Apple’s got a ton of stuff coming up, like updates to the Mac, fresh iPads, and more. Word on the street is we might see some of these at an Apple event in March 2024. After the Apple Vision Pro dropped in February, everyone’s buzzing about what’s next. Luckily, we might not have to wait too long to find out.
With a special event possibly happening soon, here’s what the rumor mill and industry watchers are predicting from Apple.
Apple is like clockwork when it comes to special events and product launches. Except for a few exceptions, they have a pretty standard schedule for their events. We all know about the September event, where they usually launch new iPhones and sometimes other stuff. Then, about a month later, they usually update the Mac lineup.
Also Read: Why Apple and Samsung’s dominance in smartwatch market isn’t healthy
When is the event scheduled to happen?
Another event that’s pretty consistent is WWDC, where Apple reveals the updates to its operating systems that usually come out with the fall product lineup. It’s mainly about software and developers, but Apple sometimes sneaks in some hardware announcements too, especially in recent years with all the Apple Silicon talk. Then there’s a third event period for Apple, which is in the spring. But it’s not always a sure thing.
In the past decade, Apple has had a Spring event six times: in 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2021, and 2022. The absence of a Spring event in 2023 makes it more likely that there will be one this year. As for timing, three of those events were in late March, two were in early March, and one was in April. So, a late March event is the most likely. It’s also worth noting that rumor reports have mentioned a March update for product launches.
In 2020, Apple released updated iPad Pro models and a 13-inch MacBook Air in March, followed by an April update for the iPhone SE, and MacBook Pro updates in May. In 2017, Apple launched the iPhone SE and an iPad in March, and in spring 2014, it did the same for the iPhone 5C 8GB and a MacBook Air.
Apple usually prefers to launch products at formal events, but they can also generate a lot of buzz with press releases. We can’t say for sure if there will be an event, but it’s likely that new products will be released either way.
iPad and iPad Pro incoming?
In 2023, Apple didn’t really shake things up with its iPad or iPad Pro lineups. The only real change was the new USB-C Apple Pencil. So, it’s looking like early 2024 could be the time for some iPad updates.
In November, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggested that we might see two new iPad Air models: one with a 10.9-inch screen and another with a 12.9-inch screen. Similar rumors were floating around in October. This would be similar to the iPad Pro lineup in terms of size, but these new models won’t have the fancy mini-LED backlighting that the iPad Pro has. However, they could still benefit from using a similar-spec Oxide backplane.
Kuo also predicted that there would be two OLED iPad Pro models to replace the existing mini-LED versions. These new models will have new form factor designs and will still use the latest M3 chip. The OLED display itself will use a tandem design with LTPO backplanes.
In December, Gurman’s predictions confirmed the larger iPad Air update and the OLED display iPad Pro models, with no changes in size. The reporter also mentioned updates to the Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard.
M3 MacBook Air also on the cards
After the M3 chip generation was introduced and new models of MacBook Pro were released in October, it looks like the MacBook Air lineup is next in line for an update to the latest Apple Silicon range.
Both the 13-inch MacBook Air and 15-inch MacBook Air are expected to see changes in the early months of 2024. Rumors from a March 2023 DigiTimes report suggested that there might be a MacBook Air update in 2024 or 2025, with Apple switching to an OLED-based display instead of an LCD version. However, this might not happen due to the increased production costs, which would raise the price of the MacBook Air.
In October, before the “Scary Fast” event, Mark Gurman suggested that the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro lines would be updated in spring 2024. While the MacBook Pro is already available for purchase, the MacBook Air is yet to be shipped.
After the October event, Gurman updated his predictions, saying that M3 editions of the 13-inch MacBook Air and 15-inch MacBook Air would be released in March. Codenamed J613 and J615, these models would be a spec-bump update, meaning they would have upgraded chips and internals without any major feature changes.
Also Read: Apple Vision Pro could replace your iPad but there’s one hiccup
Mac mini could make an appearance
The Mac mini is usually one of the first devices to get updated in an Apple Silicon generation, but it hasn’t received the M3 chip yet. The only issue is that there haven’t been many rumors about the compact desktop Mac in recent months.
In August 2023, there were rumors about testing an M3 Mac mini. Meanwhile, Gurman’s prediction that it wouldn’t appear in the fall turned out to be correct. At that time, Gurman said that the M3 Mac mini was a “sure thing” that would “eventually come,” but it could potentially arrive in late 2024.
Regarding its appearance, Kuo predicted in January 2023 that the 2024 Mac mini will look similar to previous models in terms of design. Apple might announce the Mac mini alongside other Mac updates at WWDC, but it’s also possible for an earlier launch using the available M3 chip range.
Too early to expect iPhone SE 4?
There are lots of rumors about the iPhone SE 4 getting features like the Action Button and a new design, but the reports keep saying it won’t be released until 2025, not 2024.
There are also many products that have been released too recently to be updated around March. Anything that appeared from WWDC 2023 onwards is too new and could make people regret buying them.
Apple’s top-of-the-line machines, the Mac Pro and Mac Studio, got updates at WWDC 2023 with the M2 Ultra chip. Neither of them would be a good fit for a March launch, especially considering the nine-month gap since their last update.
