12/31/20
9:00 am

What New Things To Expect From Apple In 2021

In 2021 we can expect more Apple Silicon Macs, new iPads and iPhones, and perhaps some surprises as well.

Check out What New Things To Expect From Apple In 2021 at YouTube for closed captioning and more options.

Video Transcript: Hi, this is Gary at MacMost.com. Today I'm going to try to predict what Apple will be doing in 2021.
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So what can we expect from Apple in 2021. I think some things are pretty clear and obvious. But others are going to be harder to predict. First let's start with Macs. In 2020 we saw the release of the first M1 Macs using Apple's own system on a chip ARM processors. Of course this means the end of Intel processors on Macs so you can expect there will be no more new Macs using Intel processors. In 2020 we saw the first three Macs appear using these new processors. The MacBook Air, the low-end MacBook Pro, and the Mac Mini. In 2021 we're going to get the majority of the rest of the Macs. So you're going to see iMacs and the higher end MacBook Pros now with Apple's new processors. But I don't think you're going to see them with the M1 processor. You're going to see the next chip. I don't know what it's going to be called. The M1a, the M1x, the M2. But it's going to be even more powerful than the M1 which has surprised everybody in what it can do. So at some point we're going see both the smaller and larger screen iMacs with these new processors. Probably the same one so the difference will be the screen there. Then you're going to see the higher end MacBook Pros, including the 16" model get probably that same processor. 
The M1 chip has 8 cores in it. Maybe the next version will have 16 cores? Maybe 16 or 32 GPU cores? Or maybe it will just have a faster clock speed although clock speed isn't something Apple talks about anymore. So by the end of the year we're going to see a majority of the Mac models using Apple's new chips. The only ones left out will be the iMacPro and the MacPro. I don't think we'll see those in 2021. I think Apple needs to produce a third chip, maybe something with 32 cores in it for those machines. Maybe we'll get announcement that it's coming but I think those will be 2022. 
So when will these machines come out? Well, Apple traditionally announces things sometimes in March, sometimes in June with the WorldWide Developers Conference. Then it's pretty quiet through the summer with more announcements through the Fall. It feels like it might be too early to see new Macs in March. After all these are completely new chip designs Apple's coming out with and they just came out with the M1. So hopefully it we'll be surprised by some new models in March but I'm thinking it's more likely that we'll see them in June. 
Now another thing talked about is whether or not new Macs will have a redesign. Whether they'll look the same as the old Intel models just as the MacBook Air and the low-end MacBook Pro do even though there's a new chip inside. Some people predict there will be a new design but I kind of doubt it. I think Apple will stick with the same design and work on the new internal parts first. Then get everybody excited again in 2022 or 23 for really cool new designs for the MacBooks and iMacs. But I don't feel really strongly about that. Apple is often unpredictable when it comes to designs so they may surprise us with a new design to either the iMac or maybe the 16" MacBook Pro. Other new hardware should include new iPad Pro s. Apple's due for that. The iPad Air is actually using a newer processor than the current iPad Pro. So I definitely think it's time for the iPad Pro to leapfrog past the iPad Air with a new processor and perhaps even a new screen. A mini LED screen. Apple's been doing a lot of things in the last few years with new types of screen technologies although most consumers haven't been really paying attention to it. It seems like everybody thinks  Mini-LED will make its debut in the new iPad Pros at some point. Maybe we'll see those in March. Probably later in the year we might see other iPad models, like maybe a new iPad Mini. 
Now we know Apple comes out with a new iPhone every year so in September or October we should see the new iPhone 13. But what will be new about it? I mean there will probably be small improvements to it. But will there be big new features. Maybe in the camera. There's been a lot of talk about Apple coming out with something new in terms of a telephoto lens. I really think that's the only thing missing from the iPhone as a camera is the option to have a really good telephoto lens. I mean 2 or 2.5X really doesn't compare to what you can get in a cheap camera with real optics. So there's been some talk about Apple figuring out how to get like a 10X lens into an iPhone. That would certainly make me excited about it. Also the  MagSafe they have connected to the back of the iPhone has proven to be a hit. So it's now really possible for Apple to maybe come out with a completely wireless iPhone. One that doesn't have any port at all on it.  It relies completely on using the MagSafe adapter on the back for charging and wireless for data transfer. Maybe we'll see Apple test that out with one of the lower end models.  
Another thing Apple does every year is the WorldWide Developers Conference. That always takes place in June and I expect it to happen this year too. Now in 2020 it was different because it was virtual. That ended up actually being pretty good because the problem with WWDC is way more people want to go to it than there's actually room for. So it's kind of a lottery for getting in. But when it was virtual all developers were able to attend the sessions without having to get lucky and get a ticket or travel anywhere. I think June might be too soon for Apple to actually go back to an in-person WWDC and I think they liked how the virtual one went. So maybe that might become permanent. I definitely think it will happen this year virtually. The only difference may be that the keynote event may include a small audience. Although I think Apple really enjoyed having the pre-recorded keynote. They were able to do a lot more with those and there really isn't a strong reason to go with a live audience especially when you're dealing with one of the world's largest corporations making significant announcements. At WWDC we'll find out a little bit about the new version of macOS and the new version of iOS that will come out later in the year. 
Other new hardware we may see in 2021 might include new AirPods. They may look like the AirPods Pro just not have any of the AirPods Pro features. In other words use that design but not the noise canceling and other features. There are also some rumors about the new Apple TV and one is due. I don't think this is going to look any different but it may have a slightly different remote as they continue to refine that. It also may be more geared towards games. So there might be more attention paid to the processor inside of the Apple TV and we may even have the option to buy a game controller with it. Maybe Apple's own game controller design or maybe a third party game controller that Apple sells as part of a package. I really think they are going to want to push Apple Arcade as being one of the primary features of a new Apple TV this year. 
Now all of this has been relatively obvious. But what completely new products may Apple come out with. Here's some wild speculation. One is AirTags. This rumor has been around for a few years that Apple is going to come out with a small, little, rechargeable device that you can stick onto anything and then be able to track it. You could put them on your keychain. You could put them on your dog's collar. You could do whatever you want with them. Other companies have products like this and Apple has the software built into the Apple eco system for this. Some maybe we'll finally see them in 2021. It seems like the new AirPods Max, the over the ear headphones, are kind of a hit. At $549 they are kind of expensive and really meant for high end listening. But Apple could come out with a mid range version of those. Something that's maybe $250 that doesn't include all the features but is the same basic design. So it's easy to forget that Apple actually does produce a screen. They produce the $6000 6K high end  Pro Screen. So that leaves any Mac users that want a second screen for their MacBook Pro or a screen from Apple for their Mac Mini out in the cold. You've got to get a third party screen. But Apple produces a really nice 27" screen inside the iMac. So maybe 2021 will be the year that Apple comes out with kind of a mid range screen. You can get a 4K screen now for $300 maybe a little more for better quality. So I think the market is there for Apple to come out with something maybe in the $500-$600 range that has an Apple design to it and connects and works really well with MacBooks. 
So those are my predictions for Apple in 2021. I want to hear your predictions too. Share them in the comments below.

Comments: 16 Responses to “What New Things To Expect From Apple In 2021”

Karl

4 months ago

I love all of your predictions, especially your MacOS names.
I would really like to see different color AirPods, AirTags, and USB-C on everything, including the iPhone, iPad, AirPods charging case, and Apple Watch puck, its time to have one cord with the same connector on each end already.

Howard Brazee

4 months ago

With smart TVs offering integrated Apple+, why do we need Apple TVs? Oh, yes Apple Arcade. I agree with you, that is what Apple needs to push for Apple TVs.

I really, really want to know whether to wait to replace my iMac with a M2 iMac or go with the M1 Mini. I still have a program that needs me to boot to Mojave, but it’s supposed to be converted before I have to make my decision.

Hugh Vail

4 months ago

I would like to see Final Cut Pro running on the new iPad Pro in 2021

Gary Rosenzweig

4 months ago

Howard: Plus, a lot of TVs aren’t “Smart” or even if they are, the smart tv functionality is subpar. I have a 2018 large Samsung TV and I hate the smart tv controls. It takes 2x as many remote actins to get anywhere, it insists on showing my Samsung advertisements that I can’t opt out of, and to top it off, it doesn’t support the Apple TV+ app or many other new apps even though it is a 2018 model. So I use an Apple TV box as the main way to get to apps.

Del Kreiser

4 months ago

I have been using the MacMini with great success. However, I purchased a third party monitor to use with this and would like to use the screen that is on one of my iMacs. Can I do this or would Apple make an adapter (?) that could make the utilization of existing iMacs?

Rodney Lewis

4 months ago

I have just ordered a special build M1 Mac mini (delivery to NZ) end of Jan. Please Apple, do not spoil my enjoyment by releasing M2 version too soon. Gary, do you have recommendation for 27″ Retina monitor without breaking the “piggy-bank”?

Gary Rosenzweig

4 months ago

Del: Only a few models of iMac supported the “Target Display Mode.” See https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204592 I don’t recommend it as those older iMacs are non-UHD (non-Retina) and use a lot of power. Instead get a decent 4K modern screen. You won’t get the most out of your new Mac mini if you are using an old screen like that.

Gary Rosenzweig

4 months ago

Rodney: Search Amazon and others to see what they have. Anything from LG, Samsung, etc. Plenty at the $250-$400 range.

Lee

4 months ago

I would really like a foldable iPhone. The current models are just too big for ease in carrying around.

Brian Johnson

4 months ago

Do you foresee a 12″ M1 or M2 MacBook any time soon?

Gary Rosenzweig

4 months ago

Brian: No, I don’t think Apple will revisit that size any time soon. The iPad Pro with keyboard kinda fills that spot.

Gene

4 months ago

Another great video. Thanks for keeping your eyes on Apple. Happy and healthy new year to you Gary and your followers.

Dave

4 months ago

Will all the current apps still function with the new chip?
Thank you for all your useful videos throughout 2020. Always concise and to the point.
Happy New Year

Gary Rosenzweig

4 months ago

Dave: The new M1 Macs support both apps compiled for the M1 (Universal) and apps compiled for Intel processors using Rosetta 2. In the case of Rosetta emulation, most apps just work. Some apps may have trouble, especially if they rely on special system functions. Check with the publisher to see if they have a Universal app out already, their app just works fine with Rosetta, or they still have work to do.

Will

4 months ago

Gary, thanks for your video. I wonder (a) whether Apple will upgrade what it does on health – monitoring more physical functions etc (b) extend its credit card – we cannot get it in the UK yet (c) improve dictation and translation functions (d) interface more with new electric cars (e) upgrade FaceTime to compete better with Zoom or Teams.

nick

4 months ago

In my opinion, the original iPhone SE size (not 2020) is the best for those of us that use the iPhone primarily as a phone, along with a few productivity apps, but have no interest in using the iPhone all day long for emails, games, news, social media etc etc. Maybe that’s wishful thinking on my part, but I’m hoping there’s enough of a market for that size phone.

What New Things To Expect From Apple In 2021

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