Apple’s next virtual event is thought to be taking place on 23rd March, which would lead to invites being sent out next week.

As usual, Apple have not announced any intentions to release any of the products below. The following information is based entirely on speculation, leaks and rumours.

Back in January, we took a look at the latest Apple leaks and predictions circulating the rumour mill. In the past two months, many more details on future products and an event have popped up.

With the pandemic forcing Apple and other tech companies to hold virtual events in place of mass gatherings via press conferences, we saw Apple take a slighly different approach to new product releases than previous years. Apple usually holds three or four events to showcase their latest new phones, watches, computers and software. With virtual events, Apple decided to take a larger number of small live streams, to stretch out the press coverage for as long as possible, with three events in the space of three months in September to November last year.

Rumours point to the first Apple event of 2021 taking place on March 23. This would lead to invites sent out next Tuesday 16th. What new prodcuts, updated products and software are we expecting to see?

Likely

These products are supposedly ready for release, but may not all drop at the same event.

Possible
Unlikely
  • MagSafe battery pack – Apple have reportedly been working on a battery pack that snaps to the back of the iPhone 12 using MagSafe. There was mention of a new battery pack found in the code of iOS 14.5, suggesting an arrival shortly. Apple have previously released Smart Battery Cases for their phones, but this year they may take a different approach using the magnets in the back of the latest iPhones. Simply snap the pack on when you need a top-up on-the-go and pull it off when you don’t A nice idea in theory, however many MagSafe accessories we’ve seen since the launch of iPhone 12 have had magnets that are too weak to be functional. The battery pack would also supposedly feature reverse wireless charging, allowing you to place items such as AirPods on the pack for a top-up. With the Smart Battery Case retailing for a hefty $129, this battery pack would likely be substantially more expensive. The MagSafe battery pack is unlikely as Apple are thought to be having overheating issues.
  • MacBook Pro – We previously ran down the re-design and new features we’re expecting in the next MacBook Pro 14 and 16-inch. New details say the laptop will have a flat-edge design, rounded corners on the display, MagSafe for charging, more ports such as an SD card slot and HDMI, and no more Touch Bar. These computers are expected to be seen in the third quarter of 2021.
  • iPhone SE – Previous rumours pointed towards an updated budget iPhone due this year, with an iPhone 8 or iPhone XR-like design, Touch ID in the power button, and new internals such as the A14 chip and 5G. Most analysts say Apple will not release an iPhone SE this year.
Image Credit: MacRumors
Nope!
  • iPhone 12S/13 & Apple Watch Series 7 – Click here to see our prediction of the new features and design of Apple’s next phones and watches. Apple always release these products at their September/October event. This year will be no different.
  • Any operating system updates – The next versions of iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, tvOS and macOS are always debuted at a June WWDC event. This year will be no different.
  • MacBook Air – Much like the Pros, Apple are thought to be updating the design of the MacBook Air. Reports suggest a thinner and lighter design, with MagSafe, mini-LED display and thinner bezels with the same sized screen. With the MacBook Air last being updated in November 2020, the next is expected towards the end of 2021 or 2022.
  • 27-inch iMac – The re-design of a smaller iMac doesn’t mean Apple are forgetting about the 27-inch iMac. The larger iMac will likely also receive a similar re-design with beefier internals, however Apple are leaving the higher-end Apple computers until later before giving them the Apple Silicon treatment.
  • iMac Pro – Apple recently announced they’re selling the last of their iMac Pros “While supplies last.” The high-end all-in-one was always meant to serve as a placholder while professionals were waiting for the Mac Pro and it seems it’ll remain that way (presuming they’re not selling off the last of the stock before an update).
  • Mac Pro – Since initially writing about Apple’s plans for Silicon in the Mac Pro, new design concepts have shown two different versions of the high-end computer. One in the original large Mac Pro enclosure and the other in a more compact cube, that could look like three to four Mac minis stacked on top of each other, reminiscent of the Power Mac G4 Cube. Mac Pro is still the last in line for Apple Silicon, so the only updates we’ll see before 2022 will be Intel ones.
  • iPhone Fold/Flip & Apple VR/AR Glasses – Click here for more info
Image Credit: MacRumors