What to Expect at Apple’s Spring-Loaded Event

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Apple AAPL is hosting its first event of 2021 on Tuesday and it will likely focus on new iPads, along with a product that has been in the works for years.

Invitations to the virtual press conference sent to reporters last week include an image of colorful spirals forming the Apple logo – a photo that appears to have been taken by an Apple Pencil, a clue that hints at updates to the iPad. line .

The company’s invitations are often filled with red herrings, but Apple’s senior marketing manager Greg Joswiak added to the feed when he tweeted a video with an animation of the spirals bouncing around Apple’s campus. It sparked speculation that augmented reality could also be part of the company’s presentation.
Two things are usually a given every spring: blooming flowers and the arrival of next-generation iPads. The company is expected to show off an updated iPad Pro with a faster processor, 5G support, a Thunderbolt port so it can connect to more external monitors, and a Mini LED display.

The screen is expected to increase brightness, provide higher contrast ratio, improve power efficiency for longer battery life, but be slightly thicker than current versions. Apple may also be showing off a redesigned iPad mini with smaller bezels and a larger screen. But it’s unclear whether any of these updates will be enough to convince users to upgrade.

Eleftheria Kouri, an analyst at technology market consultancy ABI Research, said the number of tablets has increased significantly in 2020, thanks in part to remote learning and working. But that revival will not last forever. “Tablet vendors, including Apple, need to introduce a truly groundbreaking technology feature to boost sales and encourage consumers to replace their old devices: 5G connectivity is one of these key features,” she said.

AirTags

Perhaps the most exciting product on the rumor mill is the potential debut of AirTags, a tile-like Bluetooth locator that you attach to and help locate items like keys, wallets, laptops, or even your car. AirTags were reportedly in the works as early as 2019, when images hidden in iOS 13 suggested that small, flat, round drives with chips built in would allow someone to locate items when connected to Apple’s Find My app .
This is where AR could come into play. In iOS 13, there was a string of code, “Walk around a few feet and move your iPhone up and down until a balloon comes into view,” indicating where an item can hide, MacRumors said.

Apple TV, privacy features and more

Tim Cook, Apple CEO unveils a new iPad Pro at a launch event at the Brooklyn Academy of Music on October 30, 2018 in New York City.
Not only does the Apple TV need a new processor and better refresh support for gaming, a redesigned remote could act as a physical locator for AirTags, according to tech blog 9to5Mac.

And then there’s AirPods 3. Apple’s next generation of wireless earbuds are believed to have a design more consistent with its more expensive AirPods Pro, along with spatial audio support and touch controls. AirPods have developed a cult-like following over the years and have become a fashion and status symbol, but it’s possible Apple could wait until later this year to show off a new model.

Apple’s MacBook Pro and MacBook Air are also due for refresh, but it’s unclear whether they’ll get one by next week. Apple recently discontinued its iMac Pro line, once the most powerful computer the company offered, and its original HomePod to focus more on the HomePod mini.
The company could also walk users through an expected iOS 14.5 software update focused on privacy. The upcoming App Tracking Transparency feature requires app developers to explicitly disclose how they collect user data, what it will be used for, and require user consent before downloading or updating apps from the App Store.

Still, all eyes will look out for new gadgets on Tuesday. Despite the disruptions in the production line, the crisis in the semiconductor industry and the economic uncertainty caused by a pandemic, demand for consumer products remained generally resilient, said Kouri.

ABI Research expects demand for certain products, such as truly wireless earbuds and 5G devices, to explode in the coming years, but tech companies like Apple will first need to provide sufficient incentives for consumers to spend their dollars.

Apple’s event kicks off at 1:00 PM ET / 10:00 AM PT on its website, YouTube, and Apple TV.

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