2021 is Apple's year: What's new?

Apple will try to capture the tech world's attention in the new year by launching some of its most impressive products yet. While the new iPhone 13, M1 Macs, AirPods and Watch Series 7 may be stealing the spotlight, what else can we expect from the company in 2021?

iMac with M1 chip
Looking to offer more ARM-based options, Apple will release new iMac models with the M1 chip in the coming months. Rumours suggest its latest model will be 23 or 24 inches, but will have very slim bezels all round, just like the iPad Pro range. Although the new model has the same overall dimensions and could replace the 21,5-inch version, Apple wants to offer more powerful chipsets and will launch the new iMac as an entry-level model with the existing M1 chip. More models with the new chipset could follow at the end of the year.

AirPods 3 and AirPods Pro 2

Apple's wireless earphones have been a huge commercial success, so the company will reward its fans with even better models. The Apple AirPods 3, namely the upgraded versions of the AirPods and AirPods Pro, will retain their design and their price of 199 dollars, but will not have active noise cancellation or spatial sound. The next-generation AirPods Pro 2, however, are rumoured to be launching in two different sizes, with a similar design but improved features.

iPad Pro with Mini LED

2021 looks set to be the year of the iPad Pro with a Mini LED display, which has been rumoured for some time. Its superior display quality comes from its 10.000 LEDs, each measuring less than 200 microns. The screen size remains at 12,9 inches, but the new iPad Pro will be lighter and thinner than its predecessor. It will also be the first iPad to support 5G networks, and will feature the Apple A14X SoC. We will see it on the market in the first half of 2021.

MacBook Pro 14,1 and 16,1 inches with Apple chip

As mentioned above, the “small” iMac will feature the Apple M1 chip, but reports suggest the next generation of MacBook Pro will come in 14,1 and 16,1-inch sizes. They will also feature more powerful SoCs, in terms of both CPU and GPU, as well as a display with Mini LED technology. This last detail has not been confirmed, as Apple may be saving its trump card for the more expensive models.

iPhone 13
Last year, we saw four new models in the iPhone 12 range. We expect the same for 2021. The iPhone 13 models will not bring major design changes, but will have a 120Hz ProMotion display, if not across the entire range, then at least on the Pro models.

Apple is said to have listened to feedback from users who wanted a fingerprint sensor built into the power button, and it may incorporate one into the new iPhone 13 models. Although this has not been confirmed, many claim the new models will have no ports at all and will charge using MagSafe.

iPad Mini 6, Apple Watch Series 7

Apple looks set to launch a new version of the iPad Mini, with an 8,5 to 9-inch display. The device will retain its overall size, but will have a larger display thanks to slimmer bezels. It has not yet been confirmed whether the iPad Mini will launch with a display featuring Mini LED technology, but it is highly likely.

During 2021, we will also see the new Apple Watch Series 7, with improved apps and more fitness, health and wellbeing features.

What about the iPhone SE Plus, Apple Glasses, Apple Watch SE 2

There has been plenty of talk about these products from time to time, but nothing has yet been confirmed, as Apple's long-standing policy is to keep everything under wraps before a new product launches.

The most likely prospect is a Plus model in the iPhone SE range, which will feature a 6,1-inch full-screen display without a notch or Face ID, but with Touch ID in the power button, just like the iPad Air. It will also support 5G networks and is expected to reach the market in the second half of 2021. It is worth noting here that analyst firm Barclays has dismissed the rumour about the iPhone SE launch. As Apple does not release SE models every year, we are unlikely to see an Apple Watch SE 2. A safer prediction is that the company will release the Watch SE alongside the upcoming Watch Series 7.

As for Apple Glasses? This rumour has been circulating for several years, with the company placing particular emphasis on AR development. We do not know whether their launch is close, as there have been no leaks. It is clear that Apple will keep its fans on their toes with new, improved products and updated versions. Simply follow TheFixers Blog to be the first to hear about all the latest releases.