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What is coming from Apple in 2022?

The M1 Pro and M1 Max came out of left field for some, the names did for sure, and I was wrong about the ports, and actually a little disappointed initially, as there are now purpose-use ports on a machine that used to be 100% flexible.

That being said, there are plenty of rumors about Apple in 2022, and I will breakdown my take on what to expect.

MacMini

2022 will see an updated MacMini, possibly with a “Pro” moniker attached. This machine will have at the very least, the M1 Pro and M1 Max as options. However, rumors are flying of a dual CPU version, likely of the M1 Max, dubbed M1 Max Duo. This would likely be the SoC for the high-end machines. They are likely to adopt the power supply from the iMac, and perhaps the 10Gb Ethernet in the power brick if possible. I suspect Apple may, with the power of the Pro and Max chips, start to include 2.5 Gb Ethernet as standard starting at this point. I do see the possibility of HDMI 2.1 with the Duo models, as they will actually have the available bandwidth to drive such a device. The Machine will likely only be about 1″ thick, and use a similar cooling system as the MacBook Pros.

iMac

The more professionally directed iMac will also be coming, likely with the same options as the Mini. I do not see Apple adding ports, save for perhaps a USB-A port to this model. HDMI has never been an option on the iMac, as a second screen would likely want to be more capable. 27″ is likely, but so is a larger model, perhaps shedding the M1 Pro chip from the larger size, and adopting the iMac Pro moniker. Given the heat generated by the M1 Pro and M1 Max, I do suspect at slightly thicker design than the M1 iMac, and possibly the color options, with an additional “Space Grey” version.

MacBook (M2)

Rumors are floating around about a new MacBook Air, without the wedge shape, and a design style similar to the MacBook Pros. Additionally, there are rumors about a new base-model MacBook Pro., to replace the 13″ M1. I believe that these rumors actually point to a new machine, the MacBook. Reclaiming its place in the middle of the Apple notebook lineup, like the old polycarbonate models, and the 2008 aluminum model, but not the horrible 2015 model. This will likely have the new screen tech from the MacBook Pros, but limited additional ports, perhaps just HDMI and SD, along with MagSafe 3. It will have a notch too, for the 1080p Camera.

MacBook Air (M2)

I don’t see Apple making many changes to the MacBook Air, except for an additional USB4/TB4 port on the right side, MagSafe 3, and an SD Card Slot. The screen will likely retain the same specs it has now, and may or may not include a notch for a better camera, or they may keep it as is, as the entry level MacBook.

iPad Pro (M2)

There are a ton of rumors about the news iPad Pro having MagSafe. However, they are all thinking, glass backs and the iPhone style MagSafe, when in fact, it will be MagSafe 3 on the bottom with the upgraded USB4/TB4 connector, with support for multiple screens. It will support ProRes recording and decoding, just like the iPhone 13.

MacPro

Expect a MacPro in 2022. It will likely have a smaller case, something similar in size to the Corsair One. It will likely have the option of the M1 Max, M1 Max Duo, and the M1 Max Quad. It will have several USB4/TB4 connectors on the front and back. 2 HDMI 2.1 Ports, SD Card, CF Express, and possibly 1 16x PCIe slot for future upgrades/expansion. RAM will still be included on package, but there is a possibility that given the use of DDR5 in the Unified Memory, that DDR5 expansion, may be possible, but being used as a secondary memory system, much like L1, L2, and L3 Cache are used in CPUs. However, if an M1 Max, supports 64GB, the Max Duo 128, the Mac Quad could support 256, at a theoretical, 1600GB/s, so there may not be a need for more RAM. I would expect internally expandable storage though, hopefully with M.2 NVMe, and maybe 1 or 2 SATA ports, as Pro users would want to keep as much of their active storage inside the machine to prevent data loss while working.

Conclusion

This is a summary of all of the rumors currently circulating. We will see in the spring if any of this is correct. But Apple does have only 11 months to complete their transition, and are actually behind from the last transition, which was claimed to be 24 months, but was in fact 18.

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Tech Guesses

Apple’s Fall 2021 Updates

As we approach the fall, rumors are swirling about Apple and what they are going to announce this year.

The Mac

While most are assuming we will see some Mac Updates, along with a new M-Series chip, I think we may see two things simultaneously. I’m expecting the new M2 chip, for the MacBook Air, low-end MacBook Pro, 24″ iMac, and lower-end MacMini. Then instead of an M1X, we will actually see the M2X chip for the higher-end machines, including a 30 or 32″ iMac, 16″ MacBook Pro, and the Mac Mini Pro. I feel this is the direction that Apple will head, because unlike with the A-series chips, where the beefier model comes out about 6-months after the initial release, it has been nearly a year with the M1. The existing machines are due for an update (following Apple’s traditional cycle), and because these chips names will be far more visible to the consumer, putting an M2 into a lower-end machine, and an M1X into the higher machines, around the same time, would be confusing. I don’t know if the name will just be marketing, or if Apple would do the bold thing of actually creating two chips, or SoCs, with the same basic structure. I can see this moving in the direction of Intel’s chips, where multiple SKUs come out with the same basic technology, but different features. Like an i5 and an i7, we will instead have M# and M#X.

I would love to see Apple update most of their line up in one single event. New MacBook Airs, Pros, Minis, and iMacs, and get people excited for the Mac Pro coming sometime in 2022.

iPads

As the Pro was updated earlier this year, I don’t see it getting updated until the Spring. However, I see the Air getting the M1 chip, and the iPad and iPad mini getting the A14 chip. I don’t expect major redesigns with them, just an extension of the squared off design language that was featured with the Air last year.

Apple Watch

Apple Watch will again get the new design language, and likely a slightly large screen option. I would love to see more health sensors, like the rumored blood-glucose meter, but we can only hope.

iPhone

The iPhone 13 will add more mmWave 5G in more countries (along with updated iPhone 12s in those countries). I see LIDAR becoming standard on all machines, faster FaceID, and perhaps touchID on the power button, like the iPadAir, on the 13 Pro.

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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.