Apple will be having its first livestream event of 2022 tomorrow morning (Feb 9, 2am SGT). As usual, there has been plenty of rumours and chatter about the upcoming Apple products even before the event was announced by the Cupertino tech giant last week. These are the gizmos we think will be announced during the “Peek Performance” event later.
IPHONE SE 3
The second-generation iPhone SE was launched around two years ago. And so, the time is ripe for an upgrade. This is especially for anyone who wants an iPhone for the cheapest possible price.
According to Ming-Chi Kuo, the TF International Securities analyst who has an excellent record in predicting future Apple products, Apple will be announcing the third-generation iPhone SE with A15 chip and 5G connectivity.
It will have a similar form factor to the existing iPhone SE with three colour options of white, black, and red. Storage capacities start with 64GB to 256GB.
In other words, there will be no Face ID. A good thing since we are all still wearing masks outside. But there might be an increase in screen size from its current 4.7-inch display, or offered as a “SE Plus” option.
IPAD AIR
Like the second-generation iPhone SE, the last-generation iPad Air was announced way back in Oct 2020. As such, the middle child in the iPad series looks set for an upgrade.
This new fifth-generation iPad Air is probably going to get an A15 Bionic processor as well as 5G connectivity. It is also rumoured that it will get the 12-megapixel ultra wide front-facing camera with Centre Stage support, so you are always in frame during a video call.
MAC STUDIO
If a Mac mini is too weak for you but the Mac Pro is too powerful for you, this rumoured Mac Studio will be perfect for you.
This machine sits nicely between Mac mini and Mac Pro. It provides consumers a great choice who wants a Mac that is more powerful without breaking the piggy bank. It is believed that it will feature a similar design to the Mac mini but stands three to four times taller with plenty of ports.
The Mac Studio is expected to come in two versions with Apple’s M1 Pro chip and its rumoured new M2 chip.
MACBOOK AIR
Talking about the M2 chip, there are speculations that a redesigned MacBook Air with M2 chip will be announced at this event too.
The current MacBook Air’s design is nearly four years old and its last iteration came in the form of a 2020 M1 chip update. As such, it is very likely that the MacBook Air gets a complete makeover along with the inclusion of the new M2 chip.
We might also see the front camera notch on its display we first saw on last year’s M1 MacBook Pros as well. In fact, the new MacBook Air might come in different colours, just like the iMac last year, according to serial leaker Jon Prosser.
In addition, there are rumours that the “Air” might be even omitted in the new model. That will be a shame considering almost everyone in consumer technology remembers how the late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs pulled out the original MacBook Air from a manilla envelope.
ONE MORE THING
Apple might take this opportunity to introduce the iPhone 13 in a new green colour. And we might see the Mac mini being refreshed with the latest M1 or M2 chips.
In addition, Apple might showcase some of its Apple TV+ shows and even unveiled a new more affordable Apple monitor running an A-series chip.
We will know for sure what are the new Apple products during the event, which will be live-streamed on Apple website, Apple TV app and Apple’s YouTube channel on Mar 9, 2am Singapore Time. So, stay tuned!
