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Tech Guesses

What to expect Tuesday…

Apple really tries to keep people from figuring out what sort of produces they will announce at their events. However, being resourceful people that we are, the Internet has a way to figure things out.

iMacs

Replacement machines for the 21.5″ and 27″ iMac, as well as the 27″ iMac Pro are expected. Current stock of the 21.5″ models is dwindling and the iMac Pro is already discontinued. Presumedly this space will collapse into two iMac models, at 24″ and 30″, with a similar envelop to the 21.5″ and 27″ models. Some rumors are suggesting a 34″, which could be a “more pro” model, given a larger thermal envelope might be able to support more cores and more active cooling.

It is presumed that the new iMacs will come with M1X, and it is possible or suggested that they could have discrete graphics, likely developed by Apple. More storage, and ports are expected as well, including 10GB Ethernet.

MacBooks

With the other M1X chips coming out, I would expect the MacBook Pros to be upgraded as well, especially if discrete graphics are available, but likely only in the 16″ models. The smaller models, may expand the screen to 14″, by shrinking bezels. There are lots of rumors of ports returning to the MacBooks, however, the most I would expect is 4 USBC ports for USB/TB4, and perhaps and SD Card slot.

AirTags

They have been rumored for years, but AirTags appear to be close to release. They do appear to likely rely on qi charging, with an option to use the MagSafe connectors on the new iPhones to also charge.

AirPods 3 (Pro 2s)

Rumors are spreading of new AirPods forthcoming. Recent leaks show them with silicone ear pieces, which points to new AirPod Pros, which would also be consistent with their smaller stems. I for one am hoping that Apple continues to make an AirPod without silicone ear pieces, as I struggle to keep any silicone ear pieces in my ears… but don’t have that problem with normal AirPods or Ear Buds.

iPad Pro

The final rumor is for an updated iPad Pro, possibly with a miniLED display, and likely with a USB4/ThunderBolt4 compatible USB-C connector. This would be a huge boon for the iPad Pro, as it would show that Apple really does see it as a computer, and provide scores more options and opportunities to utilize the machine for all sorts of productivity activities. A 3rd Generation pencil may also be part of the Pro’s launch, likely exclusive to the iPad Pro.

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New Tech Guesses

Finally a date

News is officially out. Apple’s event will be on April 20. This is good news for those of us just champing at the bit to see what they pull off next. Here’s to hoping.

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Tech Guesses

Soon… No, Seriously!

Well, we have missed every prediction, but so has everyone else. New Apple Products are coming, but when, we aren’t quite sure. The most concrete answer is 2nd Quarter 2021, which means April-June.

What is coming?

If I’m honest, we don’t know for sure. However, rumors are swirling about a new iPad Pro, both sizes, which may replace the USB-C/USB 3.0 interface with a Thunderbolt 3 or 4, USB-C connector. This would allow more flexibility with the current form factor, without completely destroying the accessories market. It is also rumored that the iPad Pro will use the A14X, which shares many components with the M1.

Speaking of M1, an M1 or M1X iMac is expected. Current rumors point to a 24″ and 30″ models. Some rumors are talking about integrated graphics (which to be honest, seem to be holding their own), with others talking about a discrete GPU as well (albeit it could be a Apple GPU, or perhaps something from AMD, although the latter is unlikely). One hope is that there will be the option for adding additional RAM later on, but given that LPDDR4X, that is used in the M1 machines isn’t available on separate cards, it is unlikely, unless Apple is planning on adopting DDR5, which is also unlikely as of yet.

More MacBook rumors are swirling, as well as the completely illogical and unfounded rumor of more ports returning to the MacBook line. I see and upgrade in the near future, as well as the 16″ coming to fruition, but I see the likely hood of anything more than an SD card reader coming the MacBook line to be wishful thinking.

AirTags still seem to be in the offerings. With “Find My” being expanded to support 3rd party devices, more and more evidence is mounting of AirTags or something similar to be available in the near future.

Rumors started circulating in the last few weeks about AirPods 3 or AirPods Pro 2. I for one see some sort of upgrade as likely, just so long as the silicon tips remain optional.