Surprise! It’s another Apple event. Gone are the days of receiving a notification a few weeks before these events now that they are completely virtual (at least until 2022, most likely). Instead, the company just dropped the news last week.
Fortunately, there were many rumors that led to tomorrow’s big event – and maybe even a few clues in the invitation itself. After giving up the spring event last year, due to the increase in COVID-19 numbers in the USA, the company became much more comfortable, giving up semi-regular live broadcast events. As always, we will cover the event as it unfolds, starting at 10:00 PT / 1PM ET. But here’s what we expect to see, along with the usual high-value sweep-drone transitions.
The closest thing we have to a safe bet is the arrival of new iPads, keeping in line with what appears to be a finger-drawn image at the invitation. Specifically, the iPad Pro is in the lead. It has been rumored that the latest generation tablet will receive a refresh at some point this season, so there is no time like the present.
The biggest news is probably the addition of a mini LED display for the 12.9-inch model (a refresh of the 11-inch model comes sometime along the way). Benefits include higher brightness, better battery life and lower image burning potential. The technology will replace the OLED that is currently found on iPhone models.
It is said that the improved screen technology adds a bit of thickness to the design, which is otherwise largely unchanged. Supply constraints could eventually affect availability, so there is a possibility that the product will be announced tomorrow, but postponed for a later date.
There may also be a processor upgrade. Rumor has it that the A14X will use the same technology that underlies the M1 chip found on recent Macs. This, in turn, could bring great performance.
At the other end of the spectrum is the iPad mini. The 8.4-inch tablet will receive its first major boost in two years. Updates are said to be less pronounced than on the Pro. The classic iPad design language will remain, although it is said that the device gets an increase in performance due to the new chips. It is rumored that a new Apple pencil is on the way, although details are scarce.
And could this be the event where Apple finally offers the world AirTags? All signs indicate “certainly can”. After several delays, it is said that the company’s Tile competitor will eventually arrive. At least the calendar makes sense. After all, the company has just opened access to “Find My” from third parties, along with a bunch of compatible devices. This includes the direct competitor, Chipolo ONE Spot.
Also on the stack is probably a new Apple TV with a compatible Find My remote. It seems to be a slam dunk, as one of the most frequently lost products in history. With Apple on a two-year line-level refresh, some new silicon Macs could be on the list. Most likely candidate? At the moment it seems to be a long-awaited refresh of the iMac line.
