As we move past the fall iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods event, the tech giant is still planning more product launches.
While Mark Gurman reported on much of this a long time ago, Apple fans should expect a new iPad Pro this year with an M5 chipset. The tablet was once again leaked by a Russian YouTube channel that also appeared to obtain the revamped M4 MacBook Pro models last year.
Beyond all storage configs getting a bump up to 12GB of RAM, the channel was unable to find any other changes to the device. When benchmarked, the CPU was about 12 per cent faster and the GPU was about 36 per cent faster than the M4 chip, which will be exciting once it is put into a MacBook.
There were rumours that this iPad might feature a second front-facing camera to help it stay centred, regardless of the orientation in which you hold it. This leaked video didn’t show this off, so it seems unlikely that the rumour was correct. At this point, I’d expect the front-facing camera to use a similar square sensor, like the one found in the new iPhones.
While nothing is confirmed, the next MacBook Pro with the M5 Pro chips is also expected to roll out later this year. For reference, the iPad mini came out in October last year, and the M4 MacBook Pro laptops hit in November. The same timeline could apply this year.
The new MacBook Pros are expected to be the last in the current body design, with leaks pointing towards a thinner OLED model coming in 2026. What’s more exciting this year is that Apple might release new displays. Details are scarce, but since there are two displays, I’d guess that there are either two sizes or, if we’re lucky, a new Pro Display and a new Studio Display.
Both have been on the market for a few years, and as display tech catches up, their high price tags become increasingly difficult to justify. People expect the new display from the rumours to revamp the $2,000 Studio Display with support for 120Hz and will use mini-LEDs for top-of-the-line contrast control and brightness; however, with those specs, it could likely replace the Pro Display XDR from 2020.
Smaller product launches
Don’t get me wrong, it’s very wearable, but if Apple can find a way to make it lighter, I think that will go a long way towards making it a more viable computer replacement.
A new Apple TV has been in the rumour mill for a long time. Its chip will be bumped up to the A17 Pro, which might unlock some Apple Intelligence features. There could also be a new modem for better Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Ideally, I’d like to see Apple only release one model this year instead of one with an Ethernet port, and one without.
Another one that’s been expected for a while is an update to the HomePod. The HomePod mini is expected to be revamped first and will have Apple Intelligence support, and it will likely have an updated modem like the new Apple TV and the iPhone 17 series. If it comes out, I’d expect Apple to tout some kind of audio improvements as well.
A new AirTag seems like it could happen any day now since the first generation dropped four years ago. The new version could be improved with further ultrawideband support, which would make it easier to pick up a phone and track the exact location of the device.
The one I’m most curious about is the possibility of a new Apple Vision Pro with an M4 or M5 chip. There is also reports that it will come with a more comfortable strap and a black paint job. It seems like this generation will be a small update with the smaller and lighter version coming after that.
Source: Mark Gurman, 9to5Google
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