As you have got in all probability heard by now, Apple is holding its first particular occasion of the yr on March 8. As is custom, Apple despatched out invites to the press with a single picture and a brief tagline—this time, it was the Apple emblem in a number of colours in an “infinity mirror” receding model and the tagline “Peek Efficiency.”
Apple’s occasion invites usually (however not all the time!) comprise little hints about what the corporate intends to disclose. The final occasion featured the Apple emblem in a “warp pace” type of starfield impact and the tagline “Unleashed.” In hindsight, it was an apparent reference to the introduction of Macs with the M1 Professional and M1 Max chips, the quickest Apple has ever produced. Within the spring of 2019, the invitation confirmed the Apple emblem on a darkened stage with the tagline “It’s Present Time,” and the main focus of the occasion was on the launch of Apple TV+ (together with a number of different providers). “Hello, Pace” introduced the 5G iPhone 12 and, effectively, you get the thought.
So what may the “Peek Efficiency” invitation be in reference to? Maybe it’s not likely a touch in any respect…a number of Apple occasion invites simply type of generically reference pace or efficiency with out essentially referring to any specific product. However what enjoyable is that? We did a bit shameless hypothesis in regards to the Apple occasion invitation and that is what we got here up with.
The boring, protected wager: iPhone SE and iPad Air
The third-generation iPhone SE is nearly definitely going to be introduced. With the A15 processor and 5G functionality, it’ll be the quickest iPhone SE ever (naturally) and a particularly zippy iPhone for the worth (anticipated to start out at $399 and probably decrease). Apple may even replace the iPad Air to the A15 processor with 5G within the mobile fashions.
That’s not likely a brand new high-performance bar, nevertheless it’s taking the “peak” of Apple’s efficiency and making use of it to extra inexpensive merchandise. It’s a bit boring, nevertheless it’s protected.
The brand new iPhone SE will reportedly have a sooner processor and 5G.
The thrilling choice: M2 and a redesigned MacBook Air
A brand new iPhone SE and iPad Air, irrespective of how good, don’t seem to be a “efficiency” play. A brand new MacBook Air with an M2 processor, that’s a giant deal!
We predict that the M2 will probably be quite a bit sooner than the M1 (although not fairly on par with the larger, pricier M1 Professional and M1 Max). The brand new MacBook Air is rumored to have a brand new design with skinny bezels, flat edges, extra ports, and MagSafe. And it’s rumored to come back in colours just like the 24-inch iMac…identical to that Apple emblem within the invitation!
“Peek” is clearly a play on “peak” since it is a have a look at merchandise that will not ship for a couple of weeks, and an all-new MacBook Air with a lot sooner efficiency, longer battery life, and a brand new design undoubtedly hits the “peak efficiency” angle. One other rumor mentioned that Apple will proceed to promote the older 13-inch MacBook Professional, the one with the bigger bezels and the M1 processor, solely with the M1 changed by the M2. We don’t assume that’s an ideal concept (with the 14-inch mannequin on the market, we don’t actually need a 13-inch mannequin anymore) but when that’s the best way Apple goes, it may seem at this occasion, too. The M1 Mac mini may get the identical therapy.
Each the Intel and M1 Mac mini are due for an improve.
Roman Loyola/IDG
Unlikely however potential: The 27-inch iMac and new Mac mini
What we actually wish to see is the brand new bigger iMac, the one slated to interchange the present Intel-based 27-inch mannequin. No one’s certain if it will likely be known as the iMac Professional or not, nevertheless it’s prone to have the M1 Professional/Max processor and an HDR show with mini-LED backlighting. It’s anticipated to observe the design adjustments of the brand new 24-inch iMac, though maybe with bolder colours (or possibly simply silver and area gray).
We’ve heard a brand new high-end Mac mini is on the best way for fairly a while now. It’s imagined to be absolutely redesigned, comparable in form however extra colourful with an influence plug just like that on the 24-inch iMac and extra ports than you’ll discover on the present M1-based mannequin. Oh, and it ought to are available colours, too.
New merchandise that use Apple’s fastest-ever processors, the M1 Professional and M1 Max, definitely sound like a “peak efficiency” state of affairs. Neither product is rumored to hit the market till at the very least WWDC this summer season, however we’ve been stunned by an Apple occasion earlier than!
The 27-inch iMac may very well be in line for a makeover just like the 24-inch mannequin.
Willis Lai/IDG
Not an opportunity: Apple Glass
“Peek” is clearly in reference to one thing visible! And that infinite-mirror impact on the Apple emblem…it will possibly solely imply one factor:
Apple Glass.
That’s proper, together with a bunch of pedestrian processor upgrades in different merchandise, Apple goes to point out off its AR glasses. Or a VR headset, or no matter it’s bringing to market first. It received’t include any pricing or launch date apart from “late 2022” nevertheless it’ll wow everybody with a demo that’s miles past any of the augmented actuality stuff we’ve seen up to now.
Or not. There’s actually no likelihood that that is going to occur. When Apple enters the market with AR glasses, even when it’s only for an expensive developer-focused mannequin, it’s going to do it at an even bigger occasion, hopefully with in-person attendance. However we will dream.
I’ve written professionally about expertise for my whole grownup skilled life – over 20 years. I like to determine how difficult expertise works and clarify it in a means anybody can perceive.