Apple has recently concluded its fall marathon of new product launches. The Covid-19 pandemic forced it to hold only virtual press conferences this year and Apple spaced out their online keynotes roughly a month apart. Apple started with Apple Watch 6 and new iPad Air in mid-September and then moved to iPhone 12 series in mid-October and launched M1 macs a few weeks ago. This year, Apple also introduced new iPad Pros and refreshed the Intel-based MacBook lines. They also launched the iPhone SE handset. At WWDC, Apple revealed its new software innovations which includes iOS 14 and macOS Big Sur which are now available to users. Apple has had quite the regular year in terms of product launches despite the numerous challenges the health crisis brought over. 2021 will also bring a variety of new Apple products and an Apple insider said that the company is working on several redesigns for some key devices.
Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo made his name in the last few years with numerous accurate predictions about Apple’s upcoming products in the industry. His latest note to customers, seen by MacRumors and 9to5Mac, focuses on some products that Apple might launch in 2021 which includes AirPods , new M1-powered MacBooks and the new Apple Watch.
Kuo also said that Apple is planning to release more MacBooks with Apple Silicon in second half of 2021. He added that the devices will have a new design without explaining on the matter. It is still not clear which of Apple’s MacBooks will get to see design refreshes. The M1-powered MacBook Air and MacBook Pro will have the same design like the Intel-based models. Apple is also continuing to sell 13-inch and 16-inch Intel-based MacBook Pros.
Kuo said that the redesigned 14-inch and 16-inch MacBooks will be launched in the second quarter of 2021. Apple will transition the entire Mac line to M-series processors which also includes the Mac Pro and iMac desktops.
The analyst addressed the iPad’s future saying that the demand for the new iPad Air has been more than expected. He said that the future of the iPad will bring mini-LED displays and 5G support. A new low-priced iPad will be launched in the second half of 2021.
The third-generation of AirPods of Apple, also known as AirPods 3 in reports, is coming in the second quarter of 2021. He also said that the AirPods will get the same design like AirPods Pro models but won’t have active noise cancellation.
Kuo added that the new Apple Watch shipment’s momentum in 2021 will benefit from innovative health management functions and improved form factor design. Apple redesigned the Watch in 2018 and increased the screen size of both devices. Its still not clear how many new wearables Apple will launch in 2021. The company revealed the Apple Watch 6 and Apple Watch SE in the month of September and announced that it will keep selling the older Apple Watch 3. Apple Watch 7 will be the obvious flagship in the series in 2021.