Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman poured cold water on rumors of a special Apple hardware event supposedly scheduled for March 16, rumors that were circulating late in the week based on baseless tweets.
Earlier this week, Twitter accounts “LeaksApplePro” and “FrontTron” claimed that Apple planned to release new iPad Pro models, iPad mini and “AirTags” tracking hardware at a keynote event on March 16. South Korean publication Economic daily news then picked up and, with the unconfirmed gossip, landed in a report that has since been cited by numerous online outlets.
“LeaksApplePro” is not known to have insight into Apple’s affairs and to have made false claims in the past regarding new products and release dates. “FrontTron”, meanwhile, appears to be focusing on Samsung devices and is largely unknown to the Apple world. While not a provider of inaccurate predictions like “LeaksApplePro”, “FrontTron” has no track record in the field.
On Friday, Gurman, a well-connected insider with solid Apple sources, put the nail in the coffin and confirmed on Twitter that there will be no event on March 16. While he doesn’t specify when the company plans to hold its typical spring event, Gurman notes “AirTags” will not to be released on the 16th.
The seemingly false Twitter “reports” were likely substantiated estimates based on legitimate reporting and historical launch dates.
Apple is expected to introduce new iPad hardware this spring in conjunction with the annual release cycle. Multiple reports point to an announcement sometime in March, though that date could be delayed due to ongoing development and supply chain delays due to the coronavirus pandemic.