Category: News

Gurman: 3 new iPads coming next year
The rumor: Apple is planning updates to all but one of their iPad models in 2022, according to Mark Gurman (87% accurate, via Power On).

The 2022 lineup, as of now…
- Updated $329 iPad: Likely the usual spec-bump with a faster processor inside
- New iPad Air: may have an OLED display
- Redesigned iPad Pro models: rumored new glass design with wireless charging
Our take: While it sounds like the new $329 iPad and iPad Air updates will be more minor, the biggest iPad Pro update since the flat-edge redesign in 2018 is set to take place next year. This all-glass design sounds stunning, and I can’t believe we will finally be getting wireless charging after all this time.
December 5, 2021
Here are the 3 new Apple Watch models scheduled for 2022
The rumor: Apple is releasing 3 distinct Apple Watch models in 2022, according to Mark Gurman (87% accurate, via Power On).

This is what’s on the docket…
- Apple Watch SE 2: non details currently known other than a follow-up to the existing SE
- Apple Watch Series 8: potentially a flat-edge design, likely a temperature sensor
- Apple Watch Explorer Edition: “ruggedized version aimed at extreme sports athletes”
Our take: The most interesting of these variants is, of course, the new Apple Watch Explorer Edition, a rugged version of the Apple Watch that is significantly more durable. Still skeptical? Display analyst Ross Young (100% accurate) has also predicted 3 new watch models next year…
December 5, 2021
Apple planning to release 5 new Macs in 2022
The rumor: New versions of the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, 27-inch iMac, Mac mini and Mac Pro are coming in 2022, according to Mark Gurman (87% accurate, via Power On).

This is what’s expected…
- “Revamped, high-end iMac with Apple silicon to sit above the new 24-inch model”
- “Biggest MacBook Air revamp in the product’s history, adding the M2 chip and a new design”
- “New versions of the Mac mini, entry-level MacBook Pro and a revamped Mac Pro with Apple silicon”
Our take: Next year Apple has said they will complete their 2-year transition from Intel to Apple Silicon so this tracks. Looking like 2022 will, potentially, be the biggest year for the Mac ever. And I want all of it.
December 5, 2021
Apple AR/VR headset: Animojis, FaceTime & multiple processors
The rumor: Apple is planning to focus on “gaming, media consumption and communication” for the first version of their AR/VR headset that is set to launch next year, according to Mark Gurman (87% accurate, via Power On).
- “Look for Animojis and a VR FaceTime-like experience to be the new-age Zoom” Gurman says
- Gaming will be powered by more than one processor, a fan and ultra-high-resolution displays (rumors point to dual 4K screens)
Our take: Animojis and VR FaceTime are the first we’ve heard of what consumer-level features will be packed into this device…but these honestly sound like gimmicks. I’m much more interested in the hardware capabilities of this headset, and most importantly, if Apple can make a AR/VR experience that is just good. Everything I’ve tried so far is uncomfortable or painful to use after just short periods of time.
December 5, 2021
Report: Apple says iPhone 13 demand is weakening
The rumor: Customers aren’t buying as many iPhone 13s as anticipated, according to a new report from Bloomberg’s Debby Wu.
- While Apple is still expected to have record holiday quarter, “The company has told its component suppliers that demand for the iPhone 13 lineup has weakened, people familiar with the matter said”
- For months Apple has been plagued by constrained supply on many of the components used to make their products, but this is the first we have heard about a lack of demand for the newest iPhones
Our take: It’s important to keep in mind that weakened demand still means Apple is going to sell a lot of iPhones. But I do find it curious that this story is dropping amidst the busy holiday season, in which I would have expected demand to be at an all-time high. Perhaps folks are waiting for next year’s redesigned iPhone 14?
December 2, 2021
Beats releases special edition UNION Beats Studio Buds
The news: Apple-owned beats has released a new version of Beats Studio Buds in collaboration with UNION LOS ANGELES, a fashion retailer.
- Red, black and green color the packaging, case and Beats Studio Buds themselves “drawing inspiration from the Pan-African flag and paying tribute to Union’s roots as a Black-owned business”
- Beats last collaboration with A-COLD-WALL* offered a new colorway for the aging Beats Studio3 over-ear headphones
Our take: While the Beats Studio Buds didn’t work well for me as my ears aren’t compatible with in-ear headphones, I’ve heard a lot of love for them online considering the feature-set is quite impressive for $150. This marks the first collaborative drop for this model of Beats so far, and this Pan-African-inspired design looks slick on these.
December 2, 2021
iPhone SE 3 rumored to launch in Q1 2022
The rumor: Apple’s third-generation budget iPhone is scheduled to hit the market early next year, according to Trendforce (77.4% accurate).
- According to the new report, “Apple is staying with the plan to release its third-generation iPhone SE in 1Q22 and four models under a new series in 2H22. The third-generation iPhone SE is expected to be a major instrument in helping Apple establish a presence in the market segment for mid-range 5G smartphones”
- The iPhone SE 3 is expected to feature the same 4.7-inch design as the current version, but with a faster processor and 5G connectivity
Our take: I’ll be honest: I’m confused at how the iPhone SE 3 is going to work. Such a small and outdated design worked well 2 years ago in 2020, but I fail to see how Apple can put 5G in a smartphone that already has the worst battery life of the entire iPhone lineup. Some rumors suggested the new iPhone SE could have a 6.1-inch design, but apparently that isn’t happening until 2024…
December 2, 2021
Translucent AirPods leak in design we will never get
The leak: A special prototype of the original AirPods has been shared on Twitter by collector Giulio Zompetti.
- The prototype pictured features the standard white headpiece but a fully translucent rear backing and stem…they look incredibly similar to the Nothing ear (1)
- Translucent prototypes like these AirPods seem to be a standard practice: images of Apple’s 20W charging brick were spotted in in a translucent finish prototype in 2020
Our take: These are simply fun to look at and nothing more than a cool prototype. I love the look, but don’t expect Apple to ever release a pair of real AirPods that looks like this.

