2021 gave us some fantastic Apple products, including the iPhone 13 series, the long-awaited AirPods 3, the new iPad and iPad mini, the powerhouse MacBook Pro with the M1 Pro and M1 Max chips, and more. All this has got us all the more excited to see what the upcoming Apple products of 2022 will be.
At the top of everyone’s wish list is a significantly redesigned iPhone 14 and the long-awaited AirPods Pro 2. How soon can we expect these devices, and what exciting new features will they have? We sifted through all the rumors to compile this complete guide for you about all the Apple products coming in 2022. Let’s dive right in!
Apple in 2022: iPhone 14, iPhone SE, AirPods Pro 2, a bigger iMac, and more
The rumor mills are churning about what to expect from Apple in 2022. Of course, nobody can know for sure what’s on the cards until the official events arrive. But we’ve found the opinions of renowned analysts and experts to give you an idea of what’s possible. Check out the expected Apple 2022 product list below.
1. iPhone 14 series
Apple’s next flagship phone is expected to get some of the most significant upgrades in years. The rumors are pointing towards a notch-less design, which will give users more screen real-estate. The Face ID sensors might be embedded underneath the display, and there will be a punch-hole camera. That’s what renowned Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has predicted.
Moreover, the biggest rumor is that the iPhone mini could go away in favor of a bigger 6.7-inch iPhone 14 Max. The base model iPhone 14 will likely be a 6.1-inch device.
There are some rumors about Touch ID being integrated into the side button, but this is unlikely to be seen until the iPhone 15 in 2023. Watch this space for more on that when the time comes near!
2. iPhone SE Plus
Apple’s most affordable phone is due for an upgrade! But the tech giant has remained tight-lipped about this release in particular. Japanese Blog ‘Mac Otakara‘ claims this third-generation variant to have a bigger screen with a 5.5-inch or a 6.1-inch display.
Youtuber theHacker34 released a concept video of an iPhone SE Plus that got the world commenting on SE’s designs again. The video claims that the new model will have a bigger screen with minor updates in features.
However, the proposed bigger screen in the coming variant kills the concept of having a budget-friendly iPhone. The upcoming variant is sure to witness a price hike from the current price of $399, bringing it closer to the iPhone XR for $499.
3. AirPods Pro 2
After the AirPods 3, the next much-anticipated earbuds are Apple AirPods Pro 2. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman and Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo have shared that we can expect AirPods Pro 2 in Fall 2022. These premium earbuds will probably sport a more compact design and a new wireless chip. This will likely eliminate the short stem that sticks out at the bottom of the current AirPods Pro.
Of course, they will bring impressive new features, too, including better sound quality and perhaps built-in fitness tracking. This will surely elevate the appeal even more!
4. Three new Apple Watch models
Along with the Apple Watch 8, rumors suggest that we’ll see two other watches in 2022. One is likely to be the mid-range Apple Watch SE 2, and the second may be an even more affordable option.
Continuing the smartwatch’s focus on health, the Series 8 could feature a blood pressure monitoring sensor, blood glucose sensor, body temperature sensor, and better sleep-tracking tech. The form-factor will probably stay the same as the latest Apple Watch Series 7.
There’s not much known yet about the SE 2 and the third mystery model, but we’ll keep you posted when we know.
5. iPad Pro with glass back
According to well-known analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the iPad Pro 11-inch model will get the mini-LED upgrade in 2022 to match the 12.9-inch model. This will be a huge step forward from the standard LCD display as it allows more control over contrast and produces vibrant colors while being brilliantly bright.
Although the form factor is unlikely to change, the new models of iPad Pro might sport sleek glass backs instead of the aluminum currently used. According to Bloomberg, this might bring wireless charging to the iPad range for the first time. We’ll have to wait and see if this will be limited to Qi charging or go down the MagSafe route.
