Besides the iPads and the iPhones, there will also be new accessories, Macs, and a new Apple Watch, and we are here to give you a neat chronological overlook of when to expect each new anticipated Apple device throughout 2024.
March 2024: iPad Air, iPad Pro, and MacBook Air Updates
iPad Air Refresh: Two Sizes
Apple plans to update its mid-tier tablet, the iPad Air, with two new sizes—10.9 inches and a larger 12.9 inches. The move aims to provide consumers with more options at different price points, allowing for a larger display without the higher cost associated with the iPad Pro. You can think of it as the equivalent of an iPhone Plus model, with the only expected upgrades to be the size of the battery and the display.
iPad Pro Evolution: OLED Screens and M3 Chip
The high-end 2024 iPads will also be equipped with the new M3 chip introduced with the MacBook Pro in October 2023, marking a significant upgrade to the power of the tablet, although there are some concerns about overheating issues and battery life.
MacBook Air Performance Boost: Equipped With the M3 Chip
The MacBook Air will receive a performance boost with the inclusion of the speedier M3 processor, enhancing the overall user experience for Apple’s popular lightweight laptop.
Accessories Refresh: Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard
Next-Gen Apple Pencil
Apple is gearing up for the release of the third generation of the Apple Pencil, codenamed B532, accompanying the new iPad Pro. This updated stylus is expected to bring enhanced features to the creative experience.
Revamped Magic Keyboards
Alongside the iPad Pro, Apple will introduce refreshed Magic Keyboards (code-labeled R418 and R428) to enhance the iPad Pro experience. The new Magic Keyboards will feature a sturdier aluminum frame, making it feel even more like a laptop than previous versions.
Vision Pro Headset: Early 2024
Vision Pro Headset Debut
Apple is set to release its Vision Pro headset early in 2024, introducing a new dimension to the Apple product ecosystem. But the expected release is a bit more ambiguous compared to the rest of Apple’s product lineup, as this is, after all, the company’s first introduction of a new product category since the launch of the first Apple Watch in 2015.
“Early” could mean anything between January and April, but we suppose March would be the best time to do so, alongside the new iPads and the MacBook Air. Some things still might go wrong behind the scenes at Apple, though, which could mean a later release in April.
September-October 2024: Apple Watch, iPad Mini, and More
iPhone 16 series
Apple is set to introduce ‘larger upscale iPhones’ according to Gurman’s report, which most likely refers to the rumors, saying the more premium iPhone 16 models getting thinner bezels and larger displays. There are also some leaks saying that there will be a new capacitive “Capture” button, as well as improvements with the thermal management.
Apple Watch Series 10: Blood Pressure Sensing
Later in 2024, Apple plans to unveil an updated Apple Watch Series 10 with advanced health features, including blood pressure sensing capabilities. Presumably, this will be alongside the new iPhone 16 series, so most likely we can expect the month of choice to be what it has been for years — September.
iPad Mini 7 and a New Low-End iPad
Apple has also scheduled a refresh for the iPad Mini and “a new low-end iPad,” by which we think Gurman refers to the entry-level iPad. There is a good chance both might get announced separately from the iPhone 16 September event during October, much like the iPad 2022 was announced.So far, there isn’t much said about what upgrades we can expect Apple to introduce to its more affordable iPad models, but our safest prediction is that they will at least come with more powerful chipsets inside.
Revamped AirPods with USB-C: Low-End and Mid-Tier
To round out the year, Apple plans to launch revamped low-end and mid-tier AirPods, featuring the addition of a USB-C port for enhanced connectivity. By “low-end” and “mid-tier,” we assume Gurman is implying that the AirPods 2 and AirPods 3 will be getting USB-C cases, given that the higher-end AirPods Pro 2 already had their charging port upgraded in 2023.
Summary
But, undoubtedly, the most crucial and exciting announcement of the year is the Vision Pro mixed-reality headset. Not just because it is a rather new form of consumer technology but also because it is a brand-new product that Apple is adding to its repertoire of devices. Suffice it to say, it shouldn’t be a boring year as far as Apple products go!
Apple’s 2024 product roadmap promises a range of exciting innovations, with updates across the iPad, Mac, accessories, wearables, and more, reaffirming the company’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge technology to its global user base.
