Apple 2022 is off to a rocky start. After two months of lull, Apple kicked off the year with an amazing Mac Studio and Studio Display and updates to the iPhone SE and iPad Air. But that’s just an appetizer compared to what’s to come the rest of the year. Here’s everything we expect Apple to release in 2022 and our best guesses when it might arrive.
already released
- iPhone SE (3rd generation)
- iPad Air (5th generation)
- Mac Studio (1st generation)
- studio view
to stop
June — WWDC
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Apple holds its annual Worldwide Developers Conference each June to showcase iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS updates, but it also occasionally uses the event to release new devices. With such a busy slate of products in 2022, we think WWDC will showcase the last of the Macs in Apple’s silicon transition:
Mac Pro
This is the big thing. When Apple announced the switch to its own processors, the Mac Pro was always the most interesting of the bunch, and we’ll finally take a look at what Apple has in store for its latest and most expensive Macs. We’re still not quite sure what Apple is up to, but after the M1 Ultra, we’re expecting a new processor with 40+ cores, a completely new design, and hopefully a lower price tag.
Studio Display Pro
Apple surprised us at its spring event by releasing its first monitor in years, but there are already rumors that Apple is working on another monitor that might be launched at WWDC, along with a new Mac Pro. Reports point to a 27-inch monitor with a small LED headlight, possibly a ProMotion, and hopefully the height adjustment won’t cost $400.
September-Autumn Event 1
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Even if we’re wrong about everything else, we’re pretty confident about the first event of the fall that led to a new iPhone, among other products:
iPhone 14
You can set your calendar pretty much the yearly iPhone version. We expect the iPhone 14 to land in September with an unparalleled new design for the Pro models, improved cameras, a new chip (of course), and a cheaper “Max” model to replace the mini model.
Apple Watch Series 8
After the somewhat disappointing Series 7, all eyes will be on the Apple Watch Series 8 when it arrives this fall. Rumors suggest there may be a new larger size this year as well as a “solid” option, and possibly a rumored redesign that we didn’t get last year.
Apple Watch SE (2nd generation)
Skipping a year later, the Apple Watch SE is slated to get an update in 2022, likely to bring an always-on display, an ECG sensor, and fast charging. We also wouldn’t oppose a lower price.
iPad (10th generation)
Apple seems to stick with the same old design for another year with the 10th generation iPad. Expect a new slide and maybe a little more.
October – Autumn Event 2
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Apple will have a busier-than-usual fall this year, so we’re expecting a third event in the rankings. This device will focus on wearables – highlighting the long-rumored and long-awaited headset.
AirPods Pro
The second generation AirPods Pro have been rumored for a while and are expected to bring a new soundless design, lossless audio, and longer battery life. They could basically arrive at any time, but we think the AR headset event makes the most sense.
AR . Headset
The most anticipated new product of the year will be Apple’s augmented reality headset, Apple’s first really new product since the HomePod in 2017. We haven’t seen much in the way of snapshots or spying, but descriptions from people in the know describe a fairly massive device the size of an Oculus. Quest and AirPod Max mesh case. It’ll have its own operating system, ultra-high-resolution displays, a Mac-like processor, and likely come with a hefty price tag.
November – Autumn Event 3
As always, the Mac will conclude 2022 with an event in which many new devices and the next generation of chips will be released.
M2 . processor
The follow-up to the M1 processor is slated to arrive in 2022 and fall seems to be the perfect time. Apple is said to be planning a similar chipset with eight cores (four performance and four efficiency), similar RAM limits (8GB or 16GB), and a slight increase in performance.
MacBook Air
The most anticipated Mac for 2022 is the MacBook Air, which is rumored to get a massive redesign for the first time in years. A new form factor is rumored with iMac-like colors, white keyboard and slim bezels for the new device, which looks like the iBook’s revival.
MacBook Pro 13 inch
The 13-inch MacBook Pro M1 was only released in 2020, but it looks really old next to the 14-inch MacBook Pro. Reports suggest that the entry-level Pro will get a design similar to a high-end laptop but with an M2 processor and a standard LCD screen. And with it, the Touch Bar will be gone forever.
Mac mini
We expected to get a look at a new Mac mini at our spring event, but instead, we got the Mac Studio. (Not that we’re complaining.) Rumors are a bit sketchy about when the Mac mini will be updated, but reports say the M2 and M2 Pro will find their way into Apple’s smallest desktop PC. So the Fall Mac event seems to be the right timing.
iPad Pro
The M2 processor isn’t just for Macs. The iPad Pro will also get the new chip, along with a few other minor improvements, including the ability to add MagSafe and/or wireless charging.
the rest
That’s a lot of things, but there are still more surprises spread throughout the year, including the new iPod touch and AirPods Max. It’s also possible but something out of the way is the new HomePod with a screen to compete with the Google Nest Hub and Echo Show. There may also be updates to several Apple services, AirTag improvements, and possibly the new Apple Pencil as well. 2022 will be an eventful year for Apple, so make the commitment and prepare your wallet.