Apple’s ‘Spring Loaded’ Event: What to Expect

Apple has officially announced the “Spring Loaded” program for April 20, the first major product announcement of 2021.

Unlike many of Apple’s events, its spring events are slightly more colorless: a year could see the launch of a higher-end iPad, a more education-focused event, or a broader service strategy. This year, rumors are pointing to a refreshed iPad Pro lineup, potentially with Apple’s first mini LED panel – which will bring a big boom for the company’s tablet display. But we can see new AirPods, the company’s long-lasting AirTag trackers, a new iPad mini and more.

The proceedings should kick in at 1PM ET on Tuesday, but if you’re looking for an early preview, here’s what you can be expected to show.

Ipad pro

It’s been over a year since Apple’s last refresh of the iPad Pro and a fairly iterative update to the 2020 model – the 2019 version – is starting to get a bit longer in the teeth, especially on Apple’s latest beef-up IPhones and M1 Macs compared to Specs.

Like last year, Apple hopes to launch 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro models; But the larger iPad Pro is expected to make a major change in screen technology to introduce Apple’s first mini LED display. Additional rumors indicate that supply of mini LED panels may be difficult, stock of the larger model may be limited at launch, or that Apple may delay the release of the 12.9-inch version until availability improves. Don’t be

Photo by Brennan King / The Reporter Door

a report form Bloomberg Sheds more light on what to expect: While the overall design of the two tablets is expected to remain the same as last year’s model, Apple hopes to swap the A12Z chip for a new processor, which Is equal. Its more recent M1 chipset. New iPads are also said to upgrade to the Thunderbolt port (faster data speeds and a wider peripheral selection than the standard USB-C port) and upgraded cameras.

Apple could also potentially get a new Apple Pencil accessory in the works to go with the new iPad Pros. Images of a new, shiny version The stylus is airing on Twitter, and a “spring forward” teaser could mean that Apple may offer a spring-loaded tip, which is similar Wacom offers on its pen.

Airtag

Image by Guilherme Rambo / 9to5Mac

One of Apple’s worst kept secrets in years, Apple’s tile-like AirTags have been rumored to have been announced and announced at almost every Apple event since early 2019. Small, circular tags with Bluetooth and ultra-wideband radio chips, Airgags will rely on Apple’s existing Find My Apps and iPhones, iPads and Mac networks to allow users to find and search for missing items (likewise How users can track a currently lost phone).

AirTags will likely work with recent iPhone models’ U1 chip to allow AR-based ultra-wideband tracking in local areas – something that Samsung has recently introduced to its Galaxy SmartTag Plus .

IOS code leaks, endless rumors, and even an official support video referencing Airtags (or Apple tags), which last year explicitly revealed the name “AirTags” as part of its offline search feature did. The only thing left is what Apple has officially announced.

IPAD MINI

Also up for an update is the long-overdue Apple -t-neglected iPad Mini, which was last refreshed two years ago in March 2019. (In view of this That The update came after a four-year drought for the iPad Mini, a refresh this year would actually be on par.) The current model features the exact same old design that Apple has for nearly a decade to boot a decade-old A12 processor. Is using, so Apple has a lot of room to improve things.

Adding fuel to a fire is both Bloomberg And noted Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has pointed to the larger iPad mini for 2021 (presumably with an 8.5-inch display, something that could come from phasing out chunky 2012 era bezels).

Airpods 3

The third-generation version of Apple’s AirPods is set to have smaller trunk and replaceable ear tips, similar to the current AirPods Pro design. The updated AirPods are said to feature better battery life than their predecessors. Apple has also rumored to be working on an Airfrode Pro design that will completely eliminate the earbud stem, but Bloomberg ‘The report notes, this redesign is ahead – so they are unlikely to make a presence here.

Apple TV

Photo by Amelia Holowetti Krales / The Reporter Door

The Apple TV 4K sits in a strange place in Apple’s lineup. Released in 2017, it is still one of the oldest Apple products sold. At $ 180, its price has since been taken by Stop, Amazon and Google, all offering comparable 4K streaming boxes at a fraction of the price.

Apple is rumored to be working On a refreshed model for 2021, which will add a faster processor and a new remote to replace the infamous Siri remote. Support for HDMI 2.1 and 120 Hz refresh rates may also be in the card. But more than the new features, Apple TV 4K is in dire need of a price cut – something that Apple has historically been more reticent to provide.

iOS 14.5

Given the pace of both developer and public bets, it is all but certain that Apple will officially release iOS either immediately after the event or specifically iOS 14.5 (especially if it has new iPad hardware). The new software promises to more easily add the ability to unlock iPhones through the Apple Watch, new emoji and Apple’s highly debated App Tracking Transparency feature, which has attracted a special following from Facebook.

MacBook and iMac and Mac processes (oh my!)

After the shocking debut of Apple’s first wave of Apple-powered Silicon-powered computers, the M1 is slated to fall, with the MacBook Air, Pro and Mac Mini all eyeing Apple’s next steps in its ARM transition. The company is rumored to be working on the new Mac as it looks to achieve its ambitious goal of fully switching from Intel’s chips within two years. It includes a more powerful MacBook process that will discharge the touch bar, bring back the MagSafe and additional ports, and feature an improved M-series chip. Works well as a new iMac and a smaller Mac Pro (featuring M-series chips).

With WWDC around the corner, however, it’s likely that we won’t hear much about the new Mac hardware by then, especially if Apple plans to debut on more developer and professional-friendly Apple Silicon-powered laptops and desktops is.

Something surprising

Of course, with Apple, you never know what to expect – that means there’s always room for a surprise announcement or two on a Spring Loaded event that we didn’t even see coming. Can Apple tease its long-lasting VR headset? A refreshed iPhone SE? Apple car at first sight? Whatever it is, stay The Reporter Door For all the details.