From the iPhone 14 to the Apple Watch Series 8, there are a few products that feel like they’re in play this year. But the iPad and AirPods series could also be loved, and there might even be a surprise or two. Here’s a rundown of everything we can expect to see – and if you’re feeling impatient, be sure to check out the best Apple deals available here and now.
iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro
(Image credit: PhoneArena) This is the obvious. Apple has released a new iPhone every September (except in 2020, when the pandemic pushed things back a month) and we don’t expect things to be any different in 2022. And like every year, the rumor mill is working overtime to spin countless rumors about Apple’s next smartphone. From removing the notch to adding an always-on display, it sounds like we’re in for some exciting upgrades – for the Pro model, that is. Rumor has it that Apple plans to differentiate the standard and high-end iPhones more than usual this year – with the entry-level iPhone 14 not even getting a chip upgrade. And if you’re a fan of small phones, you might want to stick with that iPhone 13 mini — persistent leaks suggest that Apple will ditch the iPhone mini this year, replacing it with a larger 6.7-inch iPhone 14 Max.
Apple Watch Series 8
A fan rendering of the Apple Watch Series 8 (Image: ConceptsiPhone) The Apple Watch also tends to get an upgrade at the same time as the iPhone 14 – although changes to Apple’s wearable are often a bit more gradual. Last year’s Apple Watch Series 7 offered little improvement over the 6, except for a slightly larger screen (which allowed for the world’s smallest qwerty keyboard). But while the Apple Watch Series 8 (opens in new tab) is expected to borrow the same design (again!), rumors of an all-new watch model are a bit more interesting. The so-called Apple Watch Pro is said to offer the first redesign since the Apple Watch Series 4 (when things got a little rounder and slimmer). In addition to features including a temperature sensor and low-power mode (for improved battery life), the Apple Watch ‘Pro’ will apparently come exclusively in ultra-durable titanium.
iPad (10th generation)
Allegedly leaked CAD renders of the new iPad (Image credit: Mysmartprice) If there’s one Apple product that has some design love, it’s the basic iPad. The only model still rocking a home button (and lacking support for the Apple Pencil 2), the cheaper iPad looks decidedly long in the tooth. But rumor has it that could change in 2022. Recently leaked CAD files gave us our first alleged look at the design of the 10th generation iPad, showing something much more similar to the iPad Air and iPad Pro, with flat edges, quad speakers and LED flash. Curiously, these renders still retain the home button – and it’s currently unclear whether it will feature a Lightning port or switch to USB-C.
AirPods Pro
A fan rendition of AirPods Pro 2 (without stem) (Image: Konstantin Milenin) Despite the name, AirPods Pro are starting to look a little tired. Apple’s high-end headphones that were first introduced in 2019 haven’t been updated in three years. But rumor has it that some pretty cool (and in some cases, creepy) new features could be on the way. We’ve heard many rumors that the iconic “stem” could soon disappear from AirPods Pro. Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo claims that the AirPods Pro will feature “a completely new design that will not have the short stem coming out of the bottom for a design similar to the Beats Fit Pro.” But it’s some of the rumored features that have really caught our attention. Apple is also said to be working on an impressive (and slightly scary) new security feature through which AirPods will be able to recognize the user by the shape of their ear or the way they walk. It all sounds a bit dystopian to us, but hey – more security could be a good thing. There are also some really weird rumors, including a suggestion that Apple will add the ability to control your AirPods with your teeth (yes, you read that right).
Apple VR headset
Is this what Apple’s VR headset will look like? (Image credit: Ian Zelbo/Future Owner) Ok, this is the furthest. But that’s the name of the event so… maybe? Rumors of Apple’s VR headset have been growing for the past year, and with Meta Quest 2 and PS VR 2 only growing in popularity, Apple may be planning to strike while the VR iron is hot. So what do we know about the headphones? Bloomberg says (opens in new tab) the device will be similar in size to the Quest 2 and will be able to track hand movements for functions like a virtual keyboard. The headset is said to have a fabric exterior (perhaps similar to the AirPods Max?) and, rather unusually for Apple, a built-in fan. But perhaps the most impressive details concern the interior. Apple is reportedly testing “some of its most advanced and powerful chips,” including some that even eclipse the incredible M1 chip. While we’re not sure exactly how Apple intends it to be used, if it has an even better chip than its high-end laptops, could the company intend for this new creation to become our primary device? Time will tell what Apple plans to announce next month, but if you don’t want to dig around to find out, there are plenty of amazing iPhone 13 and iPad deals to sink your teeth into in the meantime. Read more:
