M1X MacBook Pro, AirPods and more: what to expect from Apple in 2021 and early 2022

Apple is constantly the target of rumors, with many speculating on what types of products the company might launch in the near and not so near future. While the peak of rumor fever before the annual iPhone Special Event has passed, there are still many unresolved leaks, complaints and strong rumors.

There is still a chance that these rumors will come true one way or another, especially since Apple is launching products at other times of the year. So with that in mind, here’s what you might end up seeing Apple announced in the next few months – and how likely each is.

Rumors ahead of the Apple 2021 event in September claimed that there would be two such events for the year. It was also suggested that there could be two in the same month, with one in the middle and one near the end of September.

While Apple has successfully hosted one event, it has yet to hint at a second, but given the lack of mention of Macs in the event, it seems plausible that they could feature in a second presentation. .

While there is the prospect of a second event at some point in the fall, especially since Apple hosted a Mac-centric event in 2020, there’s no guarantee there will be one.

That’s not to say there won’t be product launches. For updates and less important announcements, Apple has gone for a press release style launch instead of a full presentation.

Considering Apple’s typical event calendars, an event in October is entirely possible, having happened seven times in the past ten years. Considering that Apple shunned an entire product category in its first event, both data points certainly point to a second happening before the end of the year, as well as what Apple might launch.

In 2022, Apple tends to hold its first product launches in March, which suggests that a similar event could occur at that time in the future.

Again, that doesn’t account for Apple’s now much more common launches without events. Versions based on press releases from Apple may well occur at previously unusual times of the year. For example, in December 2020, Apple unveiled the AirPods Max without an event.

Such launches are usually only reserved for smaller products, not big ticket items aimed at a massive audience. A version-based launch can happen, but not for anything major.

A key iPhone accessory, an update to the Airpods lineup was supposed to take place during the special “California Streaming” event, but did not show up. However, there is still great confidence that some form of update will take place soon.

Apple AirPods.

While the exact specs vary, the general belief is that the AirPods 3 are on the way, as an updated base model. Shorter stems and improved battery life have been suggested, along with changeable tips like the AirPods Pro.

AirPods Pro Lite should be similar to AirPods and AirPods Pro as they could offer Pro-style features but in a cheaper package.

The AirPods Pro 2 are also apparently on the way, bundling updated motion trackers for use in fitness apps, as well as multiple device sizes. However, some reports have indicated that the AirPods Pro 2 will arrive in early 2022, rather than 2021.

Forecasts in July and August pointed to a fall launch, while a pre-event report in September indicated the AirPods Pro would arrive in the near future.

According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, AirPods 3 may not necessarily replace AirPods, but could still cost more than them. They could potentially be more expensive while maintaining current AirPods prices, or could cause the originals to drop in price.

An August 25 report indicated an AirPods 3 release on September 30, although it’s probably best to assume it would be during a second fall event.

Apple is in the middle of its two-year timeline to move from Intel to Apple Silicon, which means it needs to keep changing its Mac product line. The two main candidates for the change are the 16-inch MacBook Pro and a new model, the 14-inch MacBook Pro.

Both sizes should use an M1 style chip, possibly the “M1X” with an updated 12-core processor and 16-core GPU. The display is said to take advantage of the mini LED backlight, allowing high contrast ratios similar to OLED panels, without the cost.

The MacBook Pro line is expected to see two new additions to the list.

An August report claimed that both models will use the same chip and therefore be similar in performance. The 14-inch would also apparently see a price increase over what the 13-inch MacBook Pro costs, at the same time.

Shortages in mini LED production in June led to further reports in July that the models are on the way, though they still have a potential impact on eventual release. Away from the display, rumor has it that Apple will finally upgrade the camera, from a 720p FaceTime camera to a 1080p variant.

Supply chain reports indicate that there is a third quarter release for the models, as it was claimed in August that volume production was starting. However, a report in early September suggested that the global chip shortage could force a postponement of the release to October or November.

Apple, of course, hasn’t confirmed any of this. But there was a briefly enticing typo on the company’s German website that mistakenly included an M1-based 16-inch MacBook Pro in a product description.

Among the first M1-based Mac launches, the MacBook Air will be one year old in the fall, which could allow an upgrade by Apple without appearing too early in its product lifecycle. However, rumors point to a 2022 release instead of 2021.

In July, a report claimed that Apple would wait until the first half of 2022 to release a MacBook Air “M2” or “M1X”. The “M2” claim was supported by a second leak, as well as the timeline of early 2022.

Early renderings assumed that there might be plenty of color options for the MacBook Air refresh.

Meanwhile, analyst Kuo announced in July and August that a 2022 launch of the MacBook Air was expected.

Renderings released in May seemed to indicate that a redesign was underway, with a slim, wedgeless design that could barely accommodate a USB-C port on one side. A variety of colors have also been claimed, with a bezel and white keys.

A new screen was also offered, with a mini LED backlight.

One of Apple Silicon’s three initial launches, the Mac mini also didn’t undergo a redesign before launch. For its first update, it looks like it may receive this update.

Renderings from May claim it will be a thinner device, with the circular base replaced by rubber bands and the rear vent moved to the base. The aluminum frame would have a “plexiglass-type” top panel, and a choice of colors was also offered.

A rendering of what the new Mac mini might look like, with a plexiglass top.

The port selection on the back would consist of four 4-Thunderbolt 3 USB ports, a pair of USB-A ports, Gigabit Ethernet, HDMI, and a circular magnetic power connector, pulled from the 24-inch iMac. Inside, the chip will be updated from M1, possibly to “M1X” or “M2”.

An Aug. 22 report claimed that a high-performance Mac mini was on the way, using the “M1X,” intended to remove the Intel-based versions that Apple still sells from the product line. However, other than an updated design and the use of “more ports”, few details were offered in the report.

A release date is unknown, but it’s easily plausible for Apple to launch the model in the fall or early 2022.

As Apple had iMacs in two sizes for its Intel collection, it makes sense that Apple would offer an alternative to the 24in iMac for its Apple Silicon line, most likely as a replacement for the current 27in iMac.

The 24-inch iMac may gain a bigger stable mate.

A rumor from April, before the launch of the 24-inch model, said that Apple was working on a version with a screen larger than 27 inches. However, this rumor came from a leaker who would have “withdrawn” from “the company”.

In July, another rumor mentioned a larger model, although there were few details. Later that same month, a rumor of a “high-end iMac” spread, with a 2022 launch because Apple “doesn’t want their devices to compete for attention.”

There aren’t really many details to be given for this supposed iMac, but it still seems like a possibility to launch at some point.

There continues to be a lot of rumors and speculation about other Apple products that are expected to launch. There is for example “Apple Car” and “Apple Glass” or another Apple AR headset.

And, of course, the rumors have already started for the “iPhone 14” of September 2022. This next iPhone is however the only one of these products of the future with a probable launch date.