iPads, AirPods … what can we expect from spring?

The new year is only a few weeks old and there is speculation about new products such as iPads, AirPods and an event from Apple in the spring. The question arises: What can we expect from it in concrete terms? GIGA gives you an overview.

There is still no official word from Apple, but hopes for an Apple event in spring have been raised. There are several good reasons for this, namely the history of such events in the past and numerous Apple products in the pipeline. First a look back.

Apple Event 2021: Possible date for new iPads, AirPods and more

Last year we had to forego an explicit event due to the corona pandemic and the lockdown, but there were still new products – in March the current iPad Pro and a MacBook Air and in April finally the long-awaited 2nd generation iPhone SE. With the exception of 2017, there had been an Apple event in March since 2015. Ergo: There will also be something in 2021, either quietly by press release or in the form of a live but previously recorded product show. After all, Apple had positive experiences last year since WWDC and autumn, we were able to enjoy 4 whole shows at home and safe from any infection.

GIGA says: We can expect something in this direction from the end of March Calendar weeks 12 and 13 (March 22 to April 4) we should make a note of it. The “date” has already been settled, but what is there to see?

Just like here in September, we are also expecting a show for spring 2021 – recorded shortly before but broadcast live on the network:

Which products can we expect or not?

First of all: New Macs are unlikely. We expect a new iMac more towards summer, maybe in May at the earliest. For new MacBooks and a new Apple Watch, we are guaranteed to have to wait until autumn. It could sooner be something with a new iPhone …

• iPhone SE 3: The rumor of a larger iPhone SE kept coming up, although it is not entirely clear whether it is simply a model in the form of the iPhone 8 Plus with a 5.5-inch display or even a new model with a full-format display of the iPhone XR, iPhone 11 could be. There may actually be two different models around – in 2021 the iPhone SE Plus with a 5.5-inch display and then in 2022 the correct iPhone SE 3 with a 6.1-inch full-format display. Ergo: Whether there will be a new iPhone SE this year is highly speculative.
• AirPods: New AirPods models are more likely. According to the rumor mill, the AirPods 3 will be similar to the current AirPods Pro (with a short stub but without active noise cancellation). The 2nd generation AirPods Pro, on the other hand, should do without the stub entirely. Both new models could actually still be available in spring.

How has the shape of the iPads developed in recent years, what will the future bring:

• iPad Pro and iPad mini: An update of the iPad Pro is also very likely. From the outside, nothing changes, but there is more “oomph” under the hood (Apple A14X) and a mini LED display. Initially there will be the 12.9-inch model, the 11-inch version will probably follow later. A new 8.4-inch iPad mini is also under development. The design is still controversial – full format or not? The first is desired, but the classic design is currently more likely.
• Small additions: A new Apple TV and the introduction of Apple’s “key finder” would be perceived rather less big. The latter have been around for months and everyone is wondering what is so difficult to implement about it. In this respect: you have to count on it, but it wouldn’t really be surprising.

Our assessment: New iPads and AirPods are considered the most likely for an Apple event in spring 2021. The rest, especially a new iPhone SE, is still too insecure – we cannot guarantee that.