In Apple Music, for example, we might see auto-generated playlists, and in apps like Pages and Keynote, we may see AI-assisted writing and slide deck creation. Siri is expected to get features powered by large language models (LLMs), which are the driving force behind chatbots like chatGPT. Siri will include deeper integration with the Shortcuts app for automating complex tasks, and there will be improved interactions between Siri and the Messages app. Speaking of Messages, iOS 18 will see Apple adopting Rich Communication Services (RCS) as an alternative to SMS/MMS. RCS will be used for conversations between iPhone users and Android users, and it will improve cross-platform messaging. Higher-resolution photos and videos will be supported, as will audio messages, cross-platform emoji reactions, read receipts, real-time typing indicators, and more. Basically, texting with someone on Android will feel a lot more like chatting with another iPhone user. Blue and green bubbles aren't going away, though. iMessage to iMessage chats will be blue, and Android to iMessage chats will still be green. More information on what to expect from the iOS 18 update can be found in our iOS 18 roundup. macOS 15, watchOS 11, and tvOS 18 Along with iOS 18, we'll also get new versions of macOS, watchOS, and tvOS. We haven't heard much about these updates, but we can expect some of the same AI improvements. visionOS 2 Alongside the Vision Pro headset, Apple will introduce visionOS, the operating system that's designed to run on the device. It has a Home Screen, a dedicated App Store, virtual reality environments, and Apple apps tailored to the Vision Pro Display. While the first iteration of visionOS will come out alongside the headset, visionOS 2 will likely be previewed in June. Apple TV (First Half of 2024) Apple is working on a new version of the Apple TV 4K, but it is not yet clear when it's going to launch. Rumored features include a faster A16 processor and support for Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7. More on the next-generation Apple TV can be found in our Apple TV guide. iPhone 16 (September 2024) The standard iPhone 16 models are expected to look similar to the iPhone 15 models with no size or design changes, but there will be some notable improvements. Apple is planning for a vertical camera arrangement to support spatial video capture, doing away with the diagonal lens setup. Right now, the iPhone 15 Pro models are the only devices able to record spatial video that can be viewed on the Vision Pro, but that is expected to change in 2024. There's also going to be a new Capture Button on all four iPhone 16 models, with the button situated on the right side of the device under the power button. It'll be in roughly the same spot as the mmWave antenna on U.S. iPhone models, with the mmWave antenna set to move to the left side. As the name suggests, the Capture Button will provide users with a quick way to take videos. The Capture Button will be capacitive, offering haptic feedback when pressed, plus rumors suggest it supports multiple pressure levels. The Action Button introduced with the iPhone 15 Pro is expected to expand to the standard iPhone 16 models, so it will be available across the 2024 lineup. The Action Button can be assigned to do things like mute/unmute, activate translate, turn on the flashlight, set a Focus mode, activate a custom Shortcut, and more. The Action Button on the iPhone 16 models could be upgraded to use capacitive technology, which would provide haptic feedback when pressed. With the iPhone 15 lineup, Apple limited the 3-nanometer A17 Pro to the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, but in 2024, all four iPhone models will get 3-nanometer A-series chips. A new thermal design to combat overheating is a possibility as well. We have more on all of the features rumored for the iPhone 16 in our iPhone 16 roundup. iPhone 16 Pro (September 2024) Apple's flagship lineup consists of four phones, two standard models and two Pro models. This year, the iPhone 16 Pro models are going to get a size update. The iPhone 16 Pro is expected to have a 6.3-inch display, up from 6.1 inches, while the iPhone 15 Pro Max is expected to have a 6.9-inch display, up from 6.7 inches. To accommodate the larger displays, the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max will be slightly taller and wider than the equivalent iPhone 15 Pro models. All of the features coming to the iPhone 16 lineup are expected for the iPhone 16 Pro models, including the capacitive Capture Button on the right side and an updated capacitive Action Button, both of which will feature haptic feedback. A faster A-series chip is rumored, likely the A18 Pro, and there are some pretty major camera updates planned. Apple may add a 48-megapixel Ultra Wide lens, which will join the 48-megapixel Wide lens. The Ultra Wide camera will offer better low-light performance, and it will facilitate better spatial videos for the Vision Pro headset too. Both the iPhone 16 Pro and the iPhone 16 Pro Max will get the 5x tetraprism lens that was limited to the 15 Pro Max in 2023, and there's one rumor about an even better periscope camera with "super zoom" capabilities. Faster 5G modem chips from Qualcomm are expected, and the iPhone 16 Pro models may also get the next-generation Wi-Fi 7 technology that offers up to 2.4x faster speeds than Wi-Fi 6. Apple Watch X (September 2024) Apple is planning a major update for the Apple Watch this year, perhaps in celebration of the 10th anniversary of the device. The Apple Watch was announced in 2014, but didn't come out until 2015, so technically it's not clear whether the anniversary will fall in 2024 or 2025. 