Apple’s “Spring Loaded” event: what to expect

Apple has officially announced its “Spring Loaded” event for April 20, its first major product announcement in 2021.

Unlike many of Apple’s events, its spring events tend to be a little more vivid: one year it could see state-of-the-art iPads, another a more education-focused event, or a launch of a comprehensive service strategy. This year, rumors indicate a refreshed range of iPad Pro, possibly with Apple’s first Mini LED panels – which would bring a big leap forward for the company’s tablet screens. But we could also see new AirPods, the company’s AirTag trackers, a new iPad Mini and much more.

The procedure should start on Tuesday at 13:00 ET, but if you’re looking for an early preview, here’s what you can probably expect to see.

iPad Pro

It’s been over a year since Apple’s last iPad refresh, and the 2020 model – a rather iterative update to the 2019 version – is starting to get a little longer in the tooth, especially compared to the improved specifications in the latest versions. go Apple. iPhone and Macs M1.

Like last year, Apple is expected to launch both 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro models; but the larger iPad Pro is expected to make a major change in display technology to launch the first Apple Mini LED display. Additional rumors indicate that the supply of Mini LED panels could be hard to find, that the stock of the larger model could be limited to launch or that Apple could delay the launch of the 12.9-inch version until availability is better.

A report from Bloomberg it also sheds more light on expectations: while the overall design of the two tablets is expected to remain largely the same as last year’s model, Apple is expected to replace the A12Z chip with a newer processor that it is said to be on par with its more recent M1 chipset. It is also said that the new iPads will upgrade to a Thunderbolt port (with higher data speeds and a wider selection of peripherals than the standard USB-C port) and will have upgraded cameras.

Apple may also have a new Apple Pencil accessory in the works to go with the new iPad Pro. Images of a new glossy version of the stylus circulated on Twitter, and the “spring forward” teaser could imply that Apple could offer a spring-loaded tip, similar to what Wacom offers on its pens.

AirTags

One of Apple’s worst-kept secrets in recent years, Apple’s Tile AirTags have been rumored to appear at almost every Apple event and announcement since early 2019. They are said to be small circular labels. with Bluetooth and ultra-wideband radio chips, AirTags would build on the existing Find My app and network of existing iPhone, iPad and Mac devices to allow users to track and find missing objects (similar to how users can currently track lost phones).

AirTags would also work with the U1 chip of recent iPhone models to allow ultra-wideband tracking based on AR in local areas – something Samsung has recently started offering with the Galaxy SmartTag Plus.

There have been references to AirTags (or Apple Tags) in iOS code leaks, endless rumors and even in an official support video that explicitly revealed the name “AirTags” as part of its offline finding function last year. The only thing left is for Apple to officially announce them.

iPad mini

Also long awaited for an update is Apple’s neglected iPad, which was refreshed two years ago in March 2019. (Given that that the update came after a four-year drought for the iPad Mini, a refresh this year would go beyond par.) The current model features the exactly outdated design that Apple has been using for almost a decade, with an older A12 processor to boot, so that Apple also has enough space to improve things.

Adding fuel to the fire is that both Bloomberg Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple’s analyst, pointed to a larger iPad Mini (potentially with an 8.5-inch screen, which could come from removing some of the thick frames from the 2012 era) for 2021.

AirPods 3

A third-generation version of the Apple AirPods has been rumored for months, set to feature shorter stems and replaceable eartips, similar to the current AirPods Pro design. It is also said that upgraded AirPods have a better battery life than their predecessors. It has also been rumored that Apple is working on a refreshed AirPods Pro design that would completely remove the headphone jack, but as Bloomberg ‘The report notes that the redesign is further – so it is unlikely to appear here.

Apple TV

Apple TV 4K is in a strange place in the Apple range. Launched in 2017, it is one of the oldest Apple products still sold. At $ 180, its price has since dropped by Roku, Amazon and Google, all offering comparable 4K streaming boxes at a fraction of the price.

It is rumored that Apple is working on an updated model for 2021, which would add a faster processor and a new remote control to replace the infamous Siri Remote. Support for HDMI 2.1 and 120Hz refresh rates could also be in the cards. But more than new features, the Apple TV 4K is in dire need of a price reduction – something that Apple is historically offering.

iOS 14.5

Given the pace of both developers and public beta, it is almost certain that Apple will officially launch iOS 14.5 either at the event or immediately after it (especially if it has new iPad hardware). The new software promises to add the ability to unlock an iPhone more easily while wearing a mask through an Apple Watch, a new emoji and the hotly debated feature of Apple’s transparency tracking app, which drew special anger from Facebook.

MacBooks and iMacs and Mac Pro (oh my!)

After the shocking big debut of the first wave of Apple silicon-powered computers last fall with the M1 MacBook Air, Pro and Mac Mini, all eyes are on Apple’s next steps in the ARM transition. It is rumored that the company is working on many new Macs, as it looks like it will reach its ambitious goal of completely switching from Intel chips within two years. This includes more powerful MacBook Pros, which would give up the touch bar, bring extra MagSafe and ports, and have an improved M-series chip. It is said that a new iMac and a smaller Mac Pro (which also contains M-series chips) ) are in the works.

With WWDC around the corner, though, we probably won’t hear more about the new Mac hardware until then, especially if Apple plans to launch more professional and professional Apple Silicon laptops and desktops.

Something surprising

Of course, with Apple, you never really know what to expect – which means there’s always room for a surprise announcement or two at the Spring Loaded event that not even we saw coming. Could Apple be teasing its VR headsets with a lot of rumors? A refreshed iPhone SE? A first look at the Apple Car? Whatever happens, be careful The Verge for all the details.

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