https://twitter.com/1nsane_dev/status/1465690029611749380?s=20
December 2, 2021
Apple launches MacBook upgrade program so you can always get the newest one
The news: Apple has officially launched a new upgrade program where you can get a new MacBook as soon as every 90 days…but it’s only available for business customers right now.
- As spotted first by Max Weinbach, the program is available now on Apple’s business portal…but you can also apply here
- You can get any MacBook Apple sells right now for 3% of their retail list prices: 13-inch MacBook Air for $30/mo, 13-inch MacBook Pro for $39/mo, 14-inch MacBook Pro for $60/mo or 16-inch MacBook Pro for $75/mo
- This MacBook upgrade program sounds very similar to Apple’s public iPhone upgrade program that has been offered for years
Our take: I have a feeling that Apple is testing the waters with their business customers first, but I see no reason as to why they wouldn’t offer this to customers eventually. More folks than you would think like having the latest tech from Apple, and with the success of the iPhone upgrade program, the precedent is already here.

See this is something I'd absolutely subscribe to pic.twitter.com/QbhtGKGGua
— Max Weinbach (@mweinbach) November 29, 2021
November 29, 2021
Gurman: Apple is still working on a ‘multi-device’ wireless charger
The rumor: Apple is still working on an AirPower-like charging device years after officially canceling the product, according to Mark Gurman (87% accurate, via Power On).
- “I do think Apple is still working on some sort of multi-device charger that it intends to eventually release. There’s a reason why it planned to launch the device in the first place in 2017” Gurman says
- Apple is also reportedly working on short and long-range wireless charging…like iPad being able to charge iPhone
Our take: We’ve been hearing about this AirPower follow-up for years…but still nothing palpable has come of the rumors. Not to mention that Apple sells MagSafe duo already. I would love a nice-looking 3-1 charger with Apple’s first-party tech: I’m just not convinced it’s happening.
November 28, 2021
Kuo: Apple’s AR headset will launch in Q4 of 2022
The rumor: Apple’s first real AR product is set to launch late next year, according to Ming-Chi Kuo (75.9% accurate).
- In the note obtained by AppleTrack, Kuo states that the AR headset will have “Mac level of computing power” and “can operate independently, without relying on a Mac…or iPhone”
- Dual-4K Micro OLED displays may be included to support VR in addition to AR functionality
- The device, which saw the design leak months ago, is rumored to release in the fourth quarter of 2022
Our take: Mac power, the ability to operate independently and 4K displays have me really starting to look forward to this device. I think the fourth quarter of next year is a very realistic launch timeframe.
November 27, 2021