2024 will, however, be the year that we're expected to get the "Apple Watch 10" or "Apple Watch X" as rumors have called it. Rumors suggest there will be a new design and new health features for the 2024 Apple Watch. The next Apple Watch could be slimmer, and Apple may implement a magnetic band attachment system, changing how bands connect to the Apple Watch for the first time. The new band system would mean that current bands would not likely be compatible with the new version of the Apple Watch, but swapping over to a magnetic system would free up space in the Apple Watch either to make the casing slimmer or to add bigger batteries or other new internal components. Apple hasn't added new health features to the watch for some time, but in 2024, we could see sleep apnea detection and blood pressure monitoring. Rumors suggest the Apple Watch will be able to detect hypertension, monitoring whether a user's blood pressure is trending upward. The first iteration of blood pressure monitoring won't give specific systolic and diastolic readings, but a future version might. Sleep apnea detection will be done through sleep measurements and the tracking of breathing patterns. The Apple Watch will be able to inform users if the condition might be present, allowing them to contact their doctor for more information. More on changes expected for the 2024 Apple Watch can be found in our Apple Watch X guide. AirPods 4 (September 2024) Fourth-generation AirPods are coming in 2024, and as with the MacBook Air and iPad Air, Apple is going for a two-model launch. Two versions of the AirPods will be available at different price points, with the higher-end version to gain Active Noise Cancellation, a feature that has previously been limited to the AirPods Pro and AirPods Max. The AirPods 4 will have an updated design that's a cross between the current AirPods 3 and the AirPods Pro, with shorter stems. Fit is expected to be improved, as is sound quality, but it is unclear if Apple will add silicone tips. A redesigned case is set to feature speakers for Find My alerts and a USB-C charging port, and with a software update coming later in 2024, Apple will add hearing aid functionality that will let the AirPods serve as an over-the-counter alternative to traditional hearing aids. New AirPods Pro are in the works too, but a refresh isn't expected until 2025. USB-C AirPods Max (September 2024) Apple hasn't updated the AirPods Max since launch, and in 2024, they'll get a minor refresh. Apple is expected to add a USB-C port for charging and new color options, but nothing else will change. iPad Mini 7 (October 2024) There's a new version of the iPad mini coming, but no design changes are planned. We can expect an upgraded A-series chip, likely the A16, along with upgraded front and rear cameras. The display assembly may be installed in a different way in order to minimize "jelly scrolling" or screen tearing, which can cause images and text on one side of the display to be tilted downward due to mismatched refresh rates. New colors are likely, and Apple will probably add Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, improvements it has been making to all of its iPad models. Refreshed Low-Cost iPad (October 2024) Alongside the new iPad mini 7, we could see a refreshed low-cost iPad. Apple typically updates the iPad on an annual basis, but the company skipped 2023, so we're due for a refresh. No design changes are coming, but the iPad will get a faster chip (likely the A16), and it could be updated with support for Wi-Fi 6E. Mac mini (Late 2024) The Mac mini is due for an update, as it was last refreshed with M2 chips in January 2023. A 2024 version of the desktop machine will include Apple's M3 and M3 Pro chips. Accessories Magic Keyboard Alongside the new iPad Pro models, Apple is expected to debut an updated version of the Magic Keyboard. The new Magic Keyboard will feature a sturdier frame made from aluminum, giving it a more Mac-like look. The keyboard will be made of aluminum as well, and Apple is planning to add a larger trackpad that more closely resembles the trackpad of the MacBook. Apple Pencil 3 A refreshed version of the Apple Pencil is in the works, with the new device set to be a followup to the Apple Pencil 2. It will be a higher-end Apple Pencil able to work with Apple's next-generation iPad Pro and iPad Air. We don't yet know a lot about what we can expect from a new Apple Pencil. Other Possibilities MacBook Pro - The MacBook Pro was updated with M3, M3 Pro, and M3 Max chips in late 2023. Apple sometimes refreshes the MacBook Pro annually, but so far there's no word of M4 chips or whether we'll see a MacBook Pro update in 2024. Mac Studio - The Mac Studio was updated with M2 Max and M2 Ultra chips in June 2023, so it could get an update with M3 chips at some point in 2024. Apple has not yet unveiled an M3 Ultra chip. Mac Pro - Like the Mac Studio, the Mac Pro was refreshed in June 2023 with the M2 Ultra. There's no word on when we'll see it updated again as of yet. Home Hub Device - Rumors suggest Apple is working on a smart home display that would serve as a central hub for controlling smart home products, and it could launch as soon as 2024. New Display - There have been multiple rumors of a Pro Display XDR successor, but there's no word on when an update might come. It could be 2024, or it could be later. Wrap Up Based on what we're hearing so far, 2024 is going to be a monumental year for Apple. Along with the Vision Pro, the iPad lineup is set to get an overhaul, and the new iPhone models have some exciting features. We're also counting on a suite of new AI features in the software updates that are coming this year. Make sure to follow MacRumors.com and the MacRumors roundups and guides over the course of 2024 to keep up with all of the rumors we're hearing. Bookmark our What to Expect Guide and our Events Guide to see a continually updated overview of what's on the horizon. This article, "What to Expect From Apple in 2024: Vision Pro, iPhone 16 Models, Revamped iPad Pro and More" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article
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