Apple could unload new products later this month, including improved iPad Pro tablets and new AirPods alongside an updated Apple TV streamer and all-new AirTags item-trackers.
Apple’s First Product Launch in 2021
That's according to one of the most reliable Apple leakers Jon Prosser, who has now claimed on Twitter that the company has scheduled its first product event of the year on Tuesday, March 23. Apple typically holds product presentations on Tuesdays and the upcoming event doesn't appear to deviate from this semi-official rule.
Due to the ongoing COVID pandemic, we're expecting a pre-recorded media presentation similar to Apple's last three events of 2019. Proceed with caution: Nothing is official until Apple sends out invites, which it hadn't done yet at post time.
Chinese leaker "DuanRui" has corroborated this information, with one key exception. The leaker claims that Apple could actually hold its event on March 23 because OnePlus, a manufacturer of popular Android devices, has scheduled an event on the same date to launch the OnePlus 9, its newest smartphone.
March 22 Feels About Right
Before that, a pair of unreliable leakers said there would be an Apple product event on Tuesday, March 16. Reliable Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman, however, has shot down that claim with a short tweet, reading "no."
No one knows what Apple has up its sleeve so the impatient types will need to wait a tad longer to see what's coming. But we can speculate and make educated guesses though.
What Might Apple Release?
The next iPad Pro is a no-brainer. The previous model dropped in March 2020, bringing out a faster chip and LiDAR scanner but that's pretty much it. The next iPad Pro is said to make a big leap in performance while adding perks such as a mini-LED backlight and more.
Next-generation AirPods are also a given. To say that Apple has enjoyed stellar success with the AirPods thus far would be an understatement. Last year, the company released its premium high-end over-ear headphones in form of the $550 AirPods Max. We're expecting the next AirPods Pro and perhaps a more affordable version of the AirPods Max.
The next Apple TV is key to restoring Apple's position in the living room, especially at a time when cheaper competitors have upended the Apple TV cost model. The next set-top box from Apple is said to feature faster everything, with a major focus on graphics advancements (Apple may also be working on a gaming controller of its own).
Lastly, we have the long-awaited AirTags. This rumored personal item-tracker from Apple already has software support in place within the Find My app. We're also expecting spring-themed Apple Watch bands. As for a redesigned iMac, a half-size MacPro, and other major new products, those will probably be rolled out across the rest of 2021.