Here’s what Apple might announce at its spring event in March

It seems like Apple announced a slew of new iPhones, Apple Watches, and MacBook Pros not too long ago, but it’s probably only a couple of months away from another event dedicated to the company’s product launch.

The internet is teeming with wild speculation these days, so now seems like the perfect time to sign up and set expectations as best you can at this stage.

Why a spring event?

Apple’s spring events have fallen on April 20, March 25, March 27, and March 21 in the past few years. And judging by the company’s typical release/update frequency, some of Apple’s products should be released now: high-end Mac mini models, iPad Air, iPhone SE, Mac Pro, larger iMac, and iPad Pro.

Last spring, Apple introduced AirTags, a new M1-based 24-inch iMac, M1-based iPad Pro models, and a slightly redesigned Apple TV 4K on April 20.

Unlike other years, Apple didn’t have a Spring 2020 event at all. The pandemic has escalated, and Apple has yet to decide on its new streaming-driven approach to what has historically been in-person events. However, Apple introduced updates to the MacBook Air and iPad in March of that year, the second-generation iPhone SE in April, and an update to the 13-inch MacBook Pro in May.

The internet is buzzing about the spring 2022 event in part because, as usual for the past few years, Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman posts forecasts via Twitter, email, and articles on the Bloomberg website.

Next iPhone SE

Unlike some past reports that have cited specific sources familiar with Apple’s plans, Gurman’s spring event predictions are just predictions or very well-informed guesses. He claims that the iPhone SE is almost a sure thing, and that new iPads are likely, though his predictions as to which iPads are more speculative.

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So yes, today’s discussion of this event is mostly speculation.

But as far as the iPhone SE is concerned, we’re probably looking at the A15 chip and 5G capabilities in a design similar to the current model, according to a recent Nikkei report.

iPad Air: Possibly. Other iPads: maybe

The iPad Air is in many ways Apple’s flagship iPad, given that the iPad Pro offers more than most people need, the iPad mini is specialized, and the basic iPad offers less than many want. But the Air hasn’t been updated since late 2020, and its A14 chip is a bit behind all but the base iPad.

The iPad Pro is a year old, but it’s already equipped with the latest screen technology and the fastest processor available. It took over a year before the Pro update, so don’t count on it in the spring. However, if it gets updated, it will most likely feature the second generation Apple M2 processor, which is also expected to appear in the updated MacBook Air sometime this year. But this can easily happen in the fall, not in the spring.

The iPad, iPad mini, and Apple TV 4K are relatively current, as are regular AirPods. However, for AirPods Pro and AirPods Max, it was a minute.

The Mac transition continues, perhaps

Apple is still halfway through a complete overhaul of the Mac product line, replacing Intel chips with custom-designed ARM-based silicon. Notable exceptions are the Mac mini (its lower specs are M1, but its more expensive models are still on Intel), the 27-inch iMac (which, after a report claimed, would be replaced by a 30-inch model with chips similar to those, which can be seen in the latest MacBook Pro models), and Mac Pro.

We think the Mac Pro probably won’t show up until at least WWDC this June, but the new high-end iMac and Mac mini are very strong candidates for the spring event.

Don’t celebrate Apple AR/VR just yet

There were rumors that June 2020 was the launch time for the glasses, but a recent report claimed that Apple was facing some difficulties and the release of the device could be delayed until the end of 2022 or even 2023.

The spring event is often dedicated to services

The spring event often focuses on Apple services such as Music, TV+, Fitness+, News+, and iCloud. We expect to see some new hardware in March or April, but don’t be surprised if services take center stage. Expect new TV+ series, Music features, Fitness+ workout categories, and more, like an expanded set of features for the recently launched Apple iCloud+.

In addition, we’ve been seeing hints of a new, expanded smart home platform and operating system in Apple software betas and elsewhere for about a year now. It seems to be a better fit for WWDC, but who knows, stay tuned.