Apple has sent out invites to its first product launch event of 2022, to be held virtually on March 8 at 10AM (PST). Rumors suggest the event, titled “Peek Performance,” may focus on new Apple silicon products and the third-generation iPhone SE.

Below, we’ve covered what we expect Apple to reveal on the day, and how you can watch the event live online.

The M2 Processor and a New MacBook Air

Apple M1 Pro SoC
Image Credit: Apple

We are expecting Apple to announce its long-awaited new M2 Apple silicon chips. These should be the next generation in Apple silicon chips, which were initially released in 2020 to replace the Intel processors in Apple’s computers. The M2 processors should have better performance figures, possibly whilst keeping the same number of cores.

Recent leaks have suggested that Apple will be launching new Mac mini, iMac, MacBook Pro, and MacBook Air models throughout 2022—all powered by the new M2 processors. We’ve yet to see whether Apple will launch multiple versions of the M2 chip as it did with the M1 Pro and M1 Max, or if it will just stick with one version.

We doubt that all these Mac models will be announced at once, but rumors have pointed to Apple releasing a new MacBook Air during the event. This might feature an updated design, with the Air losing most of its soft shoulders in favor of a more squared-off design. Think of it as a bigger iPad Pro, if you will. We might also see new colors and even a white keyboard.

iPhone SE 3

Super Retina XDR Display on iPhone

Analysts have also pointed to a newer version of the iPhone SE, namely the iPhone SE 3, being released during the event.

The iPhone SE currently comes in a 64GB and 128GB storage option, mostly due to it being a budget device. The iPhone SE 3 might come with a 256GB storage option, allowing for more content to be stored. We also hope to see an upgrade to the A15 Bionic chip, and 5G capability—which should make the device a favorable option as compared to the pricier iPhone 13 series.

Some rumors also state that the iPhone SE 3 will finally ditch the bulky Home button, which has now become a thing of the past. A lot of the current iPhone SE users opt for the device because of the iconic Home button, so it’ll be interesting to see whether Apple chooses to upgrade the design to go all touchscreen, and how users react to it.

Hopefully, the device will have a cheaper price tag than the current $399 model, also making it more affordable for users.

iPad Air 5

iPad Air 2020 model in hand

Another possible device that might be released in Apple’s Peek Performance event is a new iPad Air: the iPad Air 5. A new iPad Air is overdue. Some of the features we want on an iPad Air 5 include an upgrade from LCD screen technology to the richer, possibly thinner OLED.

The new iPad Air should feature an updated processor while leaving the design and other features in place. We aren’t expecting Face ID in this generation, with Apple being a fan of Touch ID on its iPad Air and iPad mini series.

Other Possible Announcements

While these are the major possible announcements, no Apple event is complete without a few minor releases.

We might see an appearance of the AirPods Pro 2, a new Apple TV, and more. Rumors have suggested that we might also see a new AR/VR headset, which could be what the event title, “Peek Performance,” refers to.

As always, this is all speculation, and we’ll have to wait until the March 8 to see exactly what Apple decides to release.

How to Watch the Apple Event

If you’re interested to watch the “Peek Performance” event, it will be streaming on Apple’s website, YouTube, and the Apple TV app on March 8 at 10AM (PST).

Since the event is completely virtual, we expect it to be pre-recorded at Apple’s headquarters in Cupertino. Whatever Apple does announce, we’ll be here to fill you in on the details of Apple’s first event of 2022.