Moreover, the iPad Pro might also have reverse wireless charging, which would allow users to charge a Qi-enabled iPhone or AirPods by placing them on the rear of the tablet. Pretty cool!
6. Mac mini 2022
Mac mini 2021 was a no show at both the California Streaming and Unleashed events. But it’s still likely that Apple is working on a high-end Mac mini that could launch in 2022. Last year, when Apple upgraded Mac Mini, it brought performance upgrades by adding the Apple Silicon M1 chipset.
As per Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple could make the next Mac mini even more powerful with either the M1 Pro, M1 Max, or the rumored M1X chipset that hasn’t made an appearance yet.
If speculation is to be believed, Apple is gearing up to revamp the form factor of the Mac mini, making it slimmer, with a plexiglass top and magnetic charging connector.
RAM is also expected to receive an upgrade to support up to 64GB compared to the current M1 Mac mini, which supports up to 16 GB.
7. M1 MacBook Air 2022
Apple has already set a precedent with the powerful M1 MacBook Air. It will be taken to the next level with the 2022 MacBook Air slimmer and thinner than the current model. It will also sport thinner bezels for more screen space.
Moreover, just like the latest MacBook Pro, it’ll feature MagSafe charging technology and a pair of USB-4 ports for connecting external devices.
Further, an upgraded M1 chip will support better graphics with 9 or 10 GPU cores instead of the 7 or 8 in the current M1 MacBook Air.
8. iMac with M1X chip
Apple is developing a larger version of the iMac with more powerful Apple silicon chips, most likely the M1 Pro and M1 Max. This will take graphics and performance to a whole new level for creative professionals.
The iMac will probably sport a massive 30- or 32-inch display with further reduced bezels giving way to a larger screen. This screen is also likely to get XDR and ProMotion, just like the iPad Pro, the iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max, and the 2021 MacBook Pro.
Of course, we’re anticipating the iMac will also be available in new color options!
Apple Ecosystem beyond 2022
“Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.”
Steve Jobs has rightly said the above line. Staying loyal to his ideology, Apple manages to think ahead and works on products ahead of time. These are a few products that have been in the pipeline for a couple of years now and are expected to launch in the coming years.
1. AR Device(s)
Bloomberg first reported in 2017 that Apple plans to launch its AR headset in 2020 sometime. The same year, Financial Times suggested that Apple plans on launching its AR Glasses with 3D cameras. Apple confirmed in 2019 that it is working on ‘some’ kind of Augmented Reality device, adding fire to the rumors.
Kuo believes that AR glasses will be heavily dependent on iPhones, just like the first generation of Apple Watches. Apple is probably working on reducing the weight of the glasses because they need not weigh heavier than standard glasses but have to manage the hardware with the same weight.
In the previous years, Apple has filed many patents claiming new technologies to provide 3D virtual views of a user’s environment with virtual content. While I am relying on Augmented Reality Glasses’ generic idea as their upcoming device, but considering Apple’s innovation heights, it can be a new device as a whole.
2. Apple Car
Apple had announced autonomous cars in 2015. Since then, we have heard a lot of rumors regarding the same. These autonomous cars are expected to be electric cars operating on battery sources, might even go solar in their energy consumption.
Apple will likely to have a tie-up with Hyundai to produce these cars by 2024 and get them in the market by 2030. However, Apple did seek permission to test 200 cars in 2017 in California under the name Project Titan.
Apple Cars look promising and support Apple’s vision of going Carbon Neutral by 2030. I admire one rumor in particular, which is the use of Apple ID as car keys. The car also claims to feature the infamous LiDAR scanners.
3. Foldable iPhones
Apple has been planning to launch foldable iPhones in the coming two years, which will be two screens connected with a hinge. Despite the hinge, the iPhone looks flawless and doesn’t seem to look like two screens connected. A Taiwanese website, Economic Daily News, has also claimed that two of these models passed durability tests earlier, completed at the Foxconn factory in Shenzhen, China.
Apple products released in 2021
There were four Apple events in 2021: Spring Loaded in April, the WWDC in June, California Streaming in September, and Unleashed in October. There’s still a possibility of one more event before the year wraps up, and we’ll keep you posted about that. But for now, here’s a roundup of all the Apple products released in 2021.
1. MacBook Pro 2021 with M1 Pro and M1 Max chips
This was perhaps the most exciting Apple product of 2021, released in October’s Unleashed event. The new MacBook Pro comes with the M1 Pro and M1 Max chipsets that boast mega power and speed for game developers, movie-makers, and other creative minds.
The Touch Bar is gone, and MagSafe charging is back! Along with this, there’s an HDMI port and memory card slot, plus thunderbolt 4 ports. Read all about it in our post about the MacBook Pro 2021.
2. AirPods 3
We have waited a long time for this, and the AirPods 3 seem to be just what we wanted! They combine the power of the H1 chip with computational audio to deliver stunning sound with Adaptive EQ. You can enjoy spatial audio with dynamic head tracking across Apple devices.
Moreover, the new AirPods are sweat and water-resistant. A force sensor allows easy and intuitive control of music and calls. Further, the extended battery life allows up to six hours of listening time and up to 30 hours of total listening time with the handy charging case. Don’t forget to grab a cool AirPods 3 protective case for your earbuds.
Should you buy or upgrade to these new AirPods 3? Check out our in-depth comparison of AirPods 3 vs. AirPods Pro.
3. HomePod mini color options
One of the rather strange and surprising announcements in Apple’s Unleashed event was color options for HomePod mini. In addition to the original space grey and white, you can now get this smart speaker in blue, orange, and yellow.
3. iPhone 13 series
Source: 9to5 Mac
At its hardware launch event in September, Apple unveiled its much-anticipated iPhone 13 series with a lineup of 4 devices. Equipped with the powerful A15 Bionic chipset, the newer iPhones bring noteworthy performance and camera upgrades.
While the design has not changed much except the rear camera module has been slightly tweaked, and the notch is now 20% shorter than previous generation iPhones.
Apple has introduced Super XDR Display to iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max along with ProMotion technology to enable variable refresh rates up to 120Hz. This is the first time we’ll see a higher refresh rate in iPhones.
Apple has claimed 1.5 hours more battery life on the iPhone 13 mini and iPhone 13 Pro than their predecessors. On the other hand, the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro Max boast 2.5 hours more battery life. The base storage of the iPhone 13 series has also been bumped to 128GB from 64GB.
4. iPad 9th generation
Source: Apple
Apple also released a new-entry level iPad at its fall event. The 9th generation iPad brings performance upgrades with the addition of the A13 Bionic chipset. Apple promises 20% faster CPU, GPU, and Neural Engine performance with respect to the last iPad model.
The camera has been upgraded by adding the Centre Stage feature and a 12-megapixel Ultra-Wide camera with a 122-degree field of view.
The new iPad also supports the first-generation Apple Pencil and smart keyboard, giving users a complete tablet-Esque experience. However, there is not much change in the design with the Home button still in place, and the bezels are also quite the same.
5. iPad Mini 6
Source: Apple
iPad Mini was due an upgrade for a long time. Apple used the California Streaming event’s stage to unveil the iPad Mini 6 with a design refresh. The iPad Mini 6 now has a flatter design, much similar to iPhone 12. Screen size has also been bumped from 7.9-inches to 8.3 inches. Powered by the A15 Bionic chipset, the new model promises up to 80 percent faster performance than the previous generation.
Apple also added a 12-megapixel Ultra Wide selfie camera with a 122-degree field of view along with the Centre Stage feature, which first appeared in the iPad Pro. On the rear, the iPad has a 12MP primary sensor along with True Tone flash.
The TouchID sensor now comes in-built with the power button, and the iPad Mini 6 also supports 5G. Lastly, the iPad mini supports the Apple Pencil second generation and Smart Folio Case. The charging port has been upgraded to USB Type-C from the proprietary lightning charging port.
6. Apple Watch Series 7
Source: Apple
At the same stage where Apple announced iPhone 13 series, iPad 9th generation, and the iPad Mini 6, the company also unveiled the next generation of its smartwatch. Apple Watch Series 7 comes with a newer design bringing a bigger display and thinner bezels. The screen has now been extended to the edge of the casing to show more text.
The dimensions of the new Apple Watch Series 7 have also been changed from 40mm to 44mm and 45mm from the previous edition’s 44mm case. Apple has claimed that the bigger display and increased casing size will allow 20% more text on the screen. It also promises a 70% brighter screen indoors than Apple Watch Seris 6.
On the health front, Apple has introduced better support for outdoor biking, and the famous fall detection feature has been improved to detect a fall while riding a bicycle. The smartwatch retains the SPo2 and ECG measuring sensor.
The new Apple Watch Series 7 also packs longer battery life and 33% more charging speed, with 8 minutes of charging providing up to 8 minutes of battery life.
7. Purple iPhone 12
Just a few months before the iPhone 13 launch, Apple offered the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Mini in a candy-like purple color. This was quite the surprise and didn’t really make sense in the larger scheme of things, but it sure looks beautiful! What do you think?
After years of rumors and a much-delayed release, Apple finally launched AirTags, during the ‘Find My’ segment of the event. The device is priced at $29; you can also get a pack of four at $99 with free engravings.
AirTags include 31 emojis that can be added to the stainless steel model for free and personalized with the name as well. The devices come with a replaceable battery, protection against dust and water, and have an integrated speaker.
You can attach them with your gym bag, laptop bag, anything that needs your attention, and you can easily forget over time. Apple has partnered with the luxury brand Hermès, which is building handcrafted leather accessories for the AirTags. A lot of third-party cases are also available in the market to decorate your AirTags.
9. M1 iPad Pro 11″ & 12.9″
M1-powered iPad Pros were the highlight of the Spring Loaded event this year. The devices are released in two sizes, 11″ and 12.9″, and have a lot of exciting features considering the WFH situation.
The M1 chip promises 50% faster performance and over 1500 times faster than the first iPad ever. While the 11″ comes with a Liquid Retina Display, the 12.9″ has many exciting features from Liquid Retina XDR display, ProMotion Technology, Center Stage, and whatnot.
The 12 MP ultrawide camera with TrueDepth technology is also the highlight of the device. Other than that, the iPads support 5G, are available as WiFi+ cellular/ WiFi models, and up to 2 TB of storage.
10. Apple TV 4K
It took three years for Apple to update its set-top box, and thankfully, the new update did not disappoint. The 6th generation Apple TV 4K comes with an A12 Bionic chip and a revised Siri remote with a unique design moving Siri to the right.
Apple TV this time has a lot of exciting features, such as color calibration, white balance feature, and added HFR visuals for HDR content.
11. M1-powered iMac
Adhering to Apple’s M1 integration by 2022, the redesigned iMacs also developed an M1 chip and powerful specs. The highlights of the device are a 24in 4.5 K retina display, a super-thin aluminum body (11.5mm thin), and a better camera with 1080 pixels output.
Moreover, they’re available in seven eye-catching colors with a selection of matching accessories, including the Magic Trackpad, Magic Keyboard, and Magic Mouse. The iMac definitely stole the show in the Spring Loaded event.
12. Other services
Apple also launched a few services, namely the Apple Music Voice Plan, Apple Podcast subscriptions service, and Apple Card Family, a much-needed addition to Apple Card. Apple TV+ subscription was also graced with intriguing content I cannot wait to watch this weekend.
No matter how much we speculate, Apple always has some surprises in store. I’m excited to see what the next events will bring. What’s the Apple product you’re most excited to see in 2022? Share in the comments below.
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