Leaked images of the possible third-generation AirPods.
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There weren’t many surprises Apple’s event in April 2021. The company was expected to get the wraps out fresh iPad Pro models, new M1 iMacs and rumor has it AirTags tracking accessory. We all have that, along with one improved Apple TV 4K that had been rumors since February. Oh, and let’s not forget that the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Mini are now available in purple. But what hasn’t Apple announced? Here’s a list of products we’ve been waiting for, including (admittedly) some that are looking to air more rumors than upcoming or anticipated releases. While we didn’t think most of them would debut today, we could very well see a few on June 7th, when Apple virtual global developer conference.
AirPods 3
Rumors that Apple was ready to release third-generation AirPods have been circulating in recent months, with talk of possible delays pushing their release into the third quarter of this year – speculation that now seems more accurate. Often referred to as the AirPods 3, based on potentially leaked photos, their design can share a lot with the AirPods Pro but does not have noise isolating earplugs (and may not offer active noise cancellation).
16-inch MacBook Pro with M1 chip
Currently, the M1-equipped MacBook Pro is only available in a 13-inch model and doesn’t outperform the M1 MacBook Air (which admittedly is quite a speed demon). Those waiting for an upgrade from the 16-inch MacBook Pro with the M1 chip, along with a rumored 14-inch Pro model, will have to wait. Again, developer-friendly laptops like this would be welcomed with open arms at WWDC in June, but Apple may be waiting for an even better chip (M2? M1X?) To power them.
Look at this:
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Larger iMac powered by Apple silicon chips
At the April event, Apple gave us a new one M1 powered iMacs with flatter designs and 24-inch displays (was 21.5 inches). But the larger 27-inch iMacs remain unchanged for the time being, despite rumors that they will get massive 30-inch screens. Maybe they too are waiting for the probable M1 successor I mentioned above.
Mac Pro M1
We’ve been waiting for years for Apple’s updated high-end desktop computer, the Mac pro. Now it seems we will have to wait even longer for an updated version of that computer powered by Apple’s Intel alternatives. Again, we expect Apple to wait for an even more powerful M1 successor, so the delay makes sense.
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Mid-range Apple screen
Apple will sell you its 32-inch 6K Pro Display XDR for a boatload of money (it starts at just under $ 5,000, and that’s without it standing near $ 1,000). But owners of Mac Minis (and now the Thunderbolt-equipped iPad Pro) are still waiting for something that a little more affordable.
Apple Echo Show competitor
After Apple discontinued its HomePod speaker, it was rumored to be so working on a competitor to Amazon Echo Show that merged an entry-level iPad with a speaker. Details remain vague and it is unclear when such a product will hit the market. But given that the new iPad Pro includes an ultra-wide camera and Center Stage function that can dynamically pan and zoom in on multiple people speaking in a shot, it looks like Apple could pull something together without the articulating arm on the Echo Show 10.
Look at this:
Apple’s 2021 iPad Pro is an M1 machine: let’s talk about …
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Apple soundbar with built-in Apple TV
Another rumored product that makes a lot of sense for Apple to make is one soundbar for your TV in which an Apple TV “box” is integrated. Roku already offers several sound bars with its built-in smart TV apps, and Apple could easily call the till on larger and more sonically capable models. In addition to amplifying your TV’s sound, this kind of TV speaker combination may allow you to stream audio to a set of AirPods Pro or AirPods Max and use Apple’s spatial audio virtual surround feature without disturbing others in your household.
Apple AR / VR headset
Okay, no one seriously expected this long-rumored product to be unveiled today. But this is the kind of thing – like the Apple silicon chips last year – that Apple could outline months ahead of release to get developer support sorted out. Add one Apple AR / VR headset for now to the WWDC rumor mill, but again – don’t hold your breath for it either.