Highlights
- Apple Watch 10 to feature major health tracking improvements.
- AirPods 4 rumored to have a new design with ANC capabilities.
- Vision Pro AR/VR headset expected to be released by Apple.
- iPad Pro 2024 likely to introduce OLED displays and MagSafe charging.
Apple’s roadmap for 2024 is looking pretty darn interesting if you are to believe the reporting of Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman.
He has been a bit iffy about some things, but in general, his forecasts for Apple products do come to be true.
In his latest newsletter, Gurman details the upcoming products and enhancements that the Cupertino-based electronics giant will unveil next year sans the iPhone 16.
Let’s dive into the most important aspects of his forecast.
Apple Watch 10: Celebrating a Decade with Innovation
The upcoming Apple Watch, celebrating its 10th anniversary, is slated for a significant revamp.
Scheduled for a Q3 2024 release, the watch is expected to be slimmer and lighter, incorporating a novel magnetic mechanism for its straps.
However, the new Apple Watch will not only impress with its aesthetics but also with its enhanced health-centric functionalities.
It’s rumoured to include incorporate features for monitoring hypertension, accurate blood pressure, and detecting sleep apnea.
Although this is nothing new, other OEMs have been doing it for a while now, Apple’s foray into this new health-tracking domain will set a precedent for other companies to enhance their products.
AirPods 4 and AirPods Max
The anticipated AirPods 4 are also expected to sport a refreshed design, potentially featuring shorter stems for a better fit.
Details about the ear tips are still speculative, but enhancements in the earbuds’ design are likely, including a speaker for Find My alerts and transitioning to a USB-C charging port.
Also, the AirPods 4 might just be getting ANC, a feature Apple reserves for only its Pro level earbuds.
Alongside the launch of the AirPods 4, Gurman claims a refreshed version of the AirPods Max is also on the horizon.
While primarily focusing on introducing new colour schemes, the updated Max version might also adopt a USB-C port for charging, aligning with the broader industry shift that has recently been dictated by the EU.
Vision Pro: Apple’s Foray into Augmented Reality
2024 will witness the launch of the Vision Pro, marking Apple’s entry into the augmented and virtual reality arena.
The device was unveiled this year at WWDC and announced to be on sale by early next year.
It remains to be seen exactly when the device will go on sale although April is when most people expect it to happen.
Though the initial revenue expectations are modest considering the rather ginormous $3,499 pricetag, Apple is optimistic about the long-term potential of the Vision Pro, drawing parallels with the gradual success story of the Apple Watch.
iPad Pro 2024: Ushering in the OLED Era
Finally, the iPad Pro is set for a makeover in 2024, with probable increases in screen sizes to 11.1 inches and 13 inches.
These models are expected to feature OLED displays, a first in iPad history.
The transition from LCD to mini-LED and now potentially to OLED represents a significant leap in display technology for the iPad Pro.
In addition to display upgrades, the 2024 iPad Pro might feature a glass back, facilitating MagSafe wireless charging.
This is something Gurman had predicted to happen this year although now other industry sources have put the timeline at early next year.
This feature complements the existing USB-C wired charging, providing users with more flexible charging options.
The incorporation of the 15W Qi2 wireless chargers by third-party manufacturers further enhances the charging capabilities of the new iPad Pro.
FAQs
What are the Expected Features of the Apple Watch 10?
The Apple Watch 10, marking its 10th anniversary, is anticipated to undergo a major design overhaul, becoming slimmer and lighter with a novel magnetic strap mechanism.
It’s also expected to incorporate advanced health features, such as hypertension and blood pressure monitoring, as well as sleep apnea detection.
What New Developments are Expected in the AirPods 4 and AirPods Max?
Gurman predicts the AirPods 4 will have a refreshed design with shorter stems and potential ANC inclusion.
Meanwhile, the AirPods Max update might be limited to new colors and a transition to a USB-C charging port, reflecting the shift in charging standards.
What is the Vision Pro, and When is its Release Expected?
The Vision Pro represents Apple’s venture into augmented and virtual reality, with a potential release date in April 2024.
Despite its high price tag of $3,499, Apple is optimistic about its future, similar to the Apple Watch’s gradual success.
What Upgrades are Anticipated for the iPad Pro 2024?
The 2024 iPad Pro models are expected to feature larger OLED displays, marking a transition from LCD and mini-LED screens.
Additionally, a glass back for MagSafe wireless charging is likely, alongside the existing USB-C wired charging option.
What are the expected features in the upcoming 2024 iPad Air and iPad Pro?
Apple is set to release the iPad Air in two new sizes – 11-inch and 12.9-inch – and the iPad Pro in 11-inch and 13-inch variants, equipped with OLED displays and powered by the M3 chip.
How will the new Magic Keyboard transform the iPad Pro’s user experience?
The upcoming Magic Keyboard, designed for the iPad Pro, aims to provide a more laptop-like experience with its sturdier frame and aluminum construction.
Are there any updates coming to the Apple Pencil?
The release of the third-generation Apple Pencil is anticipated, though specific details about its new features remain undisclosed.
How does Apple stand in the tablet market compared to its competitors?
Despite a downturn in recent sales and shipments, Apple maintains a strong hold in the tablet market with a 37% share in the last quarter.
This dominance is in contrast to most competitors, who are seeing sharper declines in sales, except for Xiaomi, which recorded a significant shipment increase but still lags behind Apple’s volume.
What are the M3, M3 Pro, and M3 Max chipsets?
Apple’s newly announced M3 chipsets include the base M3 as well as the more powerful M3 Pro and M3 Max.
These chips are fabricated using a 3-nanometer process and offer significant improvements in CPU and GPU performance.
What’s new in the 14-inch MacBook Pro?
The 14-inch MacBook Pro replaces the older 13-inch model and comes with the base M3 chip.
It offers improved performance in areas like rendering, code compilation, and spreadsheets. It is priced starting at $1,600.
Are there any changes to the 16-inch MacBook Pro?
Yes, the 16-inch MacBook Pro has been updated and now exclusively features either the M3 Pro or M3 Max chipsets. The pricing starts at $2,500 and it includes an improved Liquid Retina XDR display.
What upgrades does the 24-inch iMac see?
The new 24-inch iMac now incorporates the M3 chip, doubling its performance compared to its predecessor. It also adds updated connectivity options like Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3.
M3-equipped Macs Coming Soon?
Gurman via his Power On Newsletter has revealed that Apple is gearing up to expand its Mac portfolio with M3 Apple silicon as early as October.
The first products to gain the M3 chipset will be the 13-inch MacBook Air, the 13-inch MacBook Pro, and the next iMac.
Although Gurman has not hinted at an exact debut date, we can expect Apple to make the announcement at the September iPhone 15 launch event with the official unveiling somewhere in October.
However, it seems like Apple will keep M3-based high-end MacBook Pros (14-inch and 16-inch models) and the Mac Studio for 2024.
Gurman states that “October is too early for new high-end MacBook Pros or desktops, so the first beneficiaries of the new chip should be the next iMac, 13-inch MacBook Air, and 13-inch MacBook Pro.“
If you can recall, back in May, Gurman reported that Apple is testing a high-end M3 chipset with 12 CPU cores and 18 GPU cores.
The rumored chip is expected to be the M3 Pro chipset and is said to be engineered on TSMC’s 3nm fabrication process.
This means that by the time October arrives, the M3 chipsets will be sufficiently tested and made compatible for a conclusive launch.
Further, the M3-based iPad Pro is also expected to make its entry next year and Gurman suggests that there might not be any major upgrades, except for the presence of an OLED display. This was also hinted at in a previous leak.
Although we can rely on Gurman’s notability, we will urge you to take this information with a grain of salt.
Until and unless we gain some official insight and input, it will be best to stay skeptical with a hint of optimism.
M3 Silicon-based MacBooks To Arrive Sooner Than You Think.Details?
WWDC 2023 saw the unveiling of the much-awaited 15-inch MacBook Air, the new Mac Studio, and M2 Pro and Ultra chipsets. However, we are yet to be treated with M3-based Macs.
And with the year close to its end, we are expecting this to happen sooner than later. Earlier, a rumor suggested that M3-based Macs and MacBooks are set to arrive by the end of this year or by the first half of next year.
Thanks to Gurman, we have received a much more conclusive launch window